The
Daodejing is an old Chinese text that was produced during the sixth through the
third centuries. The author is not
entirely known but is said to be Laozi, a master. The work is an instruction manual to the
people on how to rule and gain power and success. It is based on “nonaction” and passiveness. The chapters are in rhythmic verses and it is
of a philosophical genre. The genre of
the text evokes that of mysterious instruction and deep thinking.
I found the text very interesting in the way of the
unknown. The first time I read through
it, I found it strangely complicated and confusing but then once I read the
introduction and learned some of the background on it, I found it easier and
more enjoyable to read. As I went on, I
appreciated the simplicity and language of the text. For example, in the XXXVIII chapter it
states, “A man of the highest virtue does not keep to virtue and that is why he
has virtue. A man of the lowest virtue never strays from virtue and that is why
he is without virtue.” The way I
interpreted this section was relating to being humble and not searching and
constantly striving for virtue and esteem.
I argue, instruction similar to this text exists today. Words of wisdom continue to be passed down
through word of mouth and in religious texts.
One thing I found odd in the text was the reference
to “The Way” and “The Virtue”. I found
the text interesting due to how different it was. I have little background in ancient
literature and the Daodejing was unlike anything I have read before. As I studied the text, I found the text
artful and beautiful in its language and simplicity.
One term that came up several times in the text was
myriad, linked with creatures. I have
seen this word before; however, I did not know the meaning. I looked it up and it is defined as great,
many or infinite in number. One place
myriad is used in one of the chapters is, “The way is empty, yet use will not
drain it. Deep, it is like the ancestor of the myriad creatures.” In this section, I considered it to be
referring to the predecessor of innumerable creatures.
Question
for the class:
·
How does this
text compare to current works of literature of our culture?
·
Lists some symbolism
within the work?
·
How do you view
the instruction and behavior the text suggests? Do you agree or disagree with
teachings?
·
List some
differences to modern culture.
·
How does Chinese
literature that is produced today compare to the Daodejing?
·
Do some research
and find more information about the authors of the text? Who? Why? When?
Work Cited
"Myriad."
Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. Web. 20 Nov. 2014. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/myriad>.
Puchner, Martin.
"Daodejing/ Laozi." The Norton Anthology: World Literature.
Shorter Third Ed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013. 780-790.
Print.
Good work.
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