Zephyr

Hey, So i've been thinking about the Tao Te Ching lately and I was wondering is there a correct way to read and study it? I know that in the end we are supposed to draw our own conclusions about what Tao means to us. Still I couldn't help but notice there are many different interpretations and translations out there, are any of them more superior or closer to the original writings? I know in Christianity for example there are many versions of the Bible and everyone has a opinion on which is the best. While some stick the KJV other use the simplified NIV, some like study Bibles that guide them through the scriptures and provide better explanations and some people prefer to try and get as close to the original Hebrew writings as possible. All of the different versions share the same basic idea and story, mostly with just slight alterations to the way its presented. Instead of thou shalt saying you should and so on. Yet there is this huge divide even among people within the same church on which version is best. does the same hold true for the Tao Te Ching or am I just overthinking things? Also any links to different versions, interpretations, and translations of the Tao Te Ching are gratefully appreciated. Thanks all! -Zephyr

Greetings! So I just wanted to post about myself. Recently I decided to start following Tao. This was quite a big decision considering I have a long and confusing history with religion and beliefs ( but that's a post all onto itself ). I spent a lot of time over the last 2ish years looking into different religions, practices, beliefs, and life styles. Somehow through it all I kept being drawn back the the idea of Taoism. As of a few months ago I started proclaiming myself as a Taoist but when my friend asked about Tao and a Taoist lifestyle I had to admit i'm not entirely sure what that is. I did my best to explain what Tao is for me and how i'm still learning but after I thought about what he said and really examined myself it just left me with more questions than answers. So here I am hoping to learn all I can and talk to as many different people so I can deepen my understanding of Tao. Thanks all, I look forward to talking to you soon. -Zephyr

Hey, sorry for all the quotes but I wanted to address and thank everyone that responded. Marblehead I appreciate the link. It looks super helpful! Having a multitude of translations in one place is gonna make reading and switching in between all the different versions much smoother. Dawei, I checked out the post and I'm excited to see what people think about the different interpretations. Hopefully ill even be able to find some good versions to pick up online. Lost in Translations and Earl Grey, thank you for your suggestions. In all honesty I am not familiar with the I Ching. However I'm excited to find out what it is now! Again thank you all so very much! looks like I have a lot of reading to do. Till next time -Zephyr

Thank you! Meditation has helped me out quite a bit. I do have a hard time doing it for extended periods of time though. I typically get distracted and lose focus but I suppose its just something you have to work up to. thank you so much to everyone else who has responded! I look forward to talking with you all soon. -Zephyr