Tao Te Ching (Paperback)

~ (Author), John C.H. Wu (Translator) "Tao can be talked about, but not the Eternal Tao..." (more)
Key Phrases: private ends, Primal Simplicity, High Virtue

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

Product Description

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.

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: 4.5 x 3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #224,413 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #28 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Tzu, Lao
  #50 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Tao Te Ching

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 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

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."

13 of 14 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)

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.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best, January 14, 2001

By	Amethyst (OK United States) - See all my reviews

The Tao Teh Ching is one of the best books ever written. It can be spiritual, or it can be secular. It can be philisophical, or it can be practical and earthy. As a Taoist, I can tell you that this is one of the best translations available.