Product Description

Lao-tzu, the legendary sage of ancient China, is traditionally considered to be the author of the Tao Te Ching, one of the most popular classics of world literature. Now Lao-tzu's further teachings on the Tao, or Way, are presented here in the first English translation of the Chinese text known as the Wen-tzu. Although previously ignored by Western scholars, the Wen-tzu has long been revered by the Chinese as one of the great classics of ancient Taoism. In it, Lao-tzu shows that the cultivation of simplicity and spontaneity is essential to both the enlightened individual and the wise leader. This timeless work will appeal to a broad audience of contemporary readers who have come to consider Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching a classic on the art of living.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #218343 in Books
• Published on: 1992-09-29
• Released on: 1992-09-29
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

Customer Reviews

Shamhala
This book provides an imminently readable translation of the fascinating oral teachings of Lao Tzu. Think of it as presenting Lao Tzu, the metaphor or amalgam of Taoist thinking, as opposed to Lao Tzu the author. Approached this way, the book feels like an extrapolation of Te Tao Ching. The reader gets the chance to read and conclude on the reasonableness of the extrapolation. I liked it, and thought the logic and mysticism therein were very similar to that in the Te Tao Ching. As such, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to those fleshing out their concepts in Taoism

A Book for Real People
I do not claim to be an expert on ancient Chinese civilization. However, I do seem to be able to recognize the spirit of the true Tao when I encounter it. This book is the distillation of that spirit and the last of the great books in the line of the Tao Te Ching, the Chuang-tzu, and the Huianan-tzu. Like those books this is a work written for "real people" (i.e. those men and women- of whatever origins or class- who are free from artificialities and centered in the Tao.) Such sages once existed in China over two millennia ago and by the will of Heaven may return there still. Indeed, that a few men like the translator exist in this time serves to give us hope.

It may very well be that such men of Tao do exist in our times in obscurity- holding our world back from the brink of chaos and oblivion by means of the golden chain stretching from their hearts to the heart of the great Tao...

Wen-Tzu
This book I personally consider as being the "Bible of all Bibles", the most profound source and complete collection of ancient human wisdom from the "father of wisdom" - as Alan W. Watts justly called Lao-Tzu: It is unsurpassed and would deserve more than just "5 stars". (Also published under the title: "Further teachings of Lao-Tzu - Understanding the Mysteries; The long-forgotten sequel to the Tao-Te-Ching".) This book should be mandatory reading for every "human being" who strives to become a "True Human Being", its wisdom should be the spiritual and intellectual humus for all of mankind, if it expects to survive. Otherwise I see no future for this world worth living for.

But don't just believe me, convince yourself, after you have read the complete Christian Bible, the Islamic Koran, the Indian Upanishads and other so-called "holy books and scriptures". They are all shallow or incomplete by comparison, and some are very deluded in their wisdom.

And to all of those critics of Lao-Tzu who argue about when and where he actually lived: Remember, it makes no difference whatsoever whether he lived at all or not, only "His Spirit", the cosmic spirit of the "True Human Being" and the "WAY" is of importance, nothing else matters. Read also my review of Hua Hu Ching: "The unknown Teachings of Lao-Tzu" (better yet, read the book itself) - and think about it.

Wake up from your illusions, to reality, as long as there is still time for it.