Tao Te Ching by Stephen Mitchell Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Tao Te Ching
Book Review: Comments on reviewers
Summary: 5 Stars
It's funny, people are giving it 1/5 because it isn't a "literal translation." It has to be the exact translated words by someone who is "scholared" for it to be worth reading.
They are unable to understand the Tao because they are stuck in rules, more importantly, in their mind. Thus, they go about boasting about their knowledge of the book, when the craving for knowledge is what is keeping them from understanding...what is INSIDE the book. The translation isn't what's important, it is the MESSAGE. The content. The meat.
If they read Mitchells version with an open mind they will see that the words he uses come straight from the Tao itself. My jaw has dropped several times when I read it.
I plan on reading more translations as tipped by reviewer nr 1. But not to become more knowledgable about the book and to boost my identity as "someone who has read Tao Te Ching several times in many translations" ...but out of curiosity!
On a side note, I read parts of the Tao Te Ching several years ago, and I did not understand it. Now later in life, it is like I already understand it prior to reading it. Nothing is really new, the book just reinforces my own thoughts.
I think to understand this book, it is essential to understand some things beforehand. By reading Eckhart Tolle, starting with "The Power of Now" and truly understanding that, you will understand the Tao Te Ching. Eckhart can explain the same teachings as the Tao, in ways which are less mystical and mindboggling as the Tao Te Ching. Good luck on your journey.
Book Review: Dae Chang's review is spot-on: I have seen many translations
Summary: 5 Stars
Mitchell's painstaking translation that avoids the
culturally subtle buzzwords is especially lucid in the
higher chapters, where I acquired insights that were quite
opaque to me before (Feng/English is an example is a literary
but reference-hazed translation). And the intro alone is really
a treat in terms of explaining key concepts. A great beginning
to intermediate translation. Wu is a little better for
beginning, but doesn't have the odd clarity Mitchell does in
chapter 80 and up. For a neat advanced experience, read
the Feng+English Tao Te Ching, but use Mitchell as a guide.
A subtle understanding of English prose really helps.
The pocket size is great too, if you really want to have this
with you for a while. Dae Chang says it perhaps a bit
better than I do, but I just needed to add my thumbs-up
for this little gem. Read slowly, and enjoy!
Book Review: Deeper than you can imagine
Summary: 5 Stars
..Meaning Book of The Way, or book of the Word. One of the best books ever written. I recommend this version because:
The Chinese language has less specific gender distinction, according to the author. Sometimes using female references broadens the meaning of Tao, at least for me.
Explanations for each chapter are at the back, so you can absorb the content first.
The hardback version has a silk string bookmark like the Bible, so you may easily refer to a specific passage also making this a perfect gift.
If you are like me, then as you read you discover the wisdom
like a raw jewel which you shape into a glittering diamond. That is the brilliance of the book.
The Tao is always present within you.
You can use it any way you want.
The Tao is wise, paradoxical, counterinituitive, puzzling, fascinating, mysterious, inspiring, amazing and true. These concepts bypass ego based thinking, and the idea of doing things by not striving is allowing a higher more authentic way of thinking to inform your being and your action.
81 chapters, all less than one page. Like any great mystery, the Tao is there to be experienced and not necessarily understood.
True words aren't eloquent;
Eloquent words aren't true;
Wise men don't need to prove their point;
Men who need to prove their point aren't wise.
The Tao nourishes by not forcing.
By not dominating the Master leads.
I highly recommend it. When you buy, be sure to check the edition you are buying, as you may buy the pocket edition by mistake.
I also recommend The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, which is another classic book of wisdom.
Book Review: Despite ruthless reviews, this is a good one!
Summary: 5 Stars
This version of the Tao Te Ching may not be the very most correct translation, but Mitchell does a great job of making the passages moving and easier to understand for the beginner. This one is infinitely quotable and an enjoyable read. If you've never read the Tao Te Ching, give this one a shot.Book Review: Does not wear well
Summary: 1 Stars
When I first encountered it I liked this version of the Tao Te Ching. As time has gone by I have found it less and less interesting and in some cases actually irritating. Some of it I still enjoy, e.g. his rendition of number 9. But with others, e.g. number 50 it is apparent he has substituted something of his own in place of Lao Tzu's thoughts. This book would be better titled "Thoughts of Stephen Mitchell found on looking into Lao Tzu"