Book Description
Four experienced teachers of beginning Chinese have developed this introductory textbook. A pilot edition has been tested widely in classrooms and refined over a period of years. Among its salient features are lessons that are lively, amusing, and relevant to everyday life: concentrated training of ear and tongue in the sound system of Chinese; extensive grammar notes, clearly presented, with attention to mistakes English-speakers are likely to make; a carefully sequenced character workbook embodying a new and effective approach to the learning of Chinese characters; and audiovisual reinforcement via a complete set of audiotapes and two videotapes, one of which offers entertaining dramatizations of the lesson dialogues.
The Chinese Primer is available in two versions, one using the GR system of romanization, which employs different spellings instead of diacritical marks for different tones, the other using Pinyin romanization. The contents of the four volumes are as follows: (1) Blue Book [Lessons]: Introduction; foundation work on pronunciation; lesson dialogues in romanized Chinese and English; appendices; glossary-index. (2) Red Book [Notes and Exercises]: Vocabularies; grammar notes and culture notes keyed to the lessons; exercises. (3) Yellow Book [Character Workbook]: workbook. (4) Green Book [Pinyin Character Text]: Texts of the lessons in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters, and a Chinese introduction for teachers.
The first three volumes: Blue Book, Red Book, and Yellow Book are sold as a set (GR Set or
Pinyin Set). In addition, the GR Blue Book [Lessons], GR Red Book [Notes and Exercises], and GR Yellow Book [Character Workbook] are sold separately. The Green Book [Character Text], along with the Pinyin Green Book [Pinyin Character Text] are sold separately. The GR Audio and video materials are available from the Chinese Linguistics Project at Princeton University for use with this text. These supplementary materials are not published by Princeton University Press. For further information and prices, contact the Chinese Linguistics Project, 231 Palmer Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J. 08544. (609-258-4269).
Customer Reviews:
Great set of books. DON'T buy them seperately........2003-05-16
As has been stated before, anyone who wants to use the Chinese series books should get at least three -
1. Bluish color, with lessons (mostly dialogues) in pinyin and English
2. Red book, with exercises and grammar notes for the first blue one
3. Yellow book, for character practice.
There is also a green book that has all the lessons from the blue book translated into traditional and simplified characters, which could have been useful to me, if I had only known of its existance...
The three books set comes in two versions, one in pinyin, and
one in GR, here's the explanation:
Pinyin is the standard romanization of Chinese in the People's Republic of China, so native speakers should be familiar with it more - important if you want to take a tutor.
Gr is a kind of romanization that is apparently very popular for teaching to foreigners. Most Chinese people are not used to it, however. So I guess it's better for professional teachers.
Bottom line, ask your tutor/teacher which version they recommend.
If you're not sure, I'd recommend the pinyin - it worked for me so far.
I've been using first three for about 4 months, and I'm already able to use Chinese in simple conversations. Mind you, you need to put a some time and effort and a lot of patience every day for this to work. The people who wrote the book recommended using the Gr set, but I found the pinyin much easier. Just stick to the instructions inside, don't rush things, and follow the yellow brick road!!
Unfortunately, the other two (so far) reviews are incorrect.......2000-10-17
This set is not merely the blue book, but instead all but the green book (dialog text in Chinese characters). That fact is plainly stated in the description itself. Please keep this in mind when reading the other reviews. As for my opinion of the set, I certainly think this is one (three?) of the better Chinese textbooks available, and was what I used when I was a Chinese major at the introductory level.
Need the Other Three!.......2000-05-10
I'm an English teacher in Taiwan and I've found the full four-book set to be the best Chinese course available anywhere. Unfortunately, this book alone is probably just a waste of time and money.
Chinese Primer: Pinyin.......2000-04-01
This book is a fairly all-inclusive 'primer' on Chinese, set into conversation format. No formal lessons are provided, nor is an English or character translation. This book is of little use to any amateur Chinese student without the other three 'Chinese Primer' books.
