肇論新疏 3.29

3.29

The first two lines directly agree. “Now, the Dao…” below presents the principle. “Elusive…” below borrows from Laozi, who says: “Elusive and vague, within it there are things; dark and indistinct, within it there is an essence.” This means that being and non-being are difficult to represent as forms, hence called “elusive”; deeply obscure and hard to fathom, hence called “dark and indistinct.” “Dark and indistinct” refers to being empty and tranquil; “there is an essence” refers to the sage. “Hesitate” describes the appearance of about to advance and about to retreat. “Aggrieved” means having the mind blocked, stifled, and obstructed.