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Dolors's Reviews > Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching
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“The Tao is always nameless� (Chapter 71)
Trying to narrow down the philosophy of the Tao Te Ching with limiting words is to violate its primordial essence. How can one describe the Universe, the natural order of things, the incessant flowing from being to non-being, the circular unity of a reality traditionally mismatched in dualistic terms?
The Tao Te Ching doesn’t provide answers because there needn’t be questions, just the harmony of moulding to the landscape rather than trying to impose a particular shape on it.
The Tao Te Ching is the route in itself, the path to emptying the human mind of ambitions, schemes and desires and allow it to be flooded with the smoothness of humility and the exhilarating liberation of a simple life.
The Tao Te Ching exults the feminine yin over the masculine yang in the eternal interdependence of opposites, identifying its indwelling suppleness with the intrinsic elements of the Tao.
“The great state should be like a river basin.
The mixing place of the world,
The feminine of the world.
The feminine always overcomes the masculine by its softness
Because softness is lesser.� (Chapter 61)
Thus the Tao cannot be expressed, it has no name, it is indivisible, inaudible and immutable but also the origin of multiplicity that gives way to ambivalent interpretation, which in turn engenders the befuddling suspicion that the more one wants to unravel the Tao the less one masters it because its aim relays precisely in attaining unforced wisdom.
Composed of eighty one aphorisms with aesthetic lyricism reminiscent of ancient riddles or even taunting wordplay, the Tao Te Ching dismisses moral teachings, embraces paradoxical dichotomies and differentiates itself from other doctrines like Confucianism because it relays in intuition rather than in duty rooted on imposed moral principles or any other contrived authority.
According to the introduction (*), some schools of thought have accused the Tao of endorsing chaotic anarchy and of not responding to consistent criteria, but such ambiguity in the use of language and its playful axioms are in fact a pure reflection of its skeptical views on measuring all actions according to artificial rules disguised as traditional rituals.
I can’t claim to have found everlasting serenity in connecting to the natural flow of Taoism and accepting its philosophy of “action through inaction�, but the idea of finding comfort in the constant contradiction of the positive and negative forces within oneself in order to embrace the convoluted intricacies of existence casts an overwhelming shadow to the absolute dichotomies and blind beliefs prompted by the more familiar monotheistic “fear based� religions, where guilt, punishment and suffering are the conduits to salvation.
Why crave for redemption if we learn to follow the “way things are� and welcome the natural interdependence between opposites, accepting disorder, nothingness and non-being as part of the indestructible unity of all things?
“There is nothing better than to know that you don’t know� (Chapter 71)
(*) Note: The Barnes & Nobles edition comes with an explanatory introduction about the origins of the Tao, a very useful epilogue and an historical timeline of the identity of its mysterious author(s). Highly recommended edition.
Trying to narrow down the philosophy of the Tao Te Ching with limiting words is to violate its primordial essence. How can one describe the Universe, the natural order of things, the incessant flowing from being to non-being, the circular unity of a reality traditionally mismatched in dualistic terms?
The Tao Te Ching doesn’t provide answers because there needn’t be questions, just the harmony of moulding to the landscape rather than trying to impose a particular shape on it.
The Tao Te Ching is the route in itself, the path to emptying the human mind of ambitions, schemes and desires and allow it to be flooded with the smoothness of humility and the exhilarating liberation of a simple life.
The Tao Te Ching exults the feminine yin over the masculine yang in the eternal interdependence of opposites, identifying its indwelling suppleness with the intrinsic elements of the Tao.
“The great state should be like a river basin.
The mixing place of the world,
The feminine of the world.
The feminine always overcomes the masculine by its softness
Because softness is lesser.� (Chapter 61)
Thus the Tao cannot be expressed, it has no name, it is indivisible, inaudible and immutable but also the origin of multiplicity that gives way to ambivalent interpretation, which in turn engenders the befuddling suspicion that the more one wants to unravel the Tao the less one masters it because its aim relays precisely in attaining unforced wisdom.