Book Description
"If, like some, you regret that Montessori too rarely in her writings appreciated the humanity of teachers-their creativity, their curiosity, their doubts-this book stands as the perfect complement."-Jola-Montessori.com Evocative and unique, The Tao of Montessori offers a quiet balance to the noisy demands of teaching and parenting through a special blend of encouraging verse. Award-winning Montessori teacher Catherine McTamaney revisits the eighty-one verses of Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching and relates them to the life and work of teachers, parents, and children. Originally meant to remind rather than direct and to show the way toward natural harmony in the world around and within us, Lao-tzu's verses find a new meaning through McTamaney's skillful mixture of spirituality and education. Take a moment to read a single stanza, then put it aside and muse upon its meaning. By revisiting one verse each day, you can relate its images to your life as a teacher, parent, or child. Whether you are familiar with the writings of Lao-tzu or are simply ready to explore a refreshingly contemplative perspective on children and teachers, The Tao of Montessori is a profound work of intellectual stimulation.
Download Description
The Tao of Montessori is a gift from one teacher to all teachers, as well as to the parents of the children who are 'the tiny miracles that unfold every day in our classrooms."
The exact source of Lao-tzu's writings, collected as the Tao Te Ching, is clouded in thousands of years of mystery. The only certainty is that the version that evolved around the sixth century BC consists of eighty-one thoughts meant to remind rather than direct, and to show the way toward natural harmony in the worlds around and within us.
The Tao of Montessori takes these eighty-one separate, beautiful mental images and relates them to the lives and works of teachers and parents of young children, as well as to the children themselves.
Take a moment to sample The Tao of Montessori. Read just one of the eighty-one verses, then put it aside and muse upon its meaning. Pick one verse each day, and revisit it time and again, relating these images to your life as a teacher, parent, or as anyone who was once a 'tiny miracle" and could be again.
Customer Reviews:
If you are a Montessori teacher of considering being one.........2007-05-13
This is a must have. Read one a day, helps you through the day! Thinking about what you do and why it is so important to you!! Give it as a gift for someone in training, and just for appreciation!!
The Tao of Mntessori.......2007-01-09
This is a must for montessori teachers. It doesn't have to be read in sequence. Each page is an opportunity to review Maria Montessori's words and then read the reflection. It's great!
The Tao of the Montessori Teacher.......2006-02-22
This is an awesome handbook for every teacher to read. It is so inspiring to read a brief chapter and realize what educating children is really all about! I highly recommend this book for teachers and parents! Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!
Not just for Montessori teachers.......2005-10-29
I loved it! Wonderful for new teachers or for older teachers to get rejuvenated. Easy to read and very moving.
A Special Gift .......2005-10-28
This book will make you cry as you appreciate the beauty of children. A must for all teachers, parents, and grandparents too.
I loved it as a cried with joy! Beautiful!
Book Description
THE TAO-TE CHING includes 'The Book of the Way' (the Tao) and 'The Book of Virtue or Power' (the Te) in which the teachings of Lao-Tzu are set down. According to the teachings, wisdom is attained through understanding the way the universe works. In order to understand how the universe works, one must live in harmony with it, accepting the forces at play, and acting intuitively and spontaneously in accordance with these forces. These ideas inform not only Taoism but are also an important part of Buddhist and Confucian philosophy, and to some extent the New Age movement. This new edition exhibits the well-known translation by scholar Paul Carus (THE TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA, Thomas Dunne Books 1999,) as well as beautiful illustrations throughout the text. Including commentary by Jim Pym, a scholar on Eastern Philosophy, THE TEACHINGS OF LAO-TZU is an illuminating, sublime work.
Customer Reviews:
Reason.......2006-07-07
Tao is frequently translated as 'reason' in this translation and I personally believe that this is a folly and a fatal flaw. Tao can be reason, following tao is a reasonable thing to do. However Tao can also be instinct which is almost the opposite of reason. Most translations do not attempt to replace the word Tao with another, Tao is the indescribable, the formless, the nameless - to try to define it with a restrictive English word such as 'reason' is ill advised. Clearly defining Tao takes 81 chapters of philosophy and common sense, it cannot be abbreviated into two syllables.
