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Tao Te Ching (Everyman's Library)

Lao Tzu

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Kick the New Age right out of your DDJ... 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I love this translation. Not so much for the translation but for the introduction in the original edition. Lau was really the first critic of the traditional story of Laozi and the Dao De Jing to bring it to the English masses. The DDJ is a composite work, not the work of one author, as romantic as the story of Laozi may be. It was the work of many and thus the reason for some of its inconsistencies. Sure the work can be made to fit into one's particular scheme (the Dao obviously has plenty of flexibility to accommodate) but quite often this reflects the reader/translator/interpreter more than it does the actual DDJ which makes sense as the 'mirror' is a latent symbol in this work.

Lau grounds this translation. Though he notes there may be hints of an ancient cosmology and perhaps traces of a guide to lengthening one's life through mystical practice, he notes that in reality the DDJ does not emphasize these at all. Any hints of these are reinterpreted and recontextualized due to the multiple layers of sayings represented here. It's just one particular view of the multitude of views of the Daoism school. If anything, such views are actually stripped away. Contrary to the belief (and translation) of many, the DDJ does not emphasize long life. In fact, it even points out that those who emphasize life too much surely come to an early end.

In all my years and in all my readings (from at least a dozen different translations) I too have come to a similar conclusion. This isn't a mystical treatise; it isn't an otherworldly spiritual guidebook; it isn't even a philosophy. It is a guidebook that teaches us how to live here and now, on earth, in the dirt,with the people. No fortune telling, no mystical visions, no otherworldly gurus, no escapism, nothing transcendent here.

Lau's translation reflects this spirit. Don't expect a poetic, mystical, New Agey translation tailored toward a Western audience nor one that embodied in the Perennial Philosophy. Too often the book is viewed as exotic, as "the Other", an alternative to the overly analytical, linear and often overbearing Western religious traditions.

But as the DDJ reminds us:

"Beautiful words aren't true; true words aren't beautiful."

"When people hear the Dao they think: How bland it is."

Editorial Review:

(Book Jacket Status: Jacketed)

Written during the golden age of Chinese philosophy, and composed partly in prose and partly in verse, the Tao Te Ching is surely the most terse and economical of the world’s great religious texts. In a series of short, profound chapters it elucidates the idea of the Tao, or the Way–an idea that in its ethical, practical, and spiritual dimensions has become essential to the life of China’s enormously powerful civilization. In the process of this elucidation, Lao-tzu both clarifies and deepens those central religious mysteries around which our life on earth revolves.

Translation of the Ma Wang Tui Manuscripts by D. C. Lau

Tao te Ching

Lao Tzu

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Disappointing 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

At a superficial level, this book looks amazing; introductory notes, translation, verbatim translation, notes on the translations, a long commentary on the first verse, and a collection of early translations of the first verse.

After reading the introductory notes, I was looking forward to what promised to be a very beautiful and insightful translation. Unfortunately, I found this translation to be contradictory at times (as opposed to paradoxical; there is a difference!) and, quite frankly, dull. Most of the notes on the translation and commentary on Verse One seemed to push an alternative view to Tao as being the consciousness behind all human beings which is consistent with Hindu religion, NOT a Taoist philosophy. Indeed, the vast majority of the "notes" in this book are quotes taken from Hindu texts such as Bhagavad Gita, and rather than noting, for example, interesting parallels between the two, Star seems to suggest that Tao Te Ching supports the other texts, which is similar to how Blakney seemed to use his translation to support the Christian faith. Personally, I don't think this is appropriate.

As for the positives, this book is definitely value for money. It is nicely printed, and contains a large verbatim translation of each character in Tao Te Ching. While it would be foolish to think you could interpret your own meanings based on this system (as the blurb claims), it still is quite interesting to get an insight into how the various translations of Tao Te Ching may have developed. Unfortunately (for me anyway, although a lot of people seem to really dig this translation) the bad points outweigh the positives, and, to be honest, if this was the first translation of Tao Te Ching I had read, I would have been turned off.

