The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (Book Discussion) - week 1

Written more than two thousand years ago, the Tao Te Ching is one of the true classics of the world of spiritual literature. Whether or not Lao Tzu was a historical figure is uncertain, but the wisdom gathered under his name in the fourth century BC is central to the understanding and practice of Taoism. One of the three great religions of China, Taoism is based upon a concept of the Tao, or Way, as the universal power through which all life flows. The Tao Te Ching offers a practical model by which both the individual and society can embody this belief, encouraging modesty and self-restraint as the true path to a harmonious and balanced existence.

Join us to discuss this classic book over the course of 4-weeks!
Week 1 Sat 8/9 12:30-2:30pm Seahorse Room @ Pier 57

Note About the Reading
Since the Tao is very short, but deeply poetic we will also be reading Alan Watts' short book, "Tao:The Watercourse Way" alongside it. This will give us some context, background, and commentary to help frame our discussions.

Reading for Week 1
Verses 1 - 18 in "The Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tzu (18pgs)
and
Chapters 1 & 2 in "Tao: The Watercourse Way" by Alan Watts (36pgs)

Feel free to read any translation of the Tao you like
I will be reading the Ursula La Guin Translation
paperback available here
free pdf download here *click on the first slow download option
(other formats available too —epub & mobi for kindle—just search in search bar)
I will also be referencing the website [tasuki.org](https://ttc.tasuki.org/display:Code:gff,sm,jc,rh/section:1) which has all of the major translations side by side for each verse

here is the paperback version I will be reading of Alan Watt's book
Free pdf download here *click on the first slow download option
(other formats available too —epub & mobi for kindle—just search in search bar)

We follow a mindful conversation approach, details on this along with a general FAQ on how we run the meetup can be found here.
Reading is required to participate in the discussion, but not required to attend.

Can't wait to discuss these ideas with all of you!
-Zach