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Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu, is part of the Barnes & Noble Classics series, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of Barnes & Noble Classics:
All editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. Barnes & Noble Classics pulls together a constellation of influences—biographical, historical, and literary—to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works.
Epigrammatic, enigmatic, intensely poetic, the Tao Te Ching is the mystical, spiritual soul of Taoism, one of the three great religions (along with Confucianism and Buddhism) of ancient China. The Tao is usually translated as "the way” or "the path,” but it is better understood as a universal life force that flows around and through all things. The Tao Te Ching teaches us that happiness is found in becoming one with the Tao, which enables us to live in harmony, balance, and peace and to develop the virtues of humility, moderation, and compassion.
Taoism emphasizes "non-dualistic” thinking and the interconnectedness of all life. The "dualistic thinker” looks at the world and sees differences, comparisons, and contrasts. The Taoist sage knows that all such judgments depend on the person making them, not on the reality of what is being judged. Unlike theistic (God-centered) religions, Taoism does not involve prayer to a deity. Instead, Taoists meditate on the wisdom in the Tao Te Ching, seeking to unravel the paradoxes and understand the complexities that lie within its simple language.
Yi-Ping Ong graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from Columbia University and a second B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from Oxford University. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Philosophy at Harvard.
From Yi-Ping Ong’s Introduction to Tao Te Ching
The Tao Te Ching is one of the most widely translated classics of all time and is without doubt the most widely translated work in Chinese. From East to West, generations of readers have marveled at its mystical yet simple profundity. It is considered to be the single most important text of Taoism. However, the question of how exactly it should be classified does not admit of a clear answer. Is the Tao Te Ching a book of ethics? Is it a religious text? Is it philosophical, especially given its focus on the deepest and truest way of seeing reality? Or is it, in fact, a work of literary genius—playful, poetic, paradoxical? No doubt the text has aspects of each and can be enjoyed for its poetry no less than for its reflections on human affairs, life, the universe, and the nature of the good. Nevertheless, one might wonder if there is an essential message to the Tao Te Ching and whether, as a consequence, there is a genre to which this message belongs.
Many have called it a book of wisdom, part of the so-called "wisdom tradition” that predates any single religion and that finds expression in texts as disparate as the Bhagavad Gita, the Socratic dialogues, and the biblical book of Proverbs. These works typically extol the study of both virtue and the obstacles to virtue; they attempt to reveal the path to right relations between humans, and to right relations between humans and the universe. Like the Tao Te Ching, these texts often focus on two primary methods by which one can acquire a deeper knowledge of virtue: gaining self-knowledge and rejecting worldly aims and standards. However, if the Tao Te Ching is to be thought of as a book of wisdom, what sense can be made of its attacks on wisdom and virtue? "Get rid of 'holiness’ and abandon 'wisdom’ and the people will benefit a hundredfold,” it proclaims (chapter 19). And in another passage, on the incommensurability of the Tao and virtue, we are told: "True virtue is not virtuous / Therefore it has virtue. / Superficial virtue never fails to be virtuous / Therefore it has no virtue” (chapter 38).
Upon encountering passages such as these, even the most dedicated reader may feel a temptation to reinterpret or simplify away the ensuing confusion. However, before dismissing these paradoxes as senseless, or relegating them to the level of mere word play, we must go back to the beginning—the beginning of the text, that is. There we are told, "The Tao that can be followed is not the eternal Tao. / The name that can be named is not the eternal name” (chapter 1). The internal resistance of the text itself to categorization, especially as a work that attempts to teach the nature of virtue in a way that can be "named” or "followed,” is no accident.
As with most texts that are as ancient as the Tao Te Ching, there remains some controversy over both the historical dating of the work and the biographical details of its author, Lao Tzu. The traditional view dates the text back to the sixth century B.C., largely on the basis of accounts describing a meeting between Confucius and Lao Tzu. These accounts describe Lao Tzu as an older man who is a contemporary of the younger Confucius (551479 B.C.). However, reports of the supposed meeting were not accepted as tradition until the middle of the third century B.C., thus rendering their authority somewhat doubtful. Most modern scholars agree that the Tao Te Ching emerged in the late fourth century or early third century, about 2,500 years ago. In fact, stone tablets dated to around 300 B.C. have been found engraved with recognizable fragments of the text. Such a date would place the writing of the text at the height of one of the most intellectually productive times in Chinese history, known as the "Hundred Schools of Thought.” During this time a multitude of philosophies were developed and a rich culture of intellectual debate flourished. Besides Taoism, other schools such as Confucianism, Legalism, and Mohism gave rise to the central classical texts that were to exert a great influence on Chinese thought over the next two millennia.
