Tao Te Ching · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Tao Te Ching by Laozi.

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Chapter 1
Preface by James Legge
James Legge introduces his translations of Taoist texts, including the Tao Te Ching and the writings of Chuang-tzŭ, discusses the evolution of Taoism from philosophy to religion under Buddhist influence, and reviews various commentaries and translations, notably criticizing Balfour's reliance on the spurious Lü Yen commentary while defending Julien and other translators against charges of Confucian bias.
Chapter 2
Was Taoism Older Than Laozi?
This chapter explores the question of whether Taoism existed before Laozi, arguing that the principles of Taoism were already present in ancient times, as evidenced by references in the Tao Te Ching and the writings of Chuang-tzŭ. It discusses the relative antiquity of Taoism and Confucianism, the meeting of Laozi and Confucius, and the paradisiacal state of early Taoist society.
Chapter 3
The Texts of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-Tzŭ Shu, as Regards Their Authenticity and Genuineness, and the Arrangement of Them
This chapter examines the textual history, authenticity, and arrangement of the Tao Te Ching and the Chuang-Tzŭ Shu. It presents evidence for the Tao Te Ching's genuineness, including early quotations by Ssŭ-ma Chʽien, Han Fei, and Huai-nan Tzŭ, and traces its transmission through imperial library catalogues, commentaries by Ho-shang Kung, Wang Pi, and others, and the division into chapters. It also briefly discusses the Chuang-Tzŭ Shu's textual tradition.
Chapter 4
What Is the Meaning of the Name Tao? And the Chief Points of the Belief in Taoism
This chapter explores the meaning of the term 'Tao' and the core beliefs of Taoism, contrasting Taoist and Confucian uses of 'Tʽien' (Heaven), discussing the impersonal, non-active nature of the Tao, and examining early Western translations and interpretations by figures such as Abel-Rémusat, Stanislas Julien, F. H. Balfour, and Herbert A. Giles. It also touches on the paradoxical teachings of Laozi and Chuang-tzŭ, including the idea that the Tao 'does nothing and yet nothing is left undone,' and describes the paradisiacal state of 'perfect virtue' in early Taoist thought.
Chapter 5
Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien
This chapter presents the historical accounts of Laozi and Chuang-tzŭ as recorded by the historian Ssŭ-ma Chʽien. It describes Laozi's life as a curator in the Royal Library, his meeting with Confucius in 517 BC, his composition of the Tao Te Ching at the request of Warden Yin Hsi, and his mysterious departure and unknown death. For Chuang-tzŭ, it details his erudition, his preference for Laozi's teachings, his satirical writings against Confucians and Mohists, his refusal of high office from King Wei of Chʽu, and his death scene emphasizing a natural burial. The chapter also notes the legendary elements in these accounts and the lack of historical certainty.

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Preface by James Legge

Was Taoism Older Than Laozi?

The Texts of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-Tzŭ Shu, as Regards Their Authenticity and Genuineness, and the Arrangement of Them

What Is the Meaning of the Name Tao? And the Chief Points of the Belief in Taoism

Accounts of Laozi and Chuang-Tzŭ Given by Ssŭ-Ma Chʽien