![The Second Book of the Tao | [Stephen Mitchell]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Rip2JDRxL._SL175_.jpg "The Second Book of the Tao | [Stephen Mitchell]")
The Second Book of the Tao
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Average Customer Rating
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LENGTH2 hrs and 42 mins
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RELEASE DATE02-19-09
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AUDIO FORMATS
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Program TypeAudiobook
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PUBLISHER
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Publisher's Summary
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 Audio
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What Members Say
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"it will take you there"
For those who have listened to or studied 'The Tao', this will bring smiles. Irreverant, yet relevant. From me, there is no greater compliment. I was not sure I wanted to continue my Audiobook subscription. Just to be able to re-listen to this title is worth more than I can say.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful -
Robert Yamhill, OR, United States 08-03-10 Member Since 2009Hey Audible, don't raise prices and I promise to buy lots more books.
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"Sequel to the Tao Te Ching"
Of course there was never a Second Book of the Tao... not until now. I was introduced to his fiction writing with Meetings With the Archangel, but Stephen Mitchell is more widely known for his translations and adaptations of ancient classics such as The Tao Te Ching. He is the translator of Rainer Maria Rilke and the book of Job as well as Gilgamesh and the Bhagavad Gita. One would think it difficult to pen one preeminent translation of a text thousands of years old. But Stephen Mitchell has done just that; over and over again.
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.”4 of 4 people found this review helpful -
"Absolutely Great!!!!!!"
Would you consider the audio edition of The Second Book of the Tao to be better than the print version?Both books are fantastic.
What did you like best about this story?I liked the humor and simplicity.
What about Stephen Mitchell’s performance did you like?Very good.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?No
Any additional comments?I will definitely listen to it again and again and again.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"Way too over my head"
Would you try another book from Stephen Mitchell and/or Stephen Mitchell?I would try another book
What did you like best about this story?I don't know
Which character – as performed by Stephen Mitchell – was your favorite?The feisty one
Did The Second Book of the Tao inspire you to do anything?No, I felt like I was way out of my league
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Sublime!"
Would you listen to The Second Book of the Tao again? Why?I would and have listen to this book again. It is an excellent book and I enjoy the commentary from Stephen Mitchell. This book gets you closer to the ineffable nature of the Tao. I loved Mitchell's translation of the Tao De Ching, but this book offers even more perspectives. There is humor and stories that illustrate what the Tao may be or look like. However, if anyone is familiar with the Tao, then they would know not to even try to know what it is!
What other book might you compare The Second Book of the Tao to and why?This book was written as companion book, or at least that's what Mitchell states.
I believe he has done an excellent job with following-up to the original. Though I listen to the original often, The Second Book of the Tao has an entertainment quality to it.
Have you listened to any of Stephen Mitchell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?Yes, I have listen to the Tao De Ching and they are both 5 star ratings.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?Yes, in the sense it brought the Tao into clearer focus, if such a thing could be even be done.
Any additional comments?I study Aikido and this book is an excellent book about non-doing. It doesn't matter if it is Aikido, Golf, or cooking, the Tao is in all actions. This book will help you understand things are the way they are because they are supposed to be that way. With that, approaching everything without effort is truly liberating.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful