Considered to be the Bible of Taoism, Tao Te Ching (the book of Tao and Te) is written by Lao Tzu, several hundred years ago, during the Warring State period, in China.

The legend says that when Lao Tzu left the emperor court and gone west he met Yin Hsi, the guardian of the pass, who asked him was to write a book of wisdom for him. Lao Tzu would have accepted and thus Tao Te Ching was born.

The Book is made of 5000 characters and, currently, of 81 chapters.

Commonly it is divised in 2 great section, that is, the Book of Tao and the Book of Te.

Gnerally speaking the content of the book is not so much accesible as one may think. Most of the verses are obscure and difficult to grasp, so one needs special knowledge concerning the Taoist concepts in order to reach the inner meaning of the texts.

This site is designed to offer informaton on both the content and structure and the meaning of the book and, also, hints on how to further study its philosophical ideas.

Please check the main menu list on left for the sections of this site.