Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way) is the classic manual on the art of living. In 81 short, poetic chapters, the book looks at the basic predicament of being alive and teaches how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao, or the basic principle of the universe. Stephen Mitchell’s acclaimed translation is accompanied by ancient Chinese paintings that beautifully reflect Lao Tzu’s timeless words.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Beautiful and accessible; the English, as 'fluid as melting ice,' is a joy to read throughout." -- -- The New Republic
"Beautiful and accessible; the English, as 'fluid as melting ice,' is a joy to read throughout." -- The New Republic
"Stephen Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our times as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, large-heartedness, and deep wisdom." -- Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Original Language: Chinese --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Authors
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
77 of 82 people found the following review helpful
By tepi
Format:Hardcover
I was a bit bothered by Stephen Mitchell's version at first, but after spending more time with it begin to have second thoughts. It's true that he hasn't given us a literal reading of Lao Tzu's text. He's dropped bits here and there, and seems to have sneaked in a few bits of his own. But hey! Surely a guy who has survived fourteen years of Zen torture, erh... training, has some rights?
In effect what Mitchell has done is to give us a stripped-down and interpreted and simplified version of the Tao Te Ching. This strategy has led to some very real benefits. Most of the obscure parts, parts that even have Chinese scholars scratching their heads, seem to have pretty well gone. What has been left is the essence, and it stands out clearly.
Frankly I don't think you'll miss much of Lao Tzu's message. No important notion seems to have been lost. And Mitchell's language has a wonderful simplicity and directness. Here's an example chosen at random from Chapter 9, with my slash marks to indicate line breaks:
"Chase after money and security / and your heart will never unclench. / Care about people's approval / and you will be their prisoner."
These are important truths. Two of the many in this text that we do well to keep in mind. And "unclench" - the heart as a tight clenched fist - is a very nice touch. Of course, it isn't exactly what Lao Tzu said. But somehow I don't think Old Master Lao would mind. In fact, he'd probably be honored by the paintings too.
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Dear Fellow Readers,
I would give this book an infinity of stars if possible. I have read about 10 translations of this ageless book, but this one is really unique. All translations are great and I recommend you read this book in any translation if you can.
This very short book gives insight into the greatest mysteries of life from a truly humble and enlightened master. Unlike other 'scriptures' (which were modified by power-greedy priests and politicians in their attempt to control the masses) full of dogmas, dos and donts, this Jewel has not been touched by fools.
This is a Spring of Immortal Wisdom and Divine Elixir. This book has in it the core of all religions or spiritual paths - be them Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Taoist or whatever: letting go of all, we are ready to embrace all.
ONENESS with all that is is the ultimate freedom and joy. We are already enlightened, as we have always been. We are the ONE Itself.
Replace Tao with God and you will get one of the most Christian books ever written. Replace Tao with Brahman and you will get one of the most Hindu books ever written.
The simplicity and depth of this book reaches (if not surpasses) the heights of Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other ageless books.
I read this book more than 100 times in the last 3 years and each time I feel empowered by it. To live in ONENESS is to live in BLISS.
After reading countless books from all religions, few (if any) reach the depth, simplicity, modesty, wisdom and practicality of this very short book.
This book is so short, in one hour you can read it. But the nectar of wisdom in it will make you wanna read it over and over and embody what is written there... for the ONE is the source of all ecstasy, all peace, and all bliss.
Peace, a human
33 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have come to have a fondness and deep appreciation for Mitchell's work and choices of subjects. I bought this translation because of high praise for it hidden in one of Jim Harrison's poems. This version is, perhaps, the most readable of all I have encountered. Many people find it inspiring and that must be why it is such an acclaimed translation. Having dealt with a dozen or so translations and the texts behind them, I do note that Mitchell takes some liberties. His is a very idiomatic translation, which often reads better than word-for-word literalness, the latter often proving too wooden to be enjoyable or clear. And Mitchell might even omit a few phrases or add one here or there. But the spirit is all Lao Tzu. Also, the volume is full of the most exquisite ancient Chinese illustrations, making it the most beautiful of any of my Tao Te Chings.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tao
Beautifully illustrated with a modern translation making the message clear. Would make a lovely gift for anyone with a spiritual inclination.
Published 1 day ago by Jan Francis
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dense with wisdom and beautifully translated.
This is a must have. And if someone is mentally and spiritually ready for this book it's a great gift.
Published 1 month ago by Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Book
I use this book for a Tao Te Ching group which I have recently joined. When I showed th group the copy of the book I bought from Amazon, they agreed that it was beautifully done... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Margaret Brunnock
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!
Why didn't I read the Tao years ago? This book is both an eye opener and a life-changer. If you give yourself permission to take this peaceful journey - with both interest and... Read more
Published 1 month ago by samic
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Stephen Mitchell Gem
I have bought all of his translated works, this one in different editions. Read his choice of words aloud and you will hear the difference.
Published 1 month ago by Eugene Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely book
The books arrived in perfect condition. The words of the book are inspiring to me at a time when i was becoming very concerned for planet Earth and our treatment of her and our... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Karen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Text
I bought this for a class on eastern philosophy and it really is pretty amazing; it is the type of text you can speed through (because it is essentially a series of... Read more
Published 2 months ago by nick
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent translation
Very approachable text with an introduction giving some of the background behind the original as wll as clear translator's notes. The illustrations are beautiful.
Published 2 months ago by Wendy C. Reveri
5.0 out of 5 stars
The original self-help book
Fantastic book for people trying to recover from being intellectuals. If you can describe it, you don't know what it is. Major intellectual buzzkill.
Published 2 months ago by Joseph E. Galligan
3.0 out of 5 stars
Where are Mitchell's notes?
This edition lacks something which would seem to be an essential and integral part of this rendition of Lao Tzu: Stephen Mitchell's brilliant, informative notes. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ross
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
