Tao Te Ching (4th Century BCE) by Laozi - translated by Lionel Giles (1904)

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Summary: The "Tao Te Ching," attributed to Laozi, is a foundational text of Taoism and one of the most significant works in Chinese philosophy. Written sometime between the 4th and 6th century BCE by Laozi (Lao-Tzu), this classic is comprised of text that use paradox, analogy, ancient sayings, and a concise, poetic language to convey its teachings. The title can be translated as "The Book of the Way and Virtue," reflecting its central themes: the Tao (道, "Way") and Te (德, "Virtue").
The "Tao Te Ching" introduces the concept of the Tao as the fundamental, indescribable principle that is the source, pattern, and substance of everything that exists. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, advocating for simplicity, humility, and the wu wei principle - an important Taoist concept meaning "non-action" or "effortless action," suggesting that one should align actions with the spontaneous tendencies of the natural world.
The text also discusses the nature of wisdom, power, and virtue, often contrasting the traditional Confucian emphasis on rituals and social hierarchies with a vision of a more natural and decentralized form of living. Leadership, according to the "Tao Te Ching," should be gentle, non-coercive, and in accord with the Tao; rulers should govern by example and with minimal intervention.
Through its profound and timeless insights, the "Tao Te Ching" has influenced not only religious and philosophical thought but also political theory and practice, offering a path to peace and harmony in personal life and governance. Its messages about simplicity, peace, and living in accordance with nature continue to resonate with readers worldwide, making it a perennial source of inspiration and contemplation.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - Transcendental Aspect and Physical Manifestation
10:07 - Moral Principle or “Virtue”
20:37 - The Doctrine of Inaction
24:29 - Lowliness and Humility
30:51 - Government
37:22 - War
39:52 - Paradoxes
46:43 - Miscellaneous Sayings and Precepts
57:53 - Lao Tzu on Himself
59:45 - Translators Afterword
Credits:
Text - Lao Tzu
Audio Narration - Sam Suk
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Dr Wayne Dyer made a Book on this! Both men are Legends

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Name of that book please?

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I literally just yelled this outloud, lol

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I highly recommend to listen ... Tao te Ching by Osho.....

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Thank you.

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Greatfull.

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Grateful*

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Brilliant.

[@zer0c8l]

Anyone who has studied Tao Te Ching knows that the text is presented in a far more poetic way than this specific translation. The neverending stream of words it creates gives no space to the message of each individual chapter of the original work.

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Great one.

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Yes!

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[@tellurianapostle]

Not my favorite translation but its great more of them are getting accessible audiobooks

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Lao Tzu is incredible

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I am native mandarin speaker and very curious how my ancient language can be translated into English 😂

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✨ The Tao knows all things ✨ 😂

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This Giles-Translation leaves much to be desired

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Taking possession?

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This.

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great book

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Ooooh this is gooooood 🤎

[@arlenejeSTAR856]

Love what I am hearing so far. I tried to copy certain parts of the transcript to make note, but it does not match the reading.

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God bless

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❤🙏

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Desperately waiting

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Best wisdom book in whole history

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[@64devil]

Nice just found out about a Christian version of tao yesterday and this came out hmm i guess I gotta study this

[@IA100KPDT]

I wonder how this western writer really can translate this because even the Chinese scholars and academics are debating and discussing what the first sentence means. 😅

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Tell me this isn’t almost exact teachings found in the Nag Hammadi Library texts

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Listen to the Wayne dyer tao de Ching read

[@ChaseCorrington]

Change Your Thoughts Change Your Life Living the wisdom of the Tao By Dr Wayne Dyer 🙌 I did the entire book on my channel in a series reading and sharing my thoughts! Love it!!!

[@Chonstantin]

This is like jedi teachings. The force is in everything and everywhere. . The force is real.

[@0Buddhaspot0]

I know this speech, I understand this speech.I've taught this speech before....

[@sholland42]

It is God, I am. This really isn’t that difficult, but mystics can make it very mysterious, imagine that.

[@riathenomad]

I was raised by my popo, and this is my philosophy of life. My bible.

[@lucasfrs]

Very different from others translations...

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Can you show your whole bookcase closer

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I zoomed in (On KZbin app with smartphone)

[@MClark12]

This book is to be read again and again and again, and meditated upon day and night... looks like it is just 81 poems, but it is much more...

[@MClark12]

Forget what i said, this translation is messed up. Read the original.

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😎

[@floofer9954]

The problem I realized is that English can't fully convey and express the true meaning of the original Chinese texts found in the Tao Te Ching. So I am not sure how accurate this iteration of the Tao Te Ching in English is. Nonetheless this channel is providing the best audio book content on esoteric knowledge I've found on youtube.

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Why is Tao pronounced Dow??

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Has this Dao something to do with a Blockchain based DAO?

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You should realize how far back Chinese history goes. It is not like America's 300 year old history. Stay humble my friends.

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PLS ready Wayne Dyer's translation!! There is not a better one then that

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ethics

[@Joe-12349]

竟然有英文版本的道德经😮，谁敢这么胡乱翻译？看道德经不要看英文版本的，要看中文无标点符号版本的，一旦翻译意思就变了，甚至一个字都不能改😾

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🫶

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Türkçe çeviri

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Sen İngilizce öğren

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Not gonna lie, this might be the worst translation of the Tao Te Ching I've ever come across. Your voice is great! But this version of the book does no justice to it at all.

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Jesus is coming back repent or be destroyed

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Please do William Walker Atkinson books, preferably "The Arcane Teaching"

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Thanks