- Hardcover: 118 pages
- Publisher: Kyle Cathie; New edition edition (14 Sep 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1856263967
- ISBN-13: 978-1856263962
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 1.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
117,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #58 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Religions > Taoism
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Product Description
Product Description
The lucidity of the original text had eluded most previous translators, and they have obscured some of its central ideas. This text sets out to make "Tao te Ching" the central Taoist text for the 21st century. Lao-tzu's "Tao te Ching" is the classic manual of the art of living. In 81 brief chapters, the book looks at the basic predicaments posed by being alive and gives advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit. The "Book of the Way" is about wisdom in action.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is not a translation so much as a series of musings based on Paul Carus's literal version and the translations of others. Stephen Mitchell lacks the clarity and perceptiveness of Arthur Waley, the simple elegance of Jane English and Gia-Fu Feng, the scholasticism of D C Lau, and the current relevance of Robert Henricks. His main innovation is in attempting to resolve the 'male bias' he perceives in Lao Tzu by using such techniques as "The Master can keep giving because there is no end to her wealth" (ch 77). However Ursula Le Guin handles the gender issue far more successfully in keeping to the spirit of the original Chinese character by making the central figure neither male nor female (rather than alternating between the two). Although Stephen Mitchell draws heavily on his experience of various religions (he has written books on both Buddhism and the Old Testament), his commentaries fall far short of Lao Tzu's own sparkling humorous 'sharp but not cutting' observations on the eternal Way which can not be talked about.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I can't judge this book good or bad, it's meaning is way beyond these polar opposites. Words are just signposts, they point somewhere else. I don't really care how close this translation is to the original text, I have found it to be very transformative, it has gem-like lucidity.
I purchased Stephen Mitchell's translation as it was recommended by Eckhart Tolle. Incidentally, I have found that by reading The Power Of Now first has made the Tao Te Ching resonate with much more power. Had I attempted it in reverse I think this book would have been quite meaningless.
I purchased Stephen Mitchell's translation as it was recommended by Eckhart Tolle. Incidentally, I have found that by reading The Power Of Now first has made the Tao Te Ching resonate with much more power. Had I attempted it in reverse I think this book would have been quite meaningless.
16 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
After having read about sixteen diferent tranlations of this book, this is without a doubt the best translation. It has to have been made with alot of thought given to the time it was originaly writen as well as what it is actualy portraying. The gender roles have been shaken around so that not only men but also women are part of it and it is trouly anti-authorian.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Poor on several levels
The inclusion of detailed commentary on the meaning on each of the 81 chapters of the original text is a good idea, but let down by having to flick from the main text to the notes... Read more
Published on 2 Feb 2008 by A. J. Weatherburn
An accessible book
I have read one other translation of this book (the name escapes me) and found this one to be very accessible in comparison. Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2007 by Dani Q
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