Book of Dao

A gender-neutral translation of the classical Chinese text "The Way and its Virtue" (Dao De Jing) by the great Chinese philosopher Laozi (around 6th century – 4th century BC). Considered to be the cornerstone of Daoism, its contribution to the history of philosophy is invaluable.

From the ground up, this text was translated from the original classical Chinese into English to reflect the content in a modern way, inclusive of all genders. The original text is found side by side with the translation of all 81 verses.

道德經

The book of Dao

(The book of the way of virtue)

Part 1. 第一部分.

1. Gateway to wonder.

2. An opposition that connects.

3. Simplicity.

4. Unfathomable.

5. Out of emptiness.

6. Soul of the valley.

7. Endless selflessness.

8. Adjust without resisting.

9. Letting go.

Part 2. 第二部分.

10. Pure and modest.

11. Creative emptiness.

12. Self-esteem without addiction.

13. Independent self-esteem.

14. Beyond understanding.

15. Unfathomable wisdom.

16. Return to constancy.

17. Thoughtful leadership.

18. Signs of Decay.

Part 3. 第三部分.

19. The freedom of sobriety.

20. Worldly people, wise people.

21. Inscrutable Dao.

22. The wisdom of flexibility.

23. The durability of the path.

24. Avoid complexity.

25. The greatness of the Dao.

26. Serene.

27. True skillmanship.

Part 4. 第四部分.

28. Power of vision.

29. Without interfering.

30. Power without violence.

31. Finest weapons - instruments of misery.

32. Rise above.

33. Enlightenment.

34. Great selflessness.

35. Incorruptable.

36. Paradox of power.

Part 5. 第五部分.

37. The victory of contentedness.

38. Power without intention.

39. Harmony through simplicity.

40. The return.

41. Unforced.

42. Nonviolence.

43. The victory of tenderness.

44. True ideals.

45. Paradox of truth.

Part 6. 第六部分.

46. Peaceful modesty.

47. To see and to understand.

48. Less is more.

49. Trust and goodness.

50. Life and death.

51. The power of the way.

52. The sensation of feeling.

53. To move forward or stray.

54. Maturation.

Part 7. 第七部分.

55. The power of soundness.

56. Silent enlightenment.

57. Quiet, simple righteousness.

58. A gentle lead.

59. Moderation.

60. Cooperation.

61. First servant.

62. Refuge.

63. Lightness of being.

Part 8. 第八部分.

64. First steps.

65. Modest self-reliance.

66. The kings of the hundred valleys.

67. Three treasures.

68. True leadership.

69. The victory of retreat.

70. Easy to understand, hard to follow.

71. Wisdom and illusion.

72. True authority.

Part 9. 第九部分.

73. Silent victory.

74. Lethal death.

75. Burdens.

76. Subtle power.

77. The way of nature.

78. The wisdom of water.

79. Blessed tolerance.

80. Simple living.

81. Words of truth.

Buy Book