Tao Te Ching, 25th-Anniversary Edition (English and Mandarin Chinese Edition) - Softcover

Tzu, Lao

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0679776192 ISBN 13: 9780679776192

Publisher: Vintage, 1997

Synopsis

"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.  This is a most useful, as well as beautiful, volume—and what it has to say is exactly what the world, in its present state, needs to hear." - Alan Watts

RELIGION/ EASTERN STUDIES

    This translation of the Chinese classic, which was first published twenty-five years ago, has sold more copies than any of the others. It offers the essence of each word makes Lao Tsu's teaching immediate and alive. 

   The philosophy of Lao Tsu 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 for all without discrimination—therefore let us present the same face to everyone and treat all men as equals, however they may be have.  If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop looking for results.  In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected.  We will come to appreciate the original meaning of the word "understand," which means "to stand under." We serve whatever or whoever stands before us, without any thought for ourselves. Te—which may be translated as "virtue" or "strength"—lies always in Tao, or "natural law."  In other words: Simply be.

About this title

Review

Scholars say that the original Tao Te Ching is a poem. Like a poem, this version of the Tao Te Ching is not meant to be read in one breath from front to back, but is to be at intervals internalized and contemplated. Jane English's haunting black-and-white photos that undulate in and out on every page act as glycerin elixirs, helping the words slide into our souls for patient digestion. The photographs--of a glistening spider web, cloud-enveloped mountain tops, reflections on water, leaves in the sunlight--are as serenely lyrical as the ancient text, itself.

From the Inside Flap

Available for the first time in a handy, easy-to-use size, here is the most accessible and authoritative modern English translation of the ancient Chinese classic. This new Vintage edition includes an introduction and notes by the well-known writer and scholar of philosophy and comparative religion, Jacob Needleman.

About this edition

• Publisher: Vintage
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0679776192
• ISBN 13: 9780679776192
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184