Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu | PenguinRandomHouse.com

About Tao Te Ching

Tao Té Ching is ancient China’s great contribution to the literature of philosophy, religion, and mysticism.

Tao Té Ching contains the time-honored teachings of Taoism and brings a message of living simply, finding contentment with a minimum of comfort, and prizing culture above all else.

This is the lauded translation of the eighty-one poems constituting an Eastern classic, the mystical and moral teachings of which have profoundly influenced the sacred scriptures of many religions—and the lives and happiness of countless men and women through the centuries.

Translated and with an Introduction by R. B. Blakney
and an Afterword by Richard John Lynn

About Tao Te Ching

“No one has done better in conveying Lao Tsu’s simple and laconic style of writing, so as to produce an English version almost as suggestive of the many meanings intended. This is a most useful, as well as beautiful, volume—and what it has to say is exactly what the world, in its present state, needs to hear.” – Alan Watts

RELIGION/ EASTERN STUDIES

This translation of the Chinese classic, which was first published twenty-five years ago, has sold more copies than any of the others. It offers the essence of each word makes Lao Tsu’s teaching immediate and alive.

The philosophy of Lao Tsu is simple: Accept what is in front of you without wanting the situation to be other than it is. Study the natural order of things and work with it rather than against it, for to try to change what is only sets up resistance. Nature provides for all without discrimination—therefore let us present the same face to everyone and treat all men as equals, however they may be have. If we watch carefully, we will see that work proceeds more quickly and easily if we stop looking for results. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected. We will come to appreciate the original meaning of the word “understand,” which means “to stand under.” We serve whatever or whoever stands before us, without any thought for ourselves. Te—which may be translated as “virtue” or “strength”—lies always in Tao, or “natural law.” In other words: Simply be.

About Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu, whose name means “Old Master,” was a contemporary of Confucius in the sixth century B.C.E. and the founder of the philosophical tradition of Taoism.

About Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu, whose name means “Old Master,” was a contemporary of Confucius in the sixth century B.C.E. and the founder of the philosophical tradition of Taoism.