“Live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find eternity in each moment.”

~ Henry David Thoreau

Daily Inspiration Blog

This channel is devoted to the teachings of Lao Tzu (Laozi).

Lao Tzu was the legendary "Old Master" of ancient China and the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching. He was

revered as the founder of Taoism for his teachings on living in harmony with the natural flow of the universe.

Taoists have given Lao Tzu the spiritual title of "Most Exalted One." More about Lao Tzu in future posts.

The Tao Te (Teh) Ching (pronounced Dow Deh Jing) translates most simply to The Book of the Way.

The book is a collection of eighty-one lessons from Lao Tzu's ancient teachings that can be used as a guide for

living in the now, cultivating contentment and peace.

The Tao Te Ching offers simple wisdom to live in harmony with the Way!

Did you know that the Tao Te Ching is one of the most cherished and frequently translated texts in the world?

I wasn't aware of how many translations there are until I started my own research. The figure is debated,

but it is said to be translated into approximately 250 languages. Wow!! 😮

That's why I've decided to cite a variety of versions, rather than rely on a single translation; this will allow me

to explore the layered meanings and interpretations of this treasured text.

I'll be citing translations and renditions by

the Taoist Master Hua-Ching Ni, Stephen Mitchell, Ursula K. Le Guin, Byron Katie, and others.

The first lesson is from "The Complete Works of Lao Tzu (Tao Teh Ching & Hua Hu Ching)", translated and elucidated

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ONE

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Tao, the path of subtle truth,

cannot be conveyed with words.

That which can be conveyed with words

is merely a relative conception.

Although names have been applied to it,

the subtle truth is indescribable.

One may designate Nothingness* as the origin of the universe,

And Beingness* as the mother of the myriad of things.

From the perspective of Nothingness,

one may perceive the gentle operation of the universe.

From the perspective of Beingness,

one may distinguish individual things.

Although differently named,

Nothingness and Beingness are one indivisible whole.

The truth is so subtle.

As the ultimate subtlety, it is the Gate of All Wonders.

*Nothingness and Beingness refer to the insubstantial and the substantial,

the immaterial and the material, spirit and matter.

#TaoTeChing #Nothingness #Beingness

☯️道🌀