Below are first lines from the first dozen of the 81 chapters in the Tao Te Ching written by Jon Atack. You will soon be able to buy 'The Way to Life - A Tao Te Ching' to read all 81 chapters in full. Meanwhile, please enjoy the following excerpts:
1
Tao cannot be captured in words
any name we give to it will be inadequate...
more chapter 1
2
we distinguish beauty by contrast with ugliness
we are capable of attraction because we are capable of repulsion...
more chapter 2
3
if you single out talented people for praise
you will cause jealousy and stir up contest...
more chapter 3
4
although Tao is empty
it is inexhaustible...
more chapter 4
5
nature is impartial
it has no feelings...
more chapter 5
6
only through stillness can the mysteries of nature be perceived
by deep concentration and tranquil observation...
more chapter 6
7
the laws of nature are fixed
so nature persists...
more chapter 7
8
true goodness is like water
it gives freely...
more chapter 8
9
stop before the brim
or it will spill...
more chapter 9
10
to find unity, be aware of your instincts
bring your animal nature...
more chapter 10
11
the many spokes are joined by one hub
the emptiness of the hub allows the wheel to turn...
more chapter 11
12
colours can overload the eye
sounds can deafen the ear...
more chapter 12
july 2006
