Tao Te Ching

[insert name]

any one read it?
any one read the non-translated version?
any thoughts?

[TovarishAlexandrov]

Yes, I've read it, but no, I don't speak ancient Chinese. I own a few copies. After Lao Tzu left from the great wall, he is said to have taught his teachings still, and they are complied in a book called Hua Hu Ching. It's allot more practical then the Tao for basic understanding, as it's all done in a dialoge of Lao Tzu answering and asking questions... but the Tao is deeper when you have time to meditate over it. I have many thoughts about it, but, as with Zen, it is best not to share your understanding directly. Thats why it's so cryptic. That, and it can't be explained more definitly then the "Way" to enlightenment.

[IzmSchism]

I have studied parts of the IChing, , I would recommend you first read the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu's first. My thoughts are that it is like other religious texts, self realization in the reality that surrounds you, while minding the pitfalls of our senses (buddhism) Taoism is cool, it bends on the side of Zen, while gathering great influence from Buddhism and Confucianism. I recommend it highly. The coolest thing about Asian religion is that it more embodies a way of life, not just a spiritual aspect to evolving. The Chinese utilized this thinking in their ruling, economy, et cetera, that a ruling principle is involved in the natural aspects of life and that governing force can be observed and incorporated into the flow of human life.