Customer Reviews

Lao Tzu: Te-Tao Ching - A New Translation Based on the Recently Discovered Ma-wang-tui Texts (Classics of Ancient China)

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In studying the Chinese language, you find the combination of the characters can bring forth feelings and un-nameable images. This is why there are so many different translations of the Tao-Te Ching in English, each one painting a slightly different picture in one's mind. This translation begins with an introduction to Taoism. A great overview for anyone unfamiliar with Taoism. Also explained is some common misconceptions most people have about Taoism (like the original texts did not have chapter separations, and "virtue" [te] actually came before "the way" [tao]) The actual translation is broken up into two parts. The first is the Te-Tao in it's poetic form, in English, translated from the new texts. (One of the better English translations I've seen). The second translation is very useful and interesting if you don't speak Chinese and would like to better understand the true meaning of the texts. The original texts are on the right of the page, while the English definition is on the left. Underneath, he adds notes regarding inconsistancies, missing characters, or just insight addressing lines some people often have problems understanding. Overall, if I would suggest one translation of the Te-Tao Ching, it would definately have to be this one. Intelligent and insightful, it allows words written over 2,300 years ago to still make people today smile with understanding.

If you are looking for technically accurate translation, this is the book to have. Based on the recent Ma-Wang-Tui texts, this is a must have for any serious student of Taoism. Because the Way and Virtue sections(Te-Tao) of the Ma-Wang Tui texts were found inverted from the traditional way (Tao-Te) it sometimes makes comparisons to other texts a little harder. Also, this seems to strive to be more technically accurate than poetic, and I think it loses some 'feeling' in the translation. Any true student of Taoism should have several different copies of the Tao-Te Ching to compare, and this translation should definitly be one of them.

The book of Lao Tzu - Te-Tao Ching is one of the ancient Chinese classics of Taoist philosophy that has been read by scholars and translated and published in books many times with varying translation results. It describes the philosophy of Virtue and The Way in 81 short Chapters.

This translation is based on two original manuscripts - named Ma-Wang-Tui - that pre-date the manucripts used in the excellent tranlation by D.C. Lau. In Mr Henricks' translation, he presents two choices for the reader; the translation of the text only, or the translation of the text including commentaries plus both original chinese texts. For each of the 81 chapters either text A or B is used - where the commentaries include comparison analysis between Text A and B.

Besides the translation of the 81 Chapters, information is included about the historical background of the texts to enable the reader to put the meaning and thought of the text into context.

Reading each chapter in this book for me is close to reading poetry that has powerful meaning and thought embedded in it. I recommend this book to people who are interested in Taoist 'thought'. Mr Henricks is a well respected and skilled translator that has done extensive research for this translation. Well worth a 5-star recommendation.

One of my favorite chapters: #20.

The reviewer Mr. Forrest couldn't understand why the translator changed the name of the text or re-ordered the two parts. If he had read the book he would know that Ma-Wang-Tui texts had this ordering in the original. He would also know that since the two parts are known as the "Tao" and the "Te" ("the way" and "the virtue"), the naming of the book is perfectly appropriate. Mr. Henricks divides his book into two parts also. The first is a straight-forward translation. The second contains the translation as well as comments, notes and original Chinese from the two Ma-Wang-Tui texts used. If you're not interested in chinese philosophy and history, this probably won't appeal to you. You can always get one of the new age, tao-of-pooh type versions.

A few years ago, I bought this book at a garage sale, read it, loved it, and then promptly had it stolen from me. I would have bought another copy but I could not remember which Lao Tzu book it was. So I tried dozens of other translations and all of them seemed lacking. None had the magic of this book. But now, here at Amazon, this book and I have crossed paths again. And I am happy. And Amazon is eight dollars richer.

In searching for a good translation of the Tao-Te/Te-Tao Ching, I was delighted to find this book. A translation of the remnants of two early copies of the book, it provides new insight into the classic, as well as a good translation. The text of the original documents are reprinted, and commentary is made on the translation, particles, likely meanings, etc. Commentary is made on popular interpretations and ways of organizing the chapters. For the casual reader, a "comment-free" copy is included in this book.

An excellent resource for scholars, philosophers, and those interested in Chinese history and language.

I highly recomend this book. Of the half dozen or so different publications of this work, this particular version is by far my favorite. It maintains the beauty of the poetry, without becoming caught up inbeing beautiful. The spirit of the text comes through clearly, and I have found that the material still affects people now as it did nearly three thousand years ago.

