For nearly two generations, this translation of the Tao Te Ching has been the standard for those seeking access to the wisdom of Taoist thought. Now Jane English and her long-time editor, Toinette Lippe, have refreshed and revised the translation, so that it more faithfully reflects the Classical Chinese in which it was first written, while taking into account changes in our own language and eliminating any lingering infelicities. This beautiful edition includes an introduction by the well-known writer and scholar of philosophy and comparative religion, Jacob Needleman.
Lao Tsu's philosophy is simple: Accept what is in front of you without wanting the situation to be other than it is. Study the natural order of things and work with it rather than against it, for to try to change what is only sets up resistance. Nature provides everything without requiring payment or thanks. It does so without discrimination. So let us present the same face to everyone and treat them all as equals, however they may behave.
If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop trying, if we stop putting in so much extra effort, if we stop looking for results. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected. Te - which may be translated as virtue or strength - lies always in Tao meaning the way or natural law. In other words: Simply be.
Download and start listening now!
"Really, I've picked through this book, covering what must be every page, at least a dozen times in the last year and a half. Every time I find something that strikes me as being profoundly true. Not just sounding true, which some things do, but I can think of examples in my life that prove they are true. I just wish I could live it better. But then I would be trying too hard. And that is not the Tao. Okay, I'll admit it: I'm still the tiniest bit shaky on some of it: I shouldn't talk about the Tao, just live it, but not try too hard to live it.... Yeah, I'll work on that. Just not too much. I'll let myself just be. But be the Tao. Am I getting closer?"
—
Sunni (5 out of 5 stars)