The Essential Tao : An Initiation into the Heart of Taoism Through the Authentic Tao Te Ching and the Inner Teachings of Chuang-Tzu (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Tao is one of the most basic and comprehensive symbols in the Chinese language, the center of all philosophical and spiritual discourse..." (more)
Key Phrases: foot chopped, attaining unity, inner chapters, Tao Te Ching, Yen Hui, Chuang Chou (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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 the Hardcover edition.

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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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (September 10, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062502166
• ISBN-13: 978-0062502162
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #508,382 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Way, April 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Tao (Hardcover)

Any chance to read the Tao Te Ching, as well as get the essentials of Chuang Tzu under the same covers, must be celebrated. Unless you can read the Chinese original, you need many interpretations to gather a sense of the ineffable Dao, the Way of Life, and Cleary's is a worthy attempt. I like Feng/English and Mitchell's translations too, but in this case you also get a concise introduction to the whole of philosophical Daoism.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My intro to the Way..., June 10, 2003

By	A. Ort "aorto" (Youngstown, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book holds fond memories for me. I carried it for a long time, perusing it occasionally, trying to get a hold of this thing called 'the Tao'. But, as with the Way of the Tao, one day I simply 'got it'. And this entire book made complete sense. My life would never be the same. There is before and after that moment. So for that I hold it in high regard.

As I've matured a bit and have become familiar with other translations, this one shows its limitations. It is a great introduction and Cleary obviously knows his stuff. But it is written with a Western (American?) audience in mind.

While all translations carry interpretation as well, this one leans more toward an interpretation, one tailored to a Western audience (though definitely not as tailored as others, e.g. Stephen Mitchell's). So while it does makes sense of the text it also rides that edge of losing something as well.

The inclusion of Chuang-Tzu also makes the book a great value. Chuang-Tzu brings great humor and insight to the Tao Te Ching. Cleary's translation is clear but is a bit scholarly (though I suppose it is difficult for anyone to bring out the playfulness of the text, thus Lao-Tzu's concept that 'if it can be explained it ain't the Tao').

There are some translation of certain lines that I prefer and find brilliant. For example, 'when everyone knows good as good, this is bad' adds a different twist to the traditional rendering of 'when everyone knows good as good, this is because bad is already there'. But there are other translations that yield the same gems. I literally have seven different translations. Yikes. For a Way that is supposed to be unspoken, there are certainly a lot of words about it.

All in all, though, this is a great starter. Make sure to add it to or add to it other translations to really seek the essence and, more importantly, to live it.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not stand alone, but worthwhile, August 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Tao (Hardcover)

This review concerns the hardbound edition.

Cleary's translation shows some insight of a philosophy that can be easily misunderstood. The beginning western reader to the Tao cannot be armed with too many translations to assist them. The Tao is from a culture whose philosophical basis of reasoning is foreign to most westerners. While I would not reccomend Mr. Cleary's work as the one and only translation for Americans, I have found that his work, when used in conjunction with some of the more "clasical" versions, is of value. The reader should note that for the non-oriental, non-chinese, mindset there is yet no "one" translation that can be depended upon for clarity.