Classic Book Reader
Cover of The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics

The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics

by Laozi (1815–1897)

  • Free to read
  • 40 min read
  • 19 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics" by Laozi is an ancient Chinese text from the late Warring States period (475–221 BCE). This foundational work of Taoism explores the Way and its Virtue through poetic wisdom. Traditionally attributed to the sage Laozi, though authorship remains debated, it has profoundly influenced Chinese philosophy and religious practice. As one of the most translated texts worldwide, it precedes the other core Taoist work, the Zhuangzi, and continues to resonate across cultures.

Read free now No app, no sign-up. Your place is saved automatically. Or download for your e-reader ↓
  • Philosophy, Chinese
  • Taoism · Sacred books

Read the opening

Part 1

Ch. 1. 1. The Tao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.

2. (Conceived of as) having no name, it is the Originator of heaven and earth; (conceived of as) having a name, it is the Mother of all things.

Keep reading The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics →

Contents

  1. Part 1
  2. Part 1
  3. Chapter 3
  4. Chapter 6
  5. Chapter 1
  6. Chapter 1
  7. Chapter 21
  8. Chapter 1
  9. Chapter 2
  10. Part II
  11. Part II
  12. Chapter 2
  13. Chapter 1
  14. Chapter 1
  15. Chapter 5
  16. Chapter 2
  17. Chapter 3
  18. Chapter 1
  19. Chapter 1
  20. Chapter 68
  21. Chapter 3

Download for your e-reader

Files are provided by Project Gutenberg. On a Kindle, the simplest route is to send the EPUB with Amazon’s Send to Kindle. Downloaded copies don’t sync with your place on Classic Book Reader.

About this edition

This free edition of The Tao Teh King, or the Tao and its Characteristics by Laozi comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #216, released 1995-02-01. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Poetry, Philosophy & Ethics, Religion/Spirituality.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).