|
Tao Te Ching
THE TAOISM OF LAO TZU
|
Tao Te Ching
|
The Book
The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained. The great Taoist philosophy classic by Lao Tzu translated, and each of the 81 chapters extensively commented. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link). |
Tao Te ChingLife Is the Treasure
What we know of is this life we are born into. Everything else is uncertain. So, why do we risk it by filling it with things that we don't really need? The only real treasure is life itself. Nothing else can possibly compare to it, much less surpass it.
But we easily forget that, when pursuing one or other superficial happiness.
True, it has merit to value one's name enough to make sure that others do it, too. With our words and deeds we decide how others will value us. Lao Tzu would add that our silence and the things we refrain from doing will influence our reputation even more.
On the other hand, when we make it our quest to reach fame and to receive praise that far exceeds what others get, then we put ourselves at risk, and forget that our names can never be more precious than our lives.
It's even more absurd when we devote our lives to assembling riches. When struggling to gather and keep a fortune, where's the time to enjoy it? You can't take it with you when you die. So, you risk spending your life chasing a longing that is never satisfied. Anybody pursuing that path is a victim of the fact that with wealth, there is never enough.
So, when you gain you are not pleased, and when you lose you are not pleased. Where's the pleasure? Greed is costly on one's peace of mind, and there is no reward for it. If you get rich enough, your name may be known and uttered with respect, even for generations to come. But your own life is pawned.
Enough is enough, and that's surprisingly little. When we are aware of this, we are practically invulnerable. This we can only be if we learn to value the fundamental asset we are given by living. Even in meager circumstances, our opportunities for great experiences and a truly rich life are as good as limitless.
NEXT
Tao Te Ching Explained
Preface
Introduction
Literature
translated and explained by Stefan Stenudd.
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
35 |
36 |
37 |
38 |
39 |
40 |
41 |
42 |
43 |
44 |
45 |
46 |
47 |
48 |
49 |
50 |
51 |
52 |
53 |
54 |
55 |
56 |
57 |
58 |
59 |
60 |
61 |
62 |
63 |
64 |
65 |
66 |
67 |
68 |
69 |
70 |
71 |
72 |
73 |
74 |
75 |
76 |
77 |
78 |
79 |
80 |
81 |
Tao Te Ching Explained
James Legge's Tao Te Ching
Aleister Crowley's Tao Te Ching
The 1st Chapter of Tao Te Ching in 76 Versions
Lao Tzu — Legendary Author of Tao Te Ching
My Taoism BooksClick the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).
The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained. The great Taoist philosophy classic by Lao Tzu translated, and each of the 81 chapters extensively commented. |
Tao Quotes
Fake Lao Tzu QuotesAbout Cookies
My Other Websites:
I Ching Online
The 64 hexagrams of the Chinese classic I Ching and what they mean in divination. Try it online for free.
Qi Energy Exercises
The ancient Chinese life energy qi (chi) explained, with simple instructions on how to exercise it.
Life Energy
The many ancient and modern life force beliefs all over the world explained and compared.
Taoismen på svenska
Other Books by Stefan Stenudd
Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).
Cosmos of the Ancients
The Greek philosophers and what they thought about cosmology, myth, and the gods.
Qi — Increase Your Life Energy
The life energy qi (also chi or ki) explained, with exercises on how to awaken, increase and use it.
Aikido Principles
Basic concepts of the peaceful martial art. Aikido principles, philosophy, and fundamental ideas.
Life Energy Encyclopedia
Qi, prana, spirit, ruach, pneuma, and many other life forces around the world explained and compared.
Archetypes of Mythology
Jungian theories on myth and religion examined, from Carl G. Jung to Jordan B. Peterson.
Stefan Stenudd
About me
I'm a Swedish author and aikido instructor. In addition to fiction, I've written books about Taoism and other East Asian traditions. I'm also an historian of ideas, researching ancient thought and mythology. Click the image to get to my personal website.Contact