The Sacred Books of China (SBE Vol. 39) Books (I-XVII)

"The Sacred Books of China: The Texts of Taoism" is a comprehensive collection of key Taoist texts, including the "Tao Teh King" (or "Tao Te Ching") by Laozi and the writings of Zhuangzi (Kwang-Zze).

Overview:

1. Tao Teh King:

   • A foundational text of Taoism, emphasizing the concept of the "Tao" (the Way) and "Teh" (virtue or power).
   • It offers wisdom on living in harmony with the Tao, discussing themes like simplicity, humility, and the nature of the universe.

2. Writings of Zhuangzi:

   • A collection of philosophical anecdotes and allegories, presenting Zhuangzi's thoughts on spontaneity, freedom, and the relativity of human concepts.
   • Highlights the importance of intuition and the natural flow of life, often using humor and paradox.

Structure:

The texts are often divided into chapters that explore different philosophical themes, including:

• Nature and the Universe: The interconnectedness of all things.
• Leadership and Governance: The idea of ruling through non-action (wu wei).
• Personal Development: Emphasizing inner peace and authenticity.