Title Tuesday: Tao Te Ching

Now, I know I say this every week, but this week's Title Tuesday is one of my all time favorite pieces to read. This week's Title Tuesday is Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. 

via wiki

The text is fundamental to the Philosophical Daoism and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Religious Daoism but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Daoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters,calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Daodejing as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, aided by hundreds of translations into Western languages.

The received Tao Te Ching is a short text of around 5,000 Chinese characters in 81 brief chapters or sections. The passages are ambiguous, and topics range from political advice for rulers to practical wisdom for people. Because the variety of interpretation is virtually limitless, it is not only for different people but also for the same person over time.

This piece has been one of my favorites to read when I'm upset or having a hard time. The passages are beautifully written and they really do allow limitless interpretations, which is wonderful.

Here's one of my favorites:

Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity.

If you don't realize the source,
you stumble in confusion and sorrow.
When you realize where you come from,
you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.
Immersed in the wonder of the Tao,
you can deal with whatever life brings you,
and when death comes, you are ready.