Tao Te Ching: A New English Version

Stephen Mitchell · Lao Tzu

Oct 2009 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

The bestselling, widely acclaimed translation from Stephen Mitchell

"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." — Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man

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.

Ratings and reviews

Example: over value possessions and people begin to steal. That sonds like western implied - people posses things. Sam hammil (I think that's how you spell his name) translated it to say: cling to no treasures and create no thieves. That sounds like a trueth to me, in its simplist form.

I love this book and stay grounded by reading it. Granted it has it share of metaphors, but if you're seeking and truely listening you'll understand it. It's not a bad idea to read it every 3 months ;-)

I've read (or attempted to anyway) several translations of this master piece. Some of the translations not with the spirit its discussing. Steven, well he gets it, he must live tao in his thoughts, speech and action. A true master, sit at his feet and contemplate. If you like this book check out the prophet by Kahlil Gabran, very Taoist, but from Lebanon.

About the author

Stephen Mitchell's many books include the bestselling Tao Te Ching, Gilgamesh, and The Second Book of the Tao, as well as The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, The Gospel According to Jesus, Bhagavad Gita, The Book of Job, and Meetings with the Archangel.