A major difference in Western and Eastern philosophy lies in how they approach the concept of the ego, or 'I'.

Western Philosophy, to a large extent, is founded on the purity of reason. It is believed that reason and rationality distinguish humans from beasts. A rational mind has a natural inclination towards individualism, thus Western Philosophy highlights individuality as a virtue. It encourages people to assert themselves, pursue their own goals, and carve out their unique identities in the world.

In contrast, Eastern Philosophy, as exemplified by the Tao Te Ching, sounds a cautionary note about excessive rationality. It warns that we should not place ourselves above nature or the beasts. Instead, there is a universal way of doing things, and we must align ourselves with that way. True fulfillment, according to Eastern Philosophy, is not achieved by staking out our own territory in the world but by becoming one with the flow of life.

It is important to note that I am not suggesting that either of these ways of thinking is inherently wrong or right. For millennia, human beings from both the eastern and western hemispheres have reaped the benefits of these different philosophical perspectives. The Tao Te Ching serves as an excellent guidebook and an intriguing encapsulation of a very Eastern approach to life. It is a text that everyone should read at least once to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which we can view and interact with the world around us.

This is a classic piece of work.

It presents some rather distinct ideas that I'm not entirely certain I have grasped.

I am determined to read this several times or perhaps even many more times in an attempt to gain a better understanding of this remarkable work.

It truly seems to be a life-long read that will continue to offer new insights and perspectives with each successive reading.

My favorite passage is number 76: When a man is alive, he is soft and supple. However, when he passes away, he becomes hard and rigid.

From this, we can infer that the hard and rigid are associated with the realm of the dead, while the soft and supple belong to the company of the living.

This passage makes one think deeply about the nature of life and death and how our physical state can change so drastically.

It also implies that there is something to be learned from the flexibility and adaptability of the living.

Perhaps we should strive to maintain a certain degree of softness and suppleness in our own lives, both physically and mentally.

By doing so, we may be better able to navigate the challenges and changes that come our way and live a more fulfilling life.

After reading "Lao Tzu's Essence" by Nguyen Duy Can for the second time, I don't like it as much as the first time. The life outlook of NDC is that of Lao Zhuang, while the life outlook of Nguyen Hien Le is that of Confucianism. When writing about the teachings of Lao Tzu, NDC uses perception, intuition, and empathy; while NHL tries to use reason and inference. Perhaps because of this, reading the book of NDC feels more interesting. However, NHL is more objective and fair than NDC. Besides the final review in the book that "Confucius and Lao Tzu, although two, are one, opposing and complementing each other. Confucianism is like a silkworm, and Taoism is like a butterfly...", in the book, NDC quite often puts forward some opinions that somewhat criticize Confucius. NHL wrote in the conclusion part that: using the rational mind and inference to criticize Taoism is very easy and many people have done it. But is it really understanding Lao Tzu when he often said that the Tao can only be perceived by intuition, "the same tone corresponds, the same qi seeks each other", and cannot be taught, cannot be understood by words or inferences. And reading the core of the book is just to grasp the meaning, don't analyze and break each word and sentence. "There are words because of the meaning, and when you get the meaning, forget the words."

"He who knows does not speak; he who speaks does not know." - Lao Tzu

"Does heaven speak? The four seasons come and go, and all things grow. Does heaven speak?" - Confucius

Sincere, succinct, and laconic - it's no wonder that this is one of the most translated texts.

Tao Te Ching is truly an 'every person' book. Everyone who reads it will extract something valuable from it, and everyone will resonate with at least one of the beautiful, reflective phrases within its pages.

For instance, take the phrase “If you aren’t free of yourself, how will you ever become yourself.” How profound and true it is! Upon reflection, one realizes that this couldn't be expressed any better.

I also adored those texts that seemed almost like contradictions, yet were so open to interpretation. Such as “Its impossible to govern once you’ve filled people with knowing. Use knowing to govern and you plunder the nation, But use not-knowing to govern and you enrich a nation.” Initially, I was firmly against this comment. However, after careful thought, I came to understand that, of course, it's my interpretation of its meaning. The essence lies in the last sentence and what might be required to govern a nation. We all know it's a complex matter!

