
The Second Book of the Tao
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Narrated by:
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Stephen Mitchell
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By:
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Stephen Mitchell
About this listen
Drawn from the work of Lao-tzu's disciple Chuang-tzu and Confucius's grandson Tzussu, The Second Book of the Tao offers Western readers a path into reality that has nothing to do with Taoism or Buddhism or old or new alone, but everything to do with truth. Mitchell has selected the freshest, clearest teachings from these two great students of the Tao and adapted them into versions that reveal the poetry, depth, and humor of the original texts with a thrilling new power. Alongside each adaptation, Mitchell includes his own commentary, at once explicating and complementing the text.
This book is a 21st-century form of ancient wisdom, bringing a new, homemade sequel to the Tao Te Ching into the modern world. Mitchell's renditions are radiantly lucid; they dig out the vision that's hiding beneath the words; they grab the text by the scruff of the neck - by its heart, really - and let its essential meanings fall out. The book introduces us to a cast of vivid characters, most of them humble artisans or servants, who show us what it means to be in harmony with the way things are. Its wisdom provides a psychological and moral acuity as deep as the Tao Te Ching itself.
The Second Book of the Tao is a gift to contemporary readers, granting us access to our own fundamental wisdom. Mitchell's meditations and risky reimagining of the original texts are brilliant and liberating, not least because they keep catching us off-guard, opening up the heavens where before we saw a roof. He makes the ancient teachings at once modern, relevant, and timeless.
©2009 Stephen Mitchell (P)2009 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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I wanted to love this
- By Cody Joseph Painter on 09-16-20
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The Tao of Physics
- By: Fritjof Capra
- Narrated by: Michael McConnohoi
- Length: 3 hrs and 12 mins
- Abridged
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Based on the best seller, The Tao of Physics is an exploration of the parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism. It's author - the renowned physicist, theorist, writer, and lecturer - says, "Science does not need mysticism and mysticism does not need science; but man needs them both."
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NOT WHAT IS ADVERTISED!!!!
- By R on 03-18-13
By: Fritjof Capra
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Being Taoist
- Wisdom for Living a Balanced Life
- By: Eva Wong
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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Taoist living rests on four pillars: the public, the domestic, the private, and the spirit lives. Not only do Taoists strive to live these four aspects fully and in a balanced way, they also believe there is an outlook and an art to each of them. Eva Wong uses the teachings of Taoist masters themselves to explain the essential concepts. She then gives voice to these texts - simplifying them, removing barriers to understanding, and making them completely accessible and relevant to the modern reader.
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Magnificent!
- By Pizzo on 01-25-17
By: Eva Wong
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Daoism Explained: From the Dream of the Butterfly to the Fishnet Allegory
- Ideas Explained, Book 1
- By: Hans-Georg Moeller
- Narrated by: Simon Barber
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Hans-Georg Moeller has achieved the perfect blend with Daoism Explained. It is both a fascinating introduction on Daoist thought as well as an original and insightful contribution to Eastern philosophy. This book will take the place of The Tao of Pooh by Hoff. Like that book, Doaism Explained offers a comprehensive presentation of Daoist philosophy that is interesting and easy to follow.
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An odd work, plods, as it well might, but then...
- By Philo on 04-23-19
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The Gospel According to Jesus
- A New Translation and Guide to His Essential Teachings for Believers and Unbelievers
- By: Stephen Mitchell
- Narrated by: Stephen Mitchell
- Length: 3 hrs and 4 mins
- Abridged
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This translation of the life and teachings of Jesus creates an image of not only a great spiritual teacher, but of a real person. Eminent author and translator Stephen Mitchell's approach to the Gospels has been widely praised for its depth, clarity, and radiance. This is a stunning work for believers and non-believers alike.
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Christians may want to avoid...
