Tao Te Ching: Text Only Edition Paperback – August 28, 1989

In 80 short pages, this book carries some serious weight; keep it close... I agree with another reader -- you can read the entirety in an afternoon, or you can read a line every day and carry those words with you always. Naturally, to read a little and absorb would be the way to go. I found myself reading perhaps 2 chapters a night and then writing my notes all over the pages (NOTE: this edition provides ample space for your thoughts to pour out).It is from my notes, that I will provide a short review. Naturally for us laymen, it is difficult to understand everything. However, I think this is a good translation and very approachable for anyone. You must allow some time to think and ponder. HINT: I personally found that while reading each chapter, I went back and reread the lines to apprehend the best meaning possible.The Tao Te Ching is one of the priceless masterpieces that can make the world a much better place to live in; the problem is no one cares to read and apply.-----------------------------------------"Under Heaven everyone knows this,Yet no one puts it into practice"-----------------------------------------The Tao Te Ching is not an easy task. It is not just a book you read at face value, but rather you read it, ponder, absorb and then, to the best of your ability - APPLY. Here are a few precious gems I will take with me...1. Let nature takes its course. Sometimes the right move is to do nothing, but do you have the patience, faith and will to allow that to happen? Can you simply do nothing? To lead others, but not dominate. You must allow others to make their own decisions. You can guide and share your knowledge, but they need to travel their own path. Such is nature...2. It is okay to be considered different or less important than others. Misfortune is a part of being human; it is simply a part of life. More importantly, it is how we deal with that misfortune that shapes our lives. Misfortune sometimes carves out who we are - use it wisely.3. Temptation - there is much of it in the world. Too much of anything is not good, so everything in moderation. There are many things that are pleasing to the eye; however it takes an extraordinary man to look the other way. This is a man, different than the rest, in that he chooses the path less traveled in the hopes of finding the `true riches' life has to offer.4. To master others, requires force in some way, but to master yourself requires strength. You must realize your own faults and discover ways to correct them. Look at yourself as a project, as a goal to achieve. Constantly search for ways to self-improve.5. Humbleness - to fulfill your purpose and make no claim. To be humble in all that you do. Do not look for acknowledgement. Rather seek happiness in the fact that you are useful. Do not make a spectacle or boast, brag etc. Only then do you come to realize that you are reaching greatness with regard to what is truly important - inner peace.I hope you appreciate this small selective breakdown. I wish I could have written more, but it would have been too long! These are just a few words of wisdom that I was more than happy to share; to see the rest, you'll have to buy the book!

The presentation here is beautiful and very in keeping with the ethos of the text. It is supportive of clear, calm reflection. The artwork on the pages is conducive all around; the images aren't "subject heavy" enough to pull your thoughts away from what you're reading or busy enough to constantly engage you or fill you with subconscious preconceptions as you read, but they are, in fact, beautiful.The translation itself is somewhat obscure at times, less accessible and direct than some of the others, but at the same time, the openness and ambiguity is the point in many cases. After owning several translations for years—I don't know all the players by name, I'm no expert, I just own several—I like this one the best because it seems less pat.I don't read or write Chinese, but I appreciate the way that there are shades and variations and multiples of rather profound meanings and analogies in this translation, while in some other translation, a given line or chapter/section will point very clearly to one concrete meaning or another, with little room left for ambiguity or other allusions.Based on what I do know about Chinese and its structure, the experience of reading this translation is likely closer to the experience of reading the originals.All in all, a lovely edition of one of humanity's treasures. I've given it away on multiple occasions to people that I thought were in need of the Tao Te Ching for a moment in their lives, and all have appreciated it and commented later on about how it was a pleasure to encounter this book and its simple, unforceful, peaceful, and austere wisdom at that particular time in their life.Probably one of the best gift books ever, not to mention one of the best to keep on your own coffee table and read often.

Of all the versions of the Tao Te Ching I have read, this is by far the most transparent of what I've read. it's not "interpreted" for you or analyzed to death. It's CLEAR AND CONCISE, left with all the interpretations that the originator had intended. The photography and Chinese calligraphy overlaid by Jane English, Gia-Fu Feng's wife, is absolutely beautiful, and puts the proper perspective and attitude on the text. It is a work of art and love. I have read my copy SO many times, it is holding up, but very tattered around the edges, and I love it just the same. It is sacred text for the bringing out and lifting up of yourself in your life. When you read it the first time, a light goes on. And each and every time you re-read it, that light goes on again, and again. To say it is an enlightening book is an vast understatement. It creates a change in your life, and it is very good. I love God, I try to talk to Him as often as I 'have the kahoonas' for, and I think He must have had a hand in this for sure; because all good things come from the Lord. In any case, it has made a difference in my life by finding this book, and every time I read it, it gives me more. My life is not the same from experiencing this book. I will not be without a copy. Awaken!

The translation captures the flavor of this wonderful work. The included graphics are a beautiful addition. First read this in mid 70s. Glad to find it still available.