There is no rigorous peer review of Tao Te Ching translations. In this translation, every Chinese character is linked to an English word or phrase. It is translated by Derek Lin.
When read side by side with other translations, you might feel you're reading two different books altogether. The translations of this wonderful book vary greatly. The need to keep as close to the original as possible and, at the same time, make it easy to read and understand the meaning is a difficult need to fulfill. But this translation does a great job.
Eastern sacred texts, like eastern thought, is the polar opposite of western thought. The Chinese think of the individual only in relation to the collective. In the west, we tend to think of the individual as more important. Indeed, that's the basis on which America was founded.
So, it's hard for many westerners to understand, much less apply, the Tao (pronounced DOW) in their own lives. There are parts of it that I simply can't come to grips with myself.
Note: In each passage I quote, I'll give you the translation from the translation by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English first, followed by the Lin translation. Be aware that the latter has full annotations and explanations on the facing page. The former does not.
One such passage that bothers me is:
The Tao of heaven is to take from
those who have too much and give to
those who do not have enough.
Man's way is different.
He takes from those who do not have
enough and give to those who already
have too much.
What man has more than enough and
gives it to the world?
Only the man of Tao.
Therefore the sage works without
recognition. He achieves what has to be done
without dwelling on it.
He does not try to show his knowledge.
===================
The Tao of Heaven
Is like drawing a bow
Lower that which is high
Raise that which is low
Reduce that which has excess
Add to that which has deficiency
The Tao of Heaven
Reduces the excessive
And adds to the deficient
The Tao of people is not so
Reducing the deficient
In order to offer to the excessive
Who can offer their excess to the world?
Only those who have the Tao
Therefore, sages act without conceit
Achieve without claiming credit
They do not wish to display their virtue.
This translation says the art of archery is a metaphor for "hitting the target in life."
Moreover, this translation does not put the socialist emphasis on the text but translates it into a more pleasing way and one with which I can agree and understand --- that makes more sense to me.
The actual text reads less well. But the commentary makes more sense and helps me to understand the true meaning. This is why I value this translation.
Now, my problem with this passage in the Jane English translation is that it is socialist and I'm a capitalist. It reads like Marx. But, we must understand the Chinese come from a different place in their thinking. While I can't adopt this passage in my own life, I value it for its representation of the time and place of Lao Tzu.
On the other hand, there are other passages that speak to me and help me. For example:
(From the Jane English translation)
Those who know do not talk.
Those who talk do not know.
Keep your mouth closed.
Guard your senses.
Temper your sharpness.
Simplify your problems.
Mask your brightness.
Be at one with the dust of the Earth.
This is primal union.
He who has achieved this state
Is unconcerned with friends and
enemies, With good and harm, with honor and
disgrace. This therefore is the highest state of
man.
The above passage makes sense to me. It has a libertarian tone and it appeals to my own belief system of listening more than talking, absorbing information and knowledge rather than providing it to others. We learn from listening, not talking. When we speak, we regurgitate our own thoughts. When we listen, we garner new information and knowledge.
The above passage is from the Jane English translation. Now for the Derek Lin translation.
Those who know do not talk
Those who talk do not know
Close the mouth
Shut the doors
Blunt the sharpness
Unravel the knots
Dim the glare
Mix the dust
This is called Mystic Oneness
They cannot obtain this and be closer
They cannot obtain this and be distant
They cannot obtain this and be benefited
They cannot obtain this and be harmed
They cannot obtain this and be valued
They cannot obtain this and be degraded
Therefore, they become honored the world.
This translation tells us the "dust" is a metaphor for the material world. Sharpness refers to the sharp edge of arrogance. It carefully explains each sentence and makes it clear.
The Tao Te Ching is hard to understand in some places and in some translations. I read this lovely translation daily. It's nnotated and explained.
This is a beautiful translation of this extraordinary masterpiece and I recommend it highly.
- Susanna K. Hutcheson
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$16.50
Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