When I read such beautiful texts emerging from this nation, I often struggle to reconcile this wisdom that is so clearly interwoven into the fabric of society and its literature with the threats and rhetoric directed at its neighbors. Perhaps it's time for leaders to reflect on one of the most highly regarded scholars who demonstrates such profound wisdom. “You may govern the nation through principle, and lead armies to victory through craft, But you win all beneath heaven through indifference.” And for me, 'tolerance' is key.

The short and singular comments, ideas, poetic reflections, inspirational quotes, and ideologies are highly effective. However, from a reading experience perspective, it felt overwhelming to read in one sitting as the book lacks a smooth flow, and the messages are quite disparate. It seemed like a bit of a brain dump, but that's how the book was structured. I was aware of this going in, yet it still made the reading experience feel disjointed at times and the structure disorganized. Had they been grouped by theme, message, or teaching, the actual reading experience would have been more enjoyable for me personally. But who am I to complain about such an ancient and reflective book of life and meaning?

One cannot deny the power of the messages themselves, especially in 'Te Ching'. Who wouldn't want to read the wisdom of someone who places'self', universe, integrity, energy, heaven, consciousness, and meditation at the core of their teachings?

Some memorable quotes include: “To know people is wisdom but to know yourself is enlightenment. To master people takes force, but to master yourself takes strength. To know contentment is wealth, and to live with strength resolve.” and “The more you do for others, the more plenty is yours, And the more you give to others the more abundance is yours.”

Lao Tzu, not his real name but an ancient Chinese title meaning "the Grand Old Master" or "the Wise Teacher." He is considered a Taoist philosopher and is the second most important figure in Chinese philosophy after Confucius, and the second most important philosophical trend in Chinese thought, namely Taoism, which later became an official religion in China when Buddhist waves spread to the heart of the ancient civilization in East Asia.

There is no specific definition of Tao, but the prevailing estimate among scholars and experts in Chinese philosophy indicates that Taoism is a philosophical school in the natural sense and not in the religious sense. Just as if Muslims and Christians were looking for a unified union with the spirit of God, then Taoist philosophy is looking for a unified union with the absolute nature.

The book consists of two parts, the Tao Te Ching and the Book of Virtue.

Quotations:

"War is a thing of evil and disaster, and a funeral procession. In war, humanity is lost, and both the loser and the victor are all prisoners of a funeral procession that reveals their sorrows."

"He who has seen the tombs of souls is the wise and perceptive one. But he who has discovered the secrets of himself that are between his sides is the discerning villain."

"He who pursues losses will have the resources of loss rush towards him, and a torrent of eagerness will flow towards him. He will not achieve his trickery except with a heart full of suspicions."

"The step of the confident one almost stumbles, then the stability of the hesitant one almost collapses, and the call of the foolish one almost fades away in the lap of disgrace. What is there for the conceited one to shine without success, and what is there for the arrogant one to be proud without strength!"

"The world is a ruling power that despises to yield to the play of desires. He who seizes the world by force will lose it. He who conquers it by strength will be deceived by it. This is because its conqueror is conquered, and its taker is taken with the loss of his efforts."

"Rebellion begins with the victory of force, and its end is a bad outcome."

"There is no more heinous crime than greed and corruption, no more terrifying disaster than insatiable desire, and no more certain misfortune than unquenchable avarice. Therefore, contentment is the eye of satisfaction, and satisfaction is an extension of joy to eternity."

"The more prohibitions and restrictions there are in a kingdom among kingdoms, the more people will be in sorrow and poverty. And the more people strive to acquire sharp weapons, the more chaos and crime will spread. And the more people have cunning and wisdom, the more the tricks of deception, fraud, and satanic artifices will multiply. And the more the laws and regulations become strict and severe in punishment, the more crime will become brazen and the number of criminal cases will increase."