Editorial Review:

This unique edition of the Tao Te Ching features:

* the first comprehensive verbatim translation of the entire text of the Tao Te Ching;
* literal character definitions that allow the reader to create his or her own interpretation;
* a concordance section that enables the reader to track the different ways a single character is used throughout the work;
* grammatical and interpretive notes on individual terms and verses; * a unique commentary on the first verse, which represents a complete spiritual teaching in itself; and
* a literary translation of the Tao Te Ching that can be read on its own or compared with the verbatim translation.

The Tao Te Ching: A New Translation With Commentary

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Arriving as Guests to a Banquet. 5 out of 5 stars.
49 of 50 people found this review helpful.

Although I must have collected upwards of twenty different editions of the Tao Te Ching over the years, Ellen M. Chen's has always stood at the top of my list,... it's a shame this truly wonderful edition isn't better known.

Chen, who is a Professor of Philosophy at St. John's University in Jamaica, New York, is not your usual sort of scholar, the type who views ancient wisdom texts as a mere quarry for materials. In contrast to the sterile type of academic who pride themselves on a purely illusory 'scientific objectivity,' Chen is a dynamic and concerned personality who seems utterly committed to trying to get the world to see the fantastic importance and value of the Tao Te Ching.

For her, in fact, the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching is a wisdom that could save us from the utter ruin the human race is heading for, if only we would start to take that wisdom seriously. Hers is a wise, well-written, thoroughly researched work which rises way above the usual run of scholarship, and it is far too rich for me to be able to do justice to it here.

Briefly the work falls into three parts. First we are given a full and quite unique 48-page Introduction in three chapters: 1. Date and Authorship of the Tao Te Ching; 2. The Tao Te Ching as a Religious Treatise; and 3. Use and Translation of the Text. Chapter 2, which is divided into six sections, is a minor masterpiece, and even if you don't intend to acquire the book, you should certainly read her 'Humans Become Gods on Earth,' 'Two Pseudo-Religions of the Twentieth Century,' and 'Religion For or Against Life' (pages 31-39). Here in a nutshell you will find her striking analysis of the essence of the modern problem, and its solution. I often return to her words, and I wish there were some way of getting everyone in the world to both read them and take them to heart.

The second and main part of the work is made up of her New Translation and Commentary. For each Chapter of the Tao Te Ching we are given: 1. A translation with interspersed key terms given in Chinese; 2. A brief General Comment on the import of the chapter; and 3. Very full and valuable detailed comments. Chen is a well-qualified scholar and highly competent translator, and her work reads very well indeed. Here is a brief example from Chapter 32, slightly modified since it should be set out as verse:

"Tao everlasting (ch'ang) / is the nameless uncarved wood (p'u) / Though small / Nothing under heaven can subjugate it (mo neng ch'en). / If kings and barons can abide by (shou) it, / All creatures will arrive as guests (pin) to a banquet" (page 133).

Her interspersing of the Chinese is a marvelous device, and provides a painless way of aquiring a vocabulary of key Chinese terms. The third part of the book, besides containing a full and scholarly 13-page Bibliography of both Western and Chinese sources along with an index, also contains a detailed 12-page Chinese glossary which gives the romanization and Chinese graphs (characters, ideograms) for all Chinese names and terms used in the book.

The Tao of Ellen Chen is evident everywhere throughout this book, and she has placed a splendid banquet before us. It's a banquet to which we have all been invited. I'm certainly glad it's one I didn't miss.

Editorial Review:

This incisive, illuminating translation of the Tao Te Ching treats these sacred writings as religious philosophy having as their central message the value of peace. Refreshing and challenging, this is a landmark work for all those investigating Eastern religion and philosophy.

Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Becoming a Chuang Tzu enthusiast. 5 out of 5 stars.
46 of 46 people found this review helpful.

Anyone who may be coming to Chuang Tzu for the first time is in for a treat. Although Chuang Tzu is sometimes described as the most brilliant of all Chinese philosophers, what we find in him isn't what we normally understand by 'Philosophy' and isn't technical at all.