Paul Carus' Translation of the Lao Tzu.......2005-08-20
I have never seen Carus' original verbatim translation, but such a work, if it provides detailed and thorough analyses of the Chinese ideograms, would be very useful as a guide to understanding the Dao De Jing. We need to know at least as much as any child in school in China might expect to learn about the vocabulary used in the original Chinese text--especially the history and development of the meanings associated with these characters.
As for Carus' choice of "Reason" for "Tao" or "Dao," it does have some merit, in that it ties this concept over somewhat to similar concepts of divine "Reason" or the Absolute in Western philosophy. In this way, this edition gives the reader the correct impression that the Tao is not something specifically Chinese, but rather a universal entity.
This edition can be read along with other scholarly translations. Carus' translation does have artistic and poetic value in its own right and therefore deserves to remain always in print.
The Standard.......2004-11-10
Honestly, while many consider this translation dated, I find it to be an unsurpassed take on Lao Tzu's masterpiece. In clear language that captures the mystical and poetic essence perfetcly, Carus does a great job of making this enlightening, rather than mystifying. The running commentary is of great help, as is the introduction. I reccomend you buy THIS before any other book, seriously.
A Dated but Still Valuable Translation.......2003-05-28
To Paul Carus we owe much of the understanding of and enthusiasm for the literary pearl of Eastern philosophy, Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching. For that alone, this book is worth having in a library shelf of Tao Te Ching essentials. But better still would be Carus' verbatim translation, which includes the first English ideogram-to-English rendering, from which non-Chinese poets such as Stephen Mitchell and Ursula LeGuin drew their inspiration and practical reference. Though the verbatim translation of Carus has since been wonderfully exceeded by Jonathan Star's lucid and beautifully organized work, Carus still deserves reference from those of us who love Lao Tzu and are always reading and re-reading the Tao Te Ching, in both the Chinese and the many translated permutations of the TTC. However, the Carus verbatim text is probably difficult to find these days, so this work may have to do: when you allow for its flaws and often dated expression (as in referring to the Tao as "Reason"), there are a few gems still of insight and articulation that make Carus' rendering worth owning, but only for the most dedicated of Lao Tzu enthusiasts...
Book Description
The Tao of Teaching is for teachers, parents, and any others who are looking for a book of wisdom on how to deal with people, especially children, in a learning environment. The Tao of Teaching is written in the same style as the Tao Te Ching, and gives examples from the classrooms of three present-day teachers whom the author feels embody Taoist wisdom and "student-centered" educational methods. The Tao of Teaching is a labor of love, containing many important insights by a talented and respected professional whose emphasis is on the students' contribution in a learning environment, whatever the context.
Customer Reviews:
A philosophical look at teaching.......2005-04-28
This book is very philosophical and shows practical ways others have applied the ideas within. I found it to be a very easy read and each chapter stirred the brain juices. Have a notebook handy to jot down ideas.
While I do not agree with everything, and at times it felt like I was reading "How to be a Jedi and a teacher!" the book is a joy and worth the read.
Two warnings: First: This book is not based on any empirical evidence from researchers. It is solely based on the observations of the author in the classrooms of three teachers and how they unknowingly(?) have implemented the Tao in their teaching and how the Tao can influence your teaching. Second: If you do not believe the best learning comes from the student and not from the teacher, then you will gain very little from reading this book. You will think it hogwash that students could actually have ideas and take true responsibility for their education.
Simple Pleasures!.......2000-08-23
"The Tao of Teaching" is an excellent book for both new and old educators alike. Not only does Ms. Nagel provide beautiful interpretations and wonderful explinations of the 81 principles of "Taoism" she does so through the every-day practices of teachers like ourselves. I found the book to be an excellent form of encouragement, helping me to search deep within myself to find those qualities that make me an efficient teacher. The book also provides practical examples of teaching in a way that not only brings joy to the children, but also to ourselves. I highly recommend this book to all teachers and educators, of all religious denominations!
TAO for us and our next generations.......2000-03-26
Lao Tzé, himself beeing a teacher. Greta Nagel, herself beeing a supervisor of lecturers, this book helps teachers to refind time, enthousiasm and inspiration for teaching children and learning themselves about the easy way of living without stress.
