Tao Te Ching: The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Book of the Tao (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)

By Lao Tzu and John Minford

The original mindfulness book, in a landmark new translation by the award-winning translator of the I Ching and The Art of War
 
The most translated book in the world after the Bible, the Tao Te Ching, or “Book of the Tao,” is a guide to cultivating a life of peace, serenity, and compassion. Through aphorisms and parable, it leads readers toward the Tao, or the “Way”: harmony with the life force of the universe. Traditionally attributed to Lao-tzu, a Chinese philosopher thought to have been a contemporary of Confucius, it is the essential text of Taoism, one of the three major religions of ancient China. As one of the world’s great works of wisdom literature, it still has much to teach us today, offering a practical model based on modesty and self-restraint for living a balanced existence and for opening your mind, freeing your thoughts, and attaining greater self-awareness. With its emphasis on calm, simplicity, purity, and non-action, it provides a time-tested refuge from the busyness of modern life.
 
This new translation seeks to understand the Tao Te Ching as a guide to everyday living and encourages a slow, meditative reading experience. The Tao Te Ching’s eighty-one brief chapters are accompanied by illuminating commentary, interpretation, poems, and testimonials by the likes of Margaret Mead, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Specially commissioned calligraphy for more than two hundred Chinese characters illustrates the book’s essential themes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Release date: Dec 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9780525560319

Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu is the reputed founder of Taoism, but there is little evidence that he actually existed. He is said to have been a contemporary of Confucius and to have served as curator of the dynastic archives until retiring to the mythical K’un-lun mountains.

Reviews for Tao Te Ching

[martyr13 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The tao te ching is pound for pound the greatest spiritual work ever written. 81 short pages written thousands of years ago still pack a serious punch, and are scarily relevant. This translation is not my favorite, so I rated it 4 stars instead of 5.

[meditationesmartini · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

 I was totally surprised to find out that this is actually a political treatise but less surprised to learn that quiescence is strength.

[jimocracy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Some things were true and I didn't need an ancient master saying them for me to know that. Other things were not true but were couched in psuedo-wisdom and illogical platitudes. Some things were useful and reaffirmed what I know at my core and other things were purely fanciful. It is fascinating that the author starts he book with the notion that the true Dao cannot be described and then continues to try to describe it.

It was interesting when the author wrote that if his logic doesn't make sense, the reader doesn't understand the Dao (even if they are very intelligent). That's a nice built-in defense mechanism. If you criticize the content, you just don't understand it.

[adeptmagic · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

beautiful writing for anyone, not just those interested in oriental philosophy

[brightman-4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good visuals for contemplation

[kawgirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You will not find a better, more accessible translation of the Tao te Ching than this one. Mitchell's translation is a must read.

[phrontist_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm not grandiose enough to review the content, but this is the most readable translation I've come across, and print quality is great.

[michael_rose-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I felt this was one of those things I should read to help understand another culture from another place and time. It was enjoyable from that point-of-view, but I didn't gain anything else from it.

[gbill_7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Profound writing, and I love this edition for including the chinese characters and beautiful photography.Ch. 20 is my favorite:"Give up learning, and put an end to your troubles.Is there a difference between yes and no?Is there a difference between good and evil?Must I fear what others fear? What nonsense!Other people are contented, enjoying the sacrificial feast of the ox.In spring some go to the park, and climb the terrace,But I alone am drifting, not knowing where I am.Like a newborn babe before it learns to smile,I am alone, without a place to go.Others have more than they need, but I alone have nothing.I am a fool. Oh, yes! I am confused.Other men are clear and bright,But I alone am dim and weak.Other men are sharp and clever,But I alone am dull and stupid.Oh, I drift like the waves of the sea,Without direction, like the restless wind.Everyone else is busy,But I alone am aimless and depressed.I am different.I am nourished by the great mother."

[duck2ducks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pretty good, but the few poems I had encountered before reading this in its entirety proved to be the best of the bunch. Some are inspiring and beautifully written, while others are plainer - but that's to be expected of a work composed by a multitude of hands over many years. Really great ideas and values to reflect upon and try to keep in mind though, which is where this book earns most of its praise.

