Customer Reviews

tao te ching: Liber Clvii: The Equinox (Vol. 3, No. 8) (Equinox, V. 3, No. 8)

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

 

 

Although this volume is more of an interpretation than a translation, since by Crowley's own admission he was working from English texts, nevertheless it displays those multiple levels of spiritual wisdom and understanding which are typical of his best work. In addition, the book serves as an excellent introduction to his work for a broader audience, in that he has omitted his usual technique of shocking the unwary out of complaisancy through the use of humor.

He has somehow managed to synthesize the basic tenets of the Tao Te Ching with his own core doctrine as expressed in the Book of the Law. This resolution of seeming opposites goes to the heart of both systems, in that each teaches that the nature of Truth is Paradox. In this work the author appears (for him) incredibly restrained, as though in awe of the text he is working with. There are many levels of depth to be derived from each chapter, and the book deserves repeated reading and meditation. Those unfamiliar with Crowley's work will have a chance to encounter the depth of his wisdom without trepidation, and old fans will realize herein deeper profundities reserved for the initiated and the willing.

This unusual book, which many Crowley readers don't even know exists, highlights the author's unique genius. In many respects, Crowley's is a perfectly legitimate, sturdy translation of the ancient Chinese wisdom book. Yet Crowley is able to add just the right wrinkle to its words to subtly infuse it with his "do what thou wilt" philosophy. I wouldn't advise making this version the only Tao Te Ching translation on your shelf -- for that look to Jonathan Star and some of the other master translators. But alongside the existing Tao literature, this is a fascinating and masterful supplement. For Crowley readers, it is a must. And due to its accessibility, this work may even be a good introduction to the nature of Crowley himself. In any case, it shows his intellectual and artistic mastery, not only of occult and esoteric wisdom, but also of poetic form and interpretive art.

Crowley's intepretation of the Taoist classic is very illuminating, showing if nothing else the flexibility of the Law of Thelema. The book is a peircing look into Crowley's own sycretist mind. However, Crowley's technique of intepretation leads to a very dry reading of the text. The book is set up like a typical Thelemic Liber, with paragraph headings and so forth. The chapters are written in prose paragraphs, rather than free verse as other translations. THus, the poetic power of the text is actually somewhat diminshed. The inclusion of footnotes to explain things is very unTaoist in spirit. Overall, however, Crowley's Toa Te Ching is a very illuminating read. It shows that the Law truly is for all, and that it has been hiding for centuries. This, if nothing else, makes the book worthwhile.

Provisionally reccomended

Okay, maybe I am going out on a limb to give this book five stars, as it will only appeal to Thelemites - chances are pretty good that it will offend an actual Taoist. Uncle Al's translation and interpretation of this ancient Chinese book of mystery is a mind blowing experience though. Just keep in mind that it is not to be read in the light of Lao Tzu's thought as much as Crowley's mysticism. There is even a disclaimer at the beginning of the book by the Beast himself that basically admits to "garnishing the radish". So if you are a Thelemite, or if you are just interested in Crowley or the blending of Taoist mysticism with that of Western Magick, buy this book. Or better yet, go to www.hermetic.com and copy and paste the whole book onto your word document and get the whole thing for free! (*wink wink*)

For any student of Thelema, this is A. Crowley's adaptation of the Tao Te Ching. It is notable particularly in the Thelemic slant in the translation/interpretation. I found it particularly interesting when compared to more literal translations; this was especially illuminating with regards to understanding Thelema.

As a daoist that can read the chinese directly, I don't find the book very worthwhile.

As a thelemite, I find that it struggles to unite thelemic concepts with daoism. It has its moments, but for the most part, you'll get what you need out of any translation you can read.

Aleister's understanding and interpretation of the Tao Te Ching is way out. Anyone who gives a good rating of this book is probably a "fan" of Aleister and doesn't really know about real Tao Te Ching. When one interprets Tao Te Ching from a "Thelemic" point, it just adds more inaccuracies. Admire this book as you wish, but this, to me is plain "Emperor's New Clothes".

Just Aleister's attempt to explain from "Thelemic" viewpoint. Nice try, but it is not right.

I'm a big fan of Stephen Mitchell's translation. I have compared several others and haven't liked them because they often lack clarity. I came across Aleister Crowley's translation and although it is a very loose translation, his paraphrasing of the ideas from the book are very insightful. Not sure what the other reviewers actually disliked.

I feel I could study this translation for years and still find new pearls of wisdom. Truly excellent work.

Crowley has done it again... Great work from the hallucionary one. He has come up with his own "version" of the Tao Te Ching and I am a practioner of the Tao for many years and his works show great misunderstandings of the Way.

If you want to understand Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, put this book aside; if you are a Crowley die-hard fan, and want Thelemic "flavour", this one fits well but it is not Eastern philosophy. Be warned.