Composed of eighty one aphorisms with aesthetic lyricism reminiscent of ancient riddles or even taunting wordplay, the Tao Te Ching dismisses moral teachings, embraces paradoxical dichotomies and differentiates itself from other doctrines like Confucianism because it relays in intuition rather than in duty rooted on imposed moral principles or any other contrived authority.
According to the introduction (*), some schools of thought have accused the Tao of endorsing chaotic anarchy and of not responding to consistent criteria, but such ambiguity in the use of language and its playful axioms are in fact a pure reflection of its skeptical views on measuring all actions according to artificial rules disguised as traditional rituals.
I can’t claim to have found everlasting serenity in connecting to the natural flow of Taoism and accepting its philosophy of “action through inaction�, but the idea of finding comfort in the constant contradiction of the positive and negative forces within oneself in order to embrace the convoluted intricacies of existence casts an overwhelming shadow to the absolute dichotomies and blind beliefs prompted by the more familiar monotheistic “fear based� religions, where guilt, punishment and suffering are the conduits to salvation.
Why crave for redemption if we learn to follow the “way things are� and welcome the natural interdependence between opposites, accepting disorder, nothingness and non-being as part of the indestructible unity of all things?
“There is nothing better than to know that you don’t know� (Chapter 71)
(*) Note: The Barnes & Nobles edition comes with an explanatory introduction about the origins of the Tao, a very useful epilogue and an historical timeline of the identity of its mysterious author(s). Highly recommended edition.
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Reading Progress
September 2, 2014
–
Started Reading
September 2, 2014
– Shelved
September 3, 2014
–
Finished Reading
September 4, 2014
–
56.07%
""Nothing in the world is softer than water,
Yet nothing is better at overcoming the hard and strong.
That is because nothing can alter it." "
page
60
Yet nothing is better at overcoming the hard and strong.
That is because nothing can alter it." "
September 7, 2014
–
100%
""We always pay a great price for excessive love
And suffer deep loss for great accumulation.
Knowing what is enough, you will not be humiliated.
Knowing where to stop, you will not be imperilled.
And can be long-lasting.""
page
140
And suffer deep loss for great accumulation.
Knowing what is enough, you will not be humiliated.
Knowing where to stop, you will not be imperilled.
And can be long-lasting.""
Comments Showing 1-50 of 63 (63 new)
Samadrita wrote: "Thank you for presenting to us the essence of Taoism through your signature lyrical writing, Dolors. Always a joy to learn something new right before hitting the sack. (I knew nothing about it!)T..."
Yes Sama, I was also virtually ignorant of the Taoist wisdom and was positively surprised when the feminine pronoun seemed deliberately used again and again to definite the Taoist "sage". Also, a very astute connection with the existentialist theories senyoreta! :) The "action through inaction" predicament might seem totally opposed to the principle of creating essence through actions on the surface, but the underlying result is equal in fundament: human beings acting freely and being responsible for their deeds instead of responding to pre-stablished morals. Mind-blowing comment Sama, thank you! :)
Ah, action through inaction--sometimes this is needed, no? What an inscrutable, yet engaging book, Dolors. I was curious when I saw you reading it and as always, you've managed to help us visualize it. Taunting wordplay can be frustrating, yet also divine. As for your Barnes & Noble note, I LOVE their scholarly editions--particularly for the classics.
The Tao Te Ching doesn’t provide answers because there needn’t be questions, just the harmony of moulding to the landscape rather than trying to impose a particular shape on itLike Wittgenstein's later philosophy it teaches a view of the world we can grasp intellectually but forget it if we actually try and desire something with this thing in mind. Yet there are some great lessons inside, I think, like how to keep all the juiciest parts of a poem harmonized without trying to impose some cheap consolation onto it. But ahem, I think you're already doing that Dolors with the poems you love.
(Thank you for pointing the way to the Poemas de Idea Vilariño. Working my way through them with my Spanish handicap. I have a feeling her Ya en desnudez total would sound especially sweet if I could hear it in the original ;) - But more on her later).