"If you see fear has fallen from the eyes of people and has persisted with the lash of its violence, know that more control is inevitably present. And their lives will be impoverished, and their position in the bosom of their homeland will be narrowed, and the means of life will be taken away from them like the cessation of giving. Then the souls will not shy away from the sting of disgrace except by the preponderance of the force of coercion."

"Kind words will adorn your necks in sanctification and glorification. Kind treatment will light the fires of your love in hearts. Then the splendor of your glory will be revealed to the onlookers, and the fragrance of your memory will be pleasant in the ears of those who remember. Lessen the harm of the bad, and do not argue with one who has not been touched by disgrace. For what will prevent him from avoiding you? What harm is there to you if you guide him to the right path?"

"However much the enemies are reconciled, there will still remain in the hidden recesses of the souls the remains of enmity, uprisings, and grudges."

"Reconciling the guilty is not enough to describe all religions at once. So how can we equal such reconciliation, the end of good, and the limit of prosperity?"

"True words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not true. The tongue of the kind is not harsh, and in the arts of speech, there is nothing more despised than the tongue of the wicked."

A short book doesn't necessarily mean it's a quick read. I read this 2400-year-old, thin and deceptively simple book slowly, with an open mind as much as I could.

In certain passages, I can hear the echoes of David Foster Wallace's brilliant speech "This is Water". In others, I can hear Seneca, and in still others, Ecclesiastes. While some passages can even pass for the Gospel of Thomas.

The Tao Te Ching, "The Book of the Way", has three central principles: simplicity, patience, and compassion. These principles speak to me and the way I live.

"Do you work, then step back; the only path to serenity." This line makes me think about the importance of not overworking and finding balance in life.

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you." It reminds me to be true to myself and not worry about what others think.

"The ancient Masters were profound and subtle. Their wisdom was unfathomable. There is no way to describe it; all we can describe is their appearance: They were careful as someone crossing an iced-over stream. Alert as a warrior in enemy territory. Courteous as a guest. Fluid as melting ice. Shapeable as a block of wood. Receptive as a valley. Clear as a glass of water." This description gives me a sense of the qualities that the ancient Masters possessed.

"The master doesn't cling to her own comfort, thus problems are no problem for her." It makes me realize that we should not be too attached to our own comfort and be able to face problems with a positive attitude.

I see it the same way, that there is much profundity and wonder in the world, and no gods are required. "When they lose their sense of awe, people turn to religion." This statement makes me think about the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity in life.

On more than one page, I reject the opening sentence yet esteem the very next line. "Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself." This line makes me think about the power of non-violence and how we can deal with negative things in a more peaceful way.

On the whole, there is much admirable thought worthy of incorporating into one's life. The Tao Te Ching offers many valuable insights and teachings that can help us to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Friends, on the first Tuesday of the month, I send out a short newsletter with updates on my novel-in-progress, a glimpse of one writer's life in small-town coastal Tofino, and a link to the month's free eBooks of various authors. It's my privilege to stay connected to those who appreciate my work. If you're interested and want to receive a free copy of Immortal North, please sign up here: www.luckydollarmedia.com

Ethereal, philosophical, spiritual... These words seem to float in the air, confusing and yet captivating. I found myself having to read this piece twice to even begin to understand its depth.

The notes in the back were somewhat helpful, but they also added to the confusion. It's an ancient lesson on how to think about life and oneself, but it wasn't easily assembled for me.

I think I do get some of it, especially when it comes to traditional ideas like humility, honesty, patience, tolerance, kindliness, and love. However, some aspects of it are still hard for me to grasp.

Nonetheless, I feel much better for having read this through a couple of times. It's like a seed that has been planted in my mind, and I know I will have to turn back to it at times to see if more will make sense as I continue to grow and learn.

I'm looking forward to the journey of discovery that lies ahead as I explore the profound teachings within this text.

I have read a great deal about Chinese beliefs throughout my life, but I am certain that what I previously thought I understood about those beliefs was a limited and incorrect understanding. This became glaringly evident during and after I completed this research.