Book Description
Here is a classic Chinese text on the Taoist arts of longevity and immortality. The text dates from the Five Dynasties (907-960 C. E.) and is attributed to Chungli Ch'uan and Lü Tung-pinâtwo of the most popular figures of Taoism and Chinese culture. This text focuses on Taoist inner alchemy, a theory and method for transforming the mind from within by using practices such as breath control, calisthenics, meditation practices, and sexual alchemy (the method of gathering energy from a sexual partner). The teachings address the following topics: The nature of immortality and how it can be attained by realizing the laws of the Tao within us The art of health The art of longevity How to deal with obstacles and recognize spiritual progress The Art of Health, Longevity, and Immortality will be of interest to both beginning students of Taoism and scholars. Wong's introduction includes a concise overview of the evolution of Taoist longevity practices as well as an elucidating section for readers who are unfamiliar with the teachings and practices of Taoist inner alchemy. She also includes a list of helpful hints for reading and understanding each section of the text.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent..........2002-09-04
Eva Wong has done an admirable job translating several classic Taoist texts for Western consumption; in this book she continues to uphold the excellent work. These texts were allegorical references for internal alchemy (Qigong) and I have yet to find better translations.
Wong starts the book with a general overview of some of the historical discrepancies around the text, particularly when and by whom it was written. Her explanation, although somewhat short, is quite informative and sets the stage for the translation. She also provides information to assist the reader in understanding the somewhat 'cryptic' discussion of such terms as "yellow sprouts" and "true vapour".
The translation is actually very informative but the reader must leave behind the Western preoccupation with trying to put everything into direct terms. The Taoist's spoke of internal alchemy in a very poetic manner - something which I feel is probably the best method possible. That is, a lot is up to the intuition of the reader (with the help of a proper master) which is the best way to understand the subject. For those who have been cultivating this book will be an invaluable asset.
Highly recommended.
An excellent translation of a document on Internal Alchemy.......2001-12-24
For research into Taoist concepts of Internal Alchemy, this is an excellent translation of a classic Taoist document. Wong even provides some helpful clarifications to the text that make it very readable.
For those studying philosophical Taoism or meditative Taoism that does not involve complex Internal Alchemy, it may not be as useful a resource. It's extremely complex and may seem odd to eyes of people unfamiliar with certain Taoist practices.
Great book on concepts and theories of Taoism!.......2001-03-27
This book caught my eye in the bookshop. I flipped through a few pages, read it, and i immediately liked the information offered there. It offers a concise and detailed look into the theories of health and longevity in Taoism.
The original text was written by 2 Taoist famed sages, one being Lu Tung Pin, which is perhaps one of the most popular figure in Taoism. WIth this book, you can learn about more indepth concepts of yin and yang, true yin within yang, "dragon" and "tiger", phases of the moon, the importance of the vapor and vitality and lots more! I couldn't put it down since i bought it. I don't know why, perhaps its the delivery of the concepts thats unique in this book... very well translated and written.
Excellent Introduction to Internal Alchemy.......2001-03-01
If you are looking for practical techniques of Internal Alchemy, this might dissapoint you, however, if you wish to understand the theory and science of internal alchemy, this is a must-have. I've found it to be invaluble for a good understanding of Neidan's pirnciples and theory. The text skillfully elucidates the Five Kinds of Immortals, and the Lesser, Middle and Greater paths, the very basis of all Quanzhen Neidan. Eva Wong's translation is easy to read, and made much easier by her insightful commentaries nessceary to understand each and every chapter. Reccomended!