Cheryl wrote:"Tauting wordplay can be frustrating, yet also divine"i>Yey Cheryl, I think you got the Taoist principle (taking the liberty of calling it that way) fair and square, or at least what I got out of it! :)
I was really attracted to the idea of a whole unity that includes opposites and enhances their interdependence rather than accentuating their divergences. Plus, it was highly poetic, so a win-win book for me! :)
Thank you very much for your spot-on comment Cheryl and yes, I am really glad I bought other classics in the Barnes&Nobles edition and I hope to tackle them very soon.
Stephen wrote: "The Tao Te Ching doesn’t provide answers because there needn’t be questions, just the harmony of moulding to the landscape rather than trying to impose a particular shape on itLike Wittgenstein's..."
At least Wittgenstein accepts "the desire" instead of annihilating it like Schopenhauer and his "philosophy of the will". And yes, the aphorisms of the Tao could be a fitting example of form giving essence to content without being succumbed by it. So glad to hear you've been exploring Vilariño Stephen! Have you noticed how she controls (almost amputates) the cadence of her poems with metrics? But more than the form it's her torn rawness and the void her words leave after they have been read that fascinates me. Most of Vilariño's verses appear light on the surface but the echo of her paused voice runs deep into one's system, like leaking drops that erode the most solid of stones. Will be waiting for your thoughts with belated breath! :)
Louisa wrote: "Thus the Tao cannot be expressed, it has no name, it is indivisible, inaudible and immutable but also the origin of multiplicity that gives way to ambivalent interpretation, which in turn engenders..."And I love this comment because it doesn't only capture what I was trying to portray in my review but also what I intuited from the Taoist apparent contradictions but never explicitly wrote. I want to avoid using the lukewarm concept of "finding the Aristotelian golden mean" but in a way, the Tao allows the conflicted individual to find balance in the imbalance of life and as you so very well point out, one can't rationalize an inherent contradiction. Only learn to accept it and enjoy the journey! :)) Thanks for another of your enthusiastic comments that sent me flying on this Tuesday morning Louisa! :))
Completely striking review with your flawless words!
Wonderful review, Dolors.I especially enjoy and see great wisdom in those Chinese landscape paintings influenced by the Tao Te Ching.
Like soothing chant reaching one's ears on a beautiful early morning. This review! Lovely, fascinating and graceful. I'm yet to read anything about Tao in detail but I do chance upon little snippets about Taoism every now n then. Recently I read The Hidden Span, by one of my favorite essayist, Eliot Weinberger: I think reading about ancient wisdom always proves to be a source of great insights and even if we don't agree with them, we do get a chance to reflect upon many things which we have never considered before. So, I must read this book...thanks to you! and shall try to track B&N edition only :)
Incredible review of an incredible book. Thanks Dolors!
I'm glad you read this, Dolors. You and I met on ŷ, I think, discussing Taoism in relation to Sckenda's review of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. Like other ancient wisdom literature, Tao Te Ching is paradoxical, contradictory, and rich. One also wonders how much of the text has been modified as it was transmitted through the centuries. The important notion it teaches, I think, is balance. I'm glad you've read it.
Garima wrote: "Like soothing chant reaching one's ears on a beautiful early morning. This review! Lovely, fascinating and graceful. I'm yet to read anything about Tao in detail but I do chance upon little snippet..."That excellent link from Weinberger, Garima, sounds kind of familiar. Getting lost and ending up in some eternal trap called the Hidden Span, to be yanked away by the Lady of the Ultimate Yin - I've been there before, I think. :)
But hey! - Weinberger quotes the Tao's "ten thousand things." Is that what Maria Dermoût was referring to in her novel by that name, I wonder?? That must be the exotic atmosphere I felt reading that off-the-map book...
Stephen wrote: "Weinberger quotes the Tao's "ten thousand things." Is that what Maria Dermoût was referring to in her novel by that name, I wonder?? That must be the exotic atmosphere I felt reading that off-the-map book..."Dermout's book begins with the quote by poet Ts'en Shen:
When the ten thousand things have been seen in their unity, we return to the beginning and remain where we have always been.