The name "Lao Tzu” was not the personal name of the author, but one bestowed upon him out of respect: "Lao” means "old” or "venerable,” and "Tzu” is an honorific term attached to the names of scholars that can be roughly translated as "master.” Very little was recorded about the actual life of Lao Tzu, and consequently there is much disagreement regarding his historical existence. Although he is mentioned on scrolls dating as far back as 400 B.C., many have attributed this appearance in the historical record to mere legend. Indeed, the legends surrounding the life of Lao Tzu are truly fantastic. The historian Ssu-ma Ch’ien, author of the Shih chi (Records of the Historian), reports claims that Lao Tzu lived to more than two hundred years of age! Other legends maintain that he was born with white hair. According to Taoist tradition, he was an archivist who worked in the imperial library of the Zhou Dynasty court. It was there that he supposedly met Confucius, who had come to inquire about propriety and rites. Lao Tzu proceeded to dazzle him with his deep insight into the meaninglessness of these basic tenets of Confucian morality. According to this same story, Lao Tzu later resigned from his post in the Zhou court, then traveled west on a water buffalo to reach the great desert. He was stopped by a guard at the westernmost gate. This guard demanded that Lao Tzu—who had never, until this point, written down a word of his teachings—leave a record of his wisdom before he departed forever into the desert. The result of this request was the Tao Te Ching.
Anonymous
Posted July 8, 2006
I was very disappointed after bringing this book home. Not only does the author provide you with a pre-packaged understandings and assumptions ripe for today's 'spiritualist' culture, but the translation itself is troublesome. It is clear that this author's own interpretation of the 'tao' comes ringing all too clear through the translation. Moreover, I found the change of pronouns to 'she' and 'her' as suspect, suggesting to me that other non-PC aspects of this work might also be edited out. Just give me the translation as acurately as possible. I rated this 'disappointing' though not a complete loss.
14 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 23, 2005
This was the first time I ever studied the classic of philosophy, the 'Tao Te Ching.' The notes by Yi-Ping Ong are exceedingly helpful, especially considering that I am a silly Westerner that is positively ignorant about Chinese history and culture. Her introduction was also extremely enlightening and allowed even a novice to grasp the major principles of Lao Tzu's philosophy. The translation by Charles Muller was easy to understand (but I cannot compare it to other translations). An excellent book and a truly wondrous philosophy! I wish I could give it an infinite number of stars! To paraphrase the Master: the perfect book that can be reviewed is not the perfect book! This book is simply TOO good for a mere five stars!!!
8 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 18, 2008
I truly believe that this is a suberb source of wisdom on the Tao. It is such an interesting method of thinking and can be applied quite easily to any other religous background. I enjoyed reading it and sharing in the words of Lao Tzu. To compare with other translations, I thought that this one was rather well done. It is indeed worth reading.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 5, 2006
A great book on wisdom from the Tao. Even though the true author of this book is unknown (and even if its more than one person who wrote it) it still provides useful solutions to some of our spiritual and ethical problems.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 20, 2009
I Also Recommend:
This is my favorite translation of the Tao Te Ching. It is easy to read and a joy to learn.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 20, 2010
Tao is like water. Water is soft but outlasts the hard, finds a lower place and benefits everything.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 15, 2007
I think a lot more people should read this book because it helps people see clearer. Young people should really read this not as a required book but as a book that can help them into their journey into adulthood.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 4, 2000
This book is a fun and happy presentation of the Tao Te Ching with good translations. I would definately recommend it as both a piece of literature and art. It's the kind of book that sparks conversation on a coffee table. Peace.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 22, 2012
Here?
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I am a Chinese. I like Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching or Tao Te Sutra very much. I searched and read many English translations, but I was always not very satisfied with their translations comparing the original Chinese meanings. After I read this book, I think it is the most faithful and satisfying English version. The translator understood Lao Tzu completely and never gave excess transcendental meanings. I am wondering who is translator of this book, why there is no introduction and the biography of the translator'? I really appreciate if who can tell me the translator with his biography.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This book is really great. Made me think about a lot of things that I really hadn't considered before. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels a little confused about their life, and anyone who just wants to better themselves.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.GPW
Posted February 24, 2009
Nice pictures. Nice chinese characters. One section provides the chinese
with english translation with a picture background. Another section provides the english translation with commentary. It is easy to flip
back and forth between the sections.
