TAO TE CHING By Lao Tzu (4 th or 5 th Century B.C.) Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 1 “The way that can be spoken of Is not the constant way; The name that can be named Is not the constant name” (1-4) Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 1 The Essence of Communication –Does verbal communication ever capture the essence of what is trying to be communicated? –Does written communication ever capture the essence of what is trying to be communicated? Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 1 “The Nameless” (5) –The Tao “the beginning of heaven and earth” (5) “The Named” (6) –Nature? “the mother of the myriad creatures” (6) Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 1 How do we observe the Tao? –“Hence always rid yourself of desires in order to observe its secrets But always allow yourself to have desires in order to observe its manifestations. These two are the same But diverge in name as they issue forth.” (7-10) Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 1 Paradox –Mystery “The gateway of the manifold secrets” (13) Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 3 Not honoring men of worth will keep them from competition and rivalry Not valuing goods will keep them from theft Not displaying what is desirable will keep them from being unsettled –Ignorance is bliss? Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 3 Advice on Governing the People –Empty minds but fill bellies –Weaken wills but strengthen bones –Keep them innocent of knowledge and free from desire –Ensure that the clever never act Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 9 PARADOX SIMPLICITY Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 43 Functions as the conclusion –“The most submissive thing in the world can ride roughshod over the hardest in the world—that which is without substance entering that which has no crevices.” Paradox Modern day examples? Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching

SECTION 43 “That is why I know the benefit of resorting to no action. The teaching that uses no words, the benefit of resorting to no action, these are beyond the understanding of all but a very few in the world.” –Suggests possible enlightenment –Suggests following the philosophy of Taoism is not easy Geschke/English IV Tao Te Ching