The acclaimed translation of Taoism's founding text in a beautiful Penguin Classics Deluxe edition The most translated book in the world after the Bible, the Tao Te Ching, or 'Book of the Way', is the essential text of Taoism, one of the three great religions of China. Through aphorisms and parable, it guides its readers toward the Tao, or the 'Way': living in harmony with the life force of the universe. Traditionally attributed to Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher who was a contemporary of Confucius, it offers a practical model for living based on modesty, self-restraint and balance and is an insightful guide for anyone seeking to open their minds, free their thoughts, and attain greater self-awareness. John Minford's celebrated translation emphasises the calm, meditative quality of the Tao Te Ching, as well as its use as a guide to everyday living. This edition is accompanied by illuminating commentary and interpretation, as well as beautifully illustrated Chinese characters.

Chuang Tzu examines the nature of existence in these dialogues and essays, from the battle to grasp the purpose of life to the search for knowledge. A collection of some of the most absorbing and charming philosophy ever written, THE TAO OF NATURE is also about perfection, perception, the value of skills and the truth revealed by complete understanding. GREAT IDEAS. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

A Daoist classic that has had a profound influence on Chinese thought, the Laozi or Daodejing, evolved into its present form sometime around the third century BCE and continues to enjoy great popularity throughout East Asia and beyond. Philip J Ivanhoe's lucid and philosophically-minded interpretation and commentary offer fresh insights into this classic work. In the substantial introduction and numerous notes, Ivanhoe draws attention to the issues at play in the text, often relating them to contemporary philosophical discussions and directing the reader to related passages within the Daodejing and to other works of the period. The Language Appendix, unique to this edition, offers eight translations of the opening passage by well-known and influential scholars and explains, line-by-line, how each might have reached his particular interpretation.

Despite its enduring popularity both in China and worldwide, the Yijing is often poorly understood. As a divinatory text, it has a devoted following in the western hemisphere, even as it represents a foundational text of both Confucianism and Daoism. A fascination with the Yijing has been evident among western scholars since the Enlightenment, as well as in notable modern literary and artistic figures. This book provides an introduction for the general reader to this classic sacred text. Joseph A. Adler explains its multi-layered structure, its origins, its history of interpretation from the early first millennium BCE up to the present day, its function of divination, its significance in the history of Chinese thought, and its modern transformations. He explores why the Yijing has been considered the most profound expression of traditional Chinese thought and what meaning it can have for contemporary readers.

From the bestselling author of The Tao of Pooh, a uniquely authentic translation of the enduring Tao Te Ching based on the meanings of the ancient Chinese characters in use when the Taoist classic was written From Benjamin Hoff, the author of The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet, which have sold millions of copies, comes a new translation of the Tao Te Ching. The original author (or authors, as Hoff makes the provocative claim that there may have been more than one) streamlined the folk religion of China down to its foundation and rebuilt it as a man-in-nature philosophy, incorporating his advanced spiritual, philosophical, social, and political ideas. Ever since its creation, the Tao Te Ching has stood alone among the world's writings. There was nothing like it before it appeared, and there is still nothing like it now. Unlike a good deal of Chinese writing, old and new, the Tao Te Ching makes no reference to specific individuals or events, whether of the then-past or then-present. It is not historical, nor classical; its world is the world of now. Laboring over the ancient text for seven years, Hoff tackled this project by following the same principles he learned while employed by a master restorer of valuable but damaged antique objects: Thoroughly research the history of the object; remove all misguided, historically incorrect alterations and repairs; patch and fill where necessary; match the new work to the old so seamlessly that no one will detect a difference in treatment; honor the materials and its design; and honor the tradition that has formed around the object over the years. This unique interpretation of the Tao Te Ching shows what is possible when a translator truly partners themselves with someone of another time, another place, and another language.

Steve Coutinho explores in detail the fundamental concepts of Daoist thought as represented in three early texts: the Laozi, the Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Readers interested in philosophy yet unfamiliar with Daoism will gain a comprehensive understanding of these works from this analysis, and readers fascinated by ancient China who also wish to grasp its philosophical foundations will appreciate the clarity and depth of Coutinho's explanations. Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear explanations of these complex texts without resorting to oversimplification.