Anonymous
Posted February 5, 2005
I just finished this book I may have rushed it but I could not put it down. I did go out for a snack and returned to the reading. It is a short book so I hope to read it a few times till I feel comfortable with it. The illustrations are great: dragons, mountains, frogs, goldfish, etc.
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Posted July 22, 2004
The Tao Te Ching is perhaps the most misunderstood and misinterpreted book in history. It is highly subtle and paradoxical. In comparing the Silk texts to the prevalent texts, the late scholar Chi-Chung Huang amazingly corrected some 500 textual errors. He clarified the obscure meanings of some 30 chapters sealed within the structure of classical Chinese. Of the hundreds of translations, none have come as close to clarifying the intended teaching of Lau Tzu. Professor Huang was uniquely versed in ancient Chinese connotations, a higher level of classical learning, and used this knowledge to be literal, specific, exacting and clear. The difference of one word changes meaning drastically. It is evident that the Tao Te Ching is filled with historical and cultural terms that most translators have no knowledge of. The ancient connotations are lost on them all, including Mair, Chan, Lin, Mitchell, Waley, Wu, Lau, and others. The importance of understanding each character cannot be overlooked. No matter how attractive a publisher or translators makes their book jacket, they are masking ignorance to the specific meanings of this great work. Their proudly espoused poetic license is plainly arrogant. Professor Huang not only proves his work philosophically, but philologically as well. The great work of Lau Tzu deserves such attention to detail. In this work, the translator has repaired persistent errors perpetuated by the legalist school commentator Han Fei (c.280-233 B.C.E). In this most controversial chapter, ch.36, Lao Tzu has been accused of Machiavellian Strategy, and political intrigue. Chi-Chung Huang restored the true naturalistic principles to the chapter, negating the legalist art of war school interpretations, thereby exonerating Lau Tzu. By simply comparing ch.36 with any other translation, it becomes clear how important, unique and revelatory Chi-Chung Huang's work is. I hope this exceptional work finds its way to revoke the poetic license most translators take. They have done great harm by marketing an eastern mysticism based on vague and contrary understanding. Chi-Chung Huang is a true scholar that produced a truly great book. It deserves to be recognized as such. I am disappointed that scholars are so slow to recognize the true merits of this work. To browse the curriculums of famous universities and see the poetics of popular icon Stephan Mitchell and the like representing Lau Tzu, is greatly discouraging.
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Posted March 31, 2004
Dr. Ralph A. Dale's Tao Te Ching is exquisite visually and superb poetically. Above all, it is a rarity in it's thought provoking lessons for our time. If Lao Tzu was alive today he could not have done a better job of teaching us about the sweep of history as relevant for current human crises and solutions for tomorrow.
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Posted July 9, 2002
Translations are always a blizzard of words, as opposed to the steady fall of the original piece. It becomes the translators job to not only communicate the original phrases, but to be as true to the overall meaning as possible. From what I have seen of other translations of the Tao? This piece is much clearer in it's meaning, has a continuity of imagery and phrasing that the others lack. I reccomend!
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Posted July 5, 2002
wow... this is definatly a literal translation, from what i can tell, but has none [NONE] of the actual meaning. if you're looking for an excellent translation, i'd definately go with witter bynner. [see below]
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Posted April 14, 2002
On comparing the original and translation, this translation of the Chinese classic is quite unsatisfactory. The translator presents the basic ideas of Taoism, but deviates from the original Tao Te Ching. I am quite disappointed about the translator's work. Many important points found in the original work were cut in the translation. It is my advice for other purchasers not to buy this translation; it would be a waste.
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Posted February 12, 2002
The illustarations are wonderful. The translation is one of my favorites. this beautiful book does not need my words though, open it to chapter one and see for yorself!
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Posted November 6, 2001
I've reviewed many different translations and this one seems to me to best convey the universality of the comments, without overly modernizing it - in terms of money or success etc. Lyrical and beautiful - buy 2 or 3 great holiday gifts.
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Overview
Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu, is part of the Barnes & Noble Classics series, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of Barnes & Noble Classics:
All editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. Barnes & Noble Classics pulls together a constellation of influences—biographical, historical, and literary—to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works.Epigrammatic, ...