Door to Source of Creation 玄牝之門

Based on the verses Mount Spirit and The True Way, Hidden in the Eyes, we have gathered the following insights:

• The place and starting point of cultivation is the beginning of the mind.

• It is the home of our spirit and the center of our being. It is where the wonders of the awakening can be found.

• It is where the formless, ultimate reality can be seen.

• It is the foundation of the deep methods to practice.

  
  

You may find yourself wondering: “Is there more to this mysterious hidden place?” The answer, as we shall see, is a resounding yes.

Let us now turn to a Daoist verse from Chapter 6 of the Dao De Jing. This verse will not only deepen but also broaden our understanding of this hidden source, revealing its profound significance.

道德經, 第六章

谷神不死，是謂玄牝。玄牝之門，是謂天地根。綿綿若存，用之不勤。

The valley spirit never dies. It is the Mother of Creation. Through its gate flows the root of heaven and earth—endless and unseen. Its workings are endless, and without effort.

Imagine the energy of creation. It is not visible like this, but we can sense it through its manifestations. Image from Shutterstock

Of the many ways to understand this passage, here is one humble reflection.

The term valley spirit is a literal translation. On a deeper level, it is another name for Tao. I chose to keep the translation literal here on purpose, and the reason for this will soon become clear.

Let us begin with the word valley. Valleys are places where people naturally settle and build their homes. They are drawn by fertile land and nearby water. In this sense, a valley is a place that supports and sustains life. Now imagine such a valley within the human body. Within this inner valley, there is a spirit. Together, the phrase points to a life-giving presence that nourishes and sustains us from within.

Those who are familiar with the Dao De Jing know that Tao is the source of all things, often called the Mother of Creation. Just as Tao gives birth to all life, it also places within each of us a spirit that reflects its own nature. This presence is quiet and enduring. It gives life, supports growth, and guides us back to the source when the time is right.

The word door in the next line points to a place. That place is within the valley. It is a gateway to the source of creation. This echoes the hidden place spoken of in the Flower Sermon and in the verse about Mount Spirit. Here, that veiled place is revealed as the origin of all things. It is a single, mysterious point where the deepest truths quietly reside.

What does this mean for us in daily life? Our connection to nature is already written into who we are. In the rush of daily responsibilities, something shifts the moment we step into nature. It does not have to be a mountain hike. Even a slow walk through a small garden can bring change. The body softens. The mind settles. This is the life-nourishing spirit renewing us. And when our connection to that inner spirit grows deep enough, even turning our attention inward can bring the same sense of renewal.