An Explanation of the Tao te Ching — Entry #1

Based on my translation created with a Team of Modern Mandarin Speakers over 40 years

From the Tao te Ching Photo by Hester Qiang on Unsplash

The Tao te Ching (Dàodé Jīng) is a Chinese classic text written around 400 BC and traditionally credited to the sage Lao Tzu (Laozi). One of the most influential books ever written on living the spiritual life, the text’s authorship, date of composition, and date of compilation are debated, and yet the power and importance of the teachings and wisdom found within the book cannot be overestimated.

The Tao Te Ching, along with the Chuang Tzu (Zhuangzi), are fundamental texts for both philosophical, religious, Essential, and Mystic Taoism.

Beginning in 1972, and completed in 2012 I went through a number of different editions (English translations) of Lao Tzu’s work, word by word, and created what believe to be an accurate, rhythmically sensible, and harmonious addition that is as true to the ancient Mandarin version as is possible.

Here is an introduction to the Tao te Ching and my process of tranlating it over 40 years.