Product Description
This book is for everyone who yearns for well-being. It will take you on a journey to the heart of the ancient Taoist five element theory in order to reclaim the concept of naturalness as a valid reference point for human life, even in the modern world. You will learn that when Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal are in balance, when none of them is in a state of excess or deficiency within you, then harmony with the flow of the universe, the Tao, is achieved.

HARMONY offers the reader a complete course on the first significant developments in five element theory since the Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine). Eulalio Paul Cane dove deeply into traditional Chinese medicine to find answers to his own enigmatic health troubles—and indeed he found the personal answers he sought. But his strong interest and philosophical background enabled him as well to recognize novel universal connections lying hidden within Taoist thought, connections that linked the previously separate systems describing the five elements, yin and yang, and the notion of the Tao itself. When the dust had settled, what emerged at the core of these discoveries was something wholly original: a rigorous model for translating directly between what goes on in the mind and what takes place in the body.

HARMONY presents its ideas with remarkable clarity. The reader will come away fully appreciating and understanding Taoism both in terms of the book's radical new conclusions about the universal and in its gentle applicability to the personal struggles with harmony and naturalness in which we all engage. This latter task will be explored by means of a detailed "five element profile" which the reader will construct based on his or her own unique symptoms, quirks, feelings, and experiences. Learning to interpret the messages inherent in the states of the mind and the body empowers one both with self-knowledge and with a personal map that can be used to chart a course back toward harmony, using a tailored approach of Taoist yoga, beneficial diet, meditation, and self-massage of acupressure points. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover a more natural way of being in the world, inspired by the ways of nature. This beautiful interpretation of the Tao te Ching presents timeless wisdom about nature and the human journey. Capturing its original poetic style, this compilation draws from the many ancient sages who studied it. Celebrating what is timeless and valuable about existence, the second section of this book includes a collection of ancient Taoist poetry."When you lose your place in the world, you need only return to stillness. Through stillness, you return to the Way."Find out why "those who go against the Way end up being called unlucky." Only when you turn back, can you discover peace in existence. "The Way is the refuge for the myriad creatures. Experience shapes them; circumstances bring them maturity."Just as the seed sheds its protective covering before becoming a great oak, experience peels away the layers that keep you from actualizing your destiny. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent New Translation & Introductory Notes
Like most followers of the Tao Te Ching, I have read many translations, and in one way or another enjoyed them all.So it is amazing to me that there could be this new version by Kari Hohne, which seems at every point to match or exceed the others.The author has the benefit certainly of a 140 years of published English editions preceding her own, and she has not wasted that gift.She takes the work back to the original, lets go of her own agenda, and writes English with a vocabulary rooted in the heart - that is the way of the Tao and the best translations also.She is right up there with Ursula K. Le Guin, Arthur Waley, Stephen Mitchell, and Ellen M. Chen. There is also a fine, two-part introduction, as well as a separate section with examples of Taoist poetry, which helps to locate the Tao Te Ching in the realm of spiritual art, as much as religious philosophy.

Enjoyed this book
As a follower of Tao I have read many versions of the Tao te Ching. When I read the Table of Contents for this book I was hooked. I'd never seen this book presented this way and it really made the work accessible. Enjoyed the collection of Taoist meditation type poetry in the last part of the book. Would recommend it and will be giving it as gifts... ... Read more

Product Description
In its rich evolution from antiquity to present times, Chinese religion has encompassed manifold religious expressions. Taoism is one facet of Chinese religion, and exemplifies particularly well the variety of beliefs and practices that humankind has adopted and experienced in the search for answers to both ultimate and proximate questions about life and death. This book explores the different pathways Taoism took in that search, touching at many points on the other interrelated facets of Chinese religion in Confucianism, Buddhism and popular religion. The mystical, philosophical traditions of Taoism are analysed, as well as the more colourful and overtly religious strands of Taoism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book for an introduction to Taoism
This was an excellent introduction to Taoism. Fowler does not give too many straight quotes from Chinese doctrines (Tao Te Ching, etc), but instead gives you a wonderful "bigger picture" idea of what these ancient doctrines are expressing. This is a perfect book for someone who is looking to self-educate in the ways of Taoism. Highly recommended for all age groups and academic levels.

