道德经

Tao Te Ching

Taoism · book

The Tao Te Ching (道德经, Dàodéjīng) is a received collection of 81 short chapters traditionally attributed to Laozi. It explores the Tao (the Way), Te (virtue/power), Wu Wei (effortless action), and Ziran (naturalness).

About the Work

The Tao Te Ching is traditionally attributed to Laozi.

Dàodéjīng

Context and Boundaries

This page is the collection node for the received Tao Te Ching, not a second definition page for Tao. The complete guide owns the 81-chapter orientation; narrower concept guides and cards own passage-specific explanations. The Tao Te Ching is traditionally attributed to Laozi and is one of the foundational texts of Taoist thought.

Translation note: The Chinese locators are identified, but the working English shown on related pages is not presented as a named published translation. Do not present an Oriens rendering as a specific published translation.

What this does not establish: The Tao Te Ching is a received text traditionally attributed to Laozi. Read each chapter in its own context, and distinguish the text's images from later interpretation and modern application.

What Are the Key Facts About Tao Te Ching?

  • Tradition: Taoism
  • Chinese: 道德经
  • Category: Book
  • Definition: The Tao Te Ching (道德经, Dàodéjīng) is a received collection of 81 short chapters traditionally attributed to Laozi.

What Cards Are Related to Tao Te Ching?

The Tao That Cannot Be Spoken

Naming is the origin of all things

What Is of Itself

The Tao has no outside

Acts Without Force

Non-coercive action leaves nothing undone

Less Every Day

In pursuit of the Tao, drop something daily

What Other Guides Cover Taoism?

Tao Te Ching Complete Guide

Related — covers Laozi, Tao

Zhuangzi Complete Guide

Related — covers Zhuangzi

What Is Zhuangzi

Related — covers Zhuangzi

What Is Wu Wei

Related — covers Wu Wei

Frequently Asked Questions About Tao Te Ching

What is the Tao Te Ching?

The Tao Te Ching (道德经, 'Classic of the Way and Virtue') is a received collection of 81 short chapters traditionally attributed to Laozi. It explores the Tao, wu wei, and naturalness.

Who was Laozi?

Laozi ('Old Master') is the traditional figure associated with the Tao Te Ching and one of the foundational figures of Taoist thought.

What are the key ideas of the Tao Te Ching?

Central themes: the ineffable Dao as source and pattern; wu-wei (non-forcing action); weakness/yielding as strength; reversal as the movement of Dao; and 'naming' as the start of distinction.

How influential is it?

It is among the most translated works in world literature and shaped Daoism, Chinese politics, art, and medicine, plus global environmental and leadership thought.

Where to Read Next

Sources and Limits

Further Reading