Tao Te Ching: An All-New Translation - Hardcover

Tzu, Lao; Wilson, William Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 4770030916 ISBN 13: 9784770030917

Publisher: Kodansha USA, 2010

Synopsis

Renowned translator William Scott Wilson offers a fresh version of the Tao Te Ching that will resonate with the modern reader. While most translators have relied on the "new" text of 200 B.C., Wilson went back another 300 years to work from the original characters used during Lao Tzu's lifetime. By referring to these earlier characters, Wilson is able to offer a text that is more authentic in language and nuance, yet preserves all the beauty and poetry of the work.

This elegant hardcover edition also features two insightful essays by Wilson, "Zen and Taoism" and "Zen and the Martial Arts," that link the spiritual aspects of the Tao to the practice of Zen and to the martial arts of both Japan and China.

With its 81 memorable passages, the Tao Te Ching is one of humanity's touchstones. As Wilson notes, "We read this book because it takes us away from the busy world of business and politics, and provides an entry to a Way. But we also read it for the rhythm and beauty of its phrasing and vocabulary, which often give us an astonishing satisfaction. And this is perhaps the secret of why the book has consistently been on people's bookshelves and bed-stands for nearly twenty-five centuries."

About this title

From the Back Cover:

A Timeless Philosophy on Personal Success

One of the true classics of international literature, the Tao Te Ching is still a source of inspiration and guidance for millions. The oldest scripture of Taoism, its focus on attunement, rather than mindless striving, offers an alternative to commence-and-control leadership and a different way to seeing and achieving personal success.

This keepsake edition includes and introduction by Tom Butler-Bowdon, drawing out lessons for the contemporary reader, showing how the Tao Te Ching remains vital reading for anyone seeking to win without conflict, and to achieve a balanced and productive life.

About the Author:

WILLIAM SCOTT WILSON is the bestselling translator of many spiritual and Asian classics, including Hagakure, The Book of Five Rings, and The Unencumbered Spirit: Reflections of a Chinese Sage. He is also the author of The Lone Samurai, the biography of the legendary samurai swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.

About this edition

• Publisher: Kodansha USA
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 4770030916
• ISBN 13: 9784770030917
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 255