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?