No one can understand China or be an intelligent citizen of the world without some knowledge of the Lao Tzu, also called the Tao-te ching (The Classic of the Way and Its Virtue), for it has modified Chinese life and thought throughout history and has become an integral part of world literature. Therefore any new light on it, however little, should prove to be helpful. There have been many translations of this little classic, some of them excellent. Most translators have treated it as an isolated document. Many have taken it as religious literature. A few have related it to ancient Chinese philosophy. But none has viewed it in the light of the entire history of Chinese thought. Furthermore, no translator has consulted extensively the many commentaries regarding the text, much less the thought. Finally, no translator has written a complete commentary from the perspective of the total history of Chinese philosophy. Besides, a comprehensive and critical account of the recent debates on Lao Tzu the man and Lao Tzu the book is long overdue. The present work is a humble attempt to fill these gaps. This 1963 work is organized as follows: I. The Philosophy of Tao 1. Historical Background and the Taoist Reaction 2. The Meaning of Tao 3. The Emphasis on Man and Virtue 4. Weakness and Simplicity 5. Unorthodox Techniques 6. Lao Tzu and Confucius Compared 7. Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu Compared 8. Influences on Neo-Taoism, Buddhism, and Neo-Confucianism 9. The Taoist Religion 10. Taoism in Chinese Life II. Lao Tzu, the Man 1. Traditional Accounts 2. Lao Tzu’s Birthplace and Names 3. Lao Tzu’s Occupation 4. Confucius’ visit to Lao Tzu 5. Lao Lai Tzu and Lao P’eng 6. The Grand Historian 7. Summary and Conclusion III. Lao Tzu, the Book 1. Reactions Against Tradition 2. Arguments About Contemporary References 3. Arguments About Style 4. Arguments About Terminology 5. Arguments About Ideas 7. Titles and Structure 8. Commentaries 9. Translations The Lao Tzu (Tao-te ching)

First published in 1934. Unlike previous translations, this translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Tê Ching is based not on the medieval commentaries but on a close study of the whole of early Chinese literature.

"Ursula K. Le Guin, a student of the Tao Te Ching for more than fifty years, offers her own thoughtful rendering of the Taoist scripture. She has consulted the literal translations and worked with the scholar J. P. Seaton to develop a version that lets the ancient text speak in a fresh way to modern people, while remaining faithful to the original Chinese. This rendition reveals the Tao Te Ching's immediate relevance and power, its depth and refreshing humor, illustrating better than ever before why it has been so loved for more than 2,500 years. Included are Le Guin's own personal commentary and notes along with two audio CDs of the text read by the author, with original music composed and performed by Todd Barton."--Publisher's website.

A fundamental book of the Taoist, the Tao Te Ching is regarded as a revelation in its own right. It provides a wealth of wisdom and insights for those seeking a better understanding of themselves. Over time, many changes have been made to the original Chinese text. Researcher Patrick M. Byrne has produced a translation that is accurate and easy to understand, while capturing the pattern and harmony of the original.

Dao De Jing was composed in China between the late sixth and late fourth centuries BC.

The Tao: The Way of Nature and Life is a classic text of Taoism, one of the world's oldest and most influential spiritual traditions. Written in poetic prose, the Tao Te Ching (also known as the Daodejing) offers profound insights into the nature of reality and the path to living a fulfilling life. The Tao is often translated as "the Way," but it is more than just a path to follow. It is the underlying principle of all existence, the source of all creativity and change. The Tao is not something that can be grasped or understood intellectually; it can only be experienced directly. The Tao Te Ching teaches us to live in harmony with the Tao, to flow with the currents of change, and to embrace the mystery of life. It teaches us to be humble, to be compassionate, and to live simply. Here are some of the key themes of the Tao Te Ching: Non-action (wu wei): The Tao teaches us to act without forcing things, to let go of our attachments, and to trust in the natural order of things. Simplicity: The Tao teaches us to live simply and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Compassion: The Tao teaches us to be compassionate towards ourselves and others, and to see the interconnectedness of all things. Mystery: The Tao teaches us to embrace the mystery of life and to be open to new possibilities. The Tao Te Ching is a timeless classic that has inspired and transformed millions of people over the centuries. It is a book that can be read and reread for years to come, and it is sure to offer new insights and inspiration with each reading.

Free renderings of selections from the works of Chuang-tzŭ, taken from various translations.

Examines the traditional and modern Western interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, and its author, Lao-tzu.

In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao - the basic principle of the universe.