Introduction
Dao De Jing (The Script of Dao and Virtue) is a classic Chinese text attributed to the sage Laozi (also Lao Tzu). It is the fundamental and essential work of Daoism (Taoism), one of China’s major philosophical and spiritual traditions. It addresses the nature of the Dao (meaning the Path), a fundamental principle that is the source and essence of everything in the universe.
Written over 2500 years ago, the text of Dao De Jing has become obscure and difficult for modern readers to understand. Also, the civilization and social environment of the era in which Dao De Jing was written was vastly different from the present. Therefore, Master Wonder adapted the original text of the script to current social progress and moral consensus, introducing a modern version of Dao De Jing.
Our main purpose is to inherit and promote the traditional Chinese Dao culture and its essence, helping people comprehend and distinguish Dao, virtue and goodness. By clarifying these concepts and practice them, one can truly attain the wisdom of the Dao De Jing. We believe that wisdom can transcend language and cultural barriers, benefiting people around the world.
Chapter 1 The Subtle Observation of Dao’s origin
Dao is not born, thus it is everlasting.
Dao does not hold anything, thus it is always holding.
Dao does not exist, thus it is always present.
Dao can be told, but what is told is not eternal;
Dao can be named, but the names are not eternal.
When nameless, it was the origin of Heaven and Earth;
When named, it was the mother of all things.
Therefore, when letting go of desires and obsessions, one can observe the subtle truth of the universe.
When immersed in desires, one can observe its manifestations.
These two states arise from the same origin, but have different names; they are both mysterious.
Mysterious and more mysterious, the gateway to all wonders.
Annotation:
1. Dao in Chinese means “the path”. Everything has its own “Dao”. Dao is the thoughts, the wisdom, the Dharani. Dao is all the truth and illusions. Dao is the origin.
2. Dao evolves with societal progress. Its principle that everyone is born equal and free is the foundation of wisdom and rights that underpin the pursuit of happiness through social, human, and spiritual civilizations, encompassing the collective advancement of all beings.