1895. Having written a book on Confucius, Alexander turns his attention to another Chinese classical subject-the life and teaching of the most distinguished of Confucius's contemporaries, Lao-tsze, the Great Thinker. Believing that knowledge of Lao-tsze is to be gained from the thoughts to which he gave utterance in his one great work, the Tao-tih-King, Alexander has made a translation of this piece the focal point of this volume. The Contents are divided into the following three Parts: Origins and Antecedents; Lao-Tsze and His Period; and The Tao-Tih-King.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

Tao Te Ching is the 2,500 years old source to Taoism, written by the legendary Taoist philosopher Lao Tzu. In 81 short chapters, he presented the world according to Tao, the Way, and how mankind should adapt to it. The book has become one of the foremost world classics of wisdom - maybe even more relevant today, than it was to Lao Tzu's contemporaries.This translation of the text focuses on the clarity and simplicity by which Lao Tzu expresses his fascinating cosmology and profound ethics.Except for a short foreword by the translator, Lao Tzu's text is uncommented in this edition, allowing it to speak for itself.Stefan Stenudd has also published an edition with extensive comments and explanations: Tao Te Ching. The Taoism of Lao Tzu Explained.

A presentation of the "Mi Yingchan," a Daoist practice manual known as "Secret of the Shining Toad."

Imagine China, late Warring States circa 250 BCE. Loose-knit associations of spiritual virtuosi have emerged from the evenfall of unwritten history possessing an archetypal understanding of nature and human potential. Their influence is felt reverberating through many social spheres including religion, government, arts, literature, and ethics, and they are becoming renowned for their contributions to the sciences, especially medicine, cosmology, and natural correspondence. Inspiring this remarkable historic movement are masters and adepts of the Way revered as shenxian - spiritual transcendents whose acutely insightful culture stands at the genesis of Daoist aspirations. Interestingly however, these fascinating luminaries, many of whom will be remembered as legendary immortals, have somehow managed to step into history unnamed.

In this study, these ancestral wayfarers are referred to as Yin Hejia, or Silver River people. By meticulously piecing together their legacy from fragments of attestations scattered among classic literature such as "Zhuangzi," "Baopuzi," and "Shenxian zhuang" to name only a few, we discover clear precedence for a well-defined praxis. Not surprisingly however, the systematic approach through which they cultivated spiritual transcendency remains disorganized in modern perceptions, split up as it is among so many different sources. Organizing and empowering this knowledge is particularly important now, as indigenous constructions of Daoism are absorbed into a global context and diligence in practicing orthodox methods aimed at profound levels of attainment has become virtually unheard of.

Here, for the first time, is a complete cultivation manual addressed to contemporary practitioners who are interested in shenxian arts as recorded and handed down by great adepts from the past. Presented in traditional style and divided into a series of time-honored graduations, the text is fully annotated and set to a rigorous standard of scholarly range. Distinguished in terms of accessibility and utility, in all it conveys a powerful overture to venerating the Dao through accommodating exquisite dimensions of human potential.

First Edition released May 2014.

The Golf Mystic is an allegorical presentation of everyday life through the game of golf. Written in conversational style, it is the story of the wayward golf pro (Geoff) who realizes he is failing in the most important parts of his life. His golf career is in disarray and his fianc, Claire has recently left him. Geoff is about ready to give up on the game when he encounters an obscure iconoclastic golfer and teacher in the person of Joe Burlington. While mainstream golf teaching pros have rejected this master, a desperate Geoff is inspired and seeks Joe out for help. After an inauspicious start, Geoff comes to understand that Joe is a rare and special teacher, solidly grounded and uncorrupted by the technical trends and material culture in modern golf and the world at large. His simple sage advice and methods of teaching transcend anything Geoff has experienced before. Joe demonstrates how learning to play the game of golf mirrors life. It is all about relationships, and being in the moment. To be successful, one must embody universal principles of freedom and trust. In golf, these qualities must be combined with sound swing strategies. Joe's prescriptive strategies show Geoff how to view things differently. His combination of practical mental and physical exercises create positive change that bring Geoff and the reader closer to success. Golf Mystic teaches how to blend and balance each moment in life and to understand that peace and joy are based on one's perspective. Woven through the story is a proven program of swing development that will provide golfers with strategies to overcome any physical or psychological problem they may face in golf.

