The Tao and Lao Tzu

From “The Tao Te Ching”

Well established hierarchies are not easily uprooted; closely held beliefs are not easily released; so ritual enthralls generation after generation.

Harmony does not care for harmony, and so is naturally attained; ritual is intent upon harmony, and so cannot attain it.

Harmony neither acts nor reasons; Love acts, but without reason; Justice acts to serve reason; but ritual acts to enforce reason.

When the Way is lost, there remains harmony; when harmony is lost, there remains love; when love is lost, there remains justice; and when justice is lost, there remains ritual.

Lao Tzu

Although specifics and history on the Tao are sometimes uncertain, the Tao Te Ching is traditionally associated with Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher.

The work is composed of short passages about the Tao, often translated as “The Way,” and its power. Its influence has extended into philosophy, spirituality and culture for centuries.

The selections presented here reflect themes of harmony, simplicity, non-forcing and the relationship between human action and the greater natural order.