Tao Te Ching (4th Century BCE) by Lao Tzu – translated by Lionel Giles (1904)

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This book contains foundational Taoist text that offers profound philosophical insights on living in harmony with the Tao, the fundamental principle that underlies the natural order of the universe. #Taoism #AncientWisdom #Philosophy #Laozi #Spirituality #Audiobook

★ This video was made possible by contributions from our supporting members at PATREON and subscribers like you. Thank You! ▶ http://www.patreon.com/MasterKeySociety

Summary: The “Tao Te Ching,” attributed to Lao Tzu, is a foundational text of Taoism and one of the most significant works in Chinese philosophy. Written sometime between the 4th and 6th century BCE by Laozi (Lao-Tzu), this classic is comprised of text that use paradox, analogy, ancient sayings, and a concise, poetic language to convey its teachings. The title can be translated as “The Book of the Way and Virtue,” reflecting its central themes: the Tao (道, “Way”) and Te (德, “Virtue”).

The “Tao Te Ching” introduces the concept of the Tao as the fundamental, indescribable principle that is the source, pattern, and substance of everything that exists. It emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, advocating for simplicity, humility, and the wu wei principle – an important Taoist concept meaning “non-action” or “effortless action,” suggesting that one should align actions with the spontaneous tendencies of the natural world.

The text also discusses the nature of wisdom, power, and virtue, often contrasting the traditional Confucian emphasis on rituals and social hierarchies with a vision of a more natural and decentralized form of living. Leadership, according to the “Tao Te Ching,” should be gentle, non-coercive, and in accord with the Tao; rulers should govern by example and with minimal intervention.

Through its profound and timeless insights, the “Tao Te Ching” has influenced not only religious and philosophical thought but also political theory and practice, offering a path to peace and harmony in personal life and governance. Its messages about simplicity, peace, and living in accordance with nature continue to resonate with readers worldwide, making it a perennial source of inspiration and contemplation.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:32 – Transcendental Aspect and Physical Manifestation
10:07 – Moral Principle or “Virtue”
20:37 – The Doctrine of Inaction
24:29 – Lowliness and Humility
30:51 – Government
37:22 – War
39:52 – Paradoxes
46:43 – Miscellaneous Sayings and Precepts
57:53 – Lao Tzu on Himself
59:45 – Translators Afterword

Credits:
Text – Lao Tzu
Audio Narration – Sam Suk

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@MasterKeySociety says:

This video was made possible by contributions from our supporting members at PATREON and subscribers like you. Thank You! http://www.patreon.com/MasterKeySociety

@WisdomAncients says:

I'm giving this video

I hope more people in this world would live life with all these lessons. Namaste to all

@TylerMcConnell says:

Finished 07/07/2024 1:03:07.

@ombtez2877 says:

The translator has my family last name, I wonder if we are related

@scholar777 says:

Instantly my favorite Translation ☯

@mukku__Rao_____ says:

Aap ka hindi chanel hona chahye please please

@Etherisemotion says:

I knew this was going to be good and I was right! The exciting thing about this channel is I wouldn't have had the opportunity to know about this author and I'm so thankful.

@epicnaturals4763 says:

Can you guys do the Tibetan book of living and dying and Edgar cayce!!!

@seanmartin5715 says:

Loving this channel! thank you and keep it going!

@Ceasar-ud1df says:

24 minutes in and I want to say thank you for translating this book!

@riathesage says:

I was raised by my popo, and this is my philosophy of life. My bible.

@carmenlidia13 says:

The Divine In Me Honors The Divine
In You Here, There & Everywhere’s
🪷♾️🙏♾️🙏🏽♾️🪷

@arlenejeSTAR856 says:

Love what I am hearing so far. I tried to copy certain parts of the transcript to make note, but it does not match the reading.

@Joe-12349 says:

竟然有英文版本的道德经😮,谁敢这么胡乱翻译?看道德经不要看英文版本的,要看中文无标点符号版本的,一旦翻译意思就变了,甚至一个字都不能改😾

@taylenday says:

Not gonna lie, this might be the worst translation of the Tao Te Ching I've ever come across. Your voice is great! But this version of the book does no justice to it at all.

@floofer9954 says:

The problem I realized is that English can't fully convey and express the true meaning of the original Chinese texts found in the Tao Te Ching. So I am not sure how accurate this iteration of the Tao Te Ching in English is.

Nonetheless this channel is providing the best audio book content on esoteric knowledge I've found on youtube.

@zaraaaa420 says:

recently been meaning to study more daoism but theres not much on yt abt it. thank you very much master key and this was made so recently after i been wanted to study the dao thank you😎🌊

@bir_kamolman says:

I love Contents of this channel, now I’m listening to this, I hope this audiobook is great help for me as others

@sholland42 says:

It is God, I am.
This really isn’t that difficult, but mystics can make it very mysterious, imagine that.

@lunchboxsupreme4758 says:

Edinburgh lecture of mental science is the book that began to coin the word law of attraction and inspired books like power of your subconscious mind, 3 magic words, bob proctor, earl nightingale, and genevive behrend who wrote your invisbe power was his personal student… its time to bring this book to your channel it will change million of lives…

@tnp2478 says:

i am thinking to continue this..really good

@LoveLove-pz2gu says:

Best wisdom book in whole history

@IVNVKNG says:

Lao Tzu is incredible

@LightCyrus says:

So awesome! I've been meaning to read this for a while now.

@d4yonez says:

This tao is te ching me a lot of things ❤

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