The Tao Te Ching is a how-to guide for creating harmony in your life. It can transform you, heal you, make you into the person you were always meant to be by teaching you about your true nature. It describes a force called the Tao that operates uniformly throughout the universe and is the causal agent of everything that happens. This edition begins with a discussion on knowing the Tao. With this foundation, it goes on to discuss how to use the Tao to become more conscious, to cultivate yourself, to lead others, to influence group dynamics, and when to refrain from action. Central Idea A central idea in the Tao Te Ching is the importance of avoiding extremes and always seeking the middle path on our journey through life. The objective is to operate from the middle ground between the extremes. This avoids causing any counter-reactions to your own actions. The net effect is one of neutrality. Finding the middle path means not needing to suffer the consequences of an act. In terms of the doctrine of Karma, it means avoiding negative reactions, or bad karma. Harmony with the Tao means living so that we do not swing like a pendulum from one extreme to the other. In human terms this pendulum swing equates to drama, that which creates disturbances in our lives and gets in the way of calm inner reflection. The Tao Te Ching encourages us to sense the world around us directly and to contemplate our impressions deeply from a position of neutrality. It advises against relying on the structures and orthodox belief systems that have been created by others. Such ideologies remove us from a direct experience of life and effectively cut us off from our intuition. Finding and following the Middle Path requires you to develop an awareness of the physical forces that shape your world and direct its events. Such forces operate uniformly at all levels, from the macrocosm to the microcosm. They operate in the universe as a whole and in the minds and lives of individuals. An understanding of these natural laws and the forces they direct gives you the power to direct events in the world without resorting to force, by using attitude instead of action. Subtle influence is better than force Influence on others is achieved through guiding rather than ruling. The objective is always to avoid taking action that will elicit counter-reactions. In Nature, an excessive force in a particular direction tends to trigger the growth of an opposing force. Therefore the use of force cannot be the basis for establishing an enduring social condition. Accepting the inevitability of change When you come to know the Tao, you understand that everything in the universe is in a state of flux. The emotional and intellectual structures that you build for your comfort and security will be subject to change by external forces that are largely beyond our control. The challenge is to accept the inevitability of change. We should not waste our energies propping up what one day must surely fall, defending them against criticisms, and convincing others to believe so that they are recognized as permanent truth. Grasping the reality of the impermanence allows us to align ourselves with the forces of Nature that bring about incremental progress in the social and physical world. We learn to embrace change whenever it occurs. Becoming a force of Nature Our alignment with the forces in Nature makes us a part of those forces, gives us the momentum of those larger forces. Our perceptions become more finely tuned because they are now based on evolving reality, not upon orthodox thinking that may be out-of-date. We see the world as it is, not as we believe it should be. Finding and following the Middle Path is how to create peace and tranquility in your life. A person whose life is chaotic, lurching from one disaster to the next, is unable do much more than merely survive.

Originally written for Chinese readers, this book provides a clear description of the Taoist practice of Internal Alchemy, or Neidan. The author outlines the four stages of the alchemical practice and clarifies several relevant terms and notions, including Essence, Breath, and Spirit; the Cinnabar Fields; the "Fire Times"; and the Embryo. The book is based on the system of the "Wuzhen pian" (Awakening to Reality), one of the main sources of Internal Alchemy, and contains about two hundred quotations from original Taoist texts.

