"TAO-TE-CHING: The Way of Virtue in Leadership and Life," is a uniquely merged rendering of Taoism�s classic, sacred text. Based upon five respected translations dating from 1944 through 2003, poet and theologian John Ross, Jr. has re-focused his own poetic version upon Taoism�s intrinsic virtues critical for successful contemporary leadership. By preserving the deep wisdom natural to Lao-Tzu�s ancient text, Ross has not only upheld the academic legacy and literary contributions of those translations preceding his, but also provides five appendices of helpful notes, theological scholarship, and reflective commentary. Each of the 81 chapters endeavors to instruct the reader toward acquiring a non-aggressive attitude toward all forms of leadership. For parents, educators, government officials, military leaders, clergy; and especially for those in today�s business world, this new American version is one greatly welcomed. As you surrender to the principles of the Tao, may you embrace the spiritual invitation offered by the Reverend Gail Tapscott in her FORWARD to this inspiring book, one which reminds each of us that: �...as we assimilate and put the teachings of the Tao-Te-Ching and other Taoist wisdom to work in our personal, professional and spiritual life, we must all produce our own version in the end.� In this comprehensive volume, Reverend Tapscott also offers a genuine and enlightening personal journey, which details her early encounters with Taoist principles beginning way back in the the nineteen sixties; and extending to this very decade. In her minsistry as a Harvard trained theologian, college professor, and decades-long minister in the Unitarian Universalist tradition, she offers the reader practical insights highlighting the features of this unique version of Lao-Tzu�s ancient text. Her commentary and theological insights serve as a spiritual guide to those who may be uninitiated in how to incorporate Taoist principles and teachings into their own busy �digital-driven� lifestyles. This book is a must for those interested in contemporary spirituality, the relationship of Taoism to the world�s great religions, Asian philosophy, the writings of Confucius, or simply Taoist teachings in general.

This is the fi rst work devoted to an expositi on on Daoist metaphysics and presenti ng Dao as a feminine principle. The work should be of interest to scholars and general readers in many disciplines: Comparati ve philosophy, religious studies, metaphysics, Asian studies, Chinese studies... etc.

This is the fi rst work devoted to an expositi on on Daoist metaphysics and presenti ng Dao as a feminine principle. The work should be of interest to scholars and general readers in many disciplines: Comparati ve philosophy, religious studies, metaphysics, Asian studies, Chinese studies... etc.

This is the fi rst work devoted to an expositi on on Daoist metaphysics and presenti ng Dao as a feminine principle. The work should be of interest to scholars and general readers in many disciplines: Comparati ve philosophy, religious studies, metaphysics, Asian studies, Chinese studies... etc.

“Joe was very much at home both in contemporary logical theory and in American philosophy…. The readers of the present volume … will find the clarity of expression and the rich understanding of the background literature, history, and concepts of the tradition he addresses to be an important access to and perspective on Chinese philosophy.” ---- Elizabeth R. Eames, Professor (Emeritus), formerly Director of the Graduate Institute of Philosophy, SIUC “Professor Wu provided … deft comparisons between Chinese and Amero-Eurocentric philosophies, … [and] challenges us to revisit and rethink our unexamined assumptions about reality, knowledge, value and the very enterprise of philosophy itself. … As a traditionally trained junzi, Professor Wu’s impressive range of expertie ranged from the Confucian classics to philology, poetry and calligraphy, certainly qualifying him for the designation of a Sinological renaissance man. Few of today’s scholars are able to draw on such rich resources in their exploration of Chinese philosophy, which undoubtedly contributed to Professor Wu’s sage proposal for “Philosophy as the Art of Making Sense.” ---- Sandra A. Wawrytko, Associate Professor, San Diego State University, CA. “Indeed, the pocket edition de luxe of Chinese philosophy revisited in a new light, the best invitation to the field long over-due! Deceptively lucid, simple and clear; yet witty and provocative throughout. Every output from Joe Wu’s pen is, in one word, EXQUISITE! Bear in mind the essence of Chinese mentality: depth, breadth, simplicity and, above all, delicacy. (Ku Hung-ming) The author is capable of “expressing with clearness [not only] what he thought with vigor” (Maugham) but, more significantly, what he felt with delicacy. The readers, though appreciative of such a feat of brevity and lucidity, may feel as we do, wishing that Joe have more to enlighten us with, but for his premature passing in 2006! ---- Suncrates, Editor-in-Chief, Comprehensive Harmony About the Author: Joseph S. Wu, Professor (Emeritus) of California State University at Sacramento, CA., USA, was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service in Comparative Philosophy and Culture, by the Board of Dictionary of International Biography of London (1971).

