Naming Tao
.
The smallest mystery which can’t be
defined is eternal Tao
If the juice of Tao were universally tapped
all would fall into place and all
be nourished as if sweet rain had fallen
But when Tao is split to smithreens
we see only Tao’s parts
its wholeness is unseen
When things are named
Tao’s bits vie for attention
—its wholeness is lost
Therefore, be careful
of naming
Like the water of rivers entering the sea
Tao cannot be split to bits
.
Lao Tzu
from The Tao Te Ching, Vs. 32
.