Examines the traditional and modern Western interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, and its author, Lao-tzu.

During the Spring-Autumn period (722–420 BCE) and the time of the Warring States (480–222 CE), China was in great turmoil. Intellectuals and social reformers sifted through their wisdom and knowledge of China’s experiences up to then, attempting to find a solution to their situation. The Tao Te Ching, one of the foremost products of the era, is a metaphysical book, a source of the highest political thought. Many readers have found in it representations of the highest ideals of human endeavors. Yet given its likely oral origin and the technological limitations of its early textual transmission, the Tao Te Ching raises numerous questions related to authorship, date of origin, internal organization, textual coherence, and editorial history. Of the scores of translations of the Tao Te Ching, the great majority are based on the edition prepared by the third-century scholar Wang Pi. Wang’s profound commentary is itself a deeply influential text in the development of Taoist thought. Paul Lin presents the commentary, otherwise unavailable in English, in the form of footnotes accompanying his meticulous rendition of the Taoist classic.

A rich, poetic, and socially relevant version of the great spiritual-philosophical classic of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching—from a legendary literary icon Most people know Ursula K. Le Guin for her extraordinary science fiction and fantasy. Fewer know just how pervasive Taoist themes are to so much of her work. And in Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, we are treated to Le Guin’s unique take on Taoist philosophy’s founding classic. Le Guin presents Lao Tzu’s time-honored and astonishingly powerful philosophy like never before. Drawing on a lifetime of contemplation and including extensive personal commentary throughout, she offers an unparalleled window into the text’s awe-inspiring, immediately relatable teachings and their inestimable value for our troubled world. Jargon-free but still faithful to the poetic beauty of the original work, Le Guin’s unique translation is sure to be welcomed by longtime readers of the Tao Te Ching as well as those discovering the text for the first time.

This translation follows the form of the original. That is, not nature mysticism, but rather homely proverbs filtered through the mind of the sage and voice of the poet. This version suggests cadence and diction of common speech with shades of Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost, and the King James Bible. "A text message from the 6th Century, B.C." - Tom Early Thomas Early is Associate Professor Emeritus at Humboldt State University. He taught in the Philosophy and Religious Studies Departments from 1971 to 2005. He earned a BA degree in philosophy and religion with honors from Hiram College in 1967. In 1972 at Boston College Graduate School he was awarded the doctorate Magna Cum Laude in philosophy with special emphasis in religious studies. At present Dr. Early dwells in quasi-monastic retirement, within view of the Humboldt campus and the Pacific north coast beyond. His daily work in progress is to move smoothly from the world of academic multi-tasking to Parkinsonian mono-tasking to Taoist no tasking at all.

An evocative and poetic translation of this great ancient treasure - illustrated with dramatic black and silver photographs that perfectly capture the beauty and essence of Lao Tsu's spiritual masterpiece. 'This is an extraordinary book, enlightening and insightful in personal and social realms. Many readers will value it as a work of art, others because of the new meaning it gives to their lives. Dr. Dale's work is, in fact, a treasure for today and for the future.' Milton Schwebel, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Professional Psychology, Rutgers. The late Ralph Alan Dale translates Tao as the Great Integrity, that is the return to holism, honesty and creativity; our harmony with each other, with the environment and indeed with ourselves. We are perhaps the first generation in the 2500 years since this inspirational book was written, to fully appreciate the words and their message. It resonates with our 21st century hopes, dreams and new capacities as though Lao Tzu had written this remarkable book only for us. This book is presented beautifully, with stunning, atmospheric photographs printed in black and silver to enhance the verses and stimulate the imagination of the reader. A classic work, and a beautiful volume to own and give.

