Tao Te Ching: The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Book of the Tao

The original mindfulness book in a landmark new translation that presents it as a guide to living a better kinder gentler lifeThe most translated book in the world after the Bible the Tao Te Ching or Book of the Way is the essential text of Taoism one of the three great religions of China. Through aphorisms and parable it guides its readers toward the Tao or the Way: living in harmony with the life force of the universe. Traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu a Chinese philosopher who was a contemporary of Confucius it offers a practical model for living based on modesty self-restraint and balance and is an insightful guide for anyone seeking to open their minds free their thoughts and attain greater self-awareness. Review “A lucid translation [by] one of the most famous translators of Chinese into English.” -The New York Review of Books“Ancient wisdom for those facing twenty-first-century perplexities . . . Minford writes for ordinary people seeking guidance in everyday life. . . . In simple but resonantly phrased language [he] somehow does unfold [theTao’s] message.” -Booklist starred review“A wonderful translation-clear and deep.” -Vikram Seth“My first reaction as a Sinologist to a new translation of theTao Te Ching is always: ‘Another one?! Whatever for?’ But then I began to read John Minford’s translation and it immediately seduced me. . . . It has the mark of the craftsman: Its choice of words is not just judicious but also poetic refreshing the at once limpid and ambiguous original and making it new. . . . The result is a metaphysical feast for those willing to slow down and read this text as it was meant to be read: meditatively.” -John Lagerwey The Chinese University of Hong Kong“A wonder and a delight. The simplicity and purity of this translation resonate directly with the original. It conveys the innermost essence of Chinese culture drawing the reader deep into its enchantment and wisdom. Every word is charged with effortless energy-a radiant union of form and spirit.” -Tang Yuen-ha Chinese opera artist“Meditative reading known aslectio divina is a Benedictine tradition going back a millennium and a half. John Minford using the termlectio Sinica has creatively suggested such an approach as an essential way to read theTao Te Ching.” -Nicholas Koss Order of Saint Benedict“Elegant and poetic John Minford’s translation of theTao Te Ching probably comes the closest of any to the essence of the mystical ineffable Taoist classic. Minford wisely avoids providing one authoritative voice instead introducing a rich tapestry of historical resonances that induce a meditative experience as if harmonizing with an ensemble singing an ancient song.” -Yue Zhuang University of Exeter About the Author Lao Tzu whose name means Old Master was a contemporary of Confucius in the sixth century BCE and the founder of the philosophical tradition of Taoism.John Minford is an emeritus professor of Chinese at the Australian National University. He has produced renowned translations of some of the most beloved works of Chinese literature includingThe Story of the StoneThe Art of War and theTao Te Ching. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. 1   Gateway to All Marvels   The Tao that can be Told   Is not the True Tao;   Names that can be Named   Are not True Names.   The Origin of Heaven and Earth   Has no Name.   The Mother of the Myriad Things   Has a Name.   Free from Desire   Contemplate the Inner Marvel;   With Desire   Observe the Outer Radiance.   These issue from One Source   But have different Names.   They are both a Mystery.   Mystery of Mysteries   Gateway to All Marvels.         The River Master   The Tao that can be Told is the mundane Tao of the Art of Government as opposed to the True Tao of Nature of the So-of-Itself of Long Life of Self-Cultivation through Non-Action. This is the