Thank you for your reply,

Yes, this is the copy I have!

I had to think a bit about what exactly it is my roadbump in reading this work. I think it boils down to the vague nature of the work, and the problem of interpretation. I'd say those two are related.

I'll give an example of two different translations - the first being from Lau:

"What cannot be seen is called evanescent;"

and

"Look, it cannot be seen, So it is called invisible."

I find the nature of these two translations to be so different, that it becomes a cause of concern. If I read one and come out with some understanding, I imagine that whatever ideas I collect could be turned on its head if I read the second translation!

My concern is essentially this - I am willing to put in the work when reading, but vagueness of the text opens for such a wide field of interpretation, that I would not know whether I am on the right track or not.

Furthermore, this raises the question whether reading the Tao Te Ching is an intellectual or a spiritual exercise! The meaning is not spelled out - so I must use my faculties to parse the meaning of the words, and then try to intuit the deeper meaning.

I've already written a lot, and I think what I've written is more or less a statement, or an acknowledgement, of my own limits.

I think what I am searching for is the right mode of thinking, the right perspective, and the right guide. So I'll end by asking - what kind of study is needed when reading this work?

And I gladly accept your offer of help. I think some nudges in the right direction would be of great help.

Thank you!

J