Lao-Tzu, meaning 'Old Sage', was an ancient Chinese
philosopher, who is attributed with the book 'Tao-te-Ching'
(tao- the way of all life, te-the
use of life by men, ching-text or classic).
Accordingly, he is considered the father of Taoism.
The
specific date of birth of Lao-Tzu is unknown, however
scholars believe he was born between 600 and 300
B.C.E.
Lao
Tzu's wisdom attracted many followers who urged him to
write down his words of wisdom, however, he believed
that written words might solidify into dogma, and
therefore preferred to pass on his teachings verbally.
Lao Tzu wanted his philosophy to remain a natural way to
live life with goodness, serenity and respect. He did
not pursue a rigid code of behavior, and believed a
person's conduct should be governed by instinct and
conscience.
Lao
Tzu believed that human life is constantly influenced by
outside forces. He believed simplicity to be the key to
truth and freedom.
Lao
Tzu encouraged his followers to observe and understand the laws of
nature; to develop intuition and build up personal power; and to use
that power to lead a life of love, and without force.
According
to legend, at the age of eighty, Lao Tzu, disillusioned and saddened
by the evil of men, set off into the desert, leaving civilization
behind. When he arrived at the final gate of the great wall protecting
the kingdom, the gatekeeper persuaded him to record the principles of
his philosophy for posterity. He then composed in 5,000 characters of
eighty-one sayings, the Tao Te Ching. This ancient Chinese text
is the world's most translated classic next to the Bible.
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching (The
Book of the Way) is a timeless guide to the art of living.
Its central figure, the Master, lives in harmony with the
Tao, the irreducible essence of the universe. Surrendering
to it as the Master teaches, we feel whole. Emptying
ourselves of judgment and desire, we discover universal
truths within. Without wanting, we find peace, if we let go
of what we love, our love becomes present.
Tao
Te Ching - The Definite Edition By Laozi, Jonathan Star In a new approach to
the Tao Te Ching, this acclaimed translator explores the full range of meaning
for each Chinese character, allowing readers, in effect, to interpret the
ancient wisdom book for themselves. Not only is Ancient Chinese a challenge to
translate, but it contains a minefield of arcane terms and expressions that
often have no counterparts in English. So while the Tao Te Ching is one of the
most widely read books in the world, it remains also one of the most
misunderstood.
Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Edition helps to remedy this situation. In addition
to his own masterful translation, Jonathan Star supplies the multiple meanings
of each Chinese character. Readers can use Star's translation in the first half
of the book, can create their own by using the multiple definitions in the
second half, or can combine the two to discover the most profound. Star's work
elucidates how translators arrive at diffuse meanings, as well as how the
ancient Chinese regarded different concepts and what they meant within the
context of the Tao. The volume also includes useful commentary, a character
dictionary, and other tools that illuminate the different meanings of the Tao.
This definitive edition enables Westerners to comprehend the Tao more deeply
than ever before.
The perfect companion to
Stephen Mitchell's version of the Tao Te Ching, this
is the astonishing rendering of Lao Tzu's further writings.
Each of the eighty-one teachings presented by Taoist scholar
and poet Brian Walker are rich with wisdom, mystery, and
startling enlightenment.
Tao
Te Ching
Tao
Te Ching - The Definite Edition
Hua
Hu Ching : The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu
