Additional information
by Zhi-Qiang Chen (Translator), Lao-Zi (Author)
The Tao Te Ching (or the more modern spelling: Dao de Jing), is said to be one of the most translated texts in the world, second to only the Bible. So, "Why is another translated version of the Tao Te Ching necessary?" you might ask. If you have ever before read a translation of the Tao Te Ching, you have inevitably come across one of three common variations: 1) a translation by a non-native English speaker whose writing style is not so familiar or easily comprehensible, 2) a translation by a Western academic who, focusing on historical and political context, includes a plethora of dry factual information, or 3) a translation that appears rather mystical, abstruse, spiritual and poetic, but written by someone who lacks understanding and familiarity of the Chinese language and, consequently, the actual source of the Tao Te Ching. Chen Zhi-qiang's new version, The Practical Tao Te Ching of Lao-zi, takes a fresh and original perspective by interpreting the Chinese language source while considering the fundamental Tao sensibilities of: Non-duality, impermanence, wu-wei (non-striving), nature and naturalness, and Virtue. Read the Tao Te Ching with these basic Tao concepts in mind and realize what truths Lao-zi recognizes about the nature of our humanity, our existential reality, and our shared human condition.
