Tao Te Ching: The Virtual Way

We explore the Way through eighty-one poetic verses

We approach the Tao Te Ching as a text for reading and contemplation. Its verses consider the flow of things, the nature of reality and the responsibilities of leadership.

We welcome readers beginning or returning to the Tao

We prepared this edition for readers meeting the text for the first time and those comparing it with familiar versions. The commentary offers space to consider the ideas in greater detail.

What we bring together within The Virtual Way

We pair the verses with commentary exploring their language and themes. Our work on this edition began by comparing versions and investigating direct translations of the Chinese characters.

How we approached the language of this edition

We compared the differences between existing versions and considered passages that seemed to contradict one another. That study shaped our approach to the translation and the accompanying commentary.

We invite you to spend time with each passage

We suggest reading one passage and then allowing fifteen minutes for meditation on what you have read. You can also read the verses in sequence and return to passages that raise questions.

Find this edition of the Tao in our shop

We offer Tao Te Ching: The Virtual Way through the Spirit Shop. Follow the book link to see its current purchase details.