The Tao te Ching, As It Is; Poem #1 with Commentary

By Mamjodh

The Tao Te Ching is one of the most influential texts of spiritual wisdom ever created. Also known as the Lao Tzu or Laozi, it is traditionally credited to the 6th-century BC Sage Lao Tzu.

This Book, consisting of 81 poems or entries is a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism, and is also a lifestyle guide to spiritual seekers of all stripes. God is never actually mentioned in virtually all translations, though some Western, pop culture, handbook versions slip the word “God” into a few of the chapters. The book is also devoid of any discussion concerning the elements common to most formal religions. When I speak of these I refer to such elements as rites, rituals, ceremonies, the clergy, holy books, or houses of worship. The book can be studied by students of any faith or even agnostics and atheists without concern that they are somehow betraying their primary faith

Many ancient as well as modern Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and gardeners, have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration. Its influence has spread widely outside East Asia and it is among the most translated works in world literature.

When I became a monk, a life I chose to live for over 5 years, I spent much of my time exploring my own inner experiences with those proscribed and…