The Tao Te Ching 101
The Tao Te Ching is easily one of the most cherished and beloved spiritual works in existence. It is a short, to the point, truly non-denominational work that has been translated into English more times than any other work but the Christian Bible. It is considered by many to be a living treasure.
The teachings of the Tao Te Ching (pronounced Dow Deh Jing) are based on the works of Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher who recorded, as best he could, his teachings into eighty-one brief, concise chapters, creating a treatise many consider to be nothing short of a definitive manual on the art of successful living.
Lao Tzu, in his work, was able to address and dissect the essential, core questions and dilemmas and dramas of life that we all face, and then guide us through them to a life of understanding, cooperation, compassion and inner peace. The Tao Te Ching is about wisdom in action. Its teachings are as if a balm for the “predicament” of being alive.
Many of Lao Tzu’s teachings will sound simple, and possibly familiar, for they encompass the underlying themes of human life. But learning the exact significance and meaning of the teachings, and how to actually live them in daily life, have alluded most members of the human race since the beginning of our species. Once understood and put into actual practice, Lao Tzu’s teachings have the potential to transform your existence, and even your understanding of existence.
This translation is a modern, simplified interpretation. One that updates the ancient language to a more modern understanding, yet without touching the spirit of Lao Tzu’s timeless work, or altering his guidance towards working with the principles of the universe instead of against them.
“If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.”
- Lao Tzu
-
Please note: this book was originally titled “The Wisdom and Peace of the Teachings of the Tao Te Ching”. The reviews did not transfer over to this edition. If you’d like to read reviews, please find them under that title.
Excerpt from Chapter One:
IT has been called many things-
God, Allah, The Way, the Great Spirit, the Great Mystery,
Brahma, Jehova, Science
Name IT if you want
But IT is beyond names,
Words may be used to speak of IT,
But they can never contain IT
IT is unseen,
Yet everything around us emanates from IT-
It is Creation, Existence
IT is Growth and Decay
IT is Gravity and Attraction
IT is Atoms and Electrons and Quasars
IT is Soul
IT is Life
IT is more, beyond comprehension
Speak for IT,
Give IT motives, but that is our doing
IT is beyond our understanding
To approach IT, look within your heart
You cannot understand IT, but you can sense IT
You can know IT,
You can walk with IT
IT gives to both sinners and saints
IT waters both floweres and weeds
IT gives without demanding to receive
IT creates all colors, all sexes, all races
Try to see
Beyond all the differences
That seem to divide us-
IT does...
Reviews
OVER 1500 COPIES SOLD IN A SINGLE WEEKEND!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“So grateful to Dr Matt for writing this book, very enlightening. I have gone back to it again and again. ”
- W. Wicker, Linden TN