Customer Reviews

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The subtle music and soothing voice create a meditative and contemplative space that draws the listener toward a better understanding of the tao. Lance chooses a translation of the tao that is clear and resonates with my meditation. By promoting the tao te ching without analyzing it, Lance carries on a centuries old tradition of passing on sacred knowledge.

"The Tao Te Ching always struck me as one of those classic contemplative texts that suffers from being a smidge boring. It just ain't juicy. With its yin/yang, what goes up must come down eqanimity, it's meaningful but dull. But now then, I'd never heard Lao Tzu's words read aloud. Hearing the Tao out loud improved my appreciation considerably. Muresan's strong, resonant, earnest voice charges each line with haunting, urgent appeal: haunting in the lyrical, chant-like similtude with which each line is thrown to the listener, and urgent in the way each proverb smashes the listener's noggin like a projectile of zen stone --------------WAKE UP! HEAR THIS!----------------- For the background, three or four synthesized chords alternate repetitively, effectively (though not seamlessly) enhancing the meditative, chant-like mood of the reading. This Tao reading succeeds where other versions do not, transcending the refuge of lofty, thespian hauteur by elevating content over style. And yet, Muresan's style summons the mystique of ancient oral tradition on this affecting, lyrical tape."

This reading comes from the heart. Its tone and cadence are pure enlightenment. If you don't believe me, just give it five minutes. At first this version seems understated but the more one listens to it the deeper it takes you. It is truly how the Tao has been passed along through the ages. The tone of other Tao readings created by famous actors and thespians are greatly lacking in insight compared to this beauty. This is authentic!! I hope you are with us for many more decades Lance. Can't wait so see what you will create next.

When are they going to stop letting writers read great books and hire an actor who has some voice quality? This was my second try at an audio Tao Te Ching and both were totally lacking in feeling. The background chords on this set a meditative mood and the translation is traditional, not an "interpretation", but Muresan's voice is hopeless. He sounds like he's reading the Wall Street Journal.