Te-Tao Ching (Modern Library)

This is by far the most convincing translation of the classic Tao Te Ching I have come across. Besides the basic text it features relevant selections from Chuang Tzu as comments to each short chapter as well as Lin Yutang's own very insightful notes. Lin Yutang was well-versed in Indian philosophy and this shines through in his translation and interpretation to give a very comprehensive and coherent exposition of this, through the ages and certainly now and in the future, very relevant Chinese worldview and philosophy of life.The translation, introduction and original thoughts of Lin Yutang was written in 1949 and contains references the science and beliefs of the age that may make you smile. However, these comments inserted to aid the understanding of unfamiliar oriental thoughts and ideas do not distract from the original text, the message of which comes clearly through as being as relevant for modern life as ever.This book is rare and difficult to obtain. Hopefully, a reprint will be made for those who are seriously seeking answers to the perplexing complexities of our present and for finding the Way, Tao, to overcome them.

I found this book in 1973 at age 13 after reading a TV guide profile of the show Kung Fu. It said that the show's philosophy was based on the Taoist writings of Lao Tse. I found a copy of this book in a used bookstore and it started me on a lifelong love and appreciation of this simple, natural and profound philosophy. I have found myself turning to this book at nearly all of my life's crossroads. I am now looking for a second copy because my original is so extensively highlighted and underlined, the binding's falling apart and I want to start all over again with a clean copy. I have since read every collection and translation of Laoste and Chuangtse that I could find. They ranged from great to bad to unintentionally hilarious. This is still my dearest and most treasured one by far. Yutangs translation is direct and poetic. I love his idea of using Chuantse's parables to expand upon Lao Tse's verses. This book should still be in print.

I don't normally review items, so this will be brief.As the title says, this book is indispensable to anyone that has an interest in philosophy, ancient Chinese thought, or the basis of Taoism. It takes the entire Tao Te Ching and the core thoughts of Chuang Tzu that compliment the Tao Te Ching and puts them together in one very compact, well bound, hardcover book.This is one book you need on your shelf.

I found this book, the Lin Yutang translation, in 1969 in one of the many bookstores near Columbia when I was a grad student. Now, nearing old age, I am surrounded by hundreds of books in my library, but this book alone would be the one that most influenced the course my life has taken. Alan Watts once said that his many books of wisdom hadn't made him wiser. Perhaps it's personal temperament that the poetry of this book matched my already soft outlook on life, that drew me in. Of the many translations, even the new discoveries, this remains my favorite, the most moving, the deepest.May you happen upon it.

Best book on Taoism I have ever owned, and at one time I had over 40 in my collection. A MUST READ for a comparison of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu's writings.

Wisdom of the sages for the ages

Luv this book!

Very good book.

This is a brilliant exposition of the Tao Te Jing with commentary by Chung Tze and interpretation by Lin Yutang..The commentary is informed by the writer's apparent Christian belief but is still extremely helpful.

This translation of Lao Zi book is very useful for western people, very clear and well done: When Lin _Yutang had wrote this book, he was daoist, so not only he was a so good writer in enlish, but he had a special insight in daoism: This is daoism for everyday life, so the true daoism:

I am pleased to have this book as it is out of print and difficult to obtain. The translation by Yntang Lin is some unique and I like his modern interpretation. I am pleased to have this book as it is out of print and difficult to obtain.