Tao Te Ching

The Taoist Classic by Lao Tzu
Translated and Explained

Lao Tzu (also spelled Lao Zi), the legendary writer of the Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing), left the Chinese emperor's court on a water buffalo, after growing tired of politics. He wrote the Tao Te Ching on the request of a border guard.

       Here you find the Taoist classic translated by me and others, with extensive explanations.

The Book Tao Te Ching The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained. The great Taoist philosophy classic by Lao Tzu translated, and each of the 81 chapters extensively commented. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).        More about the book here.

       Tao Te Ching is the very source to Taoism, the sublime philosophy pioneered by Lao Tzu, somewhere between the 6th and the 4th century BC. His thoughts are still relevant and cherished the whole world over. On this website you find several translations of the classic, as well as other material about it and its legendary writer.

Tao Te Ching Explained

My version of the whole book Tao Te Ching translated and explained, chapter by chapter. Click the header to see it.

James Legge's Tao Te Ching

The 19th century Scottish sinologist James Legge made a translation of the Tao Te Ching in 1891, which is still highly appreciated. Here it is in its entirety. It is a splendid version, surpassing many of later dates — although the late 20th century archaeological findings of old Tao Te Ching manuscripts in Ma Wang Tui and Guodian were unknown to him.

Aleister Crowley's Tao Te Ching

Aleister Crowley was an English mystic and mage of the early 20th century. Here is his intriguing interpretation of the Tao Te Ching in its entirety. Crowley made his own version of the Tao Te Ching in 1923. It is a very interesting and surprisingly clear version of the Taoist classic — worth reading also for those who have no interest in the occult.

The 1st Chapter of Tao Te Ching in 76 Versions

Here are 76 different English translations of the significant first chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Their variations show how cryptic Lao Tzu's text is. Already by the first chapter of Tao Te Ching, the style of its interpretor or translator is quite clear. In 2004, I vacuumed the internet and my own library for versions of Tao Te Ching's chapter 1. I found 75, from well-renowned sinologists to happy amateurs. I have also added my own version. The vagueness of the original text allows for very different interpretations, as you can see in the collection of translations.

Lao Tzu — Legendary Author of the Tao Te Ching

Little is known about Lao Tzu, the legendary author of Tao Te Ching. There are doubts that this one man wrote it, or that he ever existed, but here's what we know about him from historical sources.

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Tao Te Ching Explained

James Legge's Tao Te Ching

Aleister Crowley's Tao Te Ching

The 1st Chapter of Tao Te Ching in 76 Versions

Lao Tzu — Legendary Author of Tao Te Ching

My Taoism Books Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link). Tao Te Ching The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained. The great Taoist philosophy classic by Lao Tzu translated, and each of the 81 chapters extensively commented.        More about the book here. Tao Quotes The Ancient Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. 389 quotes from the foremost Taoist classic, divided into 51 prominent topics. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).        More about the book here. Fake Lao Tzu Quotes Erroneous Tao Te Ching Citations Examined. 90 of the most spread false Lao Tzu quotes, why they are false and where they are really from. Click the image to see the book at Amazon (paid link).        More about the book here.

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I Ching Online

The 64 hexagrams of the Chinese classic I Ching and what they mean in divination. Try it online for free.

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Qi Energy Exercises

The ancient Chinese life energy qi (chi) explained, with simple instructions on how to exercise it.

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The many ancient and modern life force beliefs all over the world explained and compared.

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Other Books by Stefan Stenudd

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Cosmos of the Ancients

The Greek philosophers and what they thought about cosmology, myth, and the gods.

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Qi — Increase Your Life Energy

The life energy qi (also chi or ki) explained, with exercises on how to awaken, increase and use it.

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Aikido Principles

Basic concepts of the peaceful martial art. Aikido principles, philosophy, and fundamental ideas.

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Life Energy Encyclopedia

Qi, prana, spirit, ruach, pneuma, and many other life forces around the world explained and compared.

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Archetypes of Mythology

Jungian theories on myth and religion examined, from Carl G. Jung to Jordan B. Peterson.

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Stefan Stenudd

About me

I'm a Swedish author and aikido instructor. In addition to fiction, I've written books about Taoism and other East Asian traditions. I'm also an historian of ideas, researching ancient thought and mythology. Click the image to get to my personal website.

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