The Tao te Ching, As It Is; Poem #3 with Commentary

Note: The first five introductory paragraphs in this story are repeated from the previous Entries in this Series of 81Comentaries. Feel free to skip this introduction if you have already read it in the previous commentaries in this Series.

An Introduction to the Series

If you are not already familiar with The Tao Te Ching, it 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.

The 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.

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. To explore the Tao is to tap into your inner Soul Samarai.

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.