Tao Te Ching (Classics) New Impression Edition, Kindle Edition
by Lao Tzu (Author), Darrell D. Lau (Translator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 589 ratings
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'Have little thought of self and as few desires as possible'
Whether or not Lao Tzu was a historical figure is uncertain, but the wisdom gathered under his name in the fourth century BC is central to the understanding and practice of Taoism. One of the three great religions of China, Taoism is based upon a concept of the Tao, or Way, as the universal power through which all life flows. The Tao Te Ching offers a practical model by which both the individual and society can embody this belief, encouraging modesty and self-restraint as the true path to a harmonious and balanced existence.
Translated with an Introduction by D. C. Lau
25 July 1974
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"The power of the -Lao--tzu's imagery and, ultimately, the simplicity of its message seem to be able to overcome the problems of language and of distance in time and place, so that at the end of the twentieth century, this has become one of the most influential of texts, cherished by people in all walks of life throughout the world." -from the Introduction by Sarah Allan --This text refers to the hardcover edition.
From the Back Cover
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, its author Laotzu both clarifies and deepens those central religious mysteries around which our life on earth revolves. --This text refers to the hardcover edition.
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Print length : 193 pages
Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars 589 ratings
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4.5 out of 5 stars
Top review from Australia
Brad
3.0 out of 5 stars A reasonable translation, but otherwise hard reading.
Reviewed in Australia on 13 July 2014
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This is a reasonable translation, but the english used in the book can be quite difficult to parse and tends to obscure the meaning of the original text. You might find yourself spending more time digesting the language than considering the philosophy being presented. More recent translations (such as William Scott Wilson's) retain the meaning and spirit of the text but use a simpler, direct approach to the translation itself.
Still worth picking up as an additional reference on the original text, as D. C. Lau does provide a lot of additional context and insight on the choice and meaning of the terms used in the text.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries
Jared Woods
5.0 out of 5 stars Life-changing.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 March 2021
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This was D.C. Lau's translation and while his expertise in the field of Chinese to English adaptation offers one of the more direct translations, his introduction/conclusions were borderline unreadable. Regardless, by using his understanding coupled with other adaptations, I fell in love with the core text.
Of every religious teaching I've read, the Tao Te Ching was the best one. It is the most enlightened I've felt after any holy text, and I know I can always fall back on these words for help whenever I need them. Unlike every other faith I've looked into, Taoism is logical, applicable, and not weird whatsoever. The amount of wisdom that these verses can initiate within anyone is infinite, and it has the potential to change your life forever. If you spent the rest of your days chilling within this space, your mental health would gently sway in the wind, and you would be a better person for it in all aspects. I know this will stand true for me.
If someone said to me that the Tao Te Ching was the best book ever written, I would be unable to argue.
13 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Sublime!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 June 2021
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What a beautiful book, what beautiful philosophy and what a beautiful religion Taoism is. It’s actually very pleasant reading the Tao Te Ching (Lao Tzu) and you learn much about it, besides the actual scripture itself in this book. I would advise you to read about Taoism generally before reading the Tao Te Ching, for example, I read Taoism for Dummies first, which really helped me grasp the way (Tao). I highly recommend the Tao Te Ching and Taoism in general to anyone with a predilection for religions!
5 people found this helpful
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Tariki
1.0 out of 5 stars Poor from Penguin
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 September 2020
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Re the Penguin Edition, by just reading a few pages of the Introduction I was presented with some rogue punctuation and strange spellings. Distracting. Again, what little of it I read seemed rather dry.
Returned for refund.
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Sunyi Dean
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 February 2022
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I read this for research for a novel I am writing but I really enjoyed it. Profound and useful and well annotated.
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Den
5.0 out of 5 stars The informative translation
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2016
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With appendices, glossary, copious notes and an extensive introduction, this is the book to read if you seek an in depth look at the Tao teaching.
7 people found this helpful
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