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Thomas Cleary presents original translations of the two ancient Chinese texts that describe the essential philosophy and practice of the Tao, or "universal way." The
Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu's classic anthology of sayings, poems, and proverbs, appears here in its entirety; Cleary's excellent, detailed notes to each of the 81 stanzas illuminate the more difficult verses and unfamiliar ideas. The first seven, or "inner" chapters of the
Chuang-Tzu, those containing the essence of the Taoist master Chuang-tzu's teachings, are also presented, with accompanying notes explaining the philosophy and significance of the symbolic stories. Readers already acquainted with the two texts will find renewed enjoyment in the directness and simplicity of Cleary's translations, which are particularly pleasing to modern ears while losing none of the nuances of the originals. The well-known opening lines of the
Tao Te Ching, for example, are given new life: "A way can be a guide, but not a fixed path; names can be given, but not permanent labels." And there is a clarity in the passages from the
Chuang-Tzu not often found in other interpretations: "Who knows the unspoken explanation, the unexpressed Way? Among those who do know, this is called the celestial storehouse: we can pour into it without filling it, we can draw from it without exhausting it; and yet we don't know where it comes from." The subject matter of both texts ranges widely, from politics and economy to psychology and mysticism, addressing the needs and interests of a diverse readership. No less relevant today than when they were written more than 2,000 years ago, there is a "perennial currency" to these writings achieved by few of the world's great books. Cleary's readable introduction and notes provide an elegant frame that complements the quiet grandeur of these important texts.
--Uma Kukathas
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
This is a useful introduction to Taoism which incorporates the two major books on Chinese philosophy, Chuang Tzu and Tao Te Ching . The section on Chuang Tzu's teachings and the notes on the historical background of Taoism are excellent. However, in the translation of the Tao Te Ching , Cleary incorporates many words like passionless , inexhaustible , trustworthiness , frugality , uncontrived , presuming , domineering , etc. Simpler terms, as in Witter Bynner's rendering ( The Way of Life According to Lao Tzu , Putnam, 1989) or Jane English's translation ( Tao Te Ching , Random, 1989), seem to more clearly communicate the essence of this intuitive philosophy. However, this translation is still better than most available versions. This, with the combination of the two texts in one volume, makes Cleary's edition a desirable book for large collections. Notes on individual lines of text are included.
- Del Cain, V.A. Medical Ctr. Lib., Bedford, Mass.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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