Tao Te Ching

A New English Version

By: Stephen Mitchell, Lao Tzu

Narrated by: Stephen Mitchell

In 81 brief chapters, Lao-Tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, a serene and generous spirit, and 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 bestselling version has been widely acclaimed as a gift to contemporary culture.

Wonderful Tool for Calming the Mind

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.

The Tao as Lao Tse would write it today.

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.

Loved this translation

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

I can listen to it again and again!

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 would put on repeat, but that woman...

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