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  Religious Literature Section ---- > Tao Te Ching

 

"Tao Te Ching" Summary and Main Ideas from selected chapters.

The word “Tao” is translated as the way or the path.  The “Tao Te Ching” is the book of this Way and Its Virtue.  Key in it is the concept of “wu wei” or pure effectiveness.

Taoism was originated by Lao Tzu.   Lao, grieved over the people of his time’s unwillingness to embrace the qualities of natural goodness.  So seeking greater solitude for himself, he traveled on a water buffalo towards Tibet.  Legend has that before Tzu left the region; he was questioned by the gate keeper as to his intent to leave.  Even pleading with him to go back hadn’t changed Lao’s mind.   He then requested that Tzu at least leave some type of record of the teachings and thoughts he had.  Tzu agreed and went away for three days.  Upon his return left a basic text of his Taoist thoughts. 

Taoism actually has three meanings which reflect concept of Tao itself.  Literally Smith says that “Tao” means path or way.  The path or way can be understood in three different manners.  First is the “way of ultimate reality.”  This is something that cannot be easily perceived as its concept is way too vast for anyone to fully understand.   Second is the “way of the universe.”  This is best defined as the normal rhythm or driving power of nature.  Tao is easier to comprehend as being a spirit rather than physical matter.  Being such, it is thought that it cannot be exhausted, and furthermore the more it is drawn upon, the more it will flow.  Third is the “way of human life.”  Especially as it overlaps with way of the universe.   

Chapter 22

Discusses the freedom from paths which destroys and is what can be gained from being humble or living in humility.

Chapter 24

Discusses how the character of one who follows the way will not promote or exalts oneself.  It also warns to be cautious with displaying or showing pride.

Chapter 25

Attempts to address Tao itself, the author saying, “there is something that is difficult to name.”  It affects everything and is in a continuous cycle that comes, goes and comes again.  Thus the author calls it the way or the path (Tao.)

Chapter 32

Explains how the way or path doesn't change.  Furthermore, If one could bottle it, others would request for it.  It is equally dispensed and plays no favorites.  Following it leads one to good paths.  It is great.

Chapter 37

Explains that the Tao (way or path) just is.  It has no aspirations or purposes.  It has the power to transform.  One just needs to simply seek after it.

Chapter 49

Discusses how the quality characteristics of a sage.  He is one who looks to the interests of others.  He is good and sincere to all. 

Chapter 53

This is a comparison of leader qualities who practice and don't practice without Tao.

Chapter 56

This looks like the thoughts of Lao and how he felt after being disappointed that his ideas weren't adopted by the people of his time.

Chapter 77

This chapter contrasts the Tao (or the way) with normal methods of the time that were being used.

Chapter 79

This chapter explains how in any type of reconciliation, the one who thought he was wronged will usually hold a grudge still.  The one who has Tao as his method would not insist on it, but would only be concerned with the engagement.  Therefore following Tao is better than trying to get ones own way.