“Joe was very much at home both in contemporary logical theory and in American philosophy…. The readers of the present volume … will find the clarity of expression and the rich understanding of the background literature, history, and concepts of the tradition he addresses to be an important access to and perspective on Chinese philosophy.” ---- Elizabeth R. Eames, Professor (Emeritus), formerly Director of the Graduate Institute of Philosophy, SIUC “Professor Wu provided … deft comparisons between Chinese and Amero-Eurocentric philosophies, … [and] challenges us to revisit and rethink our unexamined assumptions about reality, knowledge, value and the very enterprise of philosophy itself. … As a traditionally trained junzi, Professor Wu’s impressive range of expertie ranged from the Confucian classics to philology, poetry and calligraphy, certainly qualifying him for the designation of a Sinological renaissance man. Few of today’s scholars are able to draw on such rich resources in their exploration of Chinese philosophy, which undoubtedly contributed to Professor Wu’s sage proposal for “Philosophy as the Art of Making Sense.” ---- Sandra A. Wawrytko, Associate Professor, San Diego State University, CA. “Indeed, the pocket edition de luxe of Chinese philosophy revisited in a new light, the best invitation to the field long over-due! Deceptively lucid, simple and clear; yet witty and provocative throughout. Every output from Joe Wu’s pen is, in one word, EXQUISITE! Bear in mind the essence of Chinese mentality: depth, breadth, simplicity and, above all, delicacy. (Ku Hung-ming) The author is capable of “expressing with clearness [not only] what he thought with vigor” (Maugham) but, more significantly, what he felt with delicacy. The readers, though appreciative of such a feat of brevity and lucidity, may feel as we do, wishing that Joe have more to enlighten us with, but for his premature passing in 2006! ---- Suncrates, Editor-in-Chief, Comprehensive Harmony About the Author: Joseph S. Wu, Professor (Emeritus) of California State University at Sacramento, CA., USA, was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service in Comparative Philosophy and Culture, by the Board of Dictionary of International Biography of London (1971).

“Joe was very much at home both in contemporary logical theory and in American philosophy…. The readers of the present volume … will find the clarity of expression and the rich understanding of the background literature, history, and concepts of the tradition he addresses to be an important access to and perspective on Chinese philosophy.” ---- Elizabeth R. Eames, Professor (Emeritus), formerly Director of the Graduate Institute of Philosophy, SIUC “Professor Wu provided … deft comparisons between Chinese and Amero-Eurocentric philosophies, … [and] challenges us to revisit and rethink our unexamined assumptions about reality, knowledge, value and the very enterprise of philosophy itself. … As a traditionally trained junzi, Professor Wu’s impressive range of expertie ranged from the Confucian classics to philology, poetry and calligraphy, certainly qualifying him for the designation of a Sinological renaissance man. Few of today’s scholars are able to draw on such rich resources in their exploration of Chinese philosophy, which undoubtedly contributed to Professor Wu’s sage proposal for “Philosophy as the Art of Making Sense.” ---- Sandra A. Wawrytko, Associate Professor, San Diego State University, CA. “Indeed, the pocket edition de luxe of Chinese philosophy revisited in a new light, the best invitation to the field long over-due! Deceptively lucid, simple and clear; yet witty and provocative throughout. Every output from Joe Wu’s pen is, in one word, EXQUISITE! Bear in mind the essence of Chinese mentality: depth, breadth, simplicity and, above all, delicacy. (Ku Hung-ming) The author is capable of “expressing with clearness [not only] what he thought with vigor” (Maugham) but, more significantly, what he felt with delicacy. The readers, though appreciative of such a feat of brevity and lucidity, may feel as we do, wishing that Joe have more to enlighten us with, but for his premature passing in 2006! ---- Suncrates, Editor-in-Chief, Comprehensive Harmony About the Author: Joseph S. Wu, Professor (Emeritus) of California State University at Sacramento, CA., USA, was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Distinguished Service in Comparative Philosophy and Culture, by the Board of Dictionary of International Biography of London (1971).

