TaoTeChing

Derek Lin has compiled what is the most accurate translation of the Tao Te Ching I have seen since D.C. Lau back in 1960. Derek is the Director of Tao Studies at the Great Tao Foundation of America and is found online frequently at The Tea House. he is also the webmaster for www.Taoism.net, one of the web's most respective websites on Taoism.

The layout of this book is one of it's finest features. There is a very accurate translation on the right hand pages, and annotations on the facing left hand pages. What makes this version so wonderful is Derek's application to modern living in his annotations. For Derek, Taoism is not just an ancient philosophy. It is a practical way to live a productive happy life. This comes through in his annotations and commentaries.

Derek, being fluent in both English and Chinese, and having studied Taoism for quite some time, has employed the formal equivalence approach, which is the same translation approach utilized for international diplomatic documents.

As Derek states, "there is no reinterpretation necessary. There is a great need to explain its teachings accurately, but there is no need to adjust, rephrase, or change any part of it. Everything it talks about, if understood clearly, can be applied to modern living with no alteration whatsoever."

I highly encourage anyone interested in a fresh vibrant version of the Tao Te Ching to read this version. it also works great for people who have never yet rad the Tao Te Ching. There is something in this version for everyone!

This is a Dynamic book (pun intended)!

Dr. Wang has done an incredible job of translated the Tao Te Ching, but this book goes one step (many steps?) further down the Path.

Dr. Wang, a theoretical physicist from MIT, draws very clear connections between Taoism and Quantum Cosmology. If you want to see an philosophy directly correlated with modern physics, this book will astound you.

His conclusions are accurate, his theories sound, his presentation clear for both the novice and expert alike, and his presentation style is excellent, keeping what could be a challenging topic very understandable.

I highly recommend this book. Be aware that it is much more than just a translation of the Tao Te Ching. It is a dissection of the entire Taoist philosophy from a scientific viewpoint. one of the most eye opening books I have read in a long time.

If you have ever wondered what Taoism is and why so many people relate to its Truths, this is the book for you.

Enjoy!

This thin tome is a masterpiece. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

D.C. Lau has come up with one of the most beautiful translations I have seen and his commentaries are most fascinating.

The only downside is that this version does not have ALL his commentaries. i know of nowhere where they are all published. this is the most complete i have been able to find. If anyone has any more thatthey are aware of, please contact me and let me know where to find them.

This version of the Tao Te Ching is perhaps not quite as accessible as that by Derek Lin or Dr. Wayne Wang, but it certainly is satisfying.

There are two appendices, one called The Problem of Authorship and the other The Nature of the Work.

Both are thoroughly researched and quite in depth. They add an historical factor to this work that allows one to see where in history the Tao Te Ching fits. By understanding its place in Chinese culture, one gains a deeper understanding of the work itself.

When I am traveling and want to take the Tao Te Ching with me, this is the version I take.

I hope you like it as much as I do.