Way to Life: At the Heart of the Tao Te Ching, The

Selections adapted from various English translations of the Tao de Ching.

“Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, one of the most inspired and provocative pieces of Chinese literature, has intrigued Westerners for generations. Countless translations and commentaries have been produced, but the meaning of the ancient text has remained obscure and subject to controversy. These new and and extremely creative versions by Benjamin Hoff, accompanied by an introduction to the basics of Taoist philosophy, bring the words of the sage to life once again.

The Tao Te Ching, or Tao Virtue Classic, concerns the workings of Tao, the way or path to life in harmony with natural laws. The Tao Te Ching cautions us to seek wisdom rather than knowledge: ‘Along the way to knowledge many things are accumulated. Along the way to wisdom many things are discarded.’ In just this manner, Benjamin Hoff has succeeded in dispersing the mysteries surrounding this ancient text and in reducing the Taoist philosophy to a straightforward message, ever intriguing but no longer elusive. Such basic principles of Taoism as the uncarved block, the source, and wu wei are given lucid definition. And in further accordance with the Taoist belief that words are an insufficient vehicle for conveying the meaning of Tao, sixteen colour photographs are juxtaposed to selected passages, reflecting their essential truth. Not merely decorative, these photographs form an integral part of this unique presentation.” — from front flap.