My words are very easy to understand,
And very easy to put into practice,
Yet there are few in the world who understand them,
Or who are able to put them into practice.
What I teach involves a process,
Just as a culture involves a curriculum.
It is only because people haven’t experienced it directly
That they don’t know what I’m talking about.
Those who do understand me are exceedingly rare,
And so I cherish them.
Though sages may dress shabbily,
They hold luminous treasures within their hearts.
You may order or download The Tao Te Ching here.
List of verses here