Table of Contents

Foreword, vii

INTRODUCTION, 1
The Basis: Essence and Spirit, 3

STAGES OF THE ALCHEMICAL PRACTICE IN "AWAKENING TO REALITY," 11
The Four Stages, 13
"Laying the Foundations," 15
Main Points in the Practice of "Laying the Foundations," 20
The Functions of Essence, Breath, and Spirit, 36
Terms Related to the "Coagulation of the Three Treasures," 52
Conclusion of the Stage of "Laying the Foundations," 63
"Refining Essence to Transmute it into Breath," 65
"Refining Breath to Transmute it into Spirit," 99
"Refining Spirit to Return to Emptiness," 109

CONCLUSION, 119
The "Arts of the Way," 121

Tables, 123
Glossary of Chinese Characters, 133

Reprint of the 1937 edition. The Tao Te Ching is one of the world's great philosophical and spiritual classics, revered by millions. The oldest scripture of Taoism and meditational text, it is also a timeless philosophy of power based on harmony with nature. It has been adopted as a modern leadership manual and is well suited to contemporary life. The title means " The Way of Power" or "The Classic (Ching) of the Way (Tao) and virtue (Te)." The tao determines the te, or the manner in which a person might act who is attuned to the tao. Whatever can be defined is not tao--it is the timeless spirit that runs through all life, creating the essential oneness of the universe. The tao is not even "god," god being an entity that has sprung from the tao.

The Tao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.

This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.

Guiding us through the ancient wisdom of the I Ching, A Hymn of Changes provides elemental context, as well as personal direction, for accessing the deeper pathways made evident through this ancient diviniation modality... the gift of confirmation from your own insight and wisdom of a more than 3000 year old sage before you.

The Tao Te Ching is a spiritual, inspirational work that guides us through life, helping us to live within each moment and find the beauty that is all around each of us. Simple, beautiful, and life changing. The Tao Te Ching is fundamental to the Taoist school of Chinese philosophy (Dojia) and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Tao Te Ching as a source of inspiration.

Hanshan, which means Cold Mountain, was the pseudonym adopted by an unknown poet who lived in China as a hermit twelve hundred years ago. The poems collected under his name have had an immense impact worldwide, especially among Zen Buddhists, and have been translated into many languages. Peter Hobson's translation of more than a hundred of the poems, almost all of which are published for the first time in this volume, brings those qualities of timelessness, poetic diction and engaging rhythm that do justice to the concepts and language of the original. This edition includes not only a clear and succinct introduction for the general reader but also highly informative sections on Hanshan's place in history and on issues involved in translating Hanshan.

This book is an expansion of Seven Steps to the Dao (1987). It outlines the history and intricacies of zuowang, an essential form of Daoist meditation. It divides into two parts. ""Discussion"" begins by placing the practice in the larger context of the phenomenology of meditation and Chinese religious history. It then has eight chapters, discussing historical forerunners in pre-Han and Twofold Mystery texts, Tang masters and main works, the theory and practice of Tang Daoist meditation, and its relation to Buddhism and modern science. ""Translation"" presents eight core texts, some translated here for the first time and all with ample annotation. Drawing on decades of Daoist scholarship and meditation experience, this book is the culmination of Kohn's extensive, path-breaking work. It makes difficult materials accessible and greatly enhances our understanding of the complex methods and conceptualizations involved in attaining Dao.

THIS 20 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East: Medieval China, by Chuang-Tze . To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 076610009X.

Lao Tzu was the father of Taoism. In his "Tao Te Ching," Lao Tzu outlined the basic concept of Tao. Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu were Lao Tzu's most important followers who expounded and expanded the basic principles set forth by Lao Tzu. Together, the sayings of these three sages, which make up this volume, are the foundations for the philosophy of Tao.
The translations of the works of these ancient Chinese sages by Lionel and Herbert Giles are very highly regarded and considered by many to be the definitive English translations. Lionel's translation of The Sayings of Lao Tzu (1905), taken from the "Tao Te Ching" and logically re-ordered, is remarkable for its clarity of expression, particularly given the complexity of the subject. Herbert's translation of "The Sayings of Chuang Tzu," presented here, with an introduction by Lionel, was originally published as "Musings of a Chinese Mystic" (1906). Lionel's translation of "The Sayings of Lieh Tzu" was originally published as "The Book of Lieh Tzu, Teachings in Taoism" (1912).
Individually the works of these Chinese sages are classics. Together, they are a master resource of the history of Tao.

