The most accessible and authoritative modern English translation of this esoteric but infinitely practical bestselling book. "No one has done better in conveying Lao Tsu's simple and laconic style of writing, so as to produce an English version almost as suggestive of the many meanings intended." —Alan Watts For nearly two generations, Gia-fu Feng and Jane English's bestselling translation of the Tao Te Ching has been the standard for those seeking access to the wisdom of Taoist thought. Now Jane English and her long-time editor, Toinette Lippe, have revised and refreshed the translation so that it more faithfully reflects the Classical Chinese in which it was first written, taking into account changes in our own language and eliminating any lingering infelicities. They have retained the simple clarity of the original rendering of a sometimes seemingly obtuse spiritual text, a clarity that has made this version a classic in itself, selling over a million copies. Written most probably in the sixth century B.C. by Lao Tsu, this esoteric but infintely practical book has been translated into English more frequently than any other work except the Bible. Gia-fu Feng and Jane English's superb translation offers the essence of each word and makes Lao Tsu's teaching immediate and alive. This edition includes an introduction and notes by the well-known writer and scholar of philosophy and comparative religion, Jacob Needleman.
A brilliant, beautifully presented translation of the Taoist ‘way of integrity’—Lao Tzu’s classic text and sublimely spiritual teachings on how to live with goodness and integrity. Taosim affirms that each human being is a reflection of the whole universe—a microcosm within the macrocosm—and that all of us live under the same cosmic laws of the Tao. The Taoist follows the path of non-action (Wu Wei), flowing with the constantly changing stream of life, and trying to live in universal harmony and balance. The easily assimilated aphorisms in this great book are a continuous source of spiritual guidance and nourishment, and its insights on statesmanship are practical guides for our own time. Ralph Alan Dale’s brilliant translation uniquely captures, as never before, the essential meaning of this profound text, and makes it entirely relevant to today’s readers.
The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu is one of the most widely read and deeply cherished books in the world, a work many consider the wisest book ever written. In his introduction, translator Brian Browne Walker says, "It is less a book than a living, breathing angel." In his new translation, Walker stays close to the direct literal accuracy of the Chinese characters while producing a modern, exceptionally clear version that has the ring and voice of Lao Tzu, a man who may or may not have been a single individual. "I have come to think of Lao Tzu less as a man who once lived," Walker writes, "and more as a song that plays, eternal and abiding.
There is something, chaotic yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Oh, how still it is, and formless, standing alone without changing, reaching everywhere without suffering harm! It must be regarded as the Mother of the Universe. Its name I know not. To designate it, I call it Tao. Endeavoring to describe it, I call it Great. Being great, it passes on; passing on, it becomes remote; having become remote, it returns.
There is something, chaotic yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Oh, how still it is, and formless, standing alone without changing, reaching everywhere without suffering harm! It must be regarded as the Mother of the Universe. Its name I know not. To designate it, I call it Tao. Endeavoring to describe it, I call it Great. Being great, it passes on; passing on, it becomes remote; having become remote, it returns.
An enduring translation of a timeless work, now in a new edition. The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu is one of the most widely read and deeply cherished books in the world, a work many consider the wisest book ever written. In his introduction, translator Brian Browne Walker says, "It is less a book than a living, breathing angel." Brian Browne Walker's is one of the few modern English versions to be translated directly from the original Chinese. In his translation, Walker stays close to the direct literal accuracy of the Chinese characters while producing a modern, exceptionally clear version that has the ring and voice of Lao Tzu, a man who may or may not have been a single individual. "I have come to think of Lao Tzu less as a man who once lived," Walker writes, "and more as a song that plays, eternal and abiding.
This illustrated edition is a modern English rendering of the Tao te Ching by one of the best Chinese translators Lioner Giles, who was Keeper of the Department of Oriental Books and Manuscripts at the British Museum. Giles also translated Sun Tzu's Art of War.
This is a new translation of the Tao Te Ching in contemporary English by Sam Torode. "This is the gift that ancient humans would give us if they saw us today... Wisdom." --Jimmy of the "Bright Insight" YouTube channel, speaking of this edition of the Tao Te Ching. Wise yet worldly, spiritual yet practical, the Tao Te Ching is beloved by seekers all the world over. This new edition features a lucid, poetic translation that makes the Tao Te Ching accessible to contemporary readers.The Tao Te Ching is a series of meditations on the mysterious nature of the Tao--the Way, the guiding light, the very source of all existence. According to Lao Tzu (a name meaning "the old master"), the Tao is found where we would least expect it--not in the strong but in the weak; not in speech but in silence; not in doing but in "not-doing."Also available as a contemplative audiobook.