A joy to read this gem-like treasure of the Tao Te Ching is accessible, inclusive, poetic, and insightful. The Tao is an invitation to be in the flow of life in harmony with all beings and all things. This new version encourages us to begin from stillness and simply respond from an inner calm, quiet, and intuitive listening. Our innate sense of knowing through not-knowing is much needed in today’s world. Discover how grace and ease most often appear by yielding to Lao Tzu’s much cherished wisdom. “Cristina Viviani’s inviting new translation of the Tao Te Ching captures both the simplicity and the complexity of these ancient teachings. In language that is clear, accessible, and possessed of a warmth sometimes lacking in other translations, Viviani’s Tao Te Ching honors both the poetry and the philosophy of Taoism’s central text.” —John Brehm, author of The Dharma of Poetry “Beautiful and wise.” —Dr. Alberto Pérez-Gómez, Emeritus Professor, Profesor Honoris Causa “I’m completely smitten! Loving this translation (even though Stephen Mitchell’s has been my long-time favorite). I’m delighted to read and be immersed in this profoundly beautiful creation and integrate the wisdom and beauty the Tao brings. Now, I’m looking forward to holding this book in my hands and keeping it close by.” —Moni Vangolen, Stillness Facilitator

The Spiritual Philosophy of the Tao Te Ching argues two main points: (1) the Tao Te Ching is a spiritual (not religious) book, and (2) it presents an implicit systematic philosophy. If we piece together the Tao's implicit and explicit views, we'll find it offers a consistently reasoned answer to life's three ultimate questions, the origin, nature, and purpose of life. Based on its answer to these questions, it offers a philosophy of life the prime goal of which is reunion with the Tao.

Reveals techniques for achieving spiritual immortality through an in-depth exploration of Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching • Includes practices and meditations for living in harmony with the Tao (universal essence) and Te (kind action) • Reveals the integration of heavenly and human power in the mystic field within us • Presents Tao Huang's English translation of the Tao Te Ching from the original Chinese Mawangdui text unearthed in 1973 For over 2,500 years the words of the Tao Te Ching, the primary scripture of Laoism and Taoism, have been regarded as among the greatest treasures of the world. Lao-tzu, whose name means “the ancient child,” wrote these brief but essential verses that have both confounded and conferred blessings on humankind. Now Taoist masters Mantak Chia and Tao Huang guide readers through the origins of this philosophy, the meaning behind its 5,000 pictographs, and the way of living that generations have followed. While the text of the Tao Te Ching has been passed down in literary form for generations, the essence of the text can be understood only through heart awakening--a true integration of body and mind--made possible with the insights and exercises in this book. The authors analyze Lao-tzu's teachings, line by line, and offer meditations, interpretations, and practical illustrations that clarify the true meaning and purpose of this classic text.

The Tao Te Ching is the foundational text of Taoism. Traditionally considered the work of the 'Old Master', Lao Tzu, a senior contemporary of Confucius, this 2500 years old text is a poetic and supremely concise formulation of some of humanity's highest wisdom. Revered as a basic book of spiritual guidance throughout Chinese history, it has become a beloved inspirational work in the West.The present work is meant to help the Western reader to penetrate the depth and subtlety of Lao Tzu's wisdom without requiring a knowledge of the Chinese language. Readers are offered a choice between various interpretations and are guided in non-technical terms to explore how they originate. More importantly, they are also offered the possibility to hold all the various resonances of the text simultaneously, just as a Chinese reader would, and thus access the original wealth of meaning in a way no ordinary translation could convey.

For nearly two generations, this 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 refreshed and revised the translation, so that it more faithfully reflects the Classical Chinese in which it was first written, while taking into account changes in our own language and eliminating any lingering infelicities. Lao Tsu’s philosophy is simple: Accept what is in front of you without wanting the situation to be other than it is. Study the natural order of things and work with it rather than against it, for to try to change what is only sets up resistance. Nature provides everything without requiring payment or thanks. It does so without discrimination. So let us present the same face to everyone and treat them all as equals, however they may behave. If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop “trying,” if we stop putting in so much extra effort, if we stop looking for results. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected. Te—which may be translated as “virtue” or “strength”—lies always in Tao meaning “the way” or “natural law.” In other words: Simply be.