Mystery of the Tao Te Ching
The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao
The name that can be named is not the eternal name
The nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth
The named is the mother of myriad things...
The origins of the ancient Chinese text popularly called the Tao Te Ching or the Way are a mystery like the Tao itself.
Its teachings are often ascribed to the sage Laozi or Lao Tzu (a title meaning 'Old Master'.) There are many variations in the telling of the story.
The teachings were not formalized into a school or writings at the time of Lao Tzu, set in the 6th century B.C. by some. Their guidance encourages a simple and natural way of life; developing keen observation; understanding the ways of nature; fostering intuition and authenticity; and leading life with love, and without force.
The essence of the message needs only to be heard with the heart to verify its potency and value.
For those drawn to more of this wisdom, numerous online resources which include various translations of the full text of the Tao Te Ching, giving a more rounded perspective, and helpful commentary are available. Some are offered as links below.
When asked, the writer suggests not to read about the Tao Te Ching for intellectual understanding, but to approach the text with an open mind and heart, trust intuition to guide, and absorb the essence of the wisdom sayings. The energy behind the words will do the work of expansion and illumination where it is invited and allowed.
The words of the Sage are mated in the artwork below with timeless contemplative designs rich in symbolism. And so the journey begins, with the first step.
- Emanate Presence - Artwork Symbols of the Divine in Man
Art galleries, prints and cards - Tao Te Ching - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Article on Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching
- Tao Te Ching Quotes of Lao Tzu
- Accurate Translation of the Tao Te Ching
- Lao Tzu Quotes - BrainyQuote
Quotations by Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher - The Sayings of Lao-Tzu
The Sayings of Lao-Tzu, Lionel Giles translation [1905] - Lao Tzu quotes
What's on your heart?
Gary R. Smith (author) from the Head to the Heart on January 19, 2013:
Thanks so much for sharing the feelings that visiting here brought up from inside you.
peachy from Home Sweet Home on January 19, 2013:
awesome hub. I haven't seen anything like this before. Wonderful experience to get to know about Tao
Denise Handlon from North Carolina on September 29, 2012:
Beautiful. I love this hub-it brought a quiet peace to me reading it. Thanks.