For twenty years, Gordon J. Van De Water has collected editions of the world classic the Tao Te Ching and pondered this ancient, yet still vibrant Chinese text of “wisdom literature.” Written in the sixth century before the Common Era and ascribed to Lao Tzu, a venerable sage, it offers a guide to life based on adherence to the Tao or Mother Nature, those forces and powers that govern and shape both the world and human nature. Its eighty-one verses repeatedly emphasize seeking harmony through simplicity, the rejection of the trappings of material wealth and the arrogance of power, and identification with the great underlying forces of the universe. Many of the verses also offer practical wisdom for those in leadership positions. So fascinating has been the compressed wisdom of the Tao Te Ching that it has been translated into many languages more often than any other book except the Bible. Van De Water has sought to strike to the heart of this highly compressed and often enigmatic text by creating a “plain English” version that highlights the continuing relevance of the Tao Te Ching for our complex and oft troubled times. His interpretation also includes an introduction, selected translations and interpretations in English by pioneering scholars, and an extensive bibliography of translations and interpretations in English.

For twenty years, Gordon J. Van De Water has collected editions of the world classic the Tao Te Ching and pondered this ancient, yet still vibrant Chinese text of “wisdom literature.” Written in the sixth century before the Common Era and ascribed to Lao Tzu, a venerable sage, it offers a guide to life based on adherence to the Tao or Mother Nature, those forces and powers that govern and shape both the world and human nature. Its eighty-one verses repeatedly emphasize seeking harmony through simplicity, the rejection of the trappings of material wealth and the arrogance of power, and identification with the great underlying forces of the universe. Many of the verses also offer practical wisdom for those in leadership positions. So fascinating has been the compressed wisdom of the Tao Te Ching that it has been translated into many languages more often than any other book except the Bible. Van De Water has sought to strike to the heart of this highly compressed and often enigmatic text by creating a “plain English” version that highlights the continuing relevance of the Tao Te Ching for our complex and oft troubled times. His interpretation also includes an introduction, selected translations and interpretations in English by pioneering scholars, and an extensive bibliography of translations and interpretations in English.

For twenty years, Gordon J. Van De Water has collected editions of the world classic the Tao Te Ching and pondered this ancient, yet still vibrant Chinese text of “wisdom literature.” Written in the sixth century before the Common Era and ascribed to Lao Tzu, a venerable sage, it offers a guide to life based on adherence to the Tao or Mother Nature, those forces and powers that govern and shape both the world and human nature. Its eighty-one verses repeatedly emphasize seeking harmony through simplicity, the rejection of the trappings of material wealth and the arrogance of power, and identification with the great underlying forces of the universe. Many of the verses also offer practical wisdom for those in leadership positions. So fascinating has been the compressed wisdom of the Tao Te Ching that it has been translated into many languages more often than any other book except the Bible. Van De Water has sought to strike to the heart of this highly compressed and often enigmatic text by creating a “plain English” version that highlights the continuing relevance of the Tao Te Ching for our complex and oft troubled times. His interpretation also includes an introduction, selected translations and interpretations in English by pioneering scholars, and an extensive bibliography of translations and interpretations in English.

