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Sacred or Revered Texts

Taoist Canons
The most recognized Taoist text is the Tao Te Ching, "The Way of Power," or "The Book of the Way."

It is believed to have been written by Lao-Tse but there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the authorship. Most scholars today believe that the Tao Te Ching wasn't written until about 300 to 250 B.C.E. Recent studies even suggest that the Tao Te Ching may have actually been written within a circle of scholarly men. The Tao Te Ching describes the nature of life, the way to peace, and how a ruler should lead his life. The book itself is very short. It is only 5000 characters contained in 81 chapters. The Tao Te Ching is divided into two parts: the Tao-ching and the Te-ching. Very early in history it is possible that these two texts existed individually, however, at some time they were translated together and remain this way today.

Chuang-tzu (named after its author) is the second most recognized Taoist text. The Chuang-tzu contains additional teachings relevent to Taoism. It describes Taoist philosophy in greater detail as well as relays stories of Taoist masters and disciples. The Chuang-tzu highlights techniques that focus on breathing, meditation, sexual activity, and diet. The Chuang-tzu is organized into three sections. It is not clear as to when this text was written however estimates are that it was written, sometime in the fourth century B.C.E.

Two other texts, the T'ai-p'ing Ching, "Classic of the Great Peace," and the Pao P'u Tzu, "Master Embracing Simplicity," are also recognized as part of the Taoist canon. Both of these texts were written in the third and fourth centuries. These texts elaborate ways for Taoists to obtain immortality by concocting magical potions, special diets, engaging in sexual activity, and by studying alchemical substances.

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