ANNOTATION

The most accessible and authoritative English translation of the ancient Chinese classic. Offers the essence of each word and makes Lao Tzu's teaching alive.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Tao Te Ching is a great treasure house of wisdom. Written by Lao Tzu as early as the sixth century B.C. and composed of only 5,000 characters, it has become one of the classic works of spiritual enlightenment. The Tao offers a much-needed alternative to our fragmented, modern ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. To live life in accordance with "Tao" is to be in harmony with others, with the environment, and with oneself.

In this evocative and poetic new translation, Ralph Alan Dale has captured the beauty and essence of a unique masterpiece. He translates "Tao" as "the Great Integrity," signifying the return to holism, creativity, and honesty. Following his translation of the complete text, Dale provides insightful commentary on each verse, reprinting the verse on the same page with the commentary. The book is also a magnificent work of art: the elegant Chinese calligraphy and stunning photographs, printed in black and silver, enhance the poetry and stimulate the reader's imagination.

It has been 2,500 years since the Tao Te Ching was written. Yet living generations and those soon to come may be particularly attuned to Lao Tzu's words and their message. In Dale's translation, the Tao Te Ching resonates to our twenty-first century hopes, dreams, and challenges-as though Lao Tzu had written this remarkable book just for us.

Ralph Alan Dale has been practicing, teaching, researching, and writing on acupuncture for thirty years, and has published numerous books on Chinese medicine. He lives in Florida and North Carolina with his wife, Hendrina Ophey.

John Cleare is an internationally renowned photographer, specializing in landscapes and mountains.

SYNOPSIS

The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese collection of spiritual teachings, folk wisdom, cosmology, anti-Confucian doctrine, and mystical insights written between the seventh and second centuries BCE and attributed to Lao Tzu. This volume includes both a comprehensive verbatim translation of the text as well as Star's (affiliation not cited) own literary translation. The verbatim translation is intended to give the reader access to a complete range of possible interpretations.