Amazon.com
Thomas Cleary presents original translations of the two ancient Chinese texts that describe the essential philosophy and practice of the Tao, or "universal way." The Tao Te Ching, Lao-tzu's classic anthology of sayings, poems, and proverbs, appears here in its entirety; Cleary's excellent, detailed notes to each of the 81 stanzas illuminate the more difficult verses and unfamiliar ideas. The first seven, or "inner" chapters of the Chuang-Tzu, those containing the essence of the Taoist master Chuang-tzu's teachings, are also presented, with accompanying notes explaining the philosophy and significance of the symbolic stories. Readers already acquainted with the two texts will find renewed enjoyment in the directness and simplicity of Cleary's translations, which are particularly pleasing to modern ears while losing none of the nuances of the originals. The well-known opening lines of the Tao Te Ching, for example, are given new life: "A way can be a guide, but not a fixed path; names can be given, but not permanent labels." And there is a clarity in the passages from the Chuang-Tzu not often found in other interpretations: "Who knows the unspoken explanation, the unexpressed Way? Among those who do know, this is called the celestial storehouse: we can pour into it without filling it, we can draw from it without exhausting it; and yet we don't know where it comes from." The subject matter of both texts ranges widely, from politics and economy to psychology and mysticism, addressing the needs and interests of a diverse readership. No less relevant today than when they were written more than 2,000 years ago, there is a "perennial currency" to these writings achieved by few of the world's great books. Cleary's readable introduction and notes provide an elegant frame that complements the quiet grandeur of these important texts. --Uma Kukathas
Book Description
A deluxe paperback edition: Thomas Cleary's brilliant translation of the sayings of Confucius presented in the order of the 64 classic I Ching hexagrams.
Customer Reviews:
a horse of a different color.......2007-04-02
Most Western (and Eastern) studies of the Daoist texts translated in this volume have been limited by reference to an extremely small range of expository commentary. In these translations, of an altogether different stripe from the familiar, Cleary makes use of commentarial traditions hitherto unknown to Westerners, as well as to Easterners unfamiliar with the Quanzhen school of Daoism. Western scholarship in this area has been limited by preconceptions based on solipsistic, nihilistic, or fatalistic views of so-called 'philosophical' Daoism, as well as by overly simplistic concepts of Chinese grammar and vocabulary. Therefore what is known of this tradition in the West has been restricted by its sources and suppositions, while the enormous range and variety of native Chinese interpretations has largely been untouched. It is not to be wondered, therefore, that Cleary's extraordinary new renditions of these works, informed by Quanzhen Daoist tradition, are found enlightening by those unafraid of enlarging their views, while irritating to those who require reassurance.
Probably very close to the authentic Tao Te Ching.......2006-07-15
Of the three translations/versions of the Tao Te Ching, and commentaries on it, that I have read to date, I recommend Cleary's. Some readers complain that Cleary's translation isn't as 'readable' as other translations of the Tao Te Ching. Stephen Mitchell's translation is more popularly admired, but this says more about readers than the integrity of the respective texts. Reason suggests that a close and accurate translation should indeed sound foreign and awkward to 21st century Western hearers. Cleary is highly regarded for his scholarship of ancient Chinese texts, and his translation also includes the Inner Teachings of Chuang Tzu, with commentary/notes on both texts.
The Tao Te Ching is a well-known battery of apparently counter-intuitive assertions, overwhelming contrary to materialist / consumerist / modernist assumptions, sometimes opaque and generally suggesting a need for scholarly commentary. Again, Cleary seems to be a trustworthy guide, dispassionate and well informed.
The Inner Teachings of Chuang Tzu are more fanciful and perhaps somewhat less interesting, but in part underscore one of the Tao's thematic threads, that of knowing and not-knowing:
"What is more, there is a great awakening, after which we know this is a grandiose dream. Yet fools think themselves to be awake. . . Even my saying you are dreaming is a dream too. This kind of talk is called extremely strange . . . Suppose I have a debate with you, and you beat me, I don't beat you--does that mean that you are actually right and I am actually wrong? If I beat you and you don't beat me, does that mean I am actually right and you are actually wrong? Are both right, or both wrong?"
I won't feign any personal expertise or intimate knowledge of Taoism, but merely observe what seems fairly obvious to me--this volume is a sound "initiation into the heart of Taoism through the authentic Tao Te Ching and the Inner Teachings of Chuang Tzu."
Mixed feelings about this one.......2005-07-25
Cleary is a very popular translator, and I assume it is because his scholarship is solid . I appreciate his choices of subjects for books and always want to learn from him, but I have a problem. I can't understand his translations well. This may be a purely personal mental quirk of mine, but when I read him I understand the words just fine but not the meanings. Or I understand basically, but still scratch my head, especially reading his Chuang-tzu. I will assume this is a fluke within my own head and not a problem of the author (though I have no such problem with any other author/translator).
