Tao Te Ching

Rating:
Summary: This is incomplete, and there is a better edition to read.
Review: I don't know why this edition of the "Tao Te Ching" is so heralded. In the introduction, Mitchell says that he did not include the whole original text of Lao Tzu's work to be translated because some of it apparently contained magic as its subject. Whether this is true or not, whether such material is ridiculous or not, it is plain scholarly irresponsibility to censor it from Lao Tzu's ideas as a whole. He explains the lacuna by claiming that maybe the old man was having a stomach ache that day. What kind of explanation is that? There isn't even any text specifically used to rationalize it away.

If this is Mitchell's real approach, what else has he tampered with for new minds exploring the Tao?

I have read closely around three or four editions of the "Tao Te Ching" in the past ten years, and been a fan of the original "Kung Fu" series which makes good points on the living philosophy of Taoism. So far, the best translation I have come across is " The Way of Lao Tzu Tao-Te Ching" by Chan Wing-Tsit, Wing-Tsit Chan (Paperback - June 1982) available right here on Amazon. Wing-Tsit as a native Chinese scholar seems to do best to translate Eastern ideas for Western understanding. He translates the core text and includes historical and cultural background for Lao Tzu's time, and gives an account of Lao Tzu's life. I think this is pretty much as complete a serious analysis and breath of life the "Tao Te Ching" can be given.

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Summary: The Antithesis of the American Dream
Review: I have never read a book as inspiring as "The Tao Te Ching" by Lao-Tzu. I never really got into Taoism until a little over a year ago. I have been into martial arts since I was 11 years old, but got into it even more in the summer of 2001. The first book that I read regarding Taoist concepts was "The Tao of Jeet Kune Do" by Bruce Lee. That book inspired me to do so well in my Tae Kwon Do black belt test in October 2001. Since then, I have been inspired to get involved in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jujitsu and Vale Tudo.
I don't get to read too terribly much outside school, so I decided to take advantage of my research paper. I chose the subject of Taoism and this gave me the opportunity to read about it. It gives you another perspective than the generic, capitalist perspective that America generally has. I'll admit, I'm forced to be a capitalist because I figure you have to adapt to survive in whatever environment you're placed in. I wish I didn't have to be, though. We're destroying the world.
The Tao Te Ching gives so many interesting perspectives and I'll just write down some of the general teachings that stuck with me.
At one point in the book, it states that if you have no jewels or fortunes, then you won't have to worry about them being stolen. Money only brings problems and makes you worry more. If you've got nothing, you've got nothing to lose.
Another point that I thought was pretty relevant with our society today was Lao-Tzu's views upon government. He believes that if someone is a good ruler, the citizens will not even know that s/he exists. Rulers should not be treated like celebrities or else they will let it go to their head and care more about fame and fortune, as opposed to caring about the citizens of the country.
Also on the topic of government, Lao-Tzu believes that a patriotic country is an insecure one. If people feel as though they have to prove that their country is strong, it's because, deep down, they believe that it is not. This point made an impression on me when I think of how many American flags I see on car windows, in front of houses, in businesses, everywhere...
Lao-Tzu's writings give such a different perspective than we are used to and it has inspired me to be a better person.

Rating:
Summary: Skip this edition
Review: The Tao Te Ching is powerful, life-changing, but I cannot recommend this edition. It wasn't clear to me that it's the "pocket edition." Please note: this book is very small! Its compact size may accomodate some practical applications, but for the same price you can buy the Tao Te Ching in a more comfortable paperback format. Also, the notes in the back of the book are not very helpful. I hesitate to call them annotations because nothing is explained or elaborated on. The format is also frustrating because you must flip to the back of the book after each short chapter. If you're new to the Tao Te Ching, I highly recommend another edition unless you really truly need a compact edition.

Rating:
Summary: this interpetation ...
Review: if you want to know more about taoism or the tao te ching dont get this version. its horrible. you need a more literal interpretation of this gret writing in order to really get what it is trying to say. not everything in the tao te ching has a literal interrpretation and this book tries to. for instance the "tao" isnt necessarily the "way". it can be interpreted in many different ways. the tao is the tao and nothing else. buy a real version of this book.