The Tao Te Ching, the root of Chinese beliefs, was written by Lao-Tzu sometime between the 6th and 5th centuries BC in a dense and concise language. "Tao" is translated by some as "the way," but I think a more accurate translation based on the meaning might be "the path."

The Tao has had an impact on all aspects of subsequent Chinese life. For example, Chinese mythology is full of gods of various forms, types, and specializations, but these gods were in reality only legendary ancestors who were elevated by popular imagination to lofty ranks and deified, and temples were built for them. The heroic deeds of these ancestors show how they began their lives as virtuous men on earth and how they were later worshiped and deified.

The true source of the power of the Chinese gods is a concept of divinity that lies in the power of heaven, which they call Ti-Yin. Confucius believed that the will of heaven is carried out through a comprehensive concern for the order of nature, not from outside it. And this natural order, for him, is opposed by another order that prevails at the human level in society, which is the moral law.

What is the difference between the concept of "Tao" and the concept of "the Creator God," or in other words, how does our culture (in general) differ from Chinese culture on this subject? The difference between the concept of Tao and the concept of the Creator God is that the Creator God creates the world through intentional creation, while Tao creates the world through unintentional creation. The Creator God creates the world by action, while Tao creates the world by non-action. Intentional creation is formed from the outside in, while unintentional creation is formed from the inside out and spontaneously.

Tao is not a lord of the universe who exercises his sovereignty over it from an independent and separate position, as if he and the universe were two independent entities, but rather it is the essence of the internal order of nature, free from any external necessity. From this, it follows that it does not require the recognition of beings, nor does it claim possession, nor does it attribute excellence to itself.

What is the essence of "Tao"? The spirit of the valley means the essence of the void that can be achieved through stillness and emptying the mind of all preoccupation with the individual self, so that when a person reaches a state of complete emptiness, he is filled with the uncreated nothingness that is the essence of Tao. It is brighter than any light, darker than any darkness. It is the essence of light and the essence of darkness. When the extreme of light and the extreme of darkness meet in one, that is the great void and the uncreated nothingness from which everything is born. It has no beginning and no end, and its beginning is its end. If we say that it is the image that has no image, and the form that has no form, and we stand before the wall of silence and the words fall away.

Tao as a return to the original nature: Whoever follows the established moral rules is only following in an immoral way, and whoever loves his neighbor by applying the accepted teachings does not know anything about love, and whoever raises his children out of fear of the law and the opinions of people does not know anything about fatherhood. If everyone returns to their original, unadulterated nature, each one will touch in his heart the true source of love, and will follow spontaneously, so that he loves without calling it love, and has compassion without calling it compassion, and is kind to animals without calling it kindness, and obeys his parents without calling it obedience. He has shed the adornment of morality and does not follow it.

Taoism and governance: The best rulers are like the shadow when herding their flocks. Next comes the ruler whom people love and praise. Next comes the ruler whom people fear and dread. Next comes the ruler whom people hate and despise.

Taoism and war: Weapons are tools of evil that people abhor, so the Taoist state does not resort to using them. If it is necessary to wage war and display weapons, then it is the duty of the Taoist to engage in his war in meditation. Meditation here is the mental meditation that is free from emotional immersion. The Taoist wages war while in a state of purity of mind and soul, and he also avoids the emotions of anger, the desire to kill, and destruction that are aroused by war. There is no glory in victory, for it is only achieved at the expense of the slain. And the glorification of victory means the glorification of killing and giving it legitimacy and value.

Taoism and laws: When the supposed laws are promulgated by any authority, this is an indication of a defect in society, because the healthy society that conforms to the way of Tao does not require a moral law to regulate the relationships of its individuals. The law is the outer shell of faith and sincerity, and the truly virtuous man does not abide by it, but rather his behavior stems from the source of original morality.

Taoism is based on complementarity, not conflict. The well-known circle in which the yin and yang rotate is not a struggle between good and evil as we have been "taught," but rather a complementarity between the two, an eternal and balanced movement. The art of life should not be based on the pursuit of yang (the positive) and the exclusion of yin (the negative), but rather on maintaining a state of balance between the two poles, for neither one can exist without the other.

