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The Dude De Ching: New Annotated Edition
This is a new annotated version of the Dudeist classic, containing 81 essays explaining each verse.The Dude De Ching is an interpretation of the Tao Te Ching for followers of Dudeism. This is a brand new version, completely re-written, with a new translation of the Tao Te Ching, and new illustrations.This funny and inspiring book of spiritual lessons will help you take it easy and abide in the face of any gutterballs that are thrown your way.Each verse is followed by the original verse from the Tao Te Ching to help show the similarity between Dudeism and Taoism.Dudeism is an authentic religion with nearly 400,000 ordained "Dudeist Priests." It is inspired mainly by Taoism and the Coen Brothers' 1998 film The Big Lebowski.Please visit Dudeism at dudeism.com to find out more.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2016
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138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 2, 2018
The Dude De Ching claims itself to be "A philosophical meeting of the Tao Te Ching and The Big Lebowski." The text of the Lao Tzu classic is translated to English here, next to Dude-ified versions of each chapter, filled with abides and rugs, ringers and toes, strikes and gutters, nihilists and achievers. There are fun reworks of woodcut illustrations from classic Chinese painting handbook 'Manual of the Mustard Seed Garden' featuring the Dude. It would be easy to write all this off as humor, but don't.
Because new shit has come to enlightenment.
The core of this book is a philosophical system called Dudeism, which is a truly brilliant and actual religion which blends Taoism (at least, the Americanized version of what has made the trip so far) with the attitude of the Dude from The Big Lebowski. The philosophy of Dudeism/Taoism is represented in the 'Notes' section following each chapter, analyzing each section of the text from a Dudeist perspective.
The "fresh and investigative essay" of each chapter include discussions that might take more than one pass and a handy copy of Simon Blackburn's Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy. There are several dips into the Buddhist thought and analysis of the political spectrum, esp looking up the kilt of liberal/libertarian ideals.
In other words, these sections are serious stuff. Real philosophy. As a lifelong student of Taoism with a BA in Eastern Philosophy, I appreciated the dudeified/american-taoified explanation of events. I even learned a thing or two that tied the whole philosophy together for me.
The Dude De Ching is a worthwhile read for any Western student of Taoism who wants to access their inner Dude. Knowledge of The Big Lebowski film helps a great deal, but isn't actually required. And as fun and funny as it is, the essays are a bit thick for the unphilosophical film fans.
And definitely check out dudeism.com for more about Dudeism.
Because new shit has come to enlightenment.
The core of this book is a philosophical system called Dudeism, which is a truly brilliant and actual religion which blends Taoism (at least, the Americanized version of what has made the trip so far) with the attitude of the Dude from The Big Lebowski. The philosophy of Dudeism/Taoism is represented in the 'Notes' section following each chapter, analyzing each section of the text from a Dudeist perspective.
The "fresh and investigative essay" of each chapter include discussions that might take more than one pass and a handy copy of Simon Blackburn's Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy. There are several dips into the Buddhist thought and analysis of the political spectrum, esp looking up the kilt of liberal/libertarian ideals.
In other words, these sections are serious stuff. Real philosophy. As a lifelong student of Taoism with a BA in Eastern Philosophy, I appreciated the dudeified/american-taoified explanation of events. I even learned a thing or two that tied the whole philosophy together for me.
The Dude De Ching is a worthwhile read for any Western student of Taoism who wants to access their inner Dude. Knowledge of The Big Lebowski film helps a great deal, but isn't actually required. And as fun and funny as it is, the essays are a bit thick for the unphilosophical film fans.
And definitely check out dudeism.com for more about Dudeism.
May 6, 2021
The mini essays between poems are a great expansion to the original text.
February 2, 2019
I have been curious about the Tao Te Ching for years, and have read a few books several years ago about it. I picked this one up because of the connection with The Dude. As I was reading through this book I have to say that I found the translations from the original to the dudist got to be a little bit much. But the notes from each chapter were very good and I would recommend this book based just on those. I was overwhelmed at some of the insights concerning leadership qualities considering the current political climate in our country today. Definitely recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in the Tao.
January 30, 2016
Loved it
The Dudist translation is often cumbersome but there are moments when it shines bright, even when it's not enlightening it's still entertaining. Benjamin's accompanying translation of the Tao Te Ching is the hidden gem of this book, it's easy to understand and makes this classic text accessible.
The Dudist translation is often cumbersome but there are moments when it shines bright, even when it's not enlightening it's still entertaining. Benjamin's accompanying translation of the Tao Te Ching is the hidden gem of this book, it's easy to understand and makes this classic text accessible.
October 18, 2018
Fictional Dude, real Life
For fans of The Big Lebowski who want a deeper and more philosophical view of The Meaning of the Dude. It’s not just about bowling, rugs, and White Russians. Plus for those who like the Tao te Ching. This book provides the Tao alongside the Dudeist version of the same verses. However, there is real power and good sense to be found in the Notes for each verse. For those looking for a lifestyle that goes with the flow, you can’t beat this guide. Lots of F words (like the movie) might be offputting to delicate sensibilities. Disclosure: I’m an ordained Dudeist Priest so I dig this stuff.
For fans of The Big Lebowski who want a deeper and more philosophical view of The Meaning of the Dude. It’s not just about bowling, rugs, and White Russians. Plus for those who like the Tao te Ching. This book provides the Tao alongside the Dudeist version of the same verses. However, there is real power and good sense to be found in the Notes for each verse. For those looking for a lifestyle that goes with the flow, you can’t beat this guide. Lots of F words (like the movie) might be offputting to delicate sensibilities. Disclosure: I’m an ordained Dudeist Priest so I dig this stuff.
August 21, 2025
Very fun and the essays offer a pretty solid interpretation of the Tao, in a popular science style that makes it a pleasant read. The Dudeist translations were definitely mostly silly, but I thought the whole thing was sympathetic and wholesome. If you know a lot about taoism it's probably a pretty annoying read, but I enjoyed it.
July 14, 2020
Dudeism is very much against trickle-down economics. It’s also better to preserve one’s energy than to be an action junkie, at least sometimes.
Donny is “a stand-in for the enfeebled Everyman who is beaten into silence and sickness by a world that doesn’t care about him.” The Dude sees the world as an “endless banquet.”
Donny is “a stand-in for the enfeebled Everyman who is beaten into silence and sickness by a world that doesn’t care about him.” The Dude sees the world as an “endless banquet.”
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October 28, 2019Disappointing
December 24, 2021
A solid read. Reasonably insightful with just enough quirk to keep things interesting.
While the "Lebowskified" versions of each section can get to be a bit repetitive and even seemed to be gratuitously shoe-horned at times, the particular translations used of the original text from the Tao Te Ching here are worded in a more modern English that is easily digestible and understood. The follow-up notes were also approached in a surprisingly philosophical way, and expanded upon each verse to discuss a multitude of relevant topics.
It is also worth noting that the editing could be better. There were a few obvious typos and miswordings throughout the book, however they weren't too distracting overall.
While the "Lebowskified" versions of each section can get to be a bit repetitive and even seemed to be gratuitously shoe-horned at times, the particular translations used of the original text from the Tao Te Ching here are worded in a more modern English that is easily digestible and understood. The follow-up notes were also approached in a surprisingly philosophical way, and expanded upon each verse to discuss a multitude of relevant topics.
It is also worth noting that the editing could be better. There were a few obvious typos and miswordings throughout the book, however they weren't too distracting overall.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews