Customer Reviews

The Tao of Power: Lao Tzu's Classic Guide to Leadership, Influence, and Excellence [A new translation of the Tao Te Ching]

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I honestly can't say I've read many books that "changed my life" but I can't help saying that when I talk about this book. I'll spare you from any details about my personal life, but when I first read "The Tao of Power" ten years ago, it had a profound affect on me. At some points it seemed to state obsevations that I myself had recently made. At other times it seemed to answer many of the questions that had been consuming my waking hours. I can't say for sure that it was this book that forced me to change the direction of my life, but it will always be attached to many of the better decisions I made during that period.

I've bought and read many copies of the Tao te Ching over the years, but this translation reamins my favorite. It's well organized, easy to read, and has the best footnotes and translations available. Mr. Wing reduces his own comments to notes at the bottom of each page, leaving more room for illustrations and calligraphy. To me this shows his respect for the asthetics of the work itself.

Most other translations spend too much time in thesis and not enough time showing the beauty and power of the work. One of the beauties is it's simplicity. An individual could spend years deciphering this work, and many have, but I prefer to draw my own conclusions. R.L. Wing offers insights and explanation without forcing many of his own beliefs on the reader. Granted he does try to show practical day to day applications, but it's subtle enough to be forgiven.

I will always have a fondness for this book that extends past "a good read". Undoubtedly, most of you won't feel the same way I do, but if you manage to get a fraction of what I got from it, it will be worth your while.

This book was recommended to me by a fellow Taoist, when I pleaded, 'I love Feng & English's translation, but'. This translation is not merely a translation of 'The Tao Te Ching', but a complete reference book. It has a clear commentary on each of Lao Tzu's chapters, plus an ongoing account of history as it pertained to each Dynasty/Period in Chinese evolution at that time. Please don't let the rather pretentious title, 'Tao of Power', put you off. Add it to your library. You will not regret it!

This is a fantastic translation of the Dao De Jing. (I have others.) Perhaps I'm biased because it was the first one that I ever owned. And as a beginner in Chinese who knows, but I find the expression of concepts very sound, very simple and in complete agreement with esoteric law as I understand it. I have used it well over the years and soon will buy my very next copy. I'm so glad that it's still in print as I keep lending it to people who seem to want it more than me.

RL Wing has presented the Tao Te Ching in a manner that is unique and admirable. In a sense, this book will become your mentor. And, like a good mentor, the book gently guides you along your own unique path, while expecting you to put forth the effort required to realize your objectives. For it is your interaction with the book and the images it provokes through use of metaphor and paradox, that gives meaning to the work. And this method, as a natural course, leads the reader to develop far-reaching insights. These insights, in turn, teach the reader how to develop true power.

The author of Tao Te Ching can never be found out with a hundred percent surety. But what is said is important not the one who said it. Tao Te Ching is basically a book that has great philosophical depth. Only religious books like "Bhagavad Geeta", "The Bible", "The Quran", "The Dhammapada" come close to Tao Te Ching. I personally feel The Bhagavad Geeta comes closest to this work. It is always a good idea to read these books in comparison.When you read the books in comparison, you will understand what the books are saying. What is clear in one book may not be clear in the other or vice-versa. Or you might find it easier to understand in another book. For example, there is a line in Tao Te Ching That says "Act without action." It needs great insight to explain that line. The Bhagavad Geeta speaks of acting without expecting reward. It should be understood that Lord Krishna or whoever wrote the Geeta is not talking about philanthropy. It is to act from a state where the one who is acting does not exist but the action goes through him. And since the actual "actor" does not exist he is not worried about the result or reward. I request you to read the books, "Tao Te Ching" { R.L. Wing's version is very good.} The Bhagavad Geeta { Paramahansa Yogananda's Translation is very good } & Be As You Are: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi (Penguin Books). I am sure you will never regret buying these books and if you read them properly they will change the way you look at the world.

R.L. Wing brings to life this ancient masterpiece. The Tao De Ching is the second most translated book in the world. It is a stable of any scholar's libraries. Wing has an easy to understand translation that smoothly connects the ideas of the Toa with modern physics principles and leadership strategies. The work also offers the reader a wide range of historical information about the rulers and has side by side to the text the explanations of the key Chinese calligraphy. However, what separates this work from others is the insightful commentaries of the author that reveal the underlining premise of this powerful work. Whether this is your first reading of the Tao De Ching, or you're a student of the Tao you will be impressed with this work.

A Superb book for anyone who wants to take control of their lives. Never before has a book made such a deep and profound impression on me.

"the tao of power" is a very enlightening source of information for those wishing to study the tao.

this book is not merely a translation of the tao te ching!

the author accurately translates Lao Tzu's eighty one passages in an understandable way that aids in contemplation, theory and divination. though the passages are arranged in numerical order, excellent introductions to various study approaches are presented, providing methods for the reader to cross reference their own thought processes.

to further aid the reader, commentaries on each passage are added to "bridge the gap" from ancient times to present day.

after reading (and studying) this book, i truly feel i've attained a new level of understanding of the tao te ching, and a greater appreciation for Lao Tzu and his monumental work.

i whole-heartedly recommend this work, and welcome any comments. eric wood

After reading several pages of this book, It finally began to sink in. Don't rush it. Go Slow. Otherwise, you won't learn anything. This book is organized well. I really think people would profit from this book socially and mentally.

RL Wing translates Lao Tzu's timeless classic for a new generation of readers. Chinese symbols are elegantly accomany the translation and provide a backdrop to the resonance of each verse. RL Wing's only conessions to the moden age are to replace a couple of archaic words and link some of the concepts in brief notes to modern concepts the reader can assimilate. The book is organised in a way to provide opportunities for reflection and medition on different concepts that comprise the Tao. It is the type of read a beginner can follow and one which challenges advanced souls as well. After reading it I felt it was a clear translation of Lao Tzu's thoughts.