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Tao Te Ching
THE TAOISM OF LAO TZU
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Tao Te Ching
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The Book
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). |
Tao Te ChingRobbery
Lao Tzu ends this chapter with what is also a joke. Robber, tao, is pronounced the same as Tao, the Way. But indeed, they are not the same. Lao Tzu deplores those who keep to themselves much more than they could ever consume. To him, that's robbery. Sadly, such robbers take pride in their gluttony.
In this respect, nothing has changed since the days of Lao Tzu. There are still those who have much more than they can spend, although they try hard with meaningless luxury, while there are many others who don't have even nearly enough. Those who follow the Way weep over this.
It must have been a daring statement by a man living in ancient China, where those who were rich had all the sharp swords at their command, and didn't hesitate to use them.
According to the legend, Lao Tzu wrote his book upon leaving the country for good. That may have given him the courage to be this outspoken. It's still impressive that such hard words about the ruling classes were passed on through the centuries.
Again, he speaks with a voice near that of Jesus, who said that it's more difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. Their sense of humor in dealing with the subject is also related. But Jesus was not subsequently leaving the country, so his fate was a different one.
Those in power are quite touchy when their wealth and privileges are questioned.
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Tao Te Ching Explained
Preface
Introduction
Literature
translated and explained by Stefan Stenudd.
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Tao Te Ching Explained
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