Tao te Ching (translation, quote, Christianity, Christian)

[moonsavvy]

I've really enjoyed the readings from this book and would like to discuss with those who have read it. Anyone?

[Fighting For Air]

It is a fantastic work ... have read it cover to cover many times.

There is a great comparative commentary on Lao Tzu and Christianity called "Christ the Eternal Tao". That, as well, is stellar.

[Tzaphkiel]

great text and teaching, good to read over and over
even better to live it

another book "The Tao of Pooh" is wonderful

one of my favorite pieces of Tao is

Those that know do not speak
Those that speak do not know

[Terryj]

A wonderful book, I've read it a few times, I think its a must read for anyone who is interested in Walking the way of the Dao, to develop inner strength, character, virtue.
It is a book to be read over and over.
DimSumRaja, those are a couple of my favorite says also.

[MontanaGuy]

I'm not familiar with it but now you have me curious about it. Would anyone care to elaborate on the philosophy or point of view it expresses? Thanks.

[Fighting For Air]

In the simplest translation, Tao Te Ching can mean "to simply be".

It is very much about not resisting natural order, not wanting a situation to be other than it is, being humble of spirit in the apprehension of the mystery of truth.

Other pieces of the Tao Te Ching ...

"the tao (or way) that can be named is not the eternal way..."

"...creating without possessing, guiding without interfering, working without taking credit..."

Lao Tzu was around in the East about the same time that Heraclitus was around in Greece. Their teachings are very similar and very compatible with the teachings of Jesus... which is why I also recommend "Christ the Eternal Tao" if for no other reason than it is a fantastic analysis on the similarity of the teaching from people who could not possibly have had access to each others work due to time and location.

[shymonkey]

haven't read it but do get a daily Tao saying emailed to me and i have read The Tao of Pooh and loved it. keeping it simple for this simple soul

[june 7th]

Originally Posted by MontanaGuy

Would anyone care to elaborate on the philosophy or point of view it expresses?

No, because as the first line of the Tao te Ching clearly states, my dear, sweet man:

"The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao."

[MontanaGuy]

June wrote:

"The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao."

Thank you my darling but I'm going to have to pontificate that one for awhile.

[june 7th]

Originally Posted by MontanaGuy

June wrote:

Thank you my darling but I'm going to have to pontificate that one for awhile.

Ah, but my love, you need to know this, as well:

The Tao that can be pontificated is not the Tao, either!