Who in turn must be alluding to Lao-tzu.
I will get this edition. Thanks for a wonderful review.
SERENITY NOW oh wait, wrong philosophy (putting away my Festivus pole/tree now). My mind seems incapable of reaching serenity. Born in chaos, living in chaos, going out in chaos. *sigh* My mind needs a steady flow of input and to be a good Taoist I do believe that "emptying the mind" (my mind is cluttered like my great aunt's attic.) is a must. Meditation would be similar for me to running on a treadmill. Both going nowhere (for others they reach new levels of understanding/endorphins).
Although reading is a form of meditation for me.
All that said I admire Tao. I see the sense in embracing it as a way of life. There is such beauty in simplicity, one of the reasons I love pictures of deserts.
Thank you for your lyrical review. In fact I'm marking it to read again in the future because your explanations are so clear and precise. I do occasionally have to explain Taoism of which I'm totally unqualified and you have given me some wonderful touch points.
Aditi wrote: "Completely striking review with your flawless words!"Thank you so very much for your effusiveness Aditi, glad you liked the Taoist philosophy of life!:)
Glenn wrote: "I especially enjoy and see great wisdom in those Chinese landscape paintings influenced by the Tao Te Ching."Right on Glenn. I admire how many of the Eastern cultures manage to capture the bond between human life and their natural environment with aesthetic contemplation, something the Tao certainly achieves through its lyricism and ancient wisdom. Thank you so very much for your reading and for your kind comment.
Garima wrote: "Like soothing chant reaching one's ears on a beautiful early morning. This review! Lovely, fascinating and graceful. I'm yet to read anything about Tao in detail but I do chance upon little snippet..."Garima! Thank you for bringing Weinberger to my attention with this mind-bender article. I was surprised that the introduction of the B&N edition didn't address the concentric concept of time and the absence of an absolute genesis as I find it crucial to understand the 81 aphorisms included in the collection. I go back to Samadrita's comment and marvel at how the existentialist doctrine similarly notes the individual and not a divine/superior force as the source to achieve balance or wisdom.
As usual, your reflections offer an expansive viewpoint and new territory to explore and for that I will always come back again and again to this webpage! :)
Debbie "DJ" wrote: "Incredible review of an incredible book. Thanks Dolors!"Thank you Debbie! This is one of those books to have in reserve for a rainy evening where to get lost into, not minding the here or the now and just basking in the flowing words cascading down upon you! :)
Jackson wrote: "I'm glad you read this, Dolors. You and I met on ŷ, I think, discussing Taoism in relation to Sckenda's review of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. Like other an..."What a sharp memory Jackson! I just re-read your comment and remembered being really attracted to what you shared in that discussion thread. I added Tao Te Ching to my TBR list on the spot after that exchange. I particularly liked this edition because it included a very explanatory introduction addressing the different theories regarding the authorship of the Tao and its main guidelines, which as you very well summarize, tend to converge in finding unity in disequilibrium within ourselves. Thanks for having piqued my curiosity back then and for having brought the Tao to my attention! :)
Mike wrote: "Exquisite. Nothing else need be said."Mike, I feel exactly the same way about your reviews. Thank you very much.
Garima wrote: "Stephen wrote: "Weinberger quotes the Tao's "ten thousand things." Is that what Maria Dermoût was referring to in her novel by that name, I wonder?? That must be the exotic atmosphere I felt readin..."@Stephen&Garima: Incredible that Maria Dermoût might have indirectly addressed the Taoist tradition in her novel. In the same way Christianity and the biblical book of Proverbs soak the Western literature I infer many Easter writers might have been directly influenced by at least one of the great religions of ancient China. I will have to pay extra attention, particularly now that I plan on reading Mo Yan and Tan Twan Eng very soon.
Great discussion, thank you both! :)
Riku wrote: "I will get this edition. Thanks for a wonderful review."Thanks to you Riku for reading and commenting. I will be eagerly waiting for your thoughts on Taoism and hopefully for another of your incisive reviews.