[michael.bradham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Guidance I needed.

[shawnd_72 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this version a lot. I am likely paraphrasing other reviewers when I say it is accessible, sensible, stylistic, and modern. Modern meaning it's been sanitized a bit more than most, for example "The Master doesn't seek fulfillment; Not seeking, not expecting; she is present, and can welcome all things. So use of the female and male 'tense'. Also missing some of the more abstract or even abstruse general metaphysical terms found in some translations. A good starter Tao for the first timer.

[jvioland_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The basic text of Taoism that was very influential in subsequent ancient Chinese philosophical and religious beliefs. Worth reading for a very different perspective on existence.

[andersonden · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this more than 10 years ago for a comparative religion class and keep coming back to it. I can't really comment on the translation since I don't know Chinese but certainly in this form it contains many pithy truths.

[raqqash-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic for life.

[michael5rimmer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've read the Tao Te Ching many times and still come away uncertain as to its meaning, but each time I get little glimmers that I didn't see before. It's probably because I'm trying to understand it that I don't.

[eileansiar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"There was something undefined and complete, coming into extistence before Heaven and Earth. ... I do not know its name, and I give it the designation of the Tao (the way or course)." Thus wrote this ancient seer. And much more. A succinct guide to guide to the inner workings of 'life, the universe and all that,' - a hitchikers guide to the essential nature of creation. It's not what you think - instead, just get your striving ego out of the way, and let the Way flow into your life.

[co_coyote · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of the classics. This translation by Jane English is one of my favorites. Plus, the pictures are wonderful. Great memories of winter camping are conjured up, for some reason.

[benuathanasia · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It didn't really explain WHAT Tao is. Maybe it was just my translation, but when the whole explanation of Tao is that ~those who know about don't talk about it, and those that talk about it, don't know about it~ isn't particularly helpful.

[hermit_9_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

To say that this classic is obtuse is an understatement, but it remains one of the most influential works in forming my personal philosophy.

[tdh70 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the best translation of Tao Te Ching I have encountered, and I have read probably a dozen over the last 30 years. If you must have only one translation of Lao Tzu, this is the one.Red Pine himself does not say much, but provides excerpts from centuries of commentaries. His comments are almost entirely confined to the introduction, and this is proper: he is only one of many commentators. His attitude seems to be like Isaac Newton, standing on the shoulders of giants.

[spbooks_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First time I've read the Tao Te Ching. Simple but profound advice for living. Simple to understand translation and the annotations and explanations are clear and helpful.

[heidialice · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Classic, beautifully translated (and beautiful accompanying photographs). This is comforting in its timelessness, and shakes me out of being stuck in my head. A text I return to over and over.

[laphenix · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful translation with a wonderfully illustrated explanations. Everyone ought read The Tao once.

[www3snigel3nu · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very thorough and yet comprehensive translation and interpretation of Daodejing. Complete with a chapter discussing the text and its implications.

[jinuu_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I own and have read many translations of the Tao Te Ching, but this one is by far my favorite. Written in plain, common sense English, it renders the difficult philosophy accessible and easier to understand.

[bricker-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is one of those quick to read, but long to digest books. It was interesting and will take more than one reading to feel more comfortable with.

[jjmcgaffey · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Philosophic fluff. Most of the good lines quoted something - from Shakespeare to Star Wars (not quotes exactly - evoke, more like). The glosses were interesting (why did Mitchell say it that way?) and amusing ("One gives birth to Two: Oy!"

[davmandy-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

From the book description: Drawing on meticulous study of multiple sources, this fresh but authoritative reading of Lao Tsu's timeless classic combines the poetry of the Tao Te Ching with a wealth of additional material: an introduction to the enigmatic Lao Tsu and his times; a discussion of the many challenges facing the translator; 81 illustrative Chinese characters/phrases, selected to highlight key themes in each chapter; separate commentary and inspirational quotes, as well as room for you to record your own impressions, section by section.

[taobrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A beautifully illustrated and poetically translated version of the Tao Te Ching from Stephen Mitchell.