The Tao Te Ching 道德经 (or the more modern spelling: Dao de Jing), is said to be one of the most translated texts in the world, second to only the Bible. So, “Why is another translated version of the Tao Te Ching necessary?” you might ask.
If you have ever before read a translation of the Tao Te Ching, you have inevitably come across one of three common variations: 1) a translation by a non-native English speaker whose writing style is not so familiar or easily comprehensible, 2) a translation by a Western academic who, focusing on historical and political context, includes a plethora of dry factual information, or 3) a translation that appears rather mystical, abstruse, spiritual and poetic, but written by someone who lacks understanding and familiarity of the Chinese language and, consequently, the actual source of the Tao Te Ching.
Chen Zhi-qiang's new version, The Practical Tao Te Ching of Lao-zi, takes a fresh and original perspective by interpreting the Chinese language source while considering the fundamental Tao sensibilities of: Non-duality, impermanence, wu-wei (non-striving), nature and naturalness, and Virtue. Read the Tao Te Ching with these basic Tao concepts in mind and realize what truths Lao-zi recognizes about the nature of our humanity, our existential reality, and our shared human condition.
Lao Tzu (Chinese: 老子; pinyin: Lǎozǐ; Wade-Giles: Laosi; also Laozi, Lao Tse, Lao Tu, Lao-Tsu, Laotze, Laosi, Lao Zi, Laocius, Lao Ce, and other variations) was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching (often simply referred to as Laozi). His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (pronounced as "Daoism"). He is also revered as a deity in most religious forms of the Taoist religion, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or "One of the Three Pure Ones". Laozi translated literally from Chinese means "old master" or "old one", and is generally considered honorific.
According to Chinese tradition, Laozi lived in the 6th century BCE. Historians variously contend that Laozi is a synthesis of multiple historical figures, that he is a mythical figure, or that he actually lived in the 5th-4th century BCE, concurrent with the Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period. As a result of being a a central figure in Chinese culture, both nobility and common people claim Lao Tzu in their lineage.
This is my favorite translation of the Tao Te Ching. Complete with commentary and scholarly research into the translation, this version is the one to have in your library. Thought provoking, with significant depth and timeless wisdom, the Tao Te Ching is a gateway to Taoist philosophy and Confucian thought. A must read.
Este libro de filosofía oriental que funda esa corriente del taoísmo, nos enseña la fluidez de las cosas, que a veces la búsqueda de la felicidad que es algo que el ser humano anhela desde siempre, puede encontrarse en las cosas simples. El otro aspecto que toca es también consejos para gobernantes que mayormente están inspirados en vidas austeras y en satisfacer las necesidades de la población.
Took a bit to get used to the writing, still probably only understood 1 out of 3 chapters. What i got out of it is priceless tho. Hope to improve in life and come back to this book and understand more and more about it. Absolutely worth every second