His appeal is not so much to the intellect as to the imagination, and he chose as a vehicle for his philosophical insights, not tedious and lengthy abstract treatises, but brief and witty anecdotes and dialogues and tales. His humor, sophistication, literary genius, and philosophical insights found their perfect expression in his brilliant fragments, and once having read them you never forget them.

Not much is known about Chuang Tzu, other than that he seems to have lived around the time of King Hui of Liang (370-319 B.C.). The received text of his book, which is sometimes referred to as 'the Chuang Tzu' (CT), is made up of thirty-three Chapters. Most scholars seem to feel that the CT is a composite text, and that only the first seven - the Inner Chapters - plus a few bits from the others are Chuang Tzu's own work, the remainder being by others.

Among the better known of his translators, all of them excellent, are Arthur Waley, Burton Watson, and A. C. Graham, though only the latter two translated the complete text. An abridged version of Watson's complete translation has now been made available for those who want to confine themselves mainly to the Inner Chapters.

Watson has always struck me as an eminently civilized scholar and as a brilliant translator. Unlike certain others, he wears his scholarship lightly, and doesn't overburden the text with extraneous matter. His many translations from Ancient Chinese Literature are of uniformly high quality, and are well worth having as they are books one often wants to returns to.

The present book won't, as I've said, give you the whole of Watson's Chuang Tzu. For that you'll have to find a copy of his 'Complete Works of Chuang Tzu.' But it will give you most of what is generally agreed to be Chuang Tzu, and everyone should read it. If you're not a Chuang Tzu enthusiast before you start, I can guarantee that you'll be one before you finish.

Editorial Review:

-- Asian Affairs

Iron Shirt Chi Kung

Mantak Chia

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

An introduction to the ancient Kung Fu practice designed to unify physical, mental, and spiritual health

• Describes the unique Iron Shirt air-packing techniques that protect vital organs from injuries

• Explains the rooting practice exercises necessary to stabilize and center oneself

• Includes guidelines for building an Iron Shirt Chi Kung daily practice

Long before the advent of firearms, Iron Shirt Chi Kung, a form of Kung Fu, built powerful bodies able to withstand hand-to-hand combat. Even then, however, martial use was only one aspect of Iron Shirt Chi Kung, and today its other aspects remain vitally significant for anyone seeking better health, a sound mind, and spiritual growth.

In Iron Shirt Chi Kung Master Mantak Chia introduces this ancient practice that strengthens the internal organs, establishes roots to the earth’s energy, and unifies physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through a unique system of breathing exercises, he demonstrates how to permanently pack concentrated air into the connective tissues (the fasciae) surrounding vital organs, making them nearly impervious to injuries--a great benefit to athletes and other performers. He shows readers how once they root themselves in the earth they can direct its gravitational and healing power throughout their bone structure. Additionally, Master Chia presents postural forms, muscle-tendon meridians, and guidelines for developing a daily practice routine. After becoming rooted and responsive, practitioners of Iron Shirt Chi Kung can then focus on higher spiritual work.

Tao Teh Ching

Lao Tzu

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This is a flawed translation, and here's why. 2 out of 5 stars.
12 of 22 people found this review helpful.

Tao Teh Ching is a monumental work. Unlike other religious texts, the Tao Teh Ching is barely 5000 letters spread over 81 single-page poetic passages. You can probably read thru it in a couple hours or less. But for the serious reader, it can take a lifetime of study and contemplation. In ancient times, scholars in China and Korea really did spend a lifetime on this one text, not only sudying, but transcribing it, discussing it, and abiding by its tenets in their daily lives. I've myself pored over it many times in Chinese, Korean and now English, and every time I read it I cannot but be amazed by the wisdom of Lao Tse (or, as some allege, the group of people who contributed to this text).

