The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.
The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.
Because it is unfathomable,
All we can do is describe their appearance.
Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream.
Alert, like men aware of danger.
Courteous, like visiting guests.
Yielding like ice about to melt.
Simple, like uncarved blocks of wood.
Hollow, like caves.
Opaque, like muddy pools.
Who can wait quietly while the mud settles?
Who can remain still until the moment of action?
Observers of the Tao do not seek fulfillment.
Not seeking fulfillment, they are not swayed by desire for change.
-Translation by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English
From what I gather, “Opaque, like muddy pools” refers to their thoughts being unfathomable, as the second line says. Waiting for the mud to settle is a metaphor for meditation, or abiding in stillness. By remaining still, without thinking thoughts, you allow your mind to settle down and can catch a glimpse of some of the deeper, mystical forms of consciousness.
As a side note for the 1 or 2 people following this series, I feel I have less and less new things to say about the TTC as I keep going, so instead of forcing myself to have something to say about each and every chapter, from now on I’ll only comment on a chapter if I feel I have something substantial to say about it.
Under the Spell of Words 