Which is your preferred English translation of the Tao Te Ching?

Question

Please give a reason for your choice. There are many translations and I'd like to get an idea of what they each offer.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I like the translation by John C. H. Wu. I prefer this version over the others because it has the Chinese on the page on the left and the English on the page on the right and because it is not overly simplified. It allows room for the individual to understand the text without getting too much of the author's interpretation.

Answer 2

It depends upon my mood.

When I first read Raymond Blakney's, I thought it was good. Reading it now, I have to remind myself what the words mean, because so many have changed meanings since he did his translation. That said, when I want a quote from the DaoDeJing, that is the translation I use.

Either/both of Henricks translations (_ Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching: A Translation of the Startling New Documents Found at Guodian_ and _Lao-tzu Te-Tao Ching_ are useful to demonstrate difficult it is to translate this work.

Red Pine's _Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching_ includes some traditional commentary for each chapter. This makes it slightly easier to see the intended meaning, than most other translations.

Finally, Crowley's translation is useful, as a practical demonstration of why people who are not fluent in both Archaic, and Classical Chinese should not be allowed to publish their translation.

Answer 3

An aside :
the Tao Te Ching was my favourite text as a teenager and beyond, but then in my thirties I realised that it was encouraging a very passive, feminine approach to life, and that for an already sensitive person this might be the wrong direction , although naturally attractive.
Since then I have tried to accentuate the more creative ,decisive and masculine side of my being ,and this path is still ongoing after 10 years .

I realised some years ago that all spiritual texts are written by ordinary ,if insightful people,similar to ourselves ,and they have their own perspectives depending on experience, personality and circumstance.
All writings should be looked at as poetry or expressions that can inspire ,and to the same degree encourage useful and problematic views.

Having said which ,many could benefit from moving in the direction pointed at by this work, especially in this age of endless activity ,occupation and unnecessary production .
I hope you enjoy whatever version you find ,

-Simon.

Answer 4

I have read quite a few translations, I settled on the one by Derek Bryce & Leon Wieger; it has the chinese on one side, and a bunch of commentaries by old taoists underneath.

Most translations are good though. This one simply termed it better for me, I liked the language. The original translator (a french guy) was recognized as one of the "handful" of Western Orientalists who truly understood Chinese philosophy, paying attention to using old meanings & commentaries to help him translate it too. I can thoroughly recommend this version.

I would just compare a few chapters from each translation and see which one you like best. Many versions are available online, or you can read the first few pages. If you want, give me a chapter, and i'll quote from my version?

Answer 5

I have a great version translated by R. B. Blakney with paraprashes of each stanza after the translated stanza. It's from 1955. I