I began studying the Dao De Jing in college in 1980. I lived in Taiwan and China for 3 years in the mid 1980s and immersed myself in the subject. In 1988 I received an MA from Yale in Asian Studies. I'm not sure if this background makes me more or less qualified to say anything profound about the Dao De Jing. The Dao De Jing Warns against trying to define it. Ironically, it is one of the most translated and discussed texts in the history of literature.
For this blog I have selected lines from Laozi's text. Each illustration includes my chinese calligraphy version of the text incorporated into the painting. I translate each line and discuss it in an informal way. There are literally dozens of worthwhile english translations of the Dao De Jing. Google it if you want a taste.
Feel free to comment in any way you are inspired to.
The calligraphy in this one translates, "Who is able to find repose in a muddy world, quiet as it clears? Who can remain calm for a long time, coming to life with action?" My illustration is of a man standing in mud, his hands chained together. There is a bit of action/confusion going on around him.