Tao Te Ching (Hackett Classics)

Stephen Addiss and Stanley Lombardo have achieved here an excellent, readily assimilated translation of the Tao Te Ching into English, which is rewardingly enhanced by Burton Watson's very helpful introduction, in which he clearly explains in succinct fashion all the salient points necessary for the best appreciation of the text. A helpful translators' preface and pronunciation guide are also included along with a glossary of Chinese words appearing at the end of the work, in which the western style alphabetical spelling of a variety of Chinese picture writing characters is given. Attractive calligraphic illustrations are dispersed throughout the work. Not very much is known about Lao Tzu to whom authorship of the Tao Te Ching is attributed. Tradition has it that he was a contemporary of Confucius (551-479 BCE) and that the two of them met on at least one occasion, but we cannot be sure about this. Whereas Confucianism is very much a male orientated, good governance teaching from the top down aspect, Taoism confronts the vagaries of daily existence as experienced by every day folk. More is known about a later Tao teacher called Cuang Tzu whose teachings are found in The Book of Chuang Tzu, which is also available in English translations. Some may find it beneficial to read a page of this work on a daily basis, returning to the beginning after the final saying has been read. Among other helpful attributes of the work is its function as an antidote to the humbug encountered in daily life, especially that of both political and religious kinds. Those with experience of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism cannot fail to notice how it has been beneficially influenced by Taoism. Indeed, there may well have been a mutual influence. At the beginning of the work we are told that 'naming is the mother of ten thousand things.' and that names can name no lasting things. In a way, this sets the stage for the difference between Taoist and Confucianist priorities: mother orientated for the one and father orientated for the other, except that Taoism isn't really orientated at all. It's simply knowing what it is to truly BE, which is, of course, unbeable.

An excellent translation, with interesting Chinese calligraphy paintings throughout. Highly recommended. It is, I think, the closest translation to the original text, but at times it can be heartless in its literalism. It makes clear the different possibilities of meanings/interpretations of the original Chinese words, and provides unique insight into the difficulty of 'accurately' translating a text such as this. Given this however, it does translate it excellently, most excellently, but I do not recommend it if this will be your first reading of the Tao Te Ching -- if it is the first time you will read the Tao Te Ching I recommend Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English's translation as it is a better introductory translation, in my opinion. Still, this book is great, and I highly recommend it.

One amazing thing you discover with the Tao (after reading 2 or 3 versions) is that each version is different. A subtle change in how a charactor is translated can utterly change its meaning & whole verses that once had one slant can have a radically different meaning with a different translator. In the Bible you will find this when you compare a paraphrase like the The Message with literal translations like New International Version (NIV) , but the differences are often only slight & the meaning is only a little different. As the Tao is translated from a completely different language to English, it can vary wildly with its translations. Couple this with the fact that it can often be more profound in its teachings, so the differences between versions will often the reader amazed. So it is that even the first verse ('Tao called Tao is not Tao') is wildly different in meaning to the paraphrased 'The Name that can be named is not the eternal name'. And, looking through this version, I found many differences in meaning to the paraphrased versions I've been reading. For Instance, Verse 15: '...Because they do not wish to be full, they can fade away without further effort' (compared with: '...Not seeking fulfillment, they are not swayed by desire for change.') Verse 50: '...The tiger's claws find nothing to flay, Weapons find nothing to pierce. Why is this? They have no mortal spot' (compared with: '...This is the fulfilled person of the the Tao who leaves no space in life for premature death.') Some of these translations are better, some more awkward, but often they are enlightening & new. If it can be described, it is like this version has a far stronger Chinese flavor than the other versions & seems more true to what Lao Tzu intended. Added to this, this particular edition is filled with Chinese symbols next to the verses. Like the strangeness of the text itself, these have the effect of taking your mind back to the time when Lao Tzu wrote the text & of making you feel some of the 'mysterious powers' that Confucius claimed he had. So, if you've read just one version of the Tao Te Ching, then I would recommend this one as a way of completely & radically altering your perspective on the meaning of Lao Tzu's words. That said, I would not recommend it for beginners (just as I wouldn't recommend the King James Bible to first-time Bible readers). If you have just read Million Little Pieces or have just started on your Taoist Odyssey, then I recommend this pocket version: Tao Te Ching & this: Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life to get you started. Once you're on the path though, then get this version & prepare to have your mind stretched in ways you can't even begin to imagine...

At first reading I was startled, as this is very different to most translations of the Tao Te Ching. This translation is fantastic because of its simplicity. It cuts to the core of many verses and avoids the wordy English translations which try to 'explain' what Lao Tzu meant. It also avoids the use of 'he' as a pronoun and in doing so recreates the genderlessness of the Chinese original. It has good clarity and retains some of the poetry and pace of the original - so it seems very 'authentic'. The Chinese-style paintings and the use of Chinese characters alongside the text make the book quite beautiful, too. My only gripe is that sometimes this version uses a more complex vocabulary and words which have a 'western' meaning, such as in the following from Verse 18: Addis & Lombardo "...filial piety and affection arise / the nation disordered, patriots come forth" The use of 'patriots' in this verse sticks out for me. In my opinion a patriot is someone who wants respect for their achievements, which the Tao Te Ching warns against, therefore I do not feel this word is the best choice. Although the concept of 'filial piety' is a Chinese concept, many people might not know what this means. Perhaps the brevity of this translation, which is its best asset, is also its downfall, as it somestimes comes across as a little heartless. I would contrast this with Red Pine's translation (which for me is more easily understood): "...we meet obedience and love / when the country is in chaos, we meet upright officials" The Addis and Lombardo translation is an excellent work, but better suited as a refreshing text for someone who has already read other 'explanatory' versions of the Tao.

How not to be distracted by self, things and the merely human, to be as if nature itself aware of process Laozi was to nature as philosophy what Zhangzi was to nature as wit (mocking the merely human) Both are antidotes to humanist delusions of seeing only self and species and mere social narratives Where civilisation meets an indigenous humility before a much greater and far more charismatic tapestry of subtle and mystique It's that kind of humility puts down the self blinding power mantle of C02 and toxic pollution, and sees the planet and universe as far more illustrative of policy To it, ignored, we are as ever but 'straw dogs'

This is a great way of exploring eastern philosophy. Considering the antiquity of the Tao te ching, it seems relevant even today for a culture obsessed with materialism. It takes in a grand scope of personal spirituality, as well as communal spirituality; educates one on how best to treat fellow wayfarers in this life, but never demands a course of action, leaving enough ambiguity to be applied to a plethora of situations, yet precise enough to leave no doubt as to the meaning of living a fully human, fully spiritual life. It hints at the misery piled onto those who make life a misery for others, and the wonderful reward for those who cultivate respect and honour, personally and communally. An absolute delight to read, and can continue to educate with each subsequent read!

All too often, translations of works of philosophy are dominated by notes, introductions, footnotes, interpretation and explanation. This can make it difficult to take a view other than that of the editor or interpreter, and can really obstruct any attempts to create your own interpretation: which is just as legitimate as that of the editor. This book doesn't do that. It's the text, with a small intro, no footnotes and a translation of some important words at the back. The translation itself is unobtrusive and clear, and the Tao Te Ching is a short work, so I've already read it about five times. Interpret away!

So basically it’s sayings as I expected but some of them are hard to comprehend. You have to get into a research for them.