Taoism is codified in the Tao Te Ching, which was written in the sixth century B.C. by the ancient sage Lao Tzu. Despite being history’s second-most translated book after the Bible, its eighty-one poems have often been interpreted with confusing, contradictory, and sometimes blatantly incorrect explanations. The Essence of Tao removes the mystery surrounding this important philosophy and religion by reordering the core poems of the Tao Te Ching into a logical framework based on Taoism’s nine core principles and then explaining these principles in easy-to-understand language. Grand Master Anatole uses ancient and formerly “secret keys” to help unlock Lao Tzu’s mysteries, including Taoism’s famous paradoxes. The Essence of Tao will help the reader get a clear view of reality in order to create a content existence. Additional information about Grand Master Anatole and The Temple of Original Simplicity can be found at www.tao.org.

Taoism is codified in the Tao Te Ching, which was written in the sixth century B.C. by the ancient sage Lao Tzu. Despite being history’s second-most translated book after the Bible, its eighty-one poems have often been interpreted with confusing, contradictory, and sometimes blatantly incorrect explanations. The Essence of Tao removes the mystery surrounding this important philosophy and religion by reordering the core poems of the Tao Te Ching into a logical framework based on Taoism’s nine core principles and then explaining these principles in easy-to-understand language. Grand Master Anatole uses ancient and formerly “secret keys” to help unlock Lao Tzu’s mysteries, including Taoism’s famous paradoxes. The Essence of Tao will help the reader get a clear view of reality in order to create a content existence. Additional information about Grand Master Anatole and The Temple of Original Simplicity can be found at www.tao.org.

Taoism is codified in the Tao Te Ching, which was written in the sixth century B.C. by the ancient sage Lao Tzu. Despite being history’s second-most translated book after the Bible, its eighty-one poems have often been interpreted with confusing, contradictory, and sometimes blatantly incorrect explanations. The Essence of Tao removes the mystery surrounding this important philosophy and religion by reordering the core poems of the Tao Te Ching into a logical framework based on Taoism’s nine core principles and then explaining these principles in easy-to-understand language. Grand Master Anatole uses ancient and formerly “secret keys” to help unlock Lao Tzu’s mysteries, including Taoism’s famous paradoxes. The Essence of Tao will help the reader get a clear view of reality in order to create a content existence. Additional information about Grand Master Anatole and The Temple of Original Simplicity can be found at www.tao.org.

Reading Lao Tzu is a commentary on the Tao Te Ching with a new translation. It is intended for the general reader. The Tao Te Ching is by far the shortest and yet the most difficult of all Chinese classics. For that reason, in the East it has rarely been read without the help of a commentary. In my commentary I present Lao Tzu's meaning passage by passage and as directly as possible, avoiding any scholarly discussion. However, notes are included separately in support of my interpretation, especially when the passage in question is controversial, or when I depart from a traditional reading. My translation includes a new rendition of a number of key passages. In place of summary statements, I give here sample chapters. (Please keep in mind that some of these chapters presuppose earlier discussions that are not included in this selection. All notes are omitted.)

Reading Lao Tzu is a commentary on the Tao Te Ching with a new translation. It is intended for the general reader. The Tao Te Ching is by far the shortest and yet the most difficult of all Chinese classics. For that reason, in the East it has rarely been read without the help of a commentary. In my commentary I present Lao Tzu's meaning passage by passage and as directly as possible, avoiding any scholarly discussion. However, notes are included separately in support of my interpretation, especially when the passage in question is controversial, or when I depart from a traditional reading. My translation includes a new rendition of a number of key passages. In place of summary statements, I give here sample chapters. (Please keep in mind that some of these chapters presuppose earlier discussions that are not included in this selection. All notes are omitted.)