*Note: In the podcast, I referred to wei wu wei as non-action. However, I believe it is more accurate to translate it as action through non-action. Also just to note, Wu wei is seen as an abbreviation for the whole wei wu wei.*

Welcome to the beginning of the Tao Te Ching series! I'll be going through each passage/section of the Tao Te Ching as we try to analyze it and relate it to the bigger picture of Taoism.

Taoism, originating from China, is an ancient philosophy, religion, and way of life that believes that we all must live according to the Tao, or the Way, the natural order of the universe pioneered by Lao Tzu/Laozi. The Tao Te Ching is the landmark book accredited to Lao Tzu that showcases the main principles of Taoism, as confusing as it can be. What is the Tao (the Way) anyways? How do we get there? Who knows! Just let it go and enjoy the ride as we discover The Tao Te Ching together in this series. 

TAO TE CHING 1 (Gia-Fu Feng et al. Translation): 

The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.
The name that can be named is not the eternal name.
The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth.
The name is the mother of ten thousand things.
Ever desireless, one can see the mystery.
Ever desiring, one can see the manifestations.
These two spring from the same source but differ in name;
This appears as darkness.
Darkness within darkness.
The gate to all mystery

Second translation:

There are ways but the Way is uncharted
There are names but not nature in words;
Nameless indeed is the source of all creation
But things have a mother and she has a name.

The secret waits for the insight
Of eyes unclouded by longing;
Those who are bound by desire
See only the outward container.

These two come paired but distinct
By their names.
Of all things profound,
Say that their pairing is deepest,
The gate to the root of the world.

Follow and discuss on @socratesandlaotzuprollyh8us or @joeyvictorino on instagram for updates + questions/queries! Feel free to correct me!