What I like about this book is that it Cleary has chosen to deal with two essential Chinese Taoist classics together: the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-tzu. Further, he provides essential interpretations of Taoism in his commentaries. I read this cover to cover, but it was only because I am a disciplined reader; If I think the content is important (as with this book) I will concentrate and finish it even if it gets tedious or the translation leaves me bewildered in many places.
My intro to the Way..........2003-06-11
This book holds fond memories for me. I carried it for a long time, perusing it occasionally, trying to get a hold of this thing called 'the Tao'. But, as with the Way of the Tao, one day I simply 'got it'. And this entire book made complete sense. My life would never be the same. There is before and after that moment. So for that I hold it in high regard.
As I've matured a bit and have become familiar with other translations, this one shows its limitations. It is a great introduction and Cleary obviously knows his stuff. But it is written with a Western (American?) audience in mind.
While all translations carry interpretation as well, this one leans more toward an interpretation, one tailored to a Western audience (though definitely not as tailored as others, e.g. Stephen Mitchell's). So while it does makes sense of the text it also rides that edge of losing something as well.
The inclusion of Chuang-Tzu also makes the book a great value. Chuang-Tzu brings great humor and insight to the Tao Te Ching. Cleary's translation is clear but is a bit scholarly (though I suppose it is difficult for anyone to bring out the playfulness of the text, thus Lao-Tzu's concept that 'if it can be explained it ain't the Tao').
There are some translation of certain lines that I prefer and find brilliant. For example, 'when everyone knows good as good, this is bad' adds a different twist to the traditional rendering of 'when everyone knows good as good, this is because bad is already there'. But there are other translations that yield the same gems. I literally have seven different translations. Yikes. For a Way that is supposed to be unspoken, there are certainly a lot of words about it.
All in all, though, this is a great starter. Make sure to add it to or add to it other translations to really seek the essence and, more importantly, to live it.
Finding the Way.......2003-04-26
Thomas Cleary, a recognised and respected scholar on Eastern religions and philosophies, is an acknowledged master also of translation from classic Chinese and Japanese tests. If one seeks out English translations of `The Taoist I Ching' or `The Art of War,' Cleary's version is probably the edition most likely to be found.
Thus, the work in this book, `The Essential Tao,' an initiation into the heart of Taoism through the authentic `Tao Te Ching' and the inner teachings of `Chuang Tzu,' carries a great pedigree. It fully lives up to expectations. These two works, which together describe the essentials of the philosophy and practice of Tao, impart great wisdom and insight, and Cleary's translation keeps much of the distinctiveness of the original Chinese.
The `Tao Te Ching' and `Chuang Tzu' cover a wide array of topics, from traditionally religious subjects such as mysticism, spirituality, morality, and cosmology, to more practical matters such as politics, economics, and even how to manage stress in a stress-filled world (which may account for the rise in popularity of Eastern philosophies as we hurry toward a 24-hour non-stop economy).
`Few of the world's great books have achieved the perennial currency of these writings. Countless readers have found endless fascination and enlightenment in the pregnant aphorisms and fantastic allegories of these ancient texts.'
Those who mastered the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, the teachings and wisdom of Lao-tzu, the Old Master, were sought after as advisors, spiritual leaders, mentors, and administrators. According to the ethos of Tao, the developments, insights and wisdom gained from following Tao must be shared, put to the service of all.
`The Way is unimpeded harmony;
its potential may never be fully exploited.
It is as deep as the source of all things:
it blunts the edges,
resolves the complications,
harmonises the light,
assimilates to the world.
Profoundly still, it seems to be there:
I don't know whose child it is,
before the creation of images.'
Some of the aphorisms read as proverbs:
`To speak rarely is natural.
That is why a gusty wind doesn't last the morning,
a downpour of rain doesn't last the day.'
and
`Be tactful and you remain whole;
bend and you remain straight.
The hollow is filled,
the old is renewed.'
