Prologue
Laozi of the Chen state, serving as a minister in the Chu kingdom, despaired at an age dominated by beasts in human form and turned his back on the world.
At Hangu Pass, he left behind 5,000 characters of the Tao Te Ching to a gatekeeper named Yun Hee, then departed.
The Tao Te Ching is the cradle of all philosophy and thought.
Realizing the fleeting nature of human life, Laozi chose the path of non-action (wu wei) in harmony with nature.
What Laozi meant by wu wei was a life untainted and unadorned, just as it is.
Taking the Tao Te Ching as a guiding question,
I ask myself:
"Walking with Laozi," I revisit the meaning.
With Laozi’s stirring words, I awaken myself.
With small gestures, I move myself.
By willingly following nature’s flow, I protect myself.
I dedicate this book to Margarete, who is like Beatrice.
On May 31, 2025, in Woohakjae by Nomadsirius.
This book is an original reflective work inspired by the Tao Te Ching. It is not a direct or literal translation, but a unique philosophical interpretation and composition by the author.
