The way things come into existence and efficacy [gong] comes about is that things arise from the formless [wuxing] and efficacy emanates from the nameless [wuming]. The formless and the nameless [the Dao] is the progenitor of the myriad things. It is neither warm nor cool and makes neither the note gong nor the note shang [i.e., is not subject to the sense oftouch or that of hearing]. You might listen for it, but it is impossible to get a sense of its sound; you might look for it, but it is impossible to get a sense of its appearance; you might try to understand what it is like, but it is impossible to get it in terms of understanding; or you might taste it, but it is impossible to get it in terms of flavor.