Who Is Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching The author of Tao Te Ching might have not existed, but what makes his work important is the intention of approach. The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese text that literally means “classic”, “way” and “virtue”, and is a cornerstone of philosophical Taoism. It is attributed to Lao Tzu or “old Master”, who lived during the 6th century BC, he was an insider , record- keeper at the court of the Zhou Dynasty, who was disillusioned by the hunger for power and believed people are inherently good. This short text is broken up into 81 “chapters' that read like little epigrams or poems, which can be read easily in a few hours. The simple yet powerful philosophy of Taoism can be contemplated in the image of the Yin Yang symbol: each
side of duality while an opposite also contains its opposite, as in dark/light, male/female. These enduring philosophical poems are graceful and beautiful, and deserve to be memorized.
However, Simplicity is Key with Tao (or taoism?). Tao's style is simple using short stanzas, repetition, How to govern? How to think? How to behave? -the answer has specific meaning for each person, as well as spiritual component, although it is very broad. Using numerous rhetorical devices:paradox, symbolism, alteration and inclusiveness , Tao presents complex ideas of life, spirituality that people are struggling to figure out for years, practical advise how to live a productive, meaningful life on a day to day basis.
The explanation of the style, choice of simplicity lies in the need to be more universal, as back then, 6th century, people were not highly educated. However, the line breaks are challenging, make you to slow down and think what Tao means, understand the massage that he is trying to deliver. By using the analogy and nature, he simplifies the understanding of ideas: “Governing a country is like frying a small fish. You can spoil it by poking too much”
Firstly it is easy to understand this analogy , even easier to check it.
The style of Tao Te Ching is vague poetry, that find specific meaning for each individual.
“The truth is simple, straight to the point and not over the top. The good do not debate or argue, and know what's good and what's right. Those who know the path to heaven do not know everything, but Those who share and not keep to themselves will be enriched in life , or in other words have happy life. The way of heaven is to help not harm” In this lines we see literary devices of paradox:true words are not fancy, fancy words are not true.
By symbolism Tao symbolizes how she lives a happy life,”giving her surplus to other she is enriched”
Alliteration: The way of heaven is to help no harm.
The way in which Lao expresses his ideas is sincere, simple in words yet complex in meaning, but to the point that his thoughts and ideas are valid enough to believe. The verses necessitate patience, understanding, and compliance in order to analyze their complex meaning.
side of duality while an opposite also contains its opposite, as in dark/light, male/female. These enduring philosophical poems are graceful and beautiful, and deserve to be memorized.
However, Simplicity is Key with Tao (or taoism?). Tao's style is simple using short stanzas, repetition, How to govern? How to think? How to behave? -the answer has specific meaning for each person, as well as spiritual component, although it is very broad. Using numerous rhetorical devices:paradox, symbolism, alteration and inclusiveness , Tao presents complex ideas of life, spirituality that people are struggling to figure out for years, practical advise how to live a productive, meaningful life on a day to day basis.
The explanation of the style, choice of simplicity lies in the need to be more universal, as back then, 6th century, people were not highly educated. However, the line breaks are challenging, make you to slow down and think what Tao means, understand the massage that he is trying to deliver. By using the analogy and nature, he simplifies the understanding of ideas: “Governing a country is like frying a small fish. You can spoil it by poking too much”
Firstly it is easy to understand this analogy , even easier to check it.
The style of Tao Te Ching is vague poetry, that find specific meaning for each individual.
“The truth is simple, straight to the point and not over the top. The good do not debate or argue, and know what's good and what's right. Those who know the path to heaven do not know everything, but Those who share and not keep to themselves will be enriched in life , or in other words have happy life. The way of heaven is to help not harm” In this lines we see literary devices of paradox:true words are not fancy, fancy words are not true.
By symbolism Tao symbolizes how she lives a happy life,”giving her surplus to other she is enriched”
Alliteration: The way of heaven is to help no harm.
The way in which Lao expresses his ideas is sincere, simple in words yet complex in meaning, but to the point that his thoughts and ideas are valid enough to believe. The verses necessitate patience, understanding, and compliance in order to analyze their complex meaning.