The end of the review with this story: The Zen master Ryokan lived in a humble hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening, a thief entered the hut and found it empty. As he was leaving, Ryokan caught him and said to him: You have tired yourself coming to this barren place, and it would be a pity to let you go empty-handed. Here is my robe as a gift. The thief took the robe and fled. Ryokan sat naked, almost, in front of the window, watching the moon that shone through it, then shook his head sadly, saying: How I wished I could have given him this beautiful sight.

Note: The edition that I read (the first edition / Dar Al-Alaeddin) needs a great deal of verification.

This exploration of Taoism reveals its profound and complex nature, touching on various aspects of life, from beliefs and governance to war and laws. The concept of Tao as a return to original nature and the emphasis on balance and complementarity offer unique perspectives on human existence and behavior. The stories and examples provided help to illustrate these ideas and make them more accessible to the reader. However, it is important to note that the understanding of Taoism can vary among different scholars and practitioners, and further study and reflection are needed to fully appreciate its depth and significance.

**2024: Review to Minford's translation, on Penguin, ISBN 9780143133803 (older Barnes & Noble review after that)**

For the second or third time, I delved into this text, this time in a 2018 translation. I must admit, I was initially drawn to it because the cover was *really* pretty haha. However, this reading proved to be much more enlightening. The commentaries, which included both Eastern and Western views, were extremely helpful in opening up the text for me. The translation itself was very well done, making it easy for me to understand. I can clearly see why these texts, which are perhaps collected here as an anthology, are meant to be read slowly and meditatively. It aligns perfectly with the Tao beliefs.

I feel that this book version is more closely connected to Taoism as a religious practice compared to the Barnes & Noble version I own. The list of Taoist key themes and images neatly gathers all the essential points that appear within the poems. The Tao is like the unused block of wood, water that flows everywhere, the yin and yang symbol, representing the feminine side, focusing on the inner self, and being practiced quite hidden to lead a better, kinder, and gentler life. This is "The Tao and The Power", contemporary to Confucius (more southern, while Confucius was from the north), and Lao Tzu was not a fan of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War". It not only tells us what to do as individuals but also how good Tao practice can be for a nation, in ruling a nation, and even in times of war. The influence on Zen and certain art pieces in China and Japan is also evident.

I am the Tao,
The Tao is Me.
This reminds me of Star Wars: Rogue One. I can see how, in some ways, it could fit into Christian beliefs if one looks at it closely enough. The concept of what the Tao is like, how one should live one's life, detachment from owned things, honors, wealth, fame, and the pleasures of the senses, etc. However, I also found some things that I don't agree with, such as the aim for no-self, the lack of interest in things beyond one's nation's borders (not all of which would be disruptive to the practice), or culture, or traveling. But it's easy to see how these beliefs could be practiced secretly, as a lot of the practice occurs within the person, and one's actions outside don't loudly declare what one believes.

It was a pleasure to read, opening up these poems even more, and this deluxe edition was also pleasant to hold while reading. Now, it's nice to own two copies of this book.

=

(review after rereading:)

This book's contents and history both have a sense of vagueness, but in a good way, in my opinion. The exact time of its writing is somewhat uncertain (circa 4th - 3rd century BC), the author's life details are largely invented, and the existence of the author is not quite certain either (Lao Tzu is just a title, and it's not known if the text is by one author or a group of authors over some years). It was first translated in the late 1700s, and the oldest existing copy is from circa 300 BC.

It's a bit difficult to categorize: is it ethics? religious? philosophy? But really, in my view, any of those would be appropriate. In a way, it felt a bit like the Dhammapada, which I've read earlier. Even if you're not interested in the religion it's part of, it will still appeal and is a relatively easy read. I read it quite quickly this time.

