Overview

THE TAO TE CHING, or the Tao and its Characteristics by Laozi. This edition is an unabridged, paperback reprinting of 'The Tao Te Ching' translated by James Legge. The Tao Te Ching, Dao De Jing, or Daodejing, also simply referred to as the Laozi, whose authorship has been attributed to Laozi, is a Chinese classic text. Its name comes from the opening words of its two sections: dao -way, - and de -virtue/power, - plus jing -classic.- According to tradition, it was written around the 6th century BC by the sage Laozi (or Lao Tzu, -Old Master-), a record-keeper at the Zhou Dynasty court, by whose name the text is known in China. The text's true authorship and date of composition or compilation are still debated, although the oldest excavated text dates back to the late 4th century BC. The text is fundamental to the Philosophical Taoism (Daojia) and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Religious Taoism (Daojiao) but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Daoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Daodejing as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, and is amongst the most translated works in world literature. The Wade-Giles romanization -Tao Te Ching- dates back to early English transliterations in the late 19th century, and many people continue using it, especially for words and phrases that have become well-established in English. -Daodejing- is the pinyin romanization. The pinyin originated in the mid-20th century, and it is becoming increasingly popular, having been adopted as the official system by the Chinese government.

Full Product Details

9781468088694

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Laozi (also romanized as Lao Tse, Lao Tu, Lao-Tsu, Laotze, Laosi, Laocius, and other variations) was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching (often simply referred to as Laozi). His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (pronounced as Daoism ). He is also revered as a deity in most religious forms of Taoist philosophy, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or One of the Three Pure Ones. Laozi is an honorific title. Lao means venerable or old, such as modern Mandarin laoshi teacher. Zi Wade-Giles transliteration tzu, in this context is typically translated master. Zi was used in ancient China as an honorific suffix, indicating Master, or Sir. In popular biographies, Laozi's given name was Er, his surname was Li (forming Li Er) and his courtesy name was Boyang. Dan is a posthumous name given to Laozi, and he is sometimes referred to as Li Dan. According to Chinese traditions, Laozi lived in the 6th century BCE. Historians variously contend that Laozi is a synthesis of multiple historical figures, that he is a mythical figure, or that he actually lived in the 5th-4th century BCE, concurrent with the Hundred Schools of Thought and Warring States Period. A central figure in Chinese culture, both nobility and common people claim Laozi in their lineage. He was honored as an ancestor of the Tang imperial family, and was granted the title Taishang xuanyuan huangdi, meaning Supreme Mysterious and Primordial Emperor. Xuanyuan and Huangdi are also, respectively, the personal and proper names of the Yellow Emperor. Throughout history, Laozi's work has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available