Fowler
The author, Jeaneane D. Fowler is "the dean of religion and spirituality for the Continuum of Humanist Education, the online school of the Institute for Humanist Studies" with a doctorate in Semitic languages. She is also an "Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Wales College, Newport, in South Wales, U.K. She was formerly head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University." She's written many books on various religions and philosophies, but she apparently doesn't rely on and/or can't read any primary Chinese sources in this book. Instead, she relies on secondary sources, not all of them very good. ... Read more

Product Description
This work is a deconstructive reading of the prevalent views on Chinese natural philosophy (Taoism and Zen Buddhism) and its impact on Chinese literature and arts (classical Chinese poetry, painting, novels; modern Chinese and American poetry, and contemporary Chinese film), especially its impact on Chinese poetry. The serene, holistic vision of Chinese natural philosophy has been so deep rooted and rarely challenged that it has become a myth. Since Taoism and Zen Buddhism have been major influences on classical Chinese arts and poetry, which in turn influence modern Chinese and American poetry, the myth perpetuated in views held about all these art forms, and is reflected in the rarely disputed aesthetic characteristics pertaining to these creations: non-human centered perception, the loss of individual self in cosmic Self, an aesthetic attitude of silence, tranquility, emptiness and passivity, and unification of Chinese pictographic characters and Chinese language with the real-life world. It is also believed that temporality implicit in these poems conforms to the natural flux of the universe, and subjective time is rarely found in them.The author's deconstruction is unfolded through three interrelated aspects: time, subject and language. The deconstruction posits: a double, conflicting sense of temporality rather than a unified time consciousness characterizes Chinese natural philosophy, poetry and other art forms under its influence. The subject (self), instead of being a uniform one, which is at once absent and omnipresent as indicated by the syntax of classical Chinese poetry, is often divided against itself. As to language, instead of being a transparent language reflecting the real-life world unimpeded by human intellect, is often a plural text where linguistic characteristics are double-edged. In other words, this work is a rethinking of Chinese natural philosophy and poetry under its impact: how their serene, holistic vision is undercut by intrinsic contradictions that are only partly redeemed by aesthetic means, which have their pitfalls that end in suffering as well as in celebration, thus aligns itself with tragic tradition, a mode always denied to the understanding of Chinese natural philosophy.In this work, the author explored how the hidden ruptures in time, self and language latent in Chinese natural philosophy and classical Chinese poetry open up abysmal chasm in a well-known contemporary Chinese poet, Gu Cheng. The concluding chapter examines the affinity of Chinese natural philosophy and Western tradition of tragedy as a troubled passage from dualism to monism, in which sacrifice is involved, and the vision of integration is achieved at the cost of self-laceration. ... Read more

Product Description
Called "a first rate piece of work" by T.S. Eliot, this book offers a comprehensive discussion of Taoism, one of the world's major religions, as well as a study of the Tao te ching, the best known Taoist text and Lao-tzu as a Taoist prototype."Clarifies a large area of literature and history that has been a mystery to the West and makes fascinating reading even for those whose interest is casual."-The New Yorker ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Good book
Excellent older book on the Tao Te Ching and Taoism. Considering it's age and current scholarship it still definitely bears reading.

The Perfect Overview
Holmes Welch has done what many authors have failed to do. He provided a clear frame for Taoism in its entirety. His broad scope covers the philosophical, religious, and "hygienic"(Qi Gong) elements of Taoism through China's long history, and explains how they came about, intertwined, and progressed into various sects well into modern times. Anyone new to Taoism would do well to start with this book.

Excellent intro to Taoism
I have not found any book that discusses philosophical taoism and the Tao Te Ching as effectively as Mr. Welche's book.

The section on the development of Taoism as a religion can be taken as a cautionary tale on how a philosophical system can be (and often is) changed beyond recognition (and ruined) by turning it something that will be accepted by the masses.