In the modern world, people are not only separated from their environment, but also from their own bodies and minds. We can learn to integrate all these fragments and return to our original nature. In 'Tao, the Subtle Universal Law', Hua-Ching Ni carefully presents the wisdom and practical methods that the ancient Chinese have successfully used for centuries. To lead a good stable life is to be aware of the actual conjoining of the universal subtle law with every moment and event of our lives. The real meaning of taoist self-discipline is to harmonize with universal law. This is almost the total secret of a Taoist life. The value of this book lies in the fact that it not only tells us 'why' but also 'how.'

This book contains four essays on Internal Alchemy (Neidan) by Isabelle Robinet, originally published in French and translated here for the first time into English. The essays are concerned with the alchemical principle of "inversion"; the devices used by the alchemists to "give form to the Formless by the word, and thus manifest the authentic and absolute Dao"; the symbolic function of numbers in Taoism and in Internal Alchemy; and the original meanings of the terms "External Elixir" ("waidan") and "Internal Elixir" ("neidan").

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements, vii

1. The World Upside Down in Taoist Internal Alchemy, 1
2. The Alchemical Language, or the Effort to Say the Contradictory, 17
3. Role and Meaning of Numbers in Taoist Cosmology and Alchemy, 45
4. On the Meaning of the Terms "Waidan" and "Neidan," 75

Tables and Pictures, 103
Appendix: Works by Isabelle Robinet, 113
Glossary of Chinese Characters, 117
Works Quoted, 123

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.

A modern book of destiny and power, using the ancient principles of the Tao Te Ching.
How do we begin to discover and live our destined life? How can we use the ancient, Eastern philosophy to experience more success in our lives?
From Derek Lin, Taoist master and author of "The Tao of Daily Life," comes this practical, systematic approach to the ancient and time-honored spiritual learning process. The Tao of Success navigates the five rings of life, which are common patterns of traditional Tao cultivation, conceptualized by the ancient sages: your spirit, your mind, your relationships, your world, and your destiny. Success is achieved by discovering and experiencing these five concentric rings, from the inside out, and not in the future but in the here and now.
Using the same format that made "The Tao of Daily Life" a breakout Eastern wisdom bestseller, Lin draws on the power of Taoist stories to illustrate important keys, or lessons. He then offers commentary on understanding and applying that story in modern life-all aimed to help readers live out the destiny that lies within themselves.
By integrating the life-altering lessons of this book into their busy lives, readers can begin to cultivate the Tao. In "The Tao of Success," Lin returns with his enlightening approach to understanding, centered on story and illumination of ancient Taoist secrets for the modern beginner and the familiar student alike.

"An elegant and comprehensive critical edition of the Dao De Jing." KIRKUS Review This book examines one of the world's most enduring and influential literary works through the timeless art of qigong. In his words, Lao Tzu (or Laozi), author of the Dao De Jing, embodies qigong principles, advocating the cultivation of mind and body. Only when we know qigong can we know Lao Tzu-and only when we know Lao Tzu can we know the Dao De Jing. Lao Tzu's writing has been read, translated, and discussed around the globe. It deals with principles that transcend time and culture. That is why this ancient text has been reimagined countless times in books on business, relationships, and parenting-but never with a focus on the art of qigong. This makes the Dao De Jing: A Qigong Interpretation unique and indispensible. Many chapters in the Dao De Jing purely talk about qigong, especially the practices of regulating the body, breathing, mind, qi, and spirit. Dr. Yang, a renowned author, scholar, and martial artist, devoted decades to researching and writing this book. He interprets and analyzes the 81 chapters of the Dao De Jing. His commentary will bring new insight, inspiration, and depth to your understanding of Lao Tzu's words-and to your qigong practice. This book includes The complete Dao De Jing in English and its original Chinese text Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming's commentary and analysis of each chapter Numerous illustrations and diagrams The Dao De Jing: A Qigong Interpretation is not a book of instruction. It is about the Way-the path before us, in qigong and in life, where what you achieve comes through your own understanding.

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.

Fundamental to Chinese philosophy and religion, the Tao Te Ching is a simple guidebook for virtue, encouraging peace, understanding and humility. Ranging from political advice to common wisdom, it has also served as an inspiration to artists across the ages and throughout the world. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.

The Lieh-Tzu ranks with the Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu as one of the most eloquent and influential expositions of Taoist philosophy. This definitive translation by Professor Graham does full justice to the subtlety of thought and literary effectiveness of the text. A. C. Graham is one of the most distinguished Sinologists working today.