This concept means generally applicable principles and tangible concrete objects, which are an important pair of concepts in ancient Chinese philosophy. Dao is invisible, concealed and metaphysical, while objects are tangible, visible and physical. The former represents unity of things, while the latter demonstrates diversity of things. However, the two are not diametrically opposed to each other. Rather, they are inherently in unity in that the former is the abstraction of the latter, while the latter is the concrete manifestation of the former, and the two have a relationship of dialectical unity.
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What is above form is called Dao, and what is under form is called “an object.”
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Dao and objects are interconnected, just as one’s inherent qualities find expression in his temperament.
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Once someone gains a general understanding of things, he will realize that Dao is invisible and objects are visible, just as you (with form) as well as wu (without form) and ben (the fundamental) and mo (the incidental) each exists in relation to the othe