Tao Te Ching Audiobook By Stephen Mitchell, Lao Tzu cover art

Tao Te Ching

A New English Version

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Tao Te Ching

By: Stephen Mitchell, Lao Tzu
Narrated by: Stephen Mitchell
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In 81 brief chapters, Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, as well as a serene and generous spirit. It teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao: the basic principle of the universe.

Stephen Mitchell's best-selling version has been widely acclaimed as a gift to contemporary culture.

©1988 Stephen Mitchell (P)2007 HarperCollins Publishers Eastern Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Philosophy Poetry Themes & Styles Inspiring Taoism

Critic reviews

"Stephen Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching comes as close to being definitive for our time as any I can imagine. It embodies the virtues its translator credits to the Chinese original: a gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, large-heartedness, and deep wisdom." (Huston Smith, author of The Religions of Man)

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Timeless Wisdom • Profound Insights • Calming Soothing Voice • Accessible Translation • Poetic Language • Gentle Tone
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Stephen Mitchell has proved himself a master of translating in the most fundamental meaning of that term. He carries across not only the denotation of the words but the cultural contexts that are its connotation and which make the words live in our own culture as they did in their own. Mitchell has rescued Rilke from the gravel of Deutsch-speak and has presented the Tao as a Master himself--he not only presents the words to the reader but he subjects the reader to the words. Thus he accomplished what Lao Tse himself attempted--to make that which cannot be contained in word become alive within the words.

The Tao as Lao Tse would write it today.

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This is a beautifully translated, softly spoken masterpiece of meditative literature. I listen to it for calm on the subway and to help let go of my attachments to the impermanent. It helps me find focus at work, avoid drinking, and be a more whole, more compassionate person. The philosophy is simple and elegant and a great tool to examine your own mind. I've even made peace with the annoying advertisement at the end, which I've come to see as a helpful reminder of the impermanence of even our own self mastery.

Wonderful Tool for Calming the Mind

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So much beauty and truth in these words. A guide for authentic and serenely peaceful daily living.

Loved this translation

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This has been a go to book of mine since the ‘90s. I used to listen to it on a cassette tape. No one, in my opinion, has a better interpretation of the Tao Te Ching than Stephen Mitchell. I’m so glad it’s an audible book.

Love, Love, Love!

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One of the best books I have ever listened to. Both the content and the narration were extremely valuable. The way it is read transfers a meditative state to me.

4 those who want to know how not to know, ya know?

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.... I didn't pay to hear that woman at the end, someone please fix that.

I would put on repeat, but that woman...

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The subject says it all. Nothing seems to convey how the world works better then Tao Te Ching. Read it.

The most impactful book of my life

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good book. it's very detailed to life's story's but very much listening to understand the philosophy to the wise tale.

inspirational.

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The narrator has a very relaxing voice. The interpreter did a phenomenal job translating the ancient text. The info is relevant and meaningful. It gets me into a peaceful mindset.

I can listen to it again and again!

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eye opening. heart opening. if all listened to and embraced these teachings, peace would prevail.

opening

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