2 A Tao Te Ching

Chapter #29,31-33: CHINA
TAO TE CHING
by: LAO TZU -CHINA
Prepared by: ERIKA MAE A. TUPAG

 TAO TE CHING
Introduction
• Tao Te Ching can be translated as The Book of the Way. The main concepts presented in this book are:
• (What are) Tao and Te, the basics of Taoism.
• The (attainment of the) human spiritual perfection (sageness) in relation to the Tao.
• The art of ruling through applying the Taoist principles.
• The book addresses three kinds of people: those who follow the Tao, the noblemen who take part in the
life of communities and the rulers who aim to lead their lands beneficially.
-The Tao Te Ching is perfect for those who would like to delve deeper into the intriguing nature of the Tao
and to gain a deeper understanding of life and the nature of reality. This series of meditations is also a
great way to gain a better understanding of ancient Chinese beliefs.
In ancient China, Tao, also known as the Way, is believed to be the guiding light of the soul and the very
source of existence. For generations, the Tao Te Ching had drawn scholars from around the world,
including those who sought understand human existence and how they can bring balance and perspective
into their lives. This book not only contains a wealth of wisdom but it can teach one how to embrace the
good within and become a generous spirit. Learn how striking a balance with the universe can help with
all aspects of your life
 TAO TE CHING
Discussion
Lao Tzu (6th century B.C.) is believed to have been a Chinese philosopher and the reputed author
of the "Tao te ching," the principal text of Taoist thought. He is considered the father of Chinese
Taoism.
Lao Tzu purportedly was an older contemporary of the great philosopher Confucius (551-479
B.C.). Lao Tzu is said to have founded a philosophical school known as the Tao Chia (School of
the Tao), whose teaching centered on the vague and indefinable concept of tao, usually translated
"way.“
According to Ssu-ma Ch'ien, Lao Tzu had been serving in the Chou capital for a long time and
finally became disillusioned with the corrupt political situation and decided to go into retirement.
As he was passing through the Hanku Pass west of Loyang, the gatekeeper stopped him and asked
him to write down a book of his teachings. Lao Tzu then composed a book of 5,000 characters in
2 sections which described the theory of the tao and te. This book was then known as the Tao te
ching.
 Tao te ching
Discussion
CHAPTER 29:
• It’s useless to try to control the world because the world cannot be controlled. The Tao is all about balance, and
everything has its place in that—leaders and followers, hot things and cold things, strong things and weak
things. The sages recognized that the best thing to do is to eliminate extremes, excess and arrogance.
CHAPTER 30:
• There’s not much point in using soldiers to solve problems since eventually, somebody else’s soldiers will
attack you in retaliation.
• Violence is a bad idea. The book also advises on how a talented military commander behaves. A talented
commander achieves the necessary results and then stops.
CHAPTER 31:
• All things hate a strong military. The military is not a tool for honorable men.
Discussion
• When honorable men are forced to use violence, they only do it out of necessity. They remain detached from
the whole thing and don’t find any glory in victory. People who enjoy killing are never going “to achieve their
ambitions upon the world.” In the end, we’re told everyone who dies in war should be mourned.
CHAPTER 32:
• There will be no need to force things to be good; they just will be good. We have to know when to stop naming
things. If we know when to stop, then we avoid danger.
CHAPTER 33:
• This one’s all about knowing yourself. You’re pretty smart if you understand others, but you’re totally
enlightened if you understand yourself.
• Then it tells us that you’re strong if you overcome others, but it’s only when you overcome yourself that you’re
truly powerful.
 TITLE OF THE LITERARY PIECE
Discussion
Identify the social issues shown in the text and relate such to the current political atmosphere in
the country
• It’s useless to try to control the world because the world cannot be controlled
- These are people and political issues, not technology ones. ... Nothing could be more true of
the next internet and our lives in relation to information access. ... “If we choose a future we want
in 50 years, and work toward creating ... The world of matter and energy will be mediated by
information and context.
• what is the message implied in the poem/story etc.?
-The Tao Te Ching translates roughly as "the path of integrity." It is a treatise on how to live in the
world of goodness and honesty in its 81 verses, which is an essential kind of wisdom in a world
where many people think it is impossible.
 TAO TE CHING
• relate the poem/story to your personal experience?
-The Tao Te Ching, a two and half thousand-year text credited to Laozi, the second most translated book in
world literature, forms the basis of Taoism. It teaches how to live in harmony with the world. It is hard, very
hard, to master, but my dog, Betty is Tao. Here are seven things she does that are pure Tao.
1. Look within yourself and you will find everything you need.
“Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom.
2. You Become Free By Letting Yourself Go
3. If You Really Want To Know Yourself, Let Go Of Your Labels
4. Kindness and Compassion Will Always Win Out In The End
5. Be Yourself Without Caring What Others Think
6. Wisdom and Strength Come From Remaining Humble
7. Change Is Inevitable, So Embrace It, Even If It is Uncomfortable

 TITLE OF THE LITERARY PIECE
Conclusion
• What is the importance of your topic?
-The Tao Te Ching translates roughly as "the path of integrity." It delivers a treatise on how to live in
the world with goodness and integrity in its 81 verses: an important kind of wisdom in a world where
many people believe such a thing is impossible. Taoist philosophy emphasizes sincerity, longevity,
health, immortality, vitality, and wu wei (non-action, natural action, perfect equilibrium with
detachment, refinement (emptiness), spontaneity, transformation and omni-potentiality.
• What have your learned from your topic?
-The Tao Te Ching is filled with wisdom to live a balanced, virtuous and peaceful life.
• Be true to yourself
• Let go of perfectionism.
• Let go of control
• Practice self awareness. Get to know and understand yourself
• Understand and accept yourself completely.

2 A Tao Te Ching

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2 A Tao Te Ching

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Chapter #29,31-33: CHINA

Prepared by: ERIKA MAE A. TUPAG

• relate the poem/story to your personal experience?

“Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom.

2. You Become Free By Letting Yourself Go

3. If You Really Want To Know Yourself, Let Go Of Your Labels

4. Kindness and Compassion Will Always Win Out In The End

5. Be Yourself Without Caring What Others Think

6. Wisdom and Strength Come From Remaining Humble

7. Change Is Inevitable, So Embrace It, Even If It is Uncomfortable

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