This morning I listened to The Tao Te Ching for the first time in years, and it spoke to me in ways I hadn't experienced before

I am almost 45, and I've lived a very eventful life.

I first encountered Taoism in my early 20s, when someone gave a copy of The Tao Te Ching. Reading it at that time was deeply impactful, and changed much of my perspective about life.

I reread it several times in my twenties, but then did not look at it again till perhaps my thirties. My 30s were a very trying and overwhelming time in my life, and while I recall rereading the text then, I do not remember it being significantly influential or moving.

This morning however, I was looking for something to listen to while restarting a practice of morning meditation. I ended up listening to the first 22 sections.

From the very first section, I experienced a resonance and familiarity with the spirit of the words that I did not anticipate. Several of the sections I listened to were deeply meaningful to me, and my understandings of things I have learned through my life experiences. It was like I was hearing someone elegantly give voice to some of the deeper understandings and thoughts I have had after hard lessons in life.

I am moved and profoundly grateful to be able to experience this deeper layer of The Tao Te Ching. I am looking forward to further listening, and intentionally reading through it, as well as future contemplation and meditation. I have caught a glimpse of a deeper wisdom than I previously grasped, and feel an affirmation in my soul regarding the progress I've made on my path of healing, growth, and understanding.

in taoismby Tenebrous_Savant

96%

18d

HoldFastDeets

17d

Me as well. Every time I read it I highlight in a different color.

I'm running out of things that aren't highlighted, and those that aren't have ???? and WTF next to them lol

JonnotheMackem

18d

Nice! Where did you listen to it? Did you listen whilst meditating?

Tenebrous_Savant

17d

It was on youtube, and yes while meditating. Sometimes I like to specifically meditate while listening to something reflective or profound, opening myself up to see what resonates. Occasionally something will click or catch some part of my thoughts, and take me some place insightful that I did not expect. I'm often only partially aware of what I'm listening to, unless it specifically resonates.

You-Saw-Brigadoon

17d

Thanks for sharing! Could you provide the link to the specific YouTube video you listened to?

Tenebrous_Savant

17d

Here, I don't mind sharing.

I'm curious though, is there a reason you are interested in the specific video?

[deleted]

17d

I really like the pacing of this reading, the reason I got my own book-copy and didn’t continue on with the audiobooks that I found initially was because people tend to read the verses too fast and I like to have time with each line to understand how it connects to me in the moment. This reading goes nice and slow, and gives more space for personal interpretation versus a narrator/author’s explanation of the verse. Not that I’m the one who asked, but I was interested in clicking the link for that reason lol.

Selderij

17d

The Tao Te Ching has been translated into hundreds of versions, all with different interpretative angles, wording styles and degrees of linguistic & philosophical research and source adherence.

The one in that video is by Stephen Mitchell, his version being among the least matching the content in the source text, i.e. much of it is Mitchell's own ideations, omissions and additions superimposed onto and camouflaged as Lao Tzu's sayings – he did his version in four months based on other translations, not knowing Classical Chinese himself nor researching the subject matter all too much.

Tenebrous_Savant

17d

The Tao Te Ching has been translated into hundreds of versions, all with different interpretative angles, wording styles and degrees of linguistic & philosophical research and source adherence.

This is true, and was a reason why I considered not answering the question that was asked.

I have participated in amateur philosophy groups that have taken ancient works and collectively translated and discussed possible interpretations. This does not make me an expert in the least, but it has offered me some greater perspective at appreciating the challenges and potential fallacies that accompany translation.

The one in that video is by Stephen Mitchell, his version being among the least matching the content in the source text

There is commentary on that video at the beginning regarding the source and efforts of translation.

When I decided to share the particular video I listened to, I was aware that someone might criticize or have issue with the source. By sharing it, I do not endorse the translation or make any particular commentary about its content.

I decided that it didn't personally affect me if someone had a negative opinion. It doesn't detract from the significance of my own experience. I'm comfortable with understanding that my perspective is unusual and rather unique. I read voraciously and almost constantly. I'm also a writer, with a strong fondness for linguistics and an interest in etymology.

I rarely contemplate any particular translation or wording solely as it is offered. I have a reflexive habit of examining and rotating in various possible synonyms or alternative meanings, and considering how they might impact the phrase or statement as a whole.

u/Selderij thank you for your concern and advisements. I will bear them in mind.

You-Saw-Brigadoon

17d

Thank you for sharing! I was interested because I never get tired of new versions of the TTC that I haven't read or listened to yet.

Catablepas

17d

The average student thinks on it now and again.

VictoryGreen

18d

It hits different in even just a year of not reading or listening to it