Tao Te Ching

The Power of Goodness, the Wisdom Beyond Words
Search Quotes Search Sages Search Chapters

Lao-Tzu's Taoteching

By Red Pine

Quotes from Lao-Tzu's Taoteching

“[Sim Qian] authored along with his father—Sima Tan—the first comprehensive history of China. His biography of Lao Tzu constitutes the earliest known record of the Taoist patriarch.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“[Su Che], his father, and his brother are counted among the 8 great prose writers of the Tang and Sung dynasties. Although his commentary reflects his own neo-Confucian sympathies, it is also treasure by Buddhists and Taoists.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“After Lao Tzu, the greatest of the early Taoist philosophers. The work that bears his name contains some of the most imaginative examples of early Chinese writing and includes numerous quotes from the Tao Te Ching.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“At the beginning and at the end of the Taoteching, Lao-tzu reminds us not to become attached to the words. Let the words go. Have a cup of tea.”

Chapters: 81. Journey Without Goal

Comments: Click to comment

“China's most revered teacher of doctrines emphasizing the harmony of human relations. His teachings, along with those of certain disciples... until recently formed the basis of moral education in China.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Every month the moon effortlessly shows us that something comes from nothing.”

Chapters:

Themes: Emptiness Moon

Comments: Click to comment

“Famous for the quickness of his mind as well as the breadth of his learning, [Wang Bi] grew up with one of the best private libraries of his time. Although he died of a sudden illness at the age of 24 he was among the first to discuss Taoism as metaphysics rather than religion. As a result, his commentary has been preferred over that of Heshang Gung by Confucian scholars.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Grandson of the first Han emperor, [Huainanzi] was a devoted Daoist. Although his search for the elixir of immortality was prematurely interrupted when he was accused of plotting to seize the throne and was forced to commit suicide.”

Chapters:

Themes: Immortality

Comments: Click to comment

“If words are of any use at all, they are the words of the poet. For poetry has the ability to point us toward the truth, then stand aside.”

Chapters: 1. The Unnamed

Comments: Click to comment

“Lao Tzu teaches us that the dark can always become light and contains within itself the potential for growth an long life, while the light can only become dark and brings with it decay and early death. Lao Tzu chose long life. Thus he chose the dark.”

Chapters:

Themes: Taoism

Comments: Click to comment

“Legendary ruler of China's prehistoric period. He is venerated as the father of agriculture and herbal medicine in China.”

Chapters:

Themes: Agriculture

Comments: Click to comment

“Master of military tactics and strategy. His Art of War has been much studied and admired ever since it came to the attention of King Ho Lu of the state of Wu, who subsequently became Sun's patron.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“One of China's more famous emperors, [Xuanzong] was also a skilled poet and calligrapher, and was deeply interested in Taoism as well as Buddhism”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“One of China's most famous prime ministers, [Wang Anshi's] attempt to introduce sweeping reforms directed against merchants and landowners galvanized Chinese intellectuals into a debate that continues to this day. He was also one of China's great poets and prose writers.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“One of the great prose writers of the Yuan dynasty, surpassed only by his student Yu Chi; [Wu Cheng's] commentary shows exceptional originality and provides unique background information It is also noted for its division of the text into 68 verses.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“One of the greatest Buddhist writers of the Ming dynasty and responsible for revitalizing the practice of Zen in China, [Deqing's] commentaries on Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu are among the best ever written and are used by Taoists as well as Buddhists.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Philosopher whose arguments in favor of universal love and against costly funerals put him at odds with the Confucian school, especially Mencius and Hsun Tzu. The work that bears his name was apparently composed after his death by his disciples who themselves betray differences of opinion concerning their master's views.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Poetry has the ability to point us toward the truth then stand aside, while prose stands in the doorway relating all the wonders on the other side but rarely lets us pass.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Ranked with Confucius and Hsun Tzu as the foremost teachers of the philosophy knows as Confucianism, [Mencius] studied with Confucius' grandson. The work that bears his name records his conversations with his disciples and various rulers of the day.”

Chapters:

Themes: Confucianism

Comments: Click to comment

“Sage ruler of ancient times and the reputed inventor of the system of hexagrams on which the I Ching is based.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Scholar-official and fearless critic of government policies.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Student of the Confucian philosopher Hsun Tzu, Han Fei's collection of rhetoric and anecdotes is noted for its legalistic philosophy. Although Han Fei often misconstrues phrases to support his own ideas, his is the earliest known commentary.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Sung dynasty emperor and one of China’s greatest calligraphers and patrons of the arts. His [Tao Te Ching] commentary was finished in 1118, shortly before he was taken captive by nomad invaders.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Taoist astronomer who met Lao Tzu at Hanku Pass and to whom Lao Tzu subsequently conveyed the Tao Te Ching. Several works have been attributed to him though those that survive are probably by later Taoists.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Taoist master and proponent of using an eclectic approach to explain the teachings of Lao Tzu. [Cheng Xuanying's] commentary... reflects the influence of Chuang Tzu along with Buddhist Sanlun and Tientai teachings and was required reading for Taoists seeking ordination during the Tang dynasty.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“Taoist master who lived in a hut beside the Yellow River—hence his name, which means Master Riverside. His commentary emphasizes Taoist yoga and was reportedly composed at the request of Emperor Wen. It ranks next to Wang Bi's in popularity.”

Chapters:

Comments: Click to comment

“The things we distinguish as real change while their names do not.”

Chapters: 1. The Unnamed

Comments: Click to comment

Related Lineages (0 lineages)

Quotes about Lao-Tzu's Taoteching (0 quotes)

Comments (0)