The last page of the section on the Tao Te Ching that describes why philosphical taoism didn't succeed as a religion because of its ambiguity, darkness and uncertainty hit the nail on the head!Philosophical Taoism doesn't offer easy answers--or immortality.

As for the previous reviewer who said this was the worst book he had ever read, I would love to see his reading list.That kind of extreme statement presents for me an mindset totally incapable of comprehending what Mr. Welch was presenting--especially in the first two sections.

Yes, the book was written in the 50's--nothing better has been written as an introduction to the subject since.

A valuable introduction
That Holmes Welch set himself a formidable task in offering a brief general introduction to Taoism is testified to by the lack of any other serviceable attempts on the part of Western writers to codify the vague, mystical, and powerful formulations of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching.

Welch's short book contains 4 parts. In the first part, he explains that the ambiguous nature of the ancient Chinese characters, compounded by the oftent inscrutable and paradoxical writing style of Lao Tzu himself, makes definitive translation and interpretation of the text impossible.

In the second part, he offers his own informed and wise interpretation of the the Tao Te Ching, explicating three inter-related central concepts: (1)the doctrine of 'wu-wei' (spontaneity and non-interference in action), (2)the concept of 'pu' (original human nature (literally 'the uncarved block'), the way of the newborn child as an ideal counterposed to the adult corruption introduced by society), and (3)the mystical experience of the 'tao', or 'way' of the universe through meditation.

In the third part, Welch lays out the bizarre history of the development of Taoism since Lao Tzu, its intersections with other religions, and its devolution into arcane practices of asceticism, alchemy, hygiene, and geomancy.

In the final section, Welch offers a reading of the relevance of Lao Tzu's teachings to the present day (c. 1950s) that now seems pretty dated and hackneyed.

I recommend the first 2 parts as a valuable and illuminating companion text for anyone reading the Tao Te Ching.

Possibly the worst book I've ever read
When I first encountered this book nearly 30 years ago there were very few English language books about Taoism available for the non-specialist, general interest reader. Fortunately, there are now far more and far better choices available.

It doesn't take long for the reader to realize that Welch regards Taoism and the Tao Te Ching with condescension and contempt. Aside from many factual errors, nearly every page yields some interpretation that is patently absurd.

Throughout the book Welch disdainfully references the fruits of Taoist meditation and self-cultivation as mere "trance". I noted at least one instance where Welch left out the last lines of a translation from the Tao Te Ching to make his point stronger, but in so doing he totally distorted the meaning of the passage.

Welch's grasp of the most fundamental of Taoist terms and concepts is laughably childish and shallow. For instance, Part II, chapter 1 of this book is entitled "Inaction"--his translation of "Wu Wei". Therein Welch constantly accuses Lao Tzu of passivity and pacifism. As a scholar, you'd think Welch would know that Taoist temples are filled with images of warrior dieties and that they display swords and other marital implements and regalia as symbols of the conflict inherent in society and nature. Some of China's greatest military strategists were, of course, Taoists and Taoist philosophy is the foundation of many of the Chinese martial arts. Wu Wei would be far more accurately translated as "non-interference". Taoists are certainly aware that perhaps only in death is there "inaction".

Curiously, for a general book about Taoism, Welch devotes almost all of hisattention to (mis)interpreting Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching. There is little discussion of other essential figures such as Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu. Welch fails to acknowledge the extent to which Taoist philopshy and sensibilities have influenced and permeated every aspect of Chinese life and culture.

Welch's most astonishing statements are to be found in Part Four, in the latter part of this book:

"We [Americans]believe...that it is good to be vigorous, progressive, and forward looking, Lao Tzu believes it is good to be weak and to look inwards andbackwards. We believe that what America needs is dynamic, aggressive leadership. He prefers leadership that is listless and passive. We believe in keen competition. He believess in dull indifference. We believe in education. He considers it dangerous."

