The New Commentary on Dao De Jing 道德真经新注

Composed by Li Yue of the Tang Dynasty, this work consists of four volumes and is included in the Yujue (Jade Commentary) category of the Dongshen Section of the Daozang(Daoist Canon).

According to the author’s preface, the core tenet of this commentary regards theLaozias "a method of purifying the mind, nourishing vital energy, safeguarding families and securing the state", and claims that "the Six Classics are merely branches and leaves of Huang-Lao philosophy". TheDaorefers to the principle of purity, tranquility and naturalness; elaborated separately, it encompasses three subtle natural laws: imitating the earth, imitating heaven and imitating the Dao. When a ruler governs the realm in accordance with these subtle natural laws, this state of governance is referred to as "De" (virtue).