IV.

LEARNING TASKS

Note: Individual assignment

Look at the schedule of the test in elearn site
For your reading in Lao Tzu (Lao Zi) Taoism – Tao Te Ching please open the link below
Textbook Click https://sacred-texts.com/tao/taote.htm link to open resource.
Study guide
1)From chapters 1 to 81, see the passages that describes the nature of Tao. As many chapters
as you can as long as it applies.

Chapter no. Description in words Image/metaphor use Your analysis

( has to be a strong
description, not generic and
no repetition)
- No name - Heaven Tao is a constant
1 - Unchanging - Earth that goes by no
- Originator - Mother name and is still a
- Without desire mystery.
- Mystery
- Wonderful
- Subtle
3 - Superior - good governance Don't be biased
- Knowledge by taking the
- empties sidelines or
- universal remaining in the
background. and
must be distinct.
- Benevolent - Dogs of grass Allow things to
5 develop naturally
and don't treat
them individually.
- Ugliness - Beauty There’s nothing
2 permanent all are
changing.
- Good - Water Tao is completely
8 - Benefiting natural, much like
how water flows.
4 - Empty - Vessel It doesn't
- Never exhausted overpower or
flaunt itself.
Copy this for your assignment and you can extend the lines and tables.

2. Discuss the Taoist principle involved in the following chapter

 Chapter Taoist principle involved Which specific lines?
- Stays in the background
2 - Tao (natural state of things)
- Staying in the middle As a result, the sage
3 empties in the course of
exercising his authority.
weakens their will,
strengthens their
stomachs, weakens their
minds, and strengthens
their bones.

- wu wei
9
13 - emptying Favor and shame appear
to be feared equally; honor
and
a terrible tragedy that
should be viewed as
personal circumstances.

19 - staying in the background The world would be a

better place if we could
give up our sageness and
wisdom.
a hundred-fold
improvement for the
populace
24 - staying in the background
56 - learn to unlearn things everyday
81

3) Qualities of a good ruler who is guided by Tao. Indicate the chapter.

Qualities Chapter as basis

Mode of assessment:
 Face to face class Reading, analyzing the passages and
Assessment : Class recitation
Submission of assignment listed above
Online class
Test
Online

Other references :
http://www.acmuller.net/con/daodejing .h
Also watch : My lecture on video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylCTAPuX2dA