Description
Book SynopsisNo understanding of Chinese civilization is possible without a grasp of Taoism, the philosophy that has shaped not just Chinese spirituality but also art, science and politics. And it was in the Tao Te Ching, written around 300BC, that the fundamental beliefs of Taoism were first gathered. This short, wise but very humble book went on to influence on philosophy, religion and politics. In a compellingly simple rhetorical style the book addresses how to live a simple, peaceful and harmonious life, how to rid oneself of desires and free society of institutions that promote greed. This dual-language edition of Tao Te Ching presents the original Chinese characters with a new translation on the facing page, and is illustrated throughout to make an attractive gift edition in traditional Chinese hand binding. With a new introduction that discusses the questioned authorship of the text and editorial notes, all 81 brief chapters are included, ranging from advice for politicians to wise words for the everyday person. Of immense influence across millennia, Tao Te Ching Illustrated is a classic text richly deserving this exquisite edition.
Table of ContentsIntroduction 6
1. The Mystery of the Dao
2. Not-doing
3. Removing Desire
4. The Infinite Dao
5. Cultivating Emptiness
6. The Spirit of the Valley
7. Self Through Selflessness
8. Avoiding Conflict
9. Recognizing Sufficiency
10. Potential of the Dao
11. The Power of Insubstantial
12. Subjugation of Desire
13. Avoidance of Danger
14. The Essence of the Dao
15. Qualities of the Dao
16. Returning to Origin
17. The Natural Order
18. Neglecting the Dao
19. Diminishing the Self
20. Different from Others
21. The Origin of All Things
22. Restraint and Completion
23.Trust in the Dao
24. Left-over Food and Aimless Journeys
25. Natural Order
26. Gravity and Temperance
27. Deftness and Enlightenment
28. A River Valley to the World
29. Avoiding Extremes
30. Accordance with the Dao
31. The Sorrow of War
32. The Harmonious Dao
33. Longevity
34. The Pervasive Dao
35. The Inexhaustible Dao
36. Maintaining the Mystery of the Dao
37. Tranquility
38. Avoidance of Chaos
39. Wisdom of the Ancients
40. Non-being
41. The Paradox of the Dao
42. The Basis of My Teaching
43. Achieved by Very Few
44. Ensuring Longevity
45. Order Under Heaven
46. At One With the Dao
47. Knowing Without Moving
48. Loss Upon Loss
49. The Enlightened Man
50. Life and Death
51. The Mysterious Process
52. Understanding the Infinite
53. The Winding By-ways
54. Cultivating Virtue
55. Purity of the New-Born
56. Honouring the Dao
57. Benefits of Simplicity
58. Sharp but Not Dangerous
59. Thrift
60. Doing No Harm
61. The Power of Receptiveness
62. Honouring the Dao
63. By Means of the Dao
64. Being Cautious
65. The Great Congruence of the Dao
66. Taking the Lower Position
67. Three Treasures
68. Following the Ancient Wisdom
69. Regretting Aggression
70. A Precious Jade
71 Recognizing One's Faults
72. Treasuring the Self
73. The Net of the Dao
74. Accepting Responsibility
75. Restraint
76. The Supple and the Soft
77. Like Drawing a Bow
78. Straightforward but Paradoxical
79. Impartiality
80. The Enlightened Ruler
81. The Universal Dao
Index 96