Welch therefore perfectly reflects the triumphalism, materialism, reductionism and positivism that permeated the zeitgeist of the 1950's. The world is a very different place now. Whatever the reason, Welch was unable to understand Taoism. It is unfortuante that he chose to write about a topic of which he had no useful understanding or insight and to thereby pass his ignoranceand bias on to his readers. It is unfortunate that his book is still in print to contribute further misunderstanding and distortion of Taoism and the Tao Te Ching.

Unfortunately, I have not encountered any book that provides a really good introdcutory overviewof Taoism.Eva Wong's: The Shambhala Guide to Taoism has a good deal useful information. It unfortunately lacks a discussion of basicTaoist concepts.

The Tao Te Ching continues to be publishedin an astonishing number oftranslations. Many of them are very poor translations. I've noted that many newer translations have a new age, politically correct flavor that may be stylish but is very inaccurate. A good and venerable translation is that of Lin Yutang and should be readily available inexpensively from used book dealers. The scholarly translation by Ellen Chen is useful but may be too daunting for the casaul reader.

Though not exhibiting any depth of scholarly knowledge, the books by John Blofeld are worthwhile as they contain a good deal of charming anecdotal material from his experiences visiting Taoist monasteries before the communist revolution in China. Blofeld provides a delightful glimpse of a world that is tragically gone forever.

A brief monograph by Julius Evola entitled, Taoism-The Magic, The Mysticism, is worth acquiring. Evola is a metaphyscian and esotericist rather than an academic sinologist. His insights into Taoism in this very short work are excellent. ... Read more

Product Description
The Tao of Teaching is for teachers, parents, and any others who are looking for a book of wisdom on how to deal with people, especially children, in a learning environment. The Tao of Teaching is written in the same style as the Tao Te Ching, and gives examples from the classrooms of three present-day teachers whom the author feels embody Taoist wisdom and "student-centered" educational methods. The Tao of Teaching is a labor of love, containing many important insights by a talented and respected professional whose emphasis is on the students' contribution in a learning environment, whatever the context. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A philosophical look at teaching
This book is very philosophical and shows practical ways others have applied the ideas within.I found it to be a very easy read and each chapter stirred the brain juices.Have a notebook handy to jot down ideas.

While I do not agree with everything, and at times it felt like I was reading "How to be a Jedi and a teacher!" the book is a joy and worth the read.

Two warnings:First: This book is not based on any empirical evidence from researchers.It is solely based on the observations of the author in the classrooms of three teachers and how they unknowingly(?) have implemented the Tao in their teaching and how the Tao can influence your teaching.Second:If you do not believe the best learning comes from the student and not from the teacher, then you will gain very little from reading this book.You will think it hogwash that students could actually have ideas and take true responsibility for their education.

Simple Pleasures!
"The Tao of Teaching" is an excellent book for both new and old educators alike. Not only does Ms. Nagel provide beautiful interpretationsand wonderful explinations of the 81 principles of "Taoism" shedoes so through the every-day practices of teachers like ourselves. I foundthe book to be an excellent form of encouragement, helping me to searchdeep within myself to find those qualities that make me an efficientteacher. The book also provides practical examples of teaching in a waythat not only brings joy to the children, but also to ourselves. I highlyrecommend this book to all teachers and educators, of all religiousdenominations!

TAO for us and our next generations
Lao Tzé, himself beeing a teacher. Greta Nagel, herself beeing a supervisor of lecturers, this book helps teachers to refind time, enthousiasm and inspiration for teaching children and learning themselvesabout the easy way of living without stress. ... Read more

Product Description
This reference book on Taoism, one of the major spiritual traditions of China, includes in its coverage both Taoist philosophy and Taoist religion. An introduction provides overall insight into Taoist development through the ages, while the dictionary itself is comprised of 275 entries that define Taoist concepts, scriptures, deities, practices, and personalities. Includes an extensive bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A very timely and valuable book
The book is unparalleled in a Western language. As it is intended for the serious researcher i do regret it does not carry one single Chinese character. It also could have included more on Chinese TraditionalMedicine, as there is a growing interest in the West, and as the knowledgeabout Chinese medicine is still extremely limited, mainly due to the factthat most practitioners do not know Chinese, neither the spoken language,nor the classical Writings. If anybody reading this can inform me about apractioner knowledgeable in Chinese language it would be very kind if youcould let me know. The author seems to have very extensive practical andacademic knowledge of Taoism. Greetings in de Dao,