These are hopes and promises of many religions, and the goal of many sciences and philosophies.
The second work, the `Chuang Tzu,' is a great work of Chinese literature, in addition to being a source of Taoist wisdom. Written by Chuang Chou, the first Taoist master and scholar of the teachings of Lao-tzu, this work has allegories and symbols that have been contemplated since it was first written. Chuang Chou lived at a rather more turbulent time than Lao-tzu, and because of his learning, was sought after as advisors to kings, but declined, preferring not to become, as he put it, a sacrificial animal.
Chuang Chou looked for freedom in many ways, psychological and social as well as political. He looked for freedom from tyranny of emotions, social convention, intellect, and even from death. `Chuang Tzu' consists of three sections, the inner, outer and miscellaneous chapters. This work of Cleary's contains the inner chapters, a basic core of his philosophy and symbolism.
`If all is one, can anything be said? Once it has been said that all is one, can nothing be said? Unity and speech make two; two plus one make three. What follows cannot be grasped even by skilled calculators, much less by ordinary people. Therefore when you go from nonbeing to being, you thereby come to a third point. How about when you go from being to being! It is simply for this reason that there is no getting anywhere.'
Chuang Chou recounts the tale of the maestros, who each knew his field (a harpist, a tuner, and a philosopher) -- they were successful, and known to posterity. Their devotion set them apart. However, they wanted to teach, but tried to explain what they could not fully understand, and thus slipped into sophistry. Thus, when their culture died, so did their memory. Can this, Chuang Chou asks, be counted as success?
However, `the aim of sages is for diffused brilliance: they do not employ it for affirmation, but entrust it to the constant. This is called using clarity.'
Cleary concludes with translation notes -- Chinese being quite distinct from English, and the concepts here being subtle, the possibility for confusion is magnified moreso than a translation from another European language into English. These translator notes are useful to see the complexity of thinking in the simplest thoughts.
May this help you find your Tao, your Way.
Book Description
Reveals techniques for achieving spiritual immortality through an in-depth exploration of Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching
• Includes practices and meditations for living in harmony with the Tao (universal essence) and Te (kind action)
• Reveals the integration of heavenly and human power in the mystic field within us
• Presents Tao Huang's English translation of the Tao Te Ching from the original Chinese Mawangdui text unearthed in 1973
For over 2,500 years the words of the Tao Te Ching, the primary scripture of Laoism and Taoism, have been regarded as among the greatest treasures of the world. Lao-tzu, whose name means "the ancient child," wrote these brief but essential verses that have both confounded and conferred blessings on humankind. Now Taoist masters Mantak Chia and Tao Huang guide readers through the origins of this philosophy, the meaning behind its 5,000 pictographs, and the way of living that generations have followed.
While the text of the Tao Te Ching has been passed down in literary form for generations, the essence of the text can be understood only through heart awakening--a true integration of body and mind--made possible with the insights and exercises in this book. The authors analyze Lao-tzu's teachings, line by line, and offer meditations, interpretations, and practical illustrations that clarify the true meaning and purpose of this classic text.
Book Description
The poem known as Tao Te Ching, composed between 700–480 BCE, is the fundamental text of philosophic and religious Taoism and stands as one of the world's most popular and inspiring works of great literature. From the once secret oral tradition of Taoist priests comes a translation that reveals, for the first time, the founding principles of their ancient wisdom. Providing a rare glimpse into their private world, this inspired translation of the Tao Te Ching makes Lao Tzu and the T'ienShih's archaic mystic language accessible to the general reader. Each poem is accompanied by the author's original Chinese calligraphy.
Customer Reviews:
The Whole Heart of Tao.......2007-09-29
Beautiful of edition of the Tao. Plus, the simple chapter commentaries really helps me understand the meaning behind the beauty of the words.
compared with Stephen Mitchell.......2006-12-12
My other copy of the Tao te Ching does not offer the same poignant beauty that John Bright-Fey's translation does. Take the beginning of chapter 16. Mitchell says to Empty your mind. Bright-Fey says to present your confusion to the earth. Bright-Fey's words are much more beautiful and attainable to me.
