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Product Description
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Chuang Tzu—considered, along with Lao Tzu, one of the great figures of early Taoist thought—used parables and anecdotes, allegory and paradox, to illustrate that real happiness and freedom are found only in understanding the Tao or Way of nature, and dwelling in its unity. The respected Trappist monk Thomas Merton spent several years reading and reflecting upon four different translations of the Chinese classic that bears Chuang Tzu's name. The result is this collection of poetic renderings of the great sage's work that conveys its spirit in a way no other translation has and that was Merton's personal favorite among his more than fifty books. Both prose and verse are included here, as well as a short section from Merton discussing the most salient themes of Chuang Tzu's teachings.
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First Sentence
The classic period of Chinese philosophy covers about three hundred years, from 550 to 250 B.C. Chuang Tzu, the greatest of the Taoist writers whose historical existence can be verified (we cannot be sure of Lao Tzu), flourished toward the end of this per Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
The classic period of Chinese philosophy covers about three hundred years, from 550 to 250 B.C. Chuang Tzu, the greatest of the Taoist writers whose historical existence can be verified (we cannot be sure of Lao Tzu), flourished toward the end of this per Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I first read a translation of Chuang Tzus works from an old text in a library - it was quite difficult to understand and a bit wordy, but obviously was of important content. Following this I bought a better translation (Palmer) of it. This was good - however buying this book gave me insights I'd not had with more wordy versions.
Although not useful for a historian (since it is not a direct translation) - this conveys the meaning far better than any translation I have every read. Also, each story is concise and snappy, and very accessible. This book is a life changer.
The only dissapointment I had is that the quality of the paper and cover is not as good as it used to be (I gave my original copy away to someone who was desperate to read it). In total I have bought 4 copies of this book (for friends etc) and I'm going to buy a fifth.
BUY IT - I cannot believe anyone would be dissapointed.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Thomas Merton captures the spirit and meaning of the great Daoist philosopher Zhuang Zi like few others. Merton's natural, poetic language faithfully renders the free, flowing nature of Zhuang Zi's original masterpiece. I only wish Merton had translated more.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
'The Way of Chuang Tzu' was written from previous
translations of Chuang Tzu's writings, and as such might
seem to have little to recommend it. In fact, Thomas
Merton's deep spirituality and obvious love of Asian culture
bring these writings alive. Direct translations from the
Chinese are often spiritless and confusing, or at best
unintentionally humorous. Merton's inspirational writings
make it clear why this work has lasted for 2000 years.
translations of Chuang Tzu's writings, and as such might
seem to have little to recommend it. In fact, Thomas
Merton's deep spirituality and obvious love of Asian culture
bring these writings alive. Direct translations from the
Chinese are often spiritless and confusing, or at best
unintentionally humorous. Merton's inspirational writings
make it clear why this work has lasted for 2000 years.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
profound book from amazon
I have read this book so many times over the last 40 years and it always seems I am reading it for the first time!Very profound writings!
Published 2 months ago by david
Poetic and profound
I first read Zhuangzi in Burton Watson's brilliant translation. He himself recommends that you read other versions because the archaic Chinese it's written in is obscure and... Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. Lawton
Beautiful book.
Shambhala have produced not only a wonderful hardback book, wonderful not only for its content but the appearance and quality of the book. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Pete121
The Way of Chuang Tzu - Thomas Merton.
This is a beautiful rendition (from Thomas Merton 1913-1968), of the text known as the 'Zhuangzi' (Chuang Tzu) in Chinese, a text that takes the name of its author 'master Zhuang'. Read more
Published 18 months ago by ShiDaDao Ph.D
Inspired version of a great Taoist classic
Thomas Merton's selections from Chuang Tzu capture his glorious terse humour and deep wisdom. A treasure.
Published 22 months ago by A. J. Senior
Merton vs. Chuang Tzu, brilliant
This is a very honest attempt by Merton to translate and extract the essence of Chuang Tzu. Very profound reading anb great if you arn't a fan of Confucious, because Chuang Tzu... Read more
Published on 30 Oct 2009 by Mr. M. Tyrrell
Deeply Spiritual Ideas Expressed in Poetic Beauty
Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, read and compared several different translations of the writings of Chuang Tzu over a five year period. Read more
Published on 28 July 2004 by Erika Borsos
Excellent Book
If you are interested in Taoism or Eastern thought then get this book. It is a free translation by an exceptional human being which is very rare. Read more
Published on 4 May 2002 by GP
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