Fang YuQing

An essential English-language reference book.
The Historical Dictionary series published by Scarecrow Press includes some very fine works.Perhaps the best two are W. H. (Hew) McLeod's volume on Sikhism and this one by Julian F. Pas in cooperation with Man Kam Leungon Taoism. As a single volume desk-top quick reference it is unsurpassed. Pas utilizes his well-honed skills as a bibliographer to guide the readerthrough basic terms, concepts, and eras toward the works in which they arepresented or treated in more detail.Illustrations, charts, and bits ofcalligraphy are few but well selected.A user-friendly and reliable guide. ... Read more

Product Description
Lao Tzu was the father of Taoism. In his Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu outlined the basic concept of Tao. Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu were Lao Tzu's most important followers who expounded and expanded the basic principles set forth by Lao Tzu. Together, the sayings of these three sages, which make up this volume, are the foundations for the philosophy of Tao.

The translations of the works of these ancient Chinese sages by Lionel and Herbert Giles are very highly regarded and considered by many to be the definitive English translations. Lionel's translation of The Sayings of Lao Tzu (1905), taken from the Tao Te Ching and logically re-ordered, is remarkable for its clarity of expression, particularly given the complexity of the subject. Herbert's translation of The Sayings of Chuang Tzu, presented here, with an introduction by Lionel, was originally published as Musings of a Chinese Mystic (1906). Lionel's translation of The Sayings of Lieh Tzu was originally published as The Book of Lieh Tzu, or Teachings in Taoism (1912).

Individually the works of these Chinese sages are classics. Together, they are a master resource of the history of Tao.

This special Kindle edition contains a linked table of contents to each major section of this volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good collection
Although there are some typographical errors, this is a good collection of important Tao sages, and their teachings.

Mind Blowing!
I read the Tao Te Ching over a decade ago, and to be quite honest, I wasn't all that impressed. It seemed like a really long poem, and I had trouble understanding why something seemingly so simple had been attributed so much wisdom. It certainly wasn't a situation where I read both parts of the Tao Te Ching, and suddenly said "Aha! I understand."

Recommended by a friend, I experienced something completely different in this newly-compiled Taoism companion. This book contains the teachings of the founders of Taoism. It isn't presented in poetic rhymed verses, it's beauty lies in the simple retelling of wisdom learned through life experience and deep meditation. These teachings have survived the centuries, because they are true. Reading this, I had my "Aha!" moment.

I can't stress strongly enough... if you are a true Student of Tao, or even of the truth, don't give up on learning the teachings of Laozi by simply reading what has become the Tao Te Ching. Follow the path where it leads, learn the lessons it has to teach, and pass on what you have learned to those you cherish the most.

I purchased this Kindle edition, having been burned a few times on books without covers or tables of contents, but everything is where it should be. Also, I experimented with the text to speech technology, and listening to the story of Chuang Tzu recounting his dream of becoming a butterfly is truly mesmerizing and uplifting.

Better Than The Tao Te Ching
This book on Tao really presents a significantly more thorough presentation of the Books of Chuang Tzu, Lieh Tzu, and Laozi. The translation by Herbert Giles, the pioneer of the Wade-Giles Romanization system for the transliteration of Chinese, and his son, Lionel Giles (the translator of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War") is simply the finest that has been produced. Though other versions of the Tao have been elevated to liquid poetry, they lose the meaning behind the teachings. For a scholarly look at the philosophy of Tao, I highly recommend this edition.

A Unique Approach
Unlike the countless "translations" of the Tao Te Ching, this represents a rather loose (but accurate) translation, ordered by topic, not by chapter of the TTC. So don't look at this as a version of the Tao Te Ching; it is rather a collection of knowledge from the Tao Te Ching.What you loose in poetry & flow is made up for in accessibility.

The other writings -- Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu, are good to have as they are generally under-read.Some very interesting applications of the Tao Te Ching knowledge from followers of Lao Tzu.

