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  • Tao Te Ching: A New English Version by Stephen Mitchell book cover
  • Tao Te Ching: A New English Version by Stephen Mitchell book cover
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Tao Te Ching: A New English Version

by Stephen Mitchell

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A compact guide to the Tao

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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Praise from Huston Smith

    Huston Smith praises Mitchell's rendition as nearly definitive for its time and commends its lucidity, humor, gr...

AlbakiReads Editorial

A compact guide to the Tao

Presented in eighty-one brief chapters, the Tao Te Ching brings together reflections on living in accord with the Tao, or the Way. The text connects balance and a serene, generous spirit with the principle of wei wu wei—often rendered as “doing not-doing”—and with acting through effortless skill. Stephen Mitchell’s English version frames this ancient Chinese work as practical guidance for everyday life as well as a spiritual text. Its short chapter structure makes room for readers to approach the ideas individually, including questions of perspective, distraction, and a peaceful sense of self.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers exploring Taoism and ancient Chinese wisdom
  • Those interested in brief, chapter-length reflections on spiritual practice
  • Readers curious about the idea of wei wu wei and living in harmony with the Tao

Themes

Taoism and the WayNon-action and effortless skillBalance and perspectiveSerenity and self-understanding

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Book overview

The bestselling, widely acclaimed translation from Stephen Mitchell

"Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom." -- Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man

In eighty-one brief chapters, this classic of ancient Chinese wisdom, Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao--the basic principle of the universe.

This spiritual classic offers a profound guide to the art of living:

  • Ancient Wisdom: Discover teachings that have offered clarity and peace for centuries, presented in eighty-one brief, poetic chapters.
  • The Art of Non-Action: Learn the principle of wei wu wei, or "doing not-doing," to achieve more with effortless skill and grace.
  • Finding Balance: Explore profound advice on achieving a serene and generous spirit by living in harmony with the Tao.
  • Spiritual Serenity: A path to emptying the mind of distractions and filling your core with a sense of your original, peaceful identity.
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