The Te Tao Ching, or The Book of the Way and its Power, written around 500 B.C., is traditionally attributed to a man named Li Erh. Because of his wisdom, he is given the title "Lao Tzu", which means "old Master". Many historians believe, however, that it better represents the ancient Chinese thought of around 300 B.C., directly following and reacting to the Era of the Warring States. In any case, the book is a collection of teachings on the correct method of living with virtue and the following the Way, the path to contentment. The Lao Tzu communicates his ideals to us through a variety of means, telling us how, in his mind, we are to achieve a virtuous and content life.

Lao Tzu uses the phrase "uncarved wood" to represent the way the common people should be. This is particularly effective because when we read it, we get a vivid, clean, natural image. The uncarved wood is unaltered by man. It is, according to Lao Tzu, "genuine and simple" (26), and this is how people should exist.

So, "in the government of the Sage: He empties [the people's] minds, and fills their bellies. Weakens their ambition, and strengthens their bones" (55). By keeping the people fed, healthy, and without knowledge, the people become happy, simple, and contented. He "causes the people to be constantly without knowledge and without desires... Then there is nothing that will not be in order" (55). According to Lao Tzu, when you "throw away knowledge,... the people will benefit a hundredfold" (71). Knowledge seems to be unnecessary for true contentment. In fact, it seems to hinder it. When people have knowledge, they become ambitious. When the people are ambitious, they will not be content in their lives. The ideal people will have weapons but have no need of them and means to travel but no desire to leave their villages. "They will relish their food, regard their clothing as beautiful, delight in their customs, and feel safe and secure in their homes. (36)" They will be content to live out their long, healthy lives, having no desire to change their conditions.

The Lao Tzu also adds onto this by the principle of "wu-wei", which literally interpreted means "without taking any action" (xxi). When this is taken in context, though, the principle can be better understood as "does nothing, and yet there is nothing left undone" (xxi). There are several examples in the book of things that follow the principle, to "act without acting". The Sage "takes actions but does not possess them; accomplishes his tasks but does not dwell on them" (48). According to Erh, the Sage follows the Way not by actually doing nothing, but he simply does not do anything that is not genuine or sincere. The Way for men is like the Way of Heaven: "to benefit and not cause any harm; ...to act on behalf of others and not to compete with them" (37). He does not act to gain glory from the world or put on a show for others. He does not "make a display of his worthiness" (48). The Sage who follows the way lives simply, giving whatever others need and not taking credit for it.

Lao Tzu uses another interesting metaphor to emphasize the principle of wu-wei and the minimalist ideals of Taoism in chapter 11of the second section. Here, he speaks of the power and usefulness of nothing. He states, "We fire clay and make vessels; it is precisely where there's no substance, that we find the usefulness of clay pots" (63). So, the useful part of the pot is the hole in the middle, where there is no clay. Likewise, in our lives, it is best when we can do nothing, but leave nothing undone.

The metaphor of the hole in the pot also expresses the fact that too many possessions can lead to unhappiness. The book tells us, "When hollowed out, you'll be full... When you have little, you'll attain much; With much, you'll be confused" (75).

Therefore, according to Lao Tzu, it is best to live as simply as possible with only as much as we need. We must not act to gain anything. We may act to benefit others, but we must not seek any reward. When our goals are to obtain material wealth, or power, or indeed anything, we cannot be content, because:

Of crimes-none is greater than having things one desires;
Of disasters-none is greater than not knowing when one has enough.
Of defects-none brings more sorrow than the desire to attain.

The book contains a wealth of understanding in many areas. Many of the philosophies and ideals are intriguing, and the whole beauty of the work is amplified by the masterful use of paradox and other communication techniques. And if nothing else, you will find a few good quotes. Overall, Taoist or otherwise, if you are interested in culture, philosophy, or ancient China, the Te-Tao Ching may be well worth your time.

This book helped me to fundamentally alter how I see myself, others, and the world around me: I used to view them as separate entities; I now see them as inseparable.

Combined with a study of t'ai ch'i, this book was invaluable in helping me to positively alter my limited notions of reality.

this is an enjoyable, intersting and illuminating edition - taking the translation of Tao to a new level of understanding. The use of contemporary English gives the Tao a greater elegance. If you are interested in the Tao de Ching - you should read this edition. It is unusually readable