Overall, this could be a nice introduction to Taoist philosophy OR a new perspective for those who are very familiar with the Tao Te Ching -- plus the Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu writings.Very glad I made this purchase.

Great Historical Overview

This book contains all the essential elements of philosophy of the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, as expressed in the "Tao Te Ching" as well as the important interpretations and explanations of The Tao by his two most important disciples, Chuang Tzu and Lee Tzu.It contains all of the important sayings and parables that form the basis for Taoism from these three Great Sages.

The translations from the Chinese texts by Lionel and Herbert Giles of these classic foundations of Tao are both scholarly and sensitive.The comprehension of ancient Chinese by this father/son team is obviously profound.Unlike other translators, their English is also impeccable - simple, clear and precise. Their introductions and discussions to the sections by the three Great Sages of Tao provide insights into the philosophy and culture of ancient China that are unparalleled.

If you are looking to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of Tao, this is probably the best source available in the English language. As you read this fine volume, you will frequently find yourself saying: "Ah - I see." This book is really extraordinary.It has my highest recommendation.

... Read more

Product Description
A deluxe paperback edition: Thomas Cleary's brilliant translation of the sayings of Confucius presented in the order of the 64 classic I Ching hexagrams.Amazon.com Review
Thomas Cleary presents original translations of the twoancient Chinese texts that describe the essential philosophy andpractice of the Tao, or "universal way." The Tao Te Ching,Lao-tzu's classic anthology of sayings, poems, and proverbs, appearshere in its entirety; Cleary's excellent, detailed notes to each ofthe 81 stanzas illuminate the more difficult verses and unfamiliarideas.The first seven, or "inner" chapters of the Chuang-Tzu, thosecontaining the essence of the Taoist master Chuang-tzu's teachings,are also presented, with accompanying notes explaining the philosophyand significance of the symbolic stories. Readers already acquaintedwith the two texts will find renewed enjoyment in the directness andsimplicity of Cleary's translations, which are particularly pleasingto modern ears while losing none of the nuances of the originals. Thewell-known opening lines of the Tao Te Ching, for example, aregiven new life: "A way can be a guide, but not a fixed path;names can be given, but not permanent labels." And there is aclarity in the passages from the Chuang-Tzu not often found inother interpretations: "Who knows the unspoken explanation, theunexpressed Way? Among those who do know, this is called the celestialstorehouse: we can pour into it without filling it, we can draw fromit without exhausting it; and yet we don't know where it comesfrom." The subject matter of both texts ranges widely, frompolitics and economy to psychology and mysticism, addressing the needsand interests of a diverse readership. No less relevant today thanwhen they were written more than 2,000 years ago, there is a"perennial currency" to these writings achieved by few ofthe world's great books. Cleary's readable introduction and notesprovide an elegant frame that complements the quiet grandeur of theseimportant texts. --Uma Kukathas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

translate it yourself!
What I recommend to anyone who wants to learn about Taoism is: start by translating the Tao Te Ching yourself!

That may sound absurd but it's not as difficult as it seems. You can go on-line and find the Chinese text with a click feature which directs you to the dictionary entry for each character. You can also find a website that has literally 50 or more different English translations, so you can pick 6 or 7 to display simultaneously, then compare your own reading of the characters with the various translations. And of course you don't have to translate the whole thing. Some sections are more famous and canonical than others. (Frankly, some of them seem to me to be pure mystical gobbledygook!)

What you'll find is a rather remarkable diversity among the translations. You'll immediately appreciate how much subjective interpretation goes into translating. You'll see that some of the translators stick to more literal readings, whereas others indulge in quite fanciful interpretations which sometimes bear only a tenuous relationship to the literal text. Some translations are more poetical, others try to recapitulate the terseness and brevity of the original. There's one for every taste!

Cleary's translation often tends to be of the more fanciful variety. When you see how many translations are already extant, it's clear that there's not much need for yet another one, so maybe he was trying to justify his effort by finding some original perspectives. Maybe he succeeded! You can decide for yourself.