The problem with English, or I suppose any language not associated with Chinese, is that it is almost impossible to translate Tao Teh Ching with sufficient coherency. Chinese words are each and all very efficient, in that virtually every single "letter" is replete with meaning. Therefore, whereas the Chinese may use 10 words to describe something, English might require 10 times that words to adequately translate the meaning. For example, in the second passage, third stanza, the translated text says, "therefore, the Sage manages his affairs without Ado." What does "without Ado" mean? In chinese this is stated in two letters as "Mu Wi" - non-action. It does not mean to sit back and not participate or instigate any activity. Rather, "Mu Wi" means doing things in a very natural, spontaneous way that is not forced, does not create conflict and has no secular motives. As there are no secular motives behind the action, it is as if the Sage does not "act" in the way other poeple act. His actions are like breathing, and almsot imperceptible; thus it is as if he does not act. Concepts like "Mu Wi" and "Mu Ji" - non-knowledge - abound in Tao Teh Ching. These cannot simply be translated away with a couple english words.

In short, a Tao Teh Ching ranslation requires pages and pages of footnotes to accurately reflect the rich meaning behind every passage. Moreover, many passages can be read in more than one way. In fact, different translations sometimes say radically different things about the same passage precisely because of this ambiguity. Any serious translation of Tao Teh Ching should point these out.

Tao Teh Ching is very concise, and written in a poetic style. But unless you are versed in ancient Chinese language and tomes, you should really consult the literally thousands of guides that scholars wrote over the years to help you read thru the text. Tao Teh Ching is not some kind of Buddhist sutra that you can just recite over and over without knowing what it means. It is deeply profound and rich with hidden subtexts. In China and Korea many of these guides - some of them more than a thousand years old - still survive. I've yet to find an enligsh guide. But I am sure they exist. PLease find them; refrain from reading the translation by itself, for most times all you will see are a jumble of meaningless words.

Editorial Review:

Written more than two thousand years ago, the Tao Teh Ching, or “The Classic of the Way and Its Virtue,” is one of the true classics of the world of spiritual literature. Traditionally attributed to the near-legendary “Old Master,” Lao Tzu, the Tao Teh Ching teaches that the qualities of the enlightened sage or ideal ruler are identical with those of the perfected individual. Today, Lao Tzu’s words are as useful in mastering the arts of leadership in business and politics as they are in developing a sense of balance and harmony in everyday life. To follow the Tao or Way of all things and realize their true nature is to embody humility, spontaneity, and generosity.

John C. H. Wu has done a remarkable job of rendering this subtle text into English while retaining the freshness and depth of the original. A jurist and scholar, Dr. Wu was a recognized authority on Taoism and the translator of several Taoist and Zen texts and of Chinese poetry.

Chronicles of Tao: The Secret Life of a Taoist Master

Ming-dao Deng

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 50 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not what I wanted. 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This long and wordy book turned out to be about the Tao cult of longevity. I was hoping to read a biography of a Taoist life. I didn't finish it.

A Time To Find Yourself 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

A masterful spiritual odyssey, a work of great literature, and a time to find yourself. When you start this book you will not be able to put it down. It is such an adventure--you will find it difficult to believe it's true--well 80 percent true. You will encounter a Grand Master who spontaneously ignites a candle and levitates a heavy brass teapot with thought alone ( p. 95) , a beautiful maiden metamorphosing into a six-foot lizard ( p.151),and the wondrous theory behind the creation of the Golden Embryo ( fetus of immortality) ( p.314-5 ) plus much more. Yet only the naive will expect to find the deepest secrets revealed inside a book.We are warned this many times , most notably in the parable of the Seven Bamboo Tablets of the Cloudy Satchel (p.310-12) "Truth ultimately lies not in learning, for one inevitably reaches the limits of one's art," said Slender Gourd."Therefore ,one can attain truth only by transcending the self." This leads to the intellectual climactic paradox of the chronicles, Saihung's insight that : "...All the knowledge of the sages was a tender way of leading the student to the realization that there was something beyond knowledge and facility, something on the other side of high learning. All of civilization was a mere shadow play, a crude projection from the light of truth that had need of neither conceptualization nor structure."(p.312) At the close of the story, we are warned once again: " Though I might find a procedure published in a book, it didn't seem to work until it was taught to me--and invariably details were left out of the writing. I suppose this was what was called 'direct transmission'. It wasn't anything mystical or supernatural. It was the security and power of a lineage, the vitality of being taught."(p.473). For more information see : [...]

