Tao Te Ching

by Lao Tzu

Overview

The Tao Te Ching has served as a personal road map for millions of people. It is said that its words reveal the underlying principles that govern the world in which we live. Holding to the laws of nature--drawing from the essence of what all things are--it offers both a moral compass and an internal balance. A fundamental book of the Taoist, the Tao Te Ching is regarded as a revelation in its own right. For those seeking a better understanding of themselves, it provides a wealth of wisdom and insights.

Through time--from one powerful dynasty to another--many changes have been made to the original Chinese text of the Tao Te Ching. Over the last century, translators have added to the mix by incorporating their interpretations. While jackhammering its original text, some have created beautiful versions of the Tao Te Ching in the name of poetic license. Others have relied on variant forms of the original, while still others have added their own philosophical spins to the material. For those readers who are looking for a purer interpretation of the Tao Te Ching, researcher Patrick Michael Byrne has produced a translation that is extremely accurate, while capturing the pattern and harmony of the original. Here is a Tao Te Ching that you can enjoy, understand, and value.

Patrick Michael Byrne, PhD, received his undergraduate degree in Asian studies and philosophy from Dartmouth College, a certification from Beijing Teachers University, his master’s degree from Cambridge University, and his doctorate in philosophy from Stanford University. He has served as a visiting lecturer at both Dartmouth and the Beijing Normal University. Dr. Byrne is currently Chief Executive Officer of Overstock.com, a successful internet site. He travels extensively throughout the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781451563818
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	04/03/2010
Pages:	108
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.22(d)

About the Author

The traditional founder of Taoism, one of the three great religious and philosophical traditions originated in China, Lao Tzu (meaning “Old Master” ) was a mystic Chinese philosopher and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
Though the historical authenticity of Lao Tzu is not certain, according to tradition, he is believed to have been a slightly older contemporary of Confucius. He is reckoned a scholar who worked as a record keeper in the court of Zhou in the 6th century B.C., and is best known as the author of Tao Te Ching, a fundamental text of Taoism.
Translated roughly as “the way of integrity,” Tao Te Ching contains political advice for rulers; lessons on leading a balanced life; guidance on self-knowledge, peace, humility, virtue, morality; and common wisdom.
Written more than two thousand years ago, this treatise is one of the most translated works of world literature. Its ancient wisdom still stands relevant in modern times. "

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Excerpted from "Tao Te Ching"
by Lao Tzu.
Copyright © 2010 Lao Tzu.
Excerpted by permission of Penguin Publishing Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

	Introduction	vii
Book 13
Book 243
	List of Passages for Comparison	89
	Appendices
1	The Problem of Authorship	90
2	The Nature of the Work	104
	Chronological Table	115
	Glossary	116
	Notes	126

Editorial Reviews

This crystalline translation of the Tao Te Ching is accurate down to the nuance and is as concisely poetic as the original. Of the many translations I have read in English, this is unquestionably the best.”—Gary Snyder

“This is by far the best translation on the market today.”—Livia Kohn, Professor of Religion, Boston University

From the Publisher