Ultimately, it's a matter of taste. You can make up your own mind which translation you like best. Maybe it'll be your own translation. Why not?

Book - Tao Te Ching
Shipping was fast!
My only complaint is that the book was described as "like new", and it was perfect, except the dust jacket was misaligned on the book. It's really not that big of a deal, my boyfriend still loves his Valentine's Day gift. I just wish I would have been aware of this instead of finding out when I received the book.
Other than the discrepancies between the product description and the actual product, I am happy with my purchase.

a horse of a different color
Most Western (and Eastern) studies of the Daoist texts translated in this volume have been limited by reference to an extremely small range of expository commentary.In these translations, of an altogether different stripe from the familiar, Cleary makes use of commentarial traditions hitherto unknown to Westerners, as well as to Easterners unfamiliar with the Quanzhen school of Daoism.Western scholarship in this area has been limited by preconceptions based on solipsistic, nihilistic, or fatalistic views of so-called 'philosophical' Daoism, as well as by overly simplistic concepts of Chinese grammar and vocabulary. Therefore what is known of this tradition in the West has been restricted by its sources and suppositions, while the enormous range and variety of native Chinese interpretations has largely been untouched.It is not to be wondered, therefore, that Cleary's extraordinary new renditions of these works, informed by Quanzhen Daoist tradition, are found enlightening by those unafraid of enlarging their views, while irritating to those who require reassurance.

Probably very close to the authentic Tao Te Ching
Of the three translations/versions of the Tao Te Ching, and commentaries on it, that I have read to date, I recommend Cleary's. Some readers complain that Cleary's translation isn't as 'readable' as other translations of the Tao Te Ching. Stephen Mitchell's translation is more popularly admired, but this says more about readers than the integrity of the respective texts. Reason suggests that a close and accurate translation should indeed sound foreign and awkward to 21st century Western hearers. Cleary is highly regarded for his scholarship of ancient Chinese texts, and his translation also includes the Inner Teachings of Chuang Tzu, with commentary/notes on both texts.

The Tao Te Ching is a well-known battery of apparently counter-intuitive assertions, overwhelming contrary to materialist / consumerist / modernist assumptions, sometimes opaque and generally suggesting a need for scholarly commentary. Again, Cleary seems to be a trustworthy guide, dispassionate and well informed.

The Inner Teachings of Chuang Tzu are more fanciful and perhaps somewhat less interesting, but in part underscore one of the Tao's thematic threads, that of knowing and not-knowing:
"What is more, there is a great awakening, after which we know this is a grandiose dream. Yet fools think themselves to be awake. . . Even my saying you are dreaming is a dream too. This kind of talk is called extremely strange . . . Suppose I have a debate with you, and you beat me, I don't beat you--does that mean that you are actually right and I am actually wrong? If I beat you and you don't beat me, does that mean I am actually right and you are actually wrong? Are both right, or both wrong?"

I won't feign any personal expertise or intimate knowledge of Taoism, but merely observe what seems fairly obvious to me--this volume is a sound "initiation into the heart of Taoism through the authentic Tao Te Ching and the Inner Teachings of Chuang Tzu."

Mixed feelings about this one
Cleary is a very popular translator, and I assume it is because his scholarship is solid . I appreciate his choices of subjects for books and always want to learn from him, but I have a problem. I can't understand his translations well. This may be a purely personal mental quirk of mine, but when I read him I understand the words just fine but not the meanings. Or I understand basically, but still scratch my head, especially reading his Chuang-tzu. I will assume this is a fluke within my own head and not a problem of the author (though I have no such problem with any other author/translator).
What I like about this book is that it Cleary has chosen to deal with two essential Chinese Taoist classics together: the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-tzu. Further, he provides essential interpretations of Taoism in his commentaries.I read this cover to cover, but it was only because I am a disciplined reader; If I think the content is important (as with this book) I will concentrate and finish it even if it gets tedious or the translation leaves me bewildered in many places. ... Read more

Product Description
The teachings of Taoism, China's great wisdom tradition, apply to every aspect of life, from the physical to the spiritual—and include instruction on everything from lifestyle (a life of simplicity and moderation is best) to the work of inner alchemy that is said to lead to longevity and immortality.