Editorial Review:

A guide to freeing ourselves from the inappropriate and crippling behaviors that sabotage our success.

Bone Marrow Nei Kung: Taoist Techniques for Rejuvenating the Blood and Bone

Mantak Chia

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

A guide to nourishing the body through bone marrow rejuvenation exercises

• Presents exercises to “regrow” bone marrow, revive the internal organs, and prevent osteoporosis

• Explains the use of bone breathing and bone compression, “hitting” to detoxify the body, and sexual energy massage and chi weight lifting to enhance the life force within

Most Westerners believe that a daily physical exercise program helps slow the aging process. Yet those whose bodies appear most physically fit on the outside often enjoy only the same life span as the average nonathletic person. It is the internal organs and glands that nourish every function of the body, and it is the bone marrow that nourishes and rejuvenates the organs and glands through the production of blood. By focusing only on the muscles without cultivating the internal organs, bones, and blood, the Western fitness regimen can ultimately exhaust the internal system.

In Bone Marrow Nei Kung Master Mantak Chia reveals the ancient mental and physical Taoist techniques used to “regrow” bone marrow, strengthen the bones, and rejuvenate the organs and glands. An advanced practice of Iron Shirt Chi Kung, Bone Marrow Nei Kung was developed as a way to attain the “steel body” coveted in the fields of Chinese medicine and martial arts. This method of absorbing energy into the bones revives the bone marrow and reverses the effects of aging through the techniques of bone breathing, bone compression, and sexual energy massage, which stimulates the hormonal production that helps prevent osteoporosis. Also included is extensive information on chi weight lifting and the practice of “hitting” to detoxify the body.

The Inner Teachings of Taoism

Chang Po-Tuan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Taoist Alchemy 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This is a great taoist alchemy treatise. The root text by Chang Po Tuan is presented along with enlightening commentaries. It has helped me understanding the "Secret of the Golden Flower" translated by Richard Wilhelm and introduced by C.G. Jung and revealed the meaning of so many symbols of taoist alchemy.
Not a very easy reading but it's worth the effort.

a wonderful book. 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

it is difficult to get lost along the way when you have a book like this in your possession. i've given away a couple copies as gifts. i've recommended this book to several people. this book is sold in taoist temples throughout china. buy this book! a great handbook for taoists everywhere, and people everywhere.

Editorial Review:

Taoist inner alchemy is a collection of theories and practices for transforming the mind and refining the self. The Inner Teachings of Taoism includes a classic of Chinese alchemy known as Four Hundred Words on the Gold Elixir. Written in the eleventh century by a founder of the Complete Reality School, this text is accompanied by the lucid commentary of the nineteenth-century adept Lui I-ming.

The Tao of Pug

Nancy Levine

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Very Cute Book!! 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

This was great book. The pictures are awesome. It's a must for all pug lovers. I might be a little biased, though, I have a pug named wilson.

Editorial Review:

Wilson the Pug is the apotheosis of the breed dog lovers can't get enough of and can't buy enough books about. Irresistible goes without saying-but Wilson is also a descendant of Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu's beloved companion, Pug-tzu, and he has a great deal of wisdom to share as he exemplifies quotations from the Tao Te Ching. In The Tao of Pug his own everyday Taoist lifestyle is captured by Nancy Levine, his owner and a veteran dog photographer, in whimsical word and captivating picture. With his adorably expressive face, comic poses, and trademark yin-yang coat, Wilson's magnetism shows us the big, simple, profoundly spiritual picture through the eyes of a little dog. Pug-tzu, he reminds us, said, "A pug is a pug is a pug. I'm just me, Wilson the Pug. And I'm okay with that."

The Tao of Pug is a must-have holiday gift for the fanatic owners of pugs, for all dog lovers, and for any seeker of insight and humorous charm.