Jeffrey wrote: "SERENITY NOW oh wait, wrong philosophy (putting away my Festivus pole/tree now). My mind seems incapable of reaching serenity. Born in chaos, living in chaos, going out in chaos. *sigh* My mind n..."
No need to dismantle your tree Jeffrey, let it be, Christmas is around the corner already!
Heh, sometimes the destination isn't the essential part of the equation, but the journey is. So get on that treadmill and start producing endorphins that you can later burn reading from that comfortable-looking armchair of yours, surrounded by pictures of peaceful deserts! :)
I knew virtually nothing about any of the three great religions of ancient China and I found this volume perfect for an introductory reading. I must admit I enjoyed the lyricism and the wordplay better than the paradoxical and sometimes perplexing content, but there's something really soothing about allowing one's inner currents to flow freely and adapt to the landscape smoothly rather than wanting to shape it with blood, toil, tears, and sweat! :)
Glad the review might prove to be useful to you, always at your disposal Sir Jeffrey! :)
Thanks my friend for another of your refreshing comments.
Your lovely review was such a pleasure to read, Dolors.
Wonderful review as always, Dolors. I share your view that "I can't claim to have found everlasting serenity in connecting to the natural flow of Taoism and accepting its philosophy of 'action through inaction.'" I think the Tao Te Ching contains in it some beautiful ideas that challenge the dichotomous teachings of many Western religions/philosophies, though I think that many of the key ideas expressed in the work are better communicated elsewhere (of course not always in exactly the same way)
nothing short of brilliant! deft analysis and intricate language. bravo!
Connie wrote: "Your lovely review was such a pleasure to read, Dolors."I am thrilled you liked it Connie, thank you very much for your kind words.
Ben wrote: "Wonderful review as always, Dolors. I share your view that "I can't claim to have found everlasting serenity in connecting to the natural flow of Taoism and accepting its philosophy of 'action thro..."I remember our exchange about this book last year and how well you described the essence of the Tao, Ben. This edition proved to be a magnificent introductory read and I have you to thank you for having pointed it out to me with your review. I am in to explore more Eastern writers very soon and maybe read a bit more about world's religions.
Jr wrote: "nothing short of brilliant! deft analysis and intricate language. bravo!"Thank you Mister! Glad you enjoyed the "zen" detour! :))
Dolors wrote: "Aditi wrote: "Completely striking review with your flawless words!"Thank you so very much for your effusiveness Aditi, glad you liked the Taoist philosophy of life!:)"
Indeed and it was my pleasure! :)
You will add one more star if you happened to read Rajneesh commentary on this book:)
I LOVED this review, Dolors. Like the Taoist philosophy of simplicity and emptying minds of the existing doctrines, your soothing free-flowing words provide a softness that is rare. Such a pleasure reading this review. I'll add it to my tbr. :)
Dhandayutha wrote: "You will add one more star if you happened to read Rajneesh commentary on this book:)"Taking due notice of Rajneesh, Dhandayutha. Thanks for the advice which I will undoubtedly follow.
Himanshu wrote: "I LOVED this review, Dolors. Like the Taoist philosophy of simplicity and emptying minds of the existing doctrines, your soothing free-flowing words provide a softness that is rare. Such a pleasure..."Himanshu! Feeling super here thanks to your comment. That you think my writing reflects the Taoist principles is the best compliment I could expect to receive, so thank you profusely for your consistent encouragement. I also find the soothing my restless self craves for in your generous words! :)
Killer Rabbit wrote: "Loved this review because it beautifully demonstrates that Tao is experienced in a unique way by each human. For me, Tao means opening ourselves to fully perceiving the universe as it exists. And p..."Right on, Killer. To be open to the world without preconceptions, without forcing it and allowing it to flow over our senses and to share it with others from a position of equality and freedom. Yes, what a beautiful sight to behold, indeed.
Is this a rare genre of reading for you, Dolors? I enjoyed your review very much.