Here, Eva Wong presents and explains three classic texts on understanding the Tao in the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of the body that provide an excellent overview of the three traditional levels of the Taoist teachings—Outer, Inner, and Secret. The Outer teachings are concerned with understanding the Tao as manifested in nature and society. They are easily accessible to the layperson and consist of the Taoist philosophy of nature and humanity, advice on daily living, and a brief introduction to the beginning stages of Taoist meditation. The Inner teachings familiarize the practitioner with the energetic structure of the human body and introduce methods of stilling the mind and cultivating internal energy for health and longevity. The Secret teachings describe the highest level of internal-alchemical transformations within the body and mind for attaining immortality. ... Read more

Product Description
The two classics of Chinese philosophy.Together, they form the basic texts of Taoism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

nice to have both texts together
There are lots of translations of the Tao te Ching available -- some of them good and some of them not good (the translation in this book is a classic one by James Legge -- it's not THE best, but is certainly much better than most).The best part about this book, though, is that it also includes the complete text of the Chuang Tzu (in the classic translation by Herbert Giles), a much-lesser-available text that also played a major part in the history of Chinese Taoism.Taken together, these two texts provide a very good view of Taoism, in far more depth and detail than one would get with the Tao te Ching alone.It's nice to have both of these classic texts available together in one volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the dualism exposed
This is the best book on Taoism that i've read. Illuminates beautifully that seemingly murky yet wonderfully simple philosophy; full of wit, great examples and metaphors, inspiring and original ideas, and above all theslippery glint of truth, like catching sight of a fast fish moving in astream. (hmm...) His appropriately 'flowing' style is all the more flowingdue to the fact that these are talks that he gave, recorded by Mark Watts. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: Scribner in 1881 in 338 pages; Subjects: Confucianism; Taoism; Christianity and other religions; China; History / Asia / China; Philosophy / Taoist; Religion / Comparative Religion; Religion / Confucianism; Religion / Eastern; Religion / Taoism; Religion / Theosophy; Religion / Christianity / General; ... Read more

Product Description
Containing 118 stunning color illustrations, this beautiful book provides an introduction to Taoism, one of the great religious and philosophical movements in Chinese thought. Incorporating selections from J.C. Cooper's writings, it explores the concept of the Tao (Way), the symbolism of Yin-Yang, and the thought of the leading Taoist sages. Also included are sections on Taoist art, the symbolism of plants and animals, the Taoist garden, and the relationship of Taoism with Buddhism and Hinduism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A top pick for any new age library!
An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism: The Wisdom of the Sages provides a powerful introduction to Taoism combining scholarship with a lovely illustrated edition introducing readers to the history and development of Taoism. Its exploration of Taoist sages and philosophy includes a survey of Taoist art and makes for a top pick for any new age library!
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Customer Reviews (1)

Creativity, Taoism and Heidegger
I used to see Professor Chang doing Tai Chi Chuan very late at night on his front lawn in Manoa Valley (Honolulu), as he lived a few doors from the Friends (Quakers) meeting house. I took a number of his seminars, and still marvel at his thesis that the key to understanding Heidegger is to view his writings as fundamentally Taoist in nature. He was deeply erudite and a rather august personality in class. A fellow student in Professor Chang's graduate seminar on Taoism had the chutzpah to turn in a one-page paper; Professor Chang gathered himself up and stated in his heavily accented English that "even Lao Tzu managed to write 5,000 characters." I received a B, as I recall, perhaps because I went for a psychological rather than an ontological interpretation of Taoism. He always encouraged his students to study the Chinese language as an avenue of understanding Taoism's key concepts, and he would write outold-style characters (not the simplified ones) on the chalkboard with rapid strokes, while I dutifully tried to copy the characters.

This book is not an easy read, but there is much to ponder here on the Taoists' understanding of creativity and silence, emptiness, or the Void. It deepens any understanding of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu's Inner Chapters. ... Read more