The Tao Te Ching: 81 Verses by Lao Tzu with Introduction and Commentary (Sacred Texts)

For me, the first item for consideration when looking into a new copy of a spiritual book is the quality of the translation. This version of The Tao Te Ching was translated by Ralph Alan Dale. The dude knew his stuff. He was an expert in Chinese culture and the Tao Te Ching. I would have preferred if he was a monk (they are just so careful staying true to the original text and have endless onsite expertise to debate the fine points), but Ralph made this his life, seems sincerely interested in keeping the verses accurate and his explanations of the verses resonate with my understandings of these texts. He definitely is explaining the verses for a western audience, but his sparse commentary shows a deep understanding and thoughtful delivery.Okay, now for the reason I really like these little books...because I will actually use them.I find myself actually meditating. These are not books to collect, they are to use.I like to keep my reading material nearby in case I am inclined I use it. I have a couple of these in the Watkins series and they are perfect for me. They are so small I can have them on my living room end table where I sit, so I will actually pick up the book, turn to a page and meditate on it for a bit.Important to the rest of the house is that I can leave my little books on my living room end table where I sit without making a big book mess. These look stylish and decorative.If I feel like a little Lao Tzu instead, I have their little Tao Te Ching book here too.I find these help me remember to practice more often.

My husband, our grown daughter & I started a spiritual renewal group amongst us. This book is a great way to begin. We choose a reading, meditate on it (which often leads us to other related materials) and journal about our experience. Then we meet as a group to discuss our experiences. This book, this version of The Tao Te Ching: 81 Verses by Lao Tzu (of which there are literally hundreds of versions in print,) easily lends itself to such a group format. It is also excellent for individual study as I often find myself doing when the others are not available. There is no beginning and no end, just choose a verse and you're off ....The book is well-sized for taking along in a briefcase, handbag or a large pocket for going to work or the park, or where ever. The verses are short with a brief follow-up to help get you started on your meditation journey for the day.I would highly recommend this book for the above reasons as well as the quality of the book and its price. Amazon, as always delivers quickly and efficiently (especially if you're an Amazon Prime Member -- free 2 day shipping on any "Prime"-designated item.)

I've carried this little book around with me for some ten years. In moments of doubt or confusion as to the meaning of my human existence it has served me well. Change may well be the only constant in this universe. But the Tao Te Ching lends great weight to the steadfastness of human thought and behavior. In that regard, nothing much has really changed over the last few thousand years. If the modern world of conflict, hypocrisy, falsehood, greed and suffering has you on your heels, this book may very well give you the strength to carry on through a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of human nature. Congealed wisdom.

Looking for insight and inspiration and understanding about life? Here it is! I love this book - I especially love the re-cap that this author offers to provide context to the translation. I like the look and feel... the layout ... really nice. I orginally borrowed it from the library and then decided I needed it for my own book collection.

I am BY NO MEANS an expert in the Dao De Jing or the Chinese language, but after reading several translations of this ancient and beautiful work, it is obvious that this author takes great liberties with his translation in order to relate his point (which is, in itself a noble one) that WE are responsible for our own well being - both individually and existentially as a species.

Excellent book. In great part this is due to the commentaries that accompany each verse. A real treasure. I have ordered a number to give as gifts. Wild Wanda

Excellent and interpretation interesting

Poor quality of book delivered. The book rather has has a rusty and worn out look. Extremely disappointed with the condition of book received from a company which started by selling books!

The Tao Te Ching still has real lessons for us today and I liked this small pocket version that can be carried anywhere for a refreshing read

Nice

Brilliant book. Highly recommended.