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cover image
Tao Te Ching
A New Translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English
Rating :
rating
Author(s) :
Lao Tsu
Pages :
176
Pub Date :
1997
Edition(s) at Erowid :
---(---)
Publisher :
Vintage Books
ISBN :
0679776192
BACK COVER #
The Tao Te Ching, the esoteric but infinitely practical book written most probably in the sixth century B.C. by Lao Tsu, has been translated more frequently than any work except the Bible. This fresh translation of the ancient Chinese classic offers the essence of each word and makes Lao Tsu's teaching immediate and alive.

The philosophy of Lao Tsu 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 set up resistance. Nature provides everything without requiring payment or thanks, and also provides everything without discrimination--therefore let us present the same face to everyone and treat all men 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. We will come to appreciate the original meaning of the word "understand," which means "to stand under." We serve whatever or whoever stands before us, without any thought for ourselves. Te--which may be translated as "virtue" or "strength"--lies always in Tao, or "natural law." In other words: Simply be.

BLURBS #
"No one has done better in conveying Lao Tsu's simple and laconic style of writing, so as to produce an English version almost as suggestive of the many meanings intended. This is a most useful, as well as beautiful, volume--and what it has to say is exactly what the world, in its present state, needs to hear."
-- Alan Watts