Lao Tzu's (ca) sixth-century B.C. Chinese text, Tao Te Ching, on how to rule a kingdom and lead a wise life has been adapted for use by group leaders and other humanistic educators. This article presents 12 of the original 81 chapters.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Bynner, W.The way of life according to Lao-tzu.New York: Capricorn Books, 1962. Witter Bynner lived in China for a time; he loved the Chinese. His scholarship is less important than his spirit. I must have bought ten copies of this version. He wrote it in 1944, a dark time for China.
2.
Feng, G.
, & English, J.Tao te ching.New York: Knopf, 1972. Both of these authors lead awareness groups. Their language is contemporary and clear. Jane English's photography and Gia-fu Feng's calligraphy evoke the spirit of Tao better than any commentary.
3.
Medhurst, C. S.The tao-teh-king. Wheaton, IL: Theosophical Publishing House, 1972. The language of this cranky old 1905 translation seems more remote than Lao Tzu himself. I like this commentary. He can relate Tao Te Ching to Western religious and cultural traditions. Medhurst is spiritual.
4.
Schmidt, K. O.Tao te ching. Lakemont, GA: CSA Press, 1975. Schmidt is a German metaphysical writer. He knows and loves the mysteries. His rendition makes sense. In both teaching and in understanding Lao Tzu, I have relied on Schmidt most. He is often inaccurate.
5.
Suzuki, D. T.
, & Carus, P.The canoni of reason and virtue. La Salle, IL: Open Court Publishing, 1974. This translation is clear. Scholarship and commentary are very helpful. In addition, the entire text is presented in printed Chinese characters. Only Arthur Waley seems as reliable to me.
6.
Waley, A.The u'ay and its power. New York: Grove Press, 1958. Witter Bynner said, "Arthur Waley's [Lao Tzu] is painstakingly accurate and scholarly but difficult for any but scholars to follow." Difficult, but worth it. I use Waley when I want to get close to the original. I trust him most.
