Tao Teh Ching, or “The Classic of the Way and Its Virtue”, is an ancient Chinese text written some two thousand years ago. The author is generally believed to be a wise sage called Lao Tzu. Tao Teh Ching is one of the greatest teaching that has influenced the Chinese culture and numerous people, as well as the societies in East Asia in general. It, along with other classics such as I Ching, lays the foundation of the Eastern thinking.
While originally written in the Chinese language, there has been many versions of English translations. What I read was the version translated by John C. H. Wu. The translation greatly facilitates the understanding, as the original verse is too deep and the use of words too “old fashioned” for those who learn and read modern Chinese.
While two thousand years old, the message in Tao Teh Ching however is still applicable today. It’s a timeless classic, just as the Truth itself is unchanging. Some useful words are provided below based on my excerpt and classification. They are provided solely for informational purposes, not as a substitute for the book. If your interests are spurred, you should buy (or borrow) the book to support the translator (and the author too, posthumously).
1. Tao: The entire book is about Tao and Teh. So what is Tao? And why is it called Tao? Lao Tzu observed this elusive thing in existence, which seems to be the source of all nature, and for lack of a better word, he calls it Tao.
Chapter 25:
There was Something undefined and yet complete in itself,
Born before Heaven-and-Earth.
Silent and boundless,
Standing alone without change,
Yet pervading all without fail,
It may be regarded as the Mother of the world.
I do not know its name;
I style it “Tao”.
If you think this is way too elusive to comprehend, you are not alone. In fact, Lao Tzu was aware of that — the great Truth is not easy to understand. The clever you are, the harder for you to understand.
Chapter 41:
When a wise scholar hears the Tao,
He practices it diligently.
When a mediocre scholar hears the Tao,
He wavers between belief and unbelief.
When a worthless scholar hears the Tao,
He laughs boisterously at it.
But if such a one does not laugh at it,
The Tao would not be the Tao!
Chapter 67:
All the world says that my Tao is great, but seems queer, like nothing on earth. But it is just because my Tao is great that it is like nothing on earth! If it were like anything on earth, how small it would have been from the very beginning!
2. Dualities: The Tao is absolute, not relative. Our measures are relative, and our understanding of the world is based on dualities. However,
Chapter 2:
When all the world recognizes beauty as beauty,
this in itself is ugliness.
When all the world recognizes good as good, this in itself is evil.
What about the Tao? It encompasses both dualities, and it seems to be both at the same time.
Chapter 45:
The greatest perfection seems imperfect,
And yet its use is inexhaustible.
The greatest fullness seems empty,
And yet its use is endless.
The greatest straightness looks like crookedness.
The greatest skill appears clumsy.
The greatest eloquence sounds like stammering.
3. Selflessness: Lao Tzu has suggested on self-development to be a better person. The key is to be selfless, humble, and spontaneous in sync with the Tao.
Chapter 22:
The Sage…
He does not make a show of himself,
Hence he shines;
Does not justify himself,
Hence he becomes known;
Does not boast of his ability,
Hence he gets his credit;
Does not brandish his success,
Hence he endures;
Does not compete with anyone,
Hence no one can compete with him.
Similar philosophy is repeated in Chapters 24, 64 and 67.
4. Practice of Tao: What is the practical way, if any, for us to develop toward the Tao? First, Lao Tzu points out that Tao is surpassing oneself, not others:
Chapter 33:
He who knows men is clever;
He who knows himself has insight.
He who conquers men has force;
He who conquers himself is truly strong.
Lao Tzu also points out the key of practicing Tao, which is what the Zen practitioner call “unlearning”. That is,
Chapter 48:
Learning consists in daily accumulating;
The practice of Tao consists in daily diminishing.
It’s interesting that Buddha and Lao Tzu converge at the same point: The simplicity and spontaneity is the Truth, which we already have within. What we need to do to realize it is to reduce the attachment — according to Buddha, these include Greed, Anger, Attachment, Arrogance, Suspicion — thus diminishing.
Buddha said “I have not said a single word” after 49 years of teaching, because the Truth can not be said. Lao Tzu agrees.
Chapter 56:
He who knows does not speak.
He who speaks does not know.
One more advice for those who want to practice Tao — humble oneself.
Chapter 71:
To realize that our knowledge is ignorance,
This is a noble insight.
To regard our ignorance as knowledge,
This is mental sickness.
5. Applications of Tao: Governing a country: Lao Tzu provides valuable insights on leadership in politics as well. In a warring time of world, with tension between countries, these advices are right on. Every influential leader should study Tao Teh Ching.
Chapter 49:
The Sage has no interests of his own,
But takes the interests of the people as his own.
He is kind to the kind;
He is also kind to the unkind:
For Virtue is kind.
Chapter 66:
How does the sea become the king of all streams?
Because it lies lower than they!
Hence it is the king of all streams.
Therefore, the Sage reigns over the people by humbling himself in speech;
And leads the people by putting himself behind.
Chapter 68:
A good soldier is never aggressive;
A good fighter is never angry.
The best way of conquering an enemy
Is to win him over by not antagonizing him.
Chapter 72:
When the people no longer fear your power,
It is a sign that a greater power is coming.
Many insights can also be found in Chapters 61, 65 and 76.
Overall, this book is ideal for me as it has both Chinese and English translation. This is also the first time I have ever read through the entire Tao Teh Ching. I enjoyed reading it and I recommend to those who are interested in learning the ancient Eastern thoughts that have endured the time.
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