Further Teachings of Lao-Tzu: Understanding the Mysteries [Hardcover]

Thomas Cleary (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Cleary, a noted scholar of Asian classics, offers the first English translation of the Taoist classic Wen-Tzu , a companion to the Tao Te Ching . The recent resurgence of Lao-Tzu and Taoism can be linked to the modern transcendental movement labeled "New Age" and to the rediscovery of the limitless scope of this ancient Chinese philosophy. Expressed in the Tao is an underlying human desire for a return to a state of primal simplicity, an idea that contains substantial appeal for the overstressed modern psyche. Cleary's superb translation is sure to impress the scholar and educated layperson alike. His treatment is readable, intriguing, and deserves shelf space beside the classics Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu in your collection. Highly recommended.
-Jacqueline Garlesky, Cambria Cty. Lib., Johnstown, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (October 23, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087773609X
• ISBN-13: 978-0877736097
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,663,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Thomas Cleary is the preeminent translator of classic Eastern texts, including The Essential Tao, The Essential Confucius, The Secret of the Golden Flower, and the bestselling The Art of War.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Virtue is in what you give, not in what you get.", October 17, 2009

By 

cvairag (Allan Hancock College) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Further Teachings of Lao-Tzu: Understanding the Mysteries (Hardcover)

Of the mountain of Cleary's translations, this translation of the Wen-tzu is by far my favorite. Really - belongs side by side with whatever edition of the Tao-Teh-Ching you own. Here Lao Tzu also says "Small people pursue undertakings on the premise of profit, exemplary people pursue undertakings on the premise of justice."
"Life is what we temporarily depend upon, death is where we ultimately return. Therefore, when the world is orderly one protects oneself by justice, and when the world is disorderly one protects justice by oneself." "Sages cover everything like the sky, bear everything like the earth, and shine on everything like the sun and moon. They bring harmony like yin and yang, and foster development like the four seasons. They embrace all beings without being the same. For them there is nothing old, nothing new, nothing remote, nothing familiar." There's lots of stuff like these sayings in this book - a good one to curl up with, when you're in the mood for that sort of thing.

5.0 out of 5 stars Daoist Clarity, February 13, 2011

By 

T. Coonen (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Further Teachings of Lao-Tzu: Understanding the Mysteries (Hardcover)

I agree completely with Cvairag's review except to say it might be a better book to travel with than curl up with though you'll probably do both. Those familiar with Thomas Cleary's translations WILL find this one of his best and most enlightening, it's truly a gift to the mind. If you have any interest at all in Lao-Tzu you'll find yourself returning to this book over and over again. Of course, "understanding the mysteries" is one of those publisher's exaggerations if you take it to mean solving the mysteries. But in terms of clarifying, appreciating and finding terms for "the mysteries" this book is unsurpassable. A further virtue of this book, unmentioned by Cvairag and merely hinted at in the Tao Te Ching, is the sense/presence of community and dialogue that underlies the Tao Te Ching and that goes a long way in humanizing this great figure in world metaphysics.