Taoism is clearly presented as an opposite way of thinking against Confucianism - which shows in some parts of this text. Confucianism is based on duties to the community and the family but can be somewhat rigidly black and white at its extreme. Taoism, on the other hand, is less rigid, emphasizing the coexistence of opposites, reverence for nature, flexibility, and not being too controlling. The Tao is a force in the world, not completely graspable or something one can give a finite meaning to, but which balances our world. It represents gentleness, avoiding conflict and grasping, seeking peacefulness, simplicity, detachment, and humility. Making its point without engaging in rhetoric and arguments.

The book's message is simple, with spare prose and plenty of natural imagery. The wisdom (the Tao) of the book is feminine, yin in balance with the yang (while in Confucianism, the yang sometimes seems a bit too heavily emphasized). The message seems simple yet is deep. Quite a few sentences stood out as familiar, things I've seen quoted before. I will most definitely read and reread each page in the future. The whole thing reads just like a beautiful ancient Chinese nature painting... and the view is beautiful and peaceful. Such is this book.

To a Westerner, the Tao Te Ching offers a distinct and profound perspective for grasping meaning and effectiveness.

For instance, it reveals the intricate relationship between the pursuit of progress and its unintended consequences. It states, "Do not exalt the worthy, and the people will not compete... Do not display objects of desire, and the people's minds will not be disturbed." This passage makes us reflect on the true nature of our actions.

We often engage in various activities with the intention of achieving certain goals. However, we need to question what we are truly aiming to accomplish and how our methods of achieving these goals impact others. Are we unconsciously creating more competition and unrest by exalting the worthy and displaying objects of desire?

The Tao Te Ching challenges us to consider a different approach. It suggests that by emptying our minds, filling our bellies, and causing the wise ones not to dare to act, we can achieve a state of order. This does not mean inaction, but rather a more mindful and deliberate way of acting that takes into account the broader consequences of our actions.

In conclusion, the Tao Te Ching provides valuable insights into the nature of meaning and effectiveness, and encourages us to reevaluate our actions and their impact on others.

The Tao Te Ching is an enduring and timeless classic.

This remarkable book consists of just over 100 pages, yet it contains the poetically distilled wisdom of the 6th century B.C. Chinese sage, Lao Tzu.

In recent years, the Tao Te Ching has received a great deal of attention, both from legitimate modern-day gurus and from charlatans looking to cash in on its popularity. However, despite this hype, the book truly lives up to its great reputation.

Beneath the witty and pithy aphorisms lies a deep well of truth and profound insights into human behavior. Lao Tzu explores a wide range of human experiences, from love and peace to war and governance.

Some of my favorite parts of the text are chapters 30, 41, and 67. These chapters deal with important themes such as approval and self-acceptance, the nature of the Tao itself and its universality, and the three keys to the Tao: simplicity, patience, and compassion.

As I read through the Tao Te Ching, I often found myself pausing to reflect on the various nuggets of wisdom that Lao Tzu imparted. Although it is possible to read through the book in just an hour, I would highly recommend taking your time to truly let its teachings sink in and marinate in your mind.

Indeed, the Tao Te Ching is a book that I will surely return to again and again. It serves as a beautifully written reminder of the fact that we are all connected by a universal intelligent source or subconscious mind, a truth that is often easy to forget in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Beautiful on audio!

I can't speak to the quality of the translation itself, but it was truly wonderful to hear Ursula K Le Guin read this aloud.

The audio is enhanced by some instruments, music, and sounds. On one hand, they can be really nice and add a certain charm to the overall experience. However, on the other hand, they can also be very distracting.

I found myself wondering if maybe that was the point of including them. Could it be that they were deliberately added to prevent us from getting too easily lulled into the words?

Perhaps by introducing these additional elements, the creators aimed to keep our attention engaged on multiple levels and prevent us from simply zoning out and passively listening.

It makes for an interesting and thought-provoking audio experience that keeps you on your toes and makes you pay closer attention to both the words and the surrounding sounds.

Overall, despite the potential distraction, I still thoroughly enjoyed listening to Ursula K Le Guin's reading and the unique audio landscape that accompanied it.