The Tao Te Ching, Dao De Jing, or Daodejing, also simply referred to as the Laozi, whose authorship has been attributed to Laozi, is a Chinese classic text. Its name comes from the opening words of its two sections: dào way, Chapter 1, and dé virtue/power, Chapter 38, plus j?ng classic. According to tradition, it was written around the 6th century BC by the sage Laozi (or Lao Tzu, Old Master), a record-keeper at the Zhou Dynasty court, by whose name the text is known in China. The texts tr...

A fresh, graceful translation of one of the most important and timeless classics—the foundational work of Daoism—by award-winning novelist Ken Liu, who contextualizes and demystifies this famously enigmatic text.Laozi’s Dao De Jing was written around 400 BC by a compassionate soul in a world torn by hatred and ambition, dominated by those that yearned for apocalyptic confrontations and prized ideology over experience. By speaking out against the cleverness...

The Tao Te Ching is fundamental to the Taoist school of Chinese philosophy and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Taoism but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiratio...

The Tao Te Ching is fundamental to the Taoist school of Chinese philosophy and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. Written by Laozi -600BC, this ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Taoism but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching ...

This translation presents Daoism’s basic text in highly readable contemporary English. Incorporating the latest scholarship in the field (including the most recent discoveries of ancient manuscripts in the 1970s and '90s), the book explains Daodejing's often cryptic verses in a clear and concise way. The introduction interprets the Daodejing's poetic imagery in the context of ancient Chinese symbolism, and a brief philosophical analysis accompanies each of the 81 translat...

In eighty-one brief chapters, Lao-zi'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.The Tao Te Ching, Daodejing, or Dao De Jing is a Chinese classic text. According to tradition, it was written around the 6th century BC by the sage Laozi (or Lao Tzu...

In simplicity lies truth. In stillness, strength. Tao Te Ching, written by the Chinese sage Laozi (Lao Tzu) over 2,500 years ago, is a profound and poetic work that explores the Tao ("The Way")—a path of balance, humility, and natural harmony. Composed of 81 brief verses, it offers guidance not through rules, but through quiet reflection and deep insight into how we live, lead, and love. This enduring classic has inspired leaders, artists, philosophers, and spiritual seekers across centuri...

A transformative new edition of Taoism’s central text that overturns its reputation for calming, gnomic wisdom, revealing instead a work of “philosophical dynamite.”Grounded in a lifetime of research and interpretive work and informed by careful study of recent archeological discoveries of alternate versions of the text, Brook Ziporyn, one of the preeminent explicators of Eastern religions in English, brings us a revelatory new translation—and a radical reinterpret...

Explore one of the world's most influential philosophical texts on simplicity, balance, wisdom, and the nature of the Way. Traditionally attributed to Laozi, the Tao Te Ching is a foundational text of Taoist philosophy and one of the most enduring works of Chinese thought. Through a series of concise and poetic passages, the text reflects on the Tao, simplicity, humility, leadership, natural action, balance, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Its compact verses in...

**“To be immersed in the mysterious beauty of the Dao De Jing, [this translation] is the most literary and inviting.” —Stephen R. Platt, Wall Street JournalA landmark translation of the timeless classic of Daoist wisdom, rendered in gorgeous poetry that illuminates its enduring teachings.**This bold new translation by two brilliant poets offers a contemporary perspective on a timeless masterpiece of Daoist scripture, introducing Dao De Jing to a new audien...

"The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet." Written over 2,500 years ago, Tao Te Ching by Laozi remains one of the most profound and timeless works of spiritual philosophy ever created — a guide to living in harmony with the Tao, the Way of Nature, and the essence of all things. Through 81 short, poetic chapters, Laozi reveals the art of simplicity, humility, and inner peace. He teaches that true strength lies in gentleness, that wisdom comes from stillness, and that th...

The "Dao De Jing" exists on the border between poetry and philosophy, embracing both mythos and logos. Its poetic form can stand alone, but it is enriched when its timeless ideas are analyzed and explained through careful scholarship. For example: "He who knows others is knowledgeable. He who knows himself is wise." These words resemble Socrates' account of his own quest in Plato's "Apology". Ancient philosophy, both in China and in Greece, places self-knowledge at the center of the search...