Sacred Texts Taoism Index
1st ed.
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LAOTZU' S TAO-TEH-KING
A new translation from the Chinese
by
WAI-TAO and DWIGHT GODDARD
The TAO that can be "tao-ed" can not be the infinite TAO (that is, the way that can be followed can not be the ultimate, pathless Way) . It is the same with the name of things: if things are explicable, the names we give them can not be the original Name. (That is) The course of the universe is hidden in non-existence; existence is only the mother of its evolution.
Since human beings are a small likeness of the great Universe, they can only realize their Taohood by making close imitations of it. Before one can attain the supreme perfection of Taohood, he must first realize its inmost mystery, that is, he must enter the door of this mystery of mysteries.
There are two ways for effecting this realization, both of which can be followed by the human organism. One way to realize the wonderful mystery of TAO is to put away all thoughts and desires. The other way is to concentrate both true intention and sincere devotion. These two ways of realization have different names but they both lead to a realization of the mystery that we call TAO.