Tao Te Ching: 1-12

Aside from the fact that this text goes beyond my common knowledge and comfort zone, I must admit I enjoyed it very much. Its somehow formal, rather mysterious tone gives the teachings a kind of mystical touch. I also noted the poetic structure in these texts, something that wasn’t as obvious in previous readings.

In the beginning, we are introduced to the concept of the Tao, something I don’t quite get yet. Its majesty and power are quite evident, “The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.” (One) I hope to find a clearer definition of what this Tao is exactly further ahead. As for what I understand, it is a powerful force or something similar. Moving ahead, I found another interesting quote that I could actually connect to other assignments, “All can know good as good only because there is evil.” (Two). This explains that every single thought, word, or action, taken must have a balance.

Another example of the Tao’s power, “It is the forefather of the gods” (Four), insinuates that it is superior to any other existing force, in this case, the gods. Apparently, to the author/s of the Tao Te Ching, the Tao represents a surreal, supernatural, “being” I suppose I should call it. Perhaps the Tao can even be a way of life, a path to follow.

I found chapter seven soothing, in a way, for it talks about the existence of earth as well as heaven, it even states that they are both eternal, “Heaven and earth last forever.” (Seven). The concept of heaven and earth is indeed a universal one, an idea I found quite unbelievable. Chapter eight points out the importance of water for life; an interesting thing nowadays. As for chapter nine, one line in particular caught my attention, “Retire when the work is done. This is the way of heaven.” (Nine). It seems like we all have a duty, a “work” we must accomplish in order to reach heaven. I wonder what that is all about.

Once again, contradictions. Like I previously said, I found the book had particular moments in which it put women down, however I found an interesting sentence in chapter ten, “Opening and closing the gates of heaven, can you play the role of woman?” (Ten). What’s going on? Now women are the ones who open the gates of heaven? This chapter I enjoyed, for it made me question my morals and values in life, the reason why I really do what I do.