- By J M on 04-07-18
By: Stephen Mitchell
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Laozi's Dao De Jing
- A Plain Translation
- By: Ken Liu
- Narrated by: BD Wong
- Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
- Original Recording
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Introducing a new translation of Laozi’s classic work that makes the intimidating approachable and the complex comprehensible. Translated by best-selling author Ken Liu and read by acclaimed actor B.D. Wong, this new take on the Dao De Jing speaks directly to the sensibilities of a modern audience. Liu dispenses with footnotes and the granular details of academic debate in favor of presenting Laozi’s invaluable writing as clearly and colorfully as possible.
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EXCELLENT
- By JK on 06-02-23
By: Ken Liu
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The Complete Eastern Philosophy Collection
- Tao Te Ching, The Bhagavad Gita, The Dhammapada, The Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, The Gospel of Ramakrishna, Analects of Confucius, The Art of War
- By: Buddha, Laozi, Confucius, and others
- Narrated by: Brian Baranek, Emily Angell
- Length: 24 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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This 24-hour collection delivers the complete wisdom of Eastern philosophy, thoughtfully adapted for the modern listener in one comprehensive audiobook.
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life just makes more sense.
- By Maximilian Mess on 02-01-25
By: Buddha, and others
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Gilgamesh
- A New English Version
- By: Stephen Mitchell - translator
- Narrated by: George Guidall
- Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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This brilliant new treatment of the world's oldest epic is a literary event on par with Seamus Heaney's wildly popular Beowulf translation. Esteemed translator and best-selling author Stephen Mitchell energizes a heroic tale so old it predates Homer's Iliad by more than a millennium.
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A defense of this "translation"
- By George on 07-16-08
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The Tao Te Ching
- By: Lao Tzu
- Narrated by: Philippe Duquenoy
- Length: 1 hr and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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The Tao Te Ching is perfect for those who would like to delve deeper into the intriguing nature of the Tao and to gain a deeper understanding of life and the nature of reality. This series of meditations is also a great way to gain a better understanding of ancient Chinese beliefs. In ancient China, Tao, also known as the Way, is believed to be the guiding light of the soul and the very source of existence. For generations, the Tao Te Ching had drawn scholars from around the world, including those who sought understand human existence.
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Too fast!!!
- By Vince H. on 04-20-18
By: Lao Tzu
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365 Tao
- Daily Meditations
- By: Ming-Dao Deng
- Narrated by: Amanda Carlin
- Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Place the word Tao into your heart. Use no other words. The Tao is constantly moving, the path that all life and the whole universe takes. There is nothing that is not part of it - harmonious living is to know and to move with the Tao - it is a way of life, the natural order of things, a force that flows through all life.
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This book thrums with the Tao....
- By Fionn on 03-15-14
By: Ming-Dao Deng
The most and least important book you’ll ever read
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I’m required to write nine more words
Simplify, simplify
Listen and listen again, as desired
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Really true to knowing nothing of the way.
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Profoundly insightful
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A must read
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awesome!
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The Second Book of the Tao consists of adaptations from the work of two ancient Chinese scholars: a Laotzu disciple, Chuang-tzu, and Tzu-ssu, the grandson of Confucius. While I have read several translations of the Tao Te Ching, there is none to compare with that of Stephen Mitchell. There is no other anthology for the “second book” and so Mitchell’s rendition must remain the best also. This book would be an impossible act to follow were it not written by Stephen Mitchell. As one reviewer put it: “It takes you there.”
Sequel to the Tao Te Ching
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Short Book Explaining Tao
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Amazing!
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If you could sum up The Second Book of the Tao in three words, what would they be?
Work of ArtWho was your favorite character and why?
"Stephen Mitchell", I can't help wondering, what goes on in his mind. It is amazing how he can break it all apart, and put it all back together again, in another way, that I can understand. Great book.Which scene was your favorite?
The whole book.Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Both, and I love the vibrations, rushes. That is my favorite reason I listen to audible books. I can just meditate, and let Stephen Mitchell read the book, and I can enjoy the vibes!Any additional comments?
I would call it spiritual poetry. It is like a performance for me. I can meditate along the path that Stephen Mitchell, walks me thru. Very well written, and performed. It is another work of art, that I will enjoy having in my library.Second Book on the Art of Living
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