Tao Te Ching
by Lao Tzu

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Book Reviews of Tao Te Ching

Book Review: "true words seem contradictory"
Summary: 4 Stars

Mair's version is based on the recent (1970's) discovery of the Ma-Wang-Tui manuscripts in Central China, five centuries older than extent versions of the Tao. Thus, this version is closer to the time of the original text, which is lost. Mair makes the case that the text here presented is more accurate, as prior editions of the Tao use later, more modified, endlessly recopied language, inserting layers of abstraction between the old master's themes as the copiers struggled with the semantics. Mair also asserts his view that the Tao was essentially an oral tradition, its tenets not written down until the environment for its reactionary message-- a challenge to Confucianism-- was primed. The book therefore has both one author and many. It is a single coherent worldview endlessly illuminated and adjusted by multiple viewpoints.

Predating Christianity and referencing Indian and Buddhist thought, the Tao is more than a reactionary text for a ruler. It is an effort to live life contently and fully, dropping efforts at logical understanding and ethical rigidity and going for a more inclusive, deeper, and speckled organ of thought. There is no attempt at system or dogma, but rather a focus on "The Way" and personal "Integrity." Its main efforts are at acheiving harmony with the outer world-- the "myriad creatures"-- that spring directly from the Tao, which is mysterious, nameless, one, and non-existent. The closer we get to the clear grasping of a single concept or idea, the more it will writhe and resist and flutter away, the text argues. Instead, we are better off flowing along with the Way, embodying our own unique Integrity and thereby forsaking confusion for wisdom. The Way is not an allowance for one option over another, for a single path instead of its opposite; nor does it preach a synthesis of both. The text seems to approve of a middle ground, a median.

The text does have some contradictions. Some sections advocate a yogic breath control to prolong life, while others concede the attempted prolonging of existence a futility. Some sections advocate the ruler to keep the masses stultified so as to be easily governed, yet the text encourages a respect for the individual. Mair addresses some of these paradoxes and blames a corrupt text for others, but it seems the ultimate solution, if there is one, is to resolve them ourselves-- if we choose to resolve them at all.

The Tao bothered me in some places, where it seemed to prefer an anti-learning or anti-knowledge stance over erudition. However, interpreted in the light of its view that erudition is simply yet another trap, this stance makes more sense. The book's encouragment of a contemplative, meditative mindset is its hallmark. The many parables and aphorisms in the text resonate strongly, despite the drawback of occasional obscurity. Mair's translation avoids agenda and ditches protocol at an attempt to get at the Old Master's original meaning and expression: the 60 pages of notes and commentary are more than sufficient to the 105 pages of text. Although I can see myself turning to other translations and commentaries for additional insight, this single, slim, unassuming volume will provide anyone interested in The Way a good introduction or corollary to other studies.

Tao Te Ching Books

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