Tao te ching_ annotated & explained - Derek Lin [7]
In the West, study of the Tao has led to mixed results. Generally speaking, people understand the all-encompassing, freewheeling nature of the Tao quite well, but they do not connect as easily with Lao Tzu’s guidelines about life that require sustained effort. The result is that many who study the Tao end up with a form of relativism—thinking that because the Tao includes everything, whatever they do is already part of the Tao. Thus the Tao becomes the justification for any actions, positive or negative, as well as the all-purpose excuse for any results, or the lack thereof. This was never the original intent of the Tao Te Ching.
The truth is that the Tao isn’t just about freedom and personal liberty; it is also about discipline and diligence. While everything in existence is indeed the Tao, our path through existence is also the Tao. This may seem like a paradox, but it really isn’t. We can see it clearly by following the thought process of the sages. Think of existence as a forest. When we are in the forest, we have the ability to go forth in any direction. The forest doesn’t care which path we take. It is the nature of the forest to offer all directions and all possibilities. This is the way of the forest—in other words, the Tao of existence.
We can wander in the forest aimlessly for as long as we wish, but at a certain point some of us will be ready to choose a destination and go there. This destination may represent enlightenment, salvation, true happiness, or other spiritual goals. Let us think of the destination as a mountain that we, walking in the forest, can glimpse through the tree branches from time to time.
There are paths in the forest that will take us to the mountain. These paths are easy to traverse and are marked by those who went before us. Inexperienced travelers may not be able to recognize the markings, but the Tao Te Ching is a map that can help us. When we follow the map, we move in a particular direction with a particular purpose. The progress we make is our way through the forest—in other words, our Tao through existence.
Thus, the Tao indeed encompasses all, just as we have the freedom to pick any direction in the forest and start walking. At the same time, our Tao must also be highly specific, just as we must choose one path out of many in the forest with care and foresight, if we wish to get somewhere and achieve our purpose in life, whatever that purpose may be. Therefore, this book’s most important mission is to express the Tao completely as much as words can, conveying not only the encompassing aspect of the Tao but also its specific nature. To miss either attribute would be to fail the mission.
Let us keep the forest and the mountain in mind as we digest each chapter. Where are you in life? Where are you going? These are some of the most important questions we can ask ourselves. The more we understand what Lao Tzu says, the more clearly we will be able to see the markings that direct us to the proven path. We will then be able to formulate better answers and take steps in the direction that will lead us to our goal.
What will happen when we reach the summit? We will look around and take in the magnificent, panoramic view. From the vantage point at the top, we will be able to see other mountains in the hazy distance. We may rest for a bit; we may spend a moment in celebration. Then, we will start out for the next destination, savoring every breath of fresh air and every sight of natural beauty.
As Lao Tzu remarks in chapter 64, the journey of a thousand miles begins beneath your feet. As you embark on this journey, I wish you happy trails.
A Note on the Translation
Test of Time
In 2004, the College Board surveyed high schools to gauge interest in Advanced Placement courses in Chinese. The College Board expected a few hundred schools to express interest. What they found was substantially more: 2,400, or about ten times the level of interest they expected.
As East and West continue to draw together, the language barrier will