Jan wrote: "Is this a rare genre of reading for you, Dolors? I enjoyed your review very much."I tend to read fiction Jan, but I have taken the resolution to read more about religions of the world and also some history and autobiographies in the nearby future. Glad you enjoyed my thoughts on Taoism!:)
Dolors wrote: "Jan wrote: "Is this a rare genre of reading for you, Dolors? I enjoyed your review very much."I tend to read fiction Jan, but I have taken the resolution to read more about religions of the worl..."
Looking forward to your future reviews!
@Giedre: Thanks so much for reading and dropping a comment Giedre!@Jan: Thanks Jan, it's high time I broadened my reading horizons! :)
Not the kind of book I would spend time on, but your review was wonderful in itself.
Margitte wrote: "Not the kind of book I would spend time on, but your review was wonderful in itself."Beaming from Barcelona Margitte...about to bask under the warm sunbeams of your comments! :)
Can't say I would've thought to read this, but am loving your interpretations. Perhaps I will give it a try somewhere down the line!
Taylor K. wrote: "Can't say I would've thought to read this, but am loving your interpretations. Perhaps I will give it a try somewhere down the line!"Heh, the Tao has a playful undertone Taylor, also it can be read in one sitting which is always a plus. I was positively surprised but then I love poetry and had been looking forward to reading it! :) Thanks for reading even if the subject matter didn't necessarily fit into your more immediate interests.
After reading your splendid review, I could not help thinking how Taoism is ideally suited for readers and the many of us (readers) who hope to travel paths leading to balance and peace. Every eye beholds The Great Unknown in his or her own way, but I have long been attracted to the Western concept of the Golden Mean, and it is fascinating to find the Asian version contained in this ancient scripture. I believe reading supports the ideals in the Tao, because reading is a habit and ritual that helps us to find the blend of male/female (I think of Woolf's androgyny); dominant/submissive; light/dark, etc., etc.. In a sense, we "empty" our minds, but then fill it, temporarily, with the voices of others before we reclaim it for ourselves, yet we are changed...we are products of the tensions of opposites provoked by our reading so many voices from different rooms. Like you, I am not convinced of inaction as a way to peace, but I do welcome delivery from all fear-based thinking. Thank you so much, Dolors, for spreading the gospel of reading--wide reading--that takes us to the nooks and crannies of so much literature that, regardless of genre, expresses the longing of the human heart to understand this, our mysterious existence. May we all find peace among the forceful and aggressive tensions of polar opposites and in the healing and calm words exemplified by all of your reviews.
sckenda wrote: "After reading your splendid review, I could not help thinking how Taoism is ideally suited for readers and the many of us (readers) who hope to travel paths leading to balance and peace. Every eye ..."Superb analogy Steve! What an inspiring metaphor that links the art of reading with the Taoist ideal that champions the embracing of juxtaposed concepts to find roundness in their interdependence rather than confronting them in endless antagonism. You're so right in highlighting that those who travel through the minds and voices provided by books start spiritual journeys that sometimes offer nourishment and comfort whereas in other occasions, they inflict disruption and self-contradictory feelings upon the reader. Finding the right balance between pain and bliss, good and bad memories, lost dreams and renewed hope requires not only emptying the mind but learning to accept "the way things are", like the unstoppable river that erodes the yielding rocks with its supple currents, and extract beauty even from inherent sadness, even when the paths we thread seem to have been chosen for us, for there is a greater pattern than us that shows itself when one least expects it and transforms bafflement and uncertainty into insight and peaceful acceptance. We readers are fortunate because those fireflies of illusion light up in every page we turn and you and I are even luckier because we can illuminate each other's ways and see even in the darkest alleys. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
I've had this book for a while now and opened it to the same line you've opened your review with! My translation reads as "The way is forever nameless" and this one felt like the perfect book for me right now. You decode the riddles of the Tao Te Ching adroitly. Thank you for the fine review :)
The 'freedom from moral values' part sounds a little bit existentialist to me. Additionally good to know that at least one branch of ancient Chinese philosophy wasn't misogynous in nature and spirit like what that Confucius bloke preached.