Lao Tzu was the father of Taoism. In his "Tao Te Ching," Lao Tzu outlined the basic concept of Tao. Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu were Lao Tzu's most important followers who expounded and expanded the basic principles set forth by Lao Tzu. Together, the sayings of these three sages, which make up this volume, are the foundations for the philosophy of Tao. The translations of the works of these ancient Chinese sages by Lionel Giles and Herbert Giles are very highly regarded and considered by many to be the definitive English translations. Lionel's translation of "The Sayings of Lao Tzu" (1905), taken from the "Tao Te Ching" and logically re-ordered, is remarkable for its clarity of expression, particularly given the complexity of the subject. Herbert's translation of "The Sayings of Chuang Tzu," presented here, with an introduction by Lionel, was originally published as "Musings of a Chinese Mystic" (1906). Lionel's translation of "The Sayings of Lieh Tzu" was originally published as "The Book of Lieh Tzu, or Teachings in Taoism" (1912). Individually the works of these Chinese sages are classics. Together, they are a master resource of the history of Tao.
The Tao te Ching of Lao Tzu The Tao Te Ching, Daodejing, or Dao De Jing, also simply referred to as the Laozi; pinyin: is a Chinese classic text. According to tradition, it was written around 6th century BC by the sage Laozi (or Lao Tzu: pinyin: Laozi, literally meaning "Old Master," a record-keeper at the Zhou dynasty court, by whose name the text is known in China. The text's true authorship and date of composition or compilation are still debated, although the oldest excavated text dates back to the late 4th century BC. The text, along with the Zhuangzi, is a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism, and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism, Confucianism and Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Daoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Daodejing as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, and is amongst the most translated works in world literature. The Wade-Giles romanization "Tao Te Ching" dates back to early English transliterations in the late 19th century; its influence can be seen in words and phrases that have become well-established in English. "Daodejing" is the pinyin romanization.
The Tao Te Ching has long been considered to be one of the most important philosophical texts ever written, providing a guide to living and great insight into the wisdom of the ages. In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-Tzu's 'Tao Te Ching, ' or 'Book of the Way, ' provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao-the basic principle of the universe. This translation of the work of Lao Tzu is represented beautifully in this special collector's edition and is highly regarded and considered by many to be the definitive English translation noted for its clarity of expression and for maintaining the integrity of the original text. These eighty-one verses of the Tao Te Ching resound with the elegant, simple yet powerful all-penetrating ideas that have made this ancient work a cornerstone of the world's wisdom literature. This Special Collector's Edition of the Tao Te Ching includes an Introduction by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on his message of truth, compassion and peace. REVIEWS: "One of the most important and profound texts of world literature." - Publisher's Weekly "This Special Collector's Edition is a revelation in its own right. For those seeking a better understanding of themselves, this translation delivers a wealth of wisdom and insights. " - Des Moines Register "It is rare that so few words can contain so much power." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Consisting of 81 chapters, the "Tao Te Ching" has been translated into English more times than any other Chinese document. Those looking for change and peace in life will benefit from reading this valuable and time-tested message.
Tao Te Ching is the 2,500 years old source to Taoism, written by the legendary Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu. In 81 short chapters, he presented the world according to Tao, the Way, and how mankind should adapt to it. The book has become one of the foremost world classics of wisdom - maybe even more relevant today, than it was to Lao Tzu's contemporaries. This translation of the text focuses on the clarity and simplicity by which Lao Tzu expresses his fascinating cosmology and profound ethics. Except for a short foreword by the translator, Lao Tzu's text is uncommented in this edition, allowing it to speak for itself. Stefan Stenudd has also published an edition with extensive comments and explanations: Tao Te Ching. The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained.
This classic work of Chinese mysticism was written over 2500 years ago. It author was Li Er, an enlightened sage and scholar known to the world as Lao Tzu (Venerable Master), who espoused a philosophy of the Way, or 'Tao': a method of non-striving existence, an effortless 'going with the flow'. Poetic, Humorous, Wise, Deep-hearted, and at times frustratingly enigmatic, the 'Tao Te Jing' is required reading for any student of mysticism and philosophy. It is also the perfect antidote to our contemporary materialist culture of acquisition and self-aggrandisement.
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