Tao Te Ching
I have agreed to facilitate a course of discussion about the Tao. Tao is an ancient Chinese concept of life as a way, a journey. Whereas this has interested me for some time, I am eager to discuss Lao Tsu’s verses with other adults. A discussion is sure to be open-ended. The text, being some two thousand five hundred years old is subject to a wide range of interpretation. I do not read ancient Chinese so I rely upon the work of those who do. I suppose I’ve purchased as many as four translations at this juncture as each affords opportunity to learn what another scholar makes of Lao Tsu’s point of view.
My intention now is to prepare for the discussion. I am working my way through the 81 poetic verses, allocating the verses between five to six categories. For purposes of discussion we will address each of the categories in turn, reading through the text
A recurring theme in the Tao Te Ching, loosely in English, “The Way and it’s Power” – that reality in essence is analogous to the female. What an intriguing thought for a male, raised in a western-patriarchal society! We Americans in particular are self-conscious recipients of culture from the old Roman Empire. And Rome was modeled analogous to male strength. One might even say conceived as military domination of non-citizen peoples. Roman military prowess backed-up “invitations” to membership in the empire…
So, that reality-as-such is best considered in feminine categories is a jarring thought to a typical American male. Jarring nonetheless, Lao Tsu makes the point often and from different angles of view.
Am I convinced? I am!
This and additional points will be explored, and will be evaluated…
To somewhat shift the subject, this year in early summer, our oriental lily garden is blooming in splendor. Here are a few photos.
4 thoughts on “Tao Te Ching”
As one who has taught classes on the Tao Te Ching and Yin and Yang to Tai Chi Chuan students, in what today seems like another lifetime ago I applaud you for making the effort.
As you are aware the Tao or “The Way” focuses on the mysteries of the universe, the nature of reality, and the source of all being.
The Te or Virtue Focuses on practical ethics, focusing on how individuals regardless of their class or position in society should embody the principles of the Tao in their daily lives and leadership
The Ching or simply the book is how it is written to follow.
As you know the core values are Wu Wei (Non-Action), Relativity of Concepts, Humility and Simplicity and The Power of Yielding.
The one thing that my western students who were paying to be taught a traditional Chinese martial art was fathoming the art yielding – how water yields and flows to the lowest place, appearing soft and passive, yet it is powerful enough to erode the hardest stone. It represents the art of winning by letting go and adapting to situations.
Enjoy your discussion.
Chuck, I could only wish that you could be a guest presenter.
I am not qualified by any means to teach this material. However as I am highly interested, I am eager to set the table for a good discussion with others who are interested.
Personally, I have always viewed the verses of the Tao te Ching as mirrors, reflecting back an inner self. Every person will take something different from each verse. The words of the Tao (again, at least to me) are intentionally vague, allowing each readers to glean a greater understanding of themselves. That understanding will most likely be very different from what another reader perceives.
Just a thought on an exercise for your students. After reading aloud a verse, ask them to write down what that verse meant to them. By writing their thoughts down onto paper, they will not be influenced by what others might say had the discussion been an oral one.
Yes, the verses seem to work well in a personal mode. According to circumstance, what one needs can be suggested by several verses.
I like your suggestion of writing down emotional reactions and ideas that are provoked in the course of reading. In addition to sequestering ones mind fron the influence of what others have to say, writing fixes by words what is often vaguely thought.