This unique edition of the "Tao Te Ching features: - the first comprehensive verbatim translation of the entire text of the "Tao Te Ching; - literal character definitions that allow the reader to create his or her own interpretation; - a concordance section that enables the reader to track the different ways a single character is used throughout the work; - grammatical and interpretive notes on individual terms and verses, - a unique commentary on the first verse, which represents a complete spiritual teaching in itself; and- a literary translation of the "Tao Te Ching that can be read on its own or compared with the verbatim translation.