The Tao Te Ching is one of the most profound pieces of writing in existence. Having been in continuous print for more than 2,000 years, its writings have inspired countless generations of spiritual seekers.

The language of the Tao Te Ching is subtle, resulting in many different interpretations and translations.

To help readers get past the difficulties associated with studying the Tao Te Ching, this unique special edition includes:

• Five distinct translations of each of the 81 chapters presented together
• A correspondence between the translations so they may be compared easily
• The original Chinese text broken into sections and linked with each of the translations
• The introductions to each of the translations complete with footnotes and Chinese characters
• An Afterward featuring the teachings of a Taoist monk to his Western student

The five translations are by Dwight Goddard & Henri Borel, 1919; Dwight Goddard & Wai Tao 1939; Henry Balfoiur 1884; James Legge 1891; and D.T. Suzuki & Paul Carus 1913.

THIS 20 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East: Medieval China, by Chuang-Tze . To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 076610009X.

A new and attentively restored dual-language edition of the 6th-century B.C.E. Chinese Philosophical and Spiritual classic, presented in the celebrated translation of James Legge with the original text at its side. Through 81 transcendent topics, Laozi dispenses his accumulated knowledge and original philosophy of peace and harmony, and the virtues of simplicity. He introduced the doctrine of meekness conquering brutality and repaying injury with kindness to a consistently unforgiving world. And, perhaps most importantly, he introduced the idea that behaviour is a choice, wisdom coming not from learning, but being. Foundational to Taoism, and highly influential in the West for over two centuries, the Dao De Jing's legendary wisdom and sagacious inversion of the apparent is a must read for every student of traditional Eastern philosophy, religion, spirituality, and history.

A decade in the making, Ron Hogans Getting Right with Tao conveys the essence of the Tao Te Ching but with a modern, self-aware sensibility. The original pragmatic treatise on personal development gets a contemporary, Tarantinoesque gloss in eighty-one spare, stripped-down chapters. What does it mean to be alive? What do you want from life? With a unique voice and incisive style, Hogan gets right to what matters.

Brian Browne Walker's beloved translations of the I Ching, Tao te Ching, and Hua hu Ching are published by Harper and St. Martin's Press and translated into over a dozen languages around the world. This new rendition of "The Art of War" brings his clear voice to the world's most time-honored teachings on leadership, strategy, and conflict. The book includes a provocative and powerful commentary on Barack Obama and our time that reminds America and the world of our most pressing moral responsibilities, touches on the perils of a Sarah Palin, and looks forward with a sense of both gravity and light.

THE 2500-YEAR-OLD GUIDE FOR LIVING... Written by Chinese prophet Lao-Tzu, the Tao Te Ching (pronounced Dow De Jing) is the guiding force behind Taoism, China's leading school of thought. Consisting of 81 chapters, the Tao Te Ching has been translated into English more times than any other Chinese document. Approach the Tae Te Ching as though it were a poem, meant to be read slowly, internalized, and savored...and it will change your life, just like it has changed the lives of millions before you. Within this book are the secrets to: Mastering the ancient power of thought...including how to harness this power to dramatically change your life in all aspects. Creating better relationships, make more money, and live a fulfilling life. How you can do less while attracting more abundance in all aspects of your life. Eliminate stress, fear and depression. Millions of people, from spiritual leaders to spiritual students, have all been deeply moved to change thank to the Tao Te Ching. Now, you can as well If you're looking for change and peace in your life, you will benefit from reading this valuable and time-tested message. Read the Tao Te Ching today and experience great change