The Tao Te Ching (the core Taoist scripture) invites you to contemplate your innermost sense of reality. It doesn’t tell you what to do or think, but rather stimulates you to think and reflect.
An Extemporaneous Translation (with commentary…or not)
In translating the Tao Te Ching myself, the translation is, in truth, also a commentary; meaning that the necessary interpretation required in translating something is, in itself, the most basic commentary in the final view. Please also see The Tao Te Ching: Literal Chinese vs. Translations.
D.C. Lau’s Translation (with commentary)
I’ve commented on the Tao Te Ching using D.C. Lau’s translation for a dozen plus years now. I’m thinking I might stop while I’m ahead, but who knows? Anyway, I do plan to continue linking general blog post observations with any chapter that fits the bill.
The Purpose of the Commentaries
The commentaries here are not intended to explain what the Tao Te Ching ‘truly’ says. Rather, the commentary portrays the Tao Te Ching as seen though ‘my’ and ‘your’ mind. This offers us a conversation, of sorts—an interaction between ‘my’ understanding or puzzlement and ‘your’ understanding or puzzlement. We find this back and forth interpretive sharing very helpful in getting to know more of the whole elephant.
The Tao Te Ching opens the mind to the underlying mystery and simplicity that we lose sight of in daily life. If you are new to Taoism, start with the question, what is Taoist thought? Then, continue on to Understanding the Tao Te Ching.