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Summary: Made a difference in my life
Review: I will be the first to admit that I am not a student of the Tao. My first exposure to it was when a friend gave me this book during a particularly difficult time in my marriage. I found it's simplicity of presentation and firm stance on principles refreshingly graspable. Unlike most self-help books, it does not preach or give advice, it's just there. If you choose to emulate "the master" that is your business. What makes this book so user-friendly is that it speaks in generalities that can be bent or interpreted to fit one's needs. I have heavily underlined and highlighted certain passages that I found applicable to my situation. I like to keep the book handy for periodic review (in the bathroom, if you must know), and I notice that when a few weeks has elapsed since my last reading, the marked lines speak to me anew. One passage in particular that has become my mantra during this very trying time is "Empty your mind of all thought. Let your heart be at peace."

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, Approachable
Review: This is a beautiful, lyric translation of the Tao Te Ching. It's simple, clear prose makes it very approachable, especially for those who may be new to the material. I own both the full size paperback and the compact edition. Both are wonderful. The compact edition sacrifices none of the words, yet fits neatly in a shirt pocket. It's great for travel, although some readers may find the print a bit smallish.

Rating:
Summary: May the Tao be with You
Review: I don't see why people complain about this translation. I think it is an excellent expression of Taoist philosophy. I don't think it is a softened version; it seems just as difficult to understand as you would expect Taoism to be. I am not a Taoist, but I have read many works by Taoists, and I see no real difference in the philosophy. Besides, we probably wouldn't really know what Lau-dze meant even if we read the original Ching. Anyway, I found this book to have many profound insights on how we live, and it turns out to be really practical and ideal at the same time. As with any scripture, there is little one can say about it. You have to experience it for yourself. The only thing I can say is, it moved me emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I present, the Tao the Ching!

Rating:
Summary: It really depends on a what your looking for.
Review: Having spent my youth in Korea; being both Korean and Chinese with a twist of Japanese (Dad was born there and spent his childhood there); and having spent most of my life in America, I've enjoyed and found this translation of the Tao Te Ching to be enlightening.

I've read other translations of the Tao (Dao). Even with my connections to the East, I've found reading other translations to be extremely difficult--they were all too literal. Stephen Mitchell has captured the essence of the Tao allowing the reader to get a broad, general understanding.

I think that this is a great intro to the Tao. Once reading this translation, move on to more literal translations. The problem with the more literal translations that I've found is that some of the analogies, metaphors, and specific Chinese references (ancient and modern) make it all too unapproachable.

I find it amazing that some occidental reviewers were able to attain such a clear grasp of the more literal translations where I could not (not only am I Asian-American, I have a very strong background in philosophy). Maybe the Tao has truly blessed these individuals with a deeper insight, or maybe they're just pretentious poseurs.

If you've never read the Tao, please start with this one. Once having a foundation, consider moving on to a more literal translation. I can clearly state that even though this may not be a direct translation, this is good stuff, and there's nothing in here that will lead your spiritual quest astray.

It is said, "The Tao te Ching is a book you can read in an hour or a lifetime."

Here's a little handy hint for the game of life folks:
"Start with the good, and then seek the better. Seeking instant perfection will only lead you to frustration."

Keep seeking, Seekers.

Rating:
Summary: Tao Te Ching is nothing short of wonderful
Review: Tao Te Ching is a wonderful experience to read. It truely opened up my mind to a better world, a world that I was badly in need of experiencing. This book is a great beginning for those interested in Eastern/World religions/philosophies as well as an exeptional book to read over and over again, to remind you of the truths of life.

Rating:
Summary: Avoid this one...
Review: Having been relatively familiar with the Dao De Jing for a number of years prior to reading this one I was a bit put off. It was an easy read and feels good but I couldn't help think that it was just plain, to put it nicely, inaccurate and, more honestly, wrong.

It is written in simple English but, as with the Dao, when everyone knows good as good this is not good (Cleary translation), so too it seems with this book.

As I continued to trudge through it it began to sound more 'New Agey' or even Christianese then it did the whisper of the Dao.

I believe you will be better served by other translations. Perhaps you might check this one out in order to learn what the Dao is by what it is not? But, then again, the same can be said for this review...