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Tao Te Ching


Synopsis


For nearly two generations, Gia-fu Feng and Jane English's bestselling translation of the Tao Te Ching has been the standard for those seeking access to the wisdom of Taoist thought. Now Jane English and her long-time editor, Toinette Lippe, have revised and refreshed the translation so that it more faithfully reflects the Classical Chinese in which it was first written, taking into account changes in our own language and eliminating any lingering infelicities. They have retained the simple clarity of the original rendering of a sometimes seemingly obtuse spiritual text, a clarity that has made this version a classic in itself, selling over a million copies. Written most probably in the sixth century B.C. by Lao Tsu, this esoteric but infintely practical book has been translated into English more frequently than any other work except the Bible. Gia-fu Feng and Jane English's superb translation-the most accessible and authoritative modern English translation-offers the essence of each word and makes Lao Tsu's teaching immediate and alive. This edition includes an introduction and notes by the well-known writer and scholar of philosophy and comparative religion, Jacob Needleman.

Laozi, Jane English, Gia-fu Feng

Summary

Chapter 1: The Nameless Tao

* Essence of Tao: Undefinable, eternal, origin of all things.
* Real example: A river constantly flowing, nourishing life, yet its source remains hidden.

Chapter 2: Duality and Balance

* Complementary forces: Yin (passive) and Yang (active).
* Real example: Night and day, winter and summer, giving life its rhythm.

Chapter 3: Non-Attachment

* Avoid clinging to possessions, fame, or desires.
* Real example: A tree growing in a forest, content with its surroundings and not grasping for anything more.

Chapter 4: Humility and Acceptance

* Embrace simplicity and let go of pride.
* Real example: A cup of tea, filled with the present moment, rather than seeking external validation.

Chapter 5: Emptiness and Potential

* Avoid filling your life with distractions.
* Real example: An empty bowl, holding the possibility of nourishment when filled.

Chapter 6: Spirit and Form

* Recognize the unity between the invisible (spirit) and the tangible (form).
* Real example: A human body, composed of physical form but also endowed with a consciousness.

Chapter 7: Knowledge and Ignorance

* Embrace the wisdom of unknowing.
* Real example: A painter who creates a masterpiece by trusting their intuition and letting go of preconceived notions.

Chapter 8: Harmony and Resilience

* Cultivate a state of harmony within yourself and with the world.
* Real example: A well-tuned musical instrument, producing beautiful sounds when all its elements work together.

Chapter 9: Release and Fulfillment

* Let go of attachments and find fulfillment in the present moment.
* Real example: A bird soaring through the sky, unburdened by the past or the future.

Chapter 10: Non-Action and Paradox

* Engage in actions without grasping for outcomes.
* Real example: A gardener who plants seeds and nurtures them, but without expecting a specific harvest.