Verse Four of the Tao Te Ching: Infinite Possibilities

Verse Four of the Tao Te Ching opens our minds to three things: the infinite, inexhaustible nature of the Tao, the field of endless possibilities available to us, and the eternal love we are always connected to.

All of this sounds great! But how do you begin to experience infinite power? How do we begin to grasp this vastness?

First, let’s take a look at Dr. Wayne Dyer’s translation of Verse Four of the Tao Te Ching:

The Tao is empty
but inexhaustible,
bottomless,
the ancestor of it all.

Within it, the sharp edges become smooth;
the twisted knots loosen;
the sun is softened by a cloud;
the dust settles into place.

It is hidden but always present.
I do not know who gave birth to it.
It seems to be the common ancestor of all, the father of things.

So, how can we bring Verse Four into practical use today?

Let’s explore:

1. Verse Four of the Tao Te Ching encourages us to become aware of our infinite source.

“It is like the eternal void: filled with infinite possibilities.” – Stephen Mitchell of Tao Te Ching

To know that you are part of this infinite flow of love is peace.

You have access to eternal wisdom because you are one with the limitless wisdom that created you.

And knowing that this infinite creation is one with pure love.

Reading this verse reminds me of Abraham Hicks: “The appreciation that Source feels for you, never-ending, will wrap you in a warm blanket of worthiness if you allow it.”

And, as a student of both Abraham Hicks and the Tao, I’m discovering that ‘Source’ energy and the inexhaustible energy of the Tao are the same. There is no end. But, more importantly, a state of infinite well-being exists and is the common thread that connects us all.

So, we can relax and let go when connected to this limitless, loving energy field. We are safe and loved.

Our only limitations are the ones we create with our thoughts and beliefs.

2. There’s a vast, magical world filled with endless, joyful possibilities within.

“It seems to be saying that cultivating an awareness of the infinite aspect of yourself is the way to tap into the limitless Source of creative energy that flows through you.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer.

The creative energy flowing within us is fascinating! It’s the same energy that creates all of the rocks at our rocky beach. And the same energy that holds the stars in their place in the sky.

Through our thoughts, we can choose to become aligned with this infinite well of joy and creativity. When aligned, we have access to greater intelligence and can make decisions that move us closer to our dreams and desires.

This creative energy is universal, and I’ve got a story to prove it. In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert shares that at one time she was deeply in the process of writing a story about a woman in the Amazon. Life then became busy and she decided to put the story down for a while.

Soon after, she attended a book conference and saw her idol, Ann Patchett. The two connected briefly at the event. Months later, Patchett released a book with the same exact storyline about a woman and her plight while living in the Amazon.

Gilbert believes that the she energetically transferred the story to Patchett. In stating this, she validates the collective creative energy of the Tao as something we can all access.

3. Verse Four of the Tao Te Ching urges us to see through the eyes of infinite love.

“Take this same approach—staying in harmony with the Tao—to all of your problems, for there’s an all-encompassing supply of wellbeing to partner with.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer.

What a relief to know that this infinite energy encompasses love, compassion, creativity, and unlimited well-being. And we can choose to live in harmony with this energy if we desire.

I think we need this on our life journey! Don’t you?

We carry so much pain from our past, and possibly even ancestral pain that we inherit.

Yet if we can take a moment to look at our problems through the eyes of infinite love, they suddenly become very small. Because we are here!  And we’re eternally connected to and through love.

Through meditation, it’s possible to slow our busy minds down long enough to feel the connection inside.

I think one powerful message we need to receive is: “The universe has much bigger plans for you than you ever dreamed of for yourself.“— Deepak Chopra.

We’re free to expand into the well-being intended for us and so much more!