Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching (道德經), roughly translated as The Book of the Way and its Virtue (see chapter below on translating the title) is an ancient Chinese scripture. The work is traditionally said to have been written around 600 BCE by the famous sage called Laozi (WG: Lao Tzu, "Old Master"). Laozi is said to have been a record-keeper of the Emperor's Court of the Zhou Dynasty but the authenticity of these dates and details of authorship are still debated.

Related Topics:
Below - Chinese scripture - 600 BCE - Laozi - Zhou Dynasty

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This short and subtle book is one of the most important in Chinese philosophy and religion, especially in Taoism, but also in Buddhism, because the latter – an Indian religion – shared many Taoist words and concepts before developing into Chinese Buddhism. (Indeed, upon first encountering it, Chinese scholars regarded Buddhism as merely a foreign equivalent of Taoism.) Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers and even gardeners have used the book as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside the Far East, aided by many different translations of the text into western languages.

Related Topics:
Chinese philosophy - Religion - Taoism - Buddhism - Chinese Buddhism - Poets - Painters - Calligraphers - Gardeners

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