Essential Writings of Taoism: The Tao te Ching and the Chuang Tzu

by Lao Tzu, Zhuangzi, James Legge

The two classics of Chinese philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy, Taoism, Religion, Nonfiction, Unfinished

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 7, 2009

About the author

Lao Tzu (Chinese: 老子; pinyin: Lǎozǐ; Wade-Giles: Laosi; also Laozi, Lao Tse, Lao Tu, Lao-Tsu, Laotze, Laosi, Lao Zi, Laocius, Lao Ce, 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 the Taoist religion, which often refers to Laozi as Taishang Laojun, or "One of the Three Pure Ones". Laozi translated literally from Chinese means "old master" or "old one", and is generally considered honorific.

According to Chinese tradition, 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. As a result of being a a central figure in Chinese culture, both nobility and common people claim Lao Tzu in their lineage.

Reviews

[Vijay Qamra]

Toread

[Rabab Boulaich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great assembling of the eastern ancient wisdom…!

[Rebecca Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humbling and inspiring read. The perfect book requiring the reader to take in its teaching, and its fundamental principles of the universe and harmony

[sophie ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read the Tao Te Ching for class but it was, admittedly, pretty interesting