Tao Te Ching [Paperback]

Lao Tzu (Author), John C.H. Wu (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 1990

Written more than two thousand years ago, the Tao Teh Ching, or "The Classic of the Way and Its Virtue," has probably had a greater influence on Asian thought that any other single book. It is also one of the true classics of world literature.

Traditionally attributed to the near-legendary "Old Master," Lao Tzu, the Tao Teh Ching teaches that the qualities of the enlightened sage or ideal ruler are identical with those of the perfected individual. Today, Lao Tzu's words are as useful in mastering the arts of leadership in business and politics as they are in developing a sense of balance and harmony in everyday life. To follow the Tao or Way of all things and realize their true nature is to embody humility, spontaneity, and generosity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Written more than two thousand years ago, the Tao Teh Ching is probably the most influential work of Asian thought. . . . This lucid translation demonstrates that these teachings are useful in the arts of leadership as they are in developing a sense of balance and harmony in everyday life."— Branches of Light

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (September 26, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877735425
• ISBN-13: 978-0877735427
• Product Dimensions: 3 x 0.3 x 4.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Eastern > Taoism
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Taoism
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Eastern Philosophy

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Proving the Benefit of a Bi-lingual Translator, July 24, 2005

By 

Andrew Beaulac (Whidbey Island, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tao Te Ching (Paperback)

I always appreciate a translation of the Tao Te Ching by a native speaker of Chinese who is also fluent in English. John C.H. Wu is just that and is one of my recommended translators for friends choosing a Tao Te Ching. Wu gives the Chinese text adjacent to each chapter in English, and a translation that Thomas Merton calls superb. I must agree with Merton. Chinese idoms and the nuances of the language are familiar territory to the translator here and this becomes obvious in his very readable and clear translation.

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars John C. H. Wu is the best Tao translator available, April 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tao Te Ching (Paperback)

Why read a version of the Tao Teh Ching translated by some American who thought Taoism was something "exotic" when you can have this one--written by an earthy man born and raised in Ningpo? As Wu once said of himself, "I was initiated early into the mysteries of paradox."

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The way of Tao!, October 1, 2005

By 

Vivek Sharma "Kavi" (Cambridge / Boston, MA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Tao Te Ching (Paperback)

"True words are not fancy

Fancy words are not true"

The ancient wisdom flows across the centuries to illuminate us. The simple sentences are like calm seas, they have a great depth and greater treasures beneath, to be revealing only to them who dive and seek them.

"There is nothing better than to know that you don't know"

The whole text is laced with wisdom, insight, instruction and knowledge. A must read for everyone interested in Taoism, philosophy, morality, spirituality or with the plain desire to benefit from the immortal thoughts and works of this ancient great!