The Spirit of Tao

by Thomas Cleary

Book Overview

Taoist teachings have arisen in many forms: abstract aphorisms, philosophical discussions, legends, fables--even jokes. All are represented here, culled from the most popular Taoist classics: the Tao-te Ching, Chuang-tzu, Huai-nan-tzu, and Wen-tzu, stories from the "Tales of Inner Meaning," and teachings of the Taoist patriarch Ancestor Lu. The spirit of the Tao manifests in myriad images, brought to life in this superb translation--from the ever-keen...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570623708
• ISBN13: 9781570623707
• Release Date: September 1998
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Just can't get enough

of Mr. Cleary's translations/renditions. This book is filled with great parables. Great little pocket book.

Interesting Cross Section of Taoist Writings

Of all the sections, the individual stories are the best. For the uninitiated, the stories are probably the most interesting. For the mature practitioner, there is reinforcement of one's understanding. So the book appeals to variety of perceptive angles, any one of which provide a reflection of reality, to one degree or another. What struck me was the amazing cognizance of the authors from so many distant centuries ago, their writings reverberating even today. Cleary must have shook his head in wonder as he translated the writings.