Tao Te Ching | The Probabilist . com

Tao Te Ching January 21, 2007

Posted by The Probabilist in : [Books], Consciousness, Emotions, Philosophy, Beliefs, History , trackback

Lao Tsu is estimated to have written Tao Te Ching somewhere in the 6th century B.C. in China. It comprises of 81 single paged musings or lessons of wisdom explaining the way of the Tao. The Tao, which more correctly is without a name, is according to my interpretation a spiritually guided code of behaviour, mind-set, understanding and source of the origin and continuity of all there is. Surpassed only by the Bible, this book is the most translated work in history.

Starting off, I had some trouble getting into a suitable reading mood and way of thought to become receptive to Tsu’s message. I’m guessing it’s because I’m a fairly decisive, rational and definite thinker of things. Nevertheless, I slowly sunk into the text and its meanings with further depth and found some valuable insights along. However, I found quite a similar amount of questions and slight objections running through my mind as well.

I’ll only explain one major question mark in this review that raised the biggest conundrum in me. I spent most of my life in the consciousness level of neutrality, which is noted by a very care-free, indifferent and action-free state of mind. Surpassing that stage I began to care more for my surrounding, taking action and genuinely wanting to make a difference. Conversely, I interpreted Lao Tsu’s words saying that enlightenment means not doing anything, not interfering with the universe and just accepting everything to happen as it does - Fatalism. While I did fancy that way of thinking in the past, I just couldn’t see it aligned with having a purpose of existing.

Tao Te Ching is not meant to give the same impression to every reader. While everyone comes from and with a different environment, upbringing and personality, it is still meant to be a guide to understanding the true nature of the unseen reality - that which exists regardless of what the tangible reality consists of or is governed by. Even though I wasn’t personally touched or surprised by the contents to a great degree, I can imagine that it might be and do those things to others. The overall impression is still a very healthy one as this book directs much attention to inner feelings that guide behaviour as well as interrelated actions between humans. Do give Tao Te Ching a read through if you can’t seem to find meaning or balance in the universe.