Tao Te Ching

By: Lao Tsu (translated by Gia-fu Feng, Jane English)

Narrated by: Dr. Jacob Needleman

Length: 2 hrs

Publisher's summary

The Tao Te Ching, a 6th century B.C. Chinese masterpiece, is one of the world's most revered sources of spiritual wisdom. This authoritative translation by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English captures the essence of Lao Tsu's language, bringing the Tao Te Ching's powerful message to a whole new generation of students. This collection is read by renowned philosopher and author Dr. Jacob Needleman, who also provides illuminating commentary on the text. This ancient classic presents timeless spiritual meditations on wisdom in action, illustrating important lessons that have resonated with its students for centuries.

Recording (P)1990 by Audio Literature; Copyright ©1972 by Gia-fu Feng and Jane English

Tao Te Ching always great, but the naration hertoo

The Tao Te Ching is of course as always great, this version is also complemented by excellent thought provoking commentary at the end. But I think what sets this version apart is the narration. With the Tao Te Ching, it far to tempting to put into any reading of it an unneeded emphasis on certain words that implies a narrative that I don't think is necessarily intended by the author. For instance in some readings the narrator may simply emphasize certain words that make it sound like "ohhh this is really wise stuff here" or they may make it sound like the Tao Te Ching was written in the Matrix.. The narrator must put in some effort to separate his beliefs or feelings about the tao te ching or a particular topic with his reading of the Tao Te Ching. On the other hand, a computeristic reading can also be unpleasant and hard to listen to. I think Mr. Needleman gets the reading right with a nice flow, but nothing unneeded.

Very good, indeed

My review of this book is as much a review of the book itself as well as the Audible presentation.

Many years ago a Taoist here in San Francisco said, "Buy this book. It will change your life!"

I did so, and it did. I think if you buy the book, and listen to this book, your view of life will indeed change, and for the better.

Some of the Tao "dicta" require analysis over a long period of time but I was amazed at how much the Tao applies to the modern way of American government. If we had followed its easy to understand advice, we would have saved literally a trillion dollars. This is a lot to get from one short little book.

This book is for the most intelligent and highly trained among us as well as gives counsel to those not quite there, yet.

The Tao gives advice that can be followed at the highest level of governance, and the advantage is that anyone at this level will appreciate the advice yet never ever have to admit to being a "Taoist."

This is the one you want.

You get get a great translation, performance, and commentary here.
I have one other audio Tao Te Ching, the one by Stephen Mitchell. It is good but this one is superior in every way.

very deep

mysterious, enlightening, and beautiful. this needs many readings as it is a complicated 5000 words.

Simply Profound - Poetically Wise

The depth and simplicity of the stanzas forced it to be paused regularity. One of the greatest Wisdom books...

Nice and concise clarity of the Tao is brought forth at the end.

I loved the book because of the B/W photos so illustrated the thoughts presented. A perfect coffee table top book.

Kurt Krueger

Best interpretaton, best narration

Jacob Needleman, by far reads the Tao with the feeling and knowledge of one who has spent a lifetime studying this enduring religion of nonreligion. The interpretation is better than any I've read or heard. As well, Needleman's voice is superb,.

listen, then repeat.

This is a living text which uses beautiful poetry as a means of understanding metaphysical identity. Lao Tsu teaches identity transcends the ego at all three levels ( psychological, philosophical, and spiritual).

Concise and good

Concise and good translation. Worth the investment. Good voice and the book don't need comments.

Life changer

Many years ago, I walked into a store here in San Francisco that sold trinkets, but had this book up on a shelf.

I asked the woman about it and she said get it, read it, and it will change your life. Even if I just read it once.

It did.

This is the time

This is the time if ever to learn what the ancients taught. We are foolish to think we are smarter then a they were. This again reminds our world we are one!