Each chapter is like a bite of a very rich dessert that takes time to digest...and then produces very rich rewards. This translation gives me new vistas on the world without and also the world within myself. I have studied t'ai chi and kung fu for 12 years, and have found this copy my most complete companion on my journey into Taoism.
Great Book!.......2006-12-11
This book is so accessible! The translation really gives amazing insights into the why's and how's of Taoism. I've read many other translations and this is one that has touched my heart. It breaks down the information in the commentary in such a helpful way. If you are interested in Taoism and really want a view inside its ways and workings this is a great book!
Secrets Revealed.......2006-07-12
Amazing! A stunning piece of revelation. One can only image the cost to the author for this act of courage. Having been a student of t'ai chi for close to 30 years, having had several teachers (one internationally known), and having read everything I can get my hands on - this book has fallen on me like a ton of bricks! I am both humbled by its depth of knowledge and excited about the possibilites. The whole topic is new and fresh to me again!
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Tales from the Tao: Inspirational Teachings from the Great Taoist Masters
Solala Towler
Manufacturer: Watkins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Chinese
| Classics
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
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Taoism
| Eastern
| Philosophy
| Nonfiction
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Chinese
| Eastern
| Philosophy
| Nonfiction
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General
| Philosophy
| Nonfiction
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General
| Religion & Spirituality
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General
| New Age
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General
| Occult
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Taoism
| Other Eastern Religions
| Religion & Spirituality
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Personal Transformation
| Spirituality
| Religion & Spirituality
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ASIN: 184293130X |
Book Description
An inspiring collection of the best stories from the Taoist masters, Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu—all presented in a beautiful volume with over 100 black-and-white photos. For thousands of years, students have gleaned inspiration and illumination from Taoist parables, and these thought-provoking examples discuss topics ranging from dignity in the face of challenge, to judging character, to how to deal with loss. Whether solidifying a spiritual truth, unraveling a puzzle for contemplation, or providing a moment of humor, these tales are a mainstay of Eastern philosophy. Brief poems and intriguing quotations round out the anthology.
Book Description
Four experienced teachers of beginning Chinese have developed this introductory textbook. A pilot edition has been tested widely in classrooms and refined over a period of years. Among its salient features are lessons that are lively, amusing, and relevant to everyday life: concentrated training of ear and tongue in the sound system of Chinese; extensive grammar notes, clearly presented, with attention to mistakes English-speakers are likely to make; a carefully sequenced character workbook embodying a new and effective approach to the learning of Chinese characters; and audiovisual reinforcement via a complete set of audiotapes and two videotapes, one of which offers entertaining dramatizations of the lesson dialogues.
The Chinese Primer is available in two versions, one using the GR system of romanization, which employs different spellings instead of diacritical marks for different tones, the other using Pinyin romanization. The contents of the four volumes are as follows: (1)
Blue Book [
Lessons]: Introduction; foundation work on pronunciation; lesson dialogues in romanized Chinese and English; appendices; glossary-index. (2) Red Book [Notes and Exercises]: Vocabularies; grammar notes and culture notes keyed to the lessons; exercises. (3) Yellow Book [Character Workbook]: workbook. (4) Green Book [Pinyin Character Text]: Texts of the lessons in both traditional and simplified Chinese characters, and a Chinese introduction for teachers.
The first three volumes: Blue Book, Red Book, and Yellow Book are sold as a set (GR Set or Pinyin Set). In addition, the
GR Blue Book [
Lessons], GR Red Book [Notes and Exercises], and GR Yellow Book [Character Workbook], along with the Pinyin Green Book [Pinyin Character Text] are sold separately. The GR Audio and video materials are available from the Chinese Linguistics Project at Princeton University for use with this text. These supplementary materials are not published by Princeton University Press. For further information and prices, contact the Chinese Linguistics Project, 231 Palmer Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, N.J. 08544. (609-258-4269).
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Chinese Primer: Character Text
Chinese Primer: Notes and Exercises (GR)
Chinese Primer: Character Workbook (GR)
Chinese Primer: Lessons (GR)
A Trip to China (Two Vols.: Text Book & Vocabulary Book)
