My Illustrated Tao Te Ching: Illustrated Tao Te Ching, #2

By David Petersen and Mandy Conti

More than 81 evocative works of digital and photographic art bring out the subtle power of this fresh but authoritative reading of the Tao Te Ching, in a unique synergy of the creative and the sacred. The result is an experience that at once soothes the mind while feeding the soul. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Petersen
• Release date: Feb 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201562038

Book preview

Chapter 1

Paths can be taken; not so the enduring Way

Terms can be cited; not so the enduring Word

The absence of names is the origin of all creation

For the presence of names is the mother of all creation

It follows that detachment always highlights the mystery

While attachment always highlights the form

Both of these appear together

Different names for the same subtle sense

The subtlety of subtleties

Gateway of all mysteries

Chapter 2

When all under heaven know the beauty of being beautiful

That is ugly

When all know the goodness of being good

That is not good

Presence and absence beget each other

Problems and ease fulfill each other

Length and brevity contrast with each other

Nobility and baseness rely on each other

Music and voice harmonize with each other

Front and back accompany each other

This is why sages economize action in managing their affairs

And practice their doctrines without words

All of creation arises from this with no explanation

Cultivating without ownership

Acting without dependence

Succeeding without dwelling

Because there is no dwelling

There is no leaving

Chapter 3

Do not praise talent

And the people will not quarrel

Do not esteem goods that are hard to obtain

And the people will not steal

Do not showcase your desires

And the people will not be disturbed

Sages govern by emptying the heart

And filling the belly

Weakening ambition

And strengthening physique

Keeping the people uninformed and free of desires

So that even the clever think twice before acting

Act to economize action

And there will be no lack of leadership

Chapter 4

The Way is empty

Yet in application seemingly inexhaustible

How vast! Like the antecedent of all creation

Blunting sharpness, untangling knots, softening lights, equaling dust

How deep! Like a tentative presence

I have no idea who sired it, for it precedes the appearance of the Gods

Chapter 5

Heaven and earth are not benevolent

They treat all creation as straw dogs

Sages are not benevolent

They treat everyone as straw dogs

The gap between heaven and earth

Is it not like a bellows?

Empty, yet never exhausted!

The more it acts, the more is produced

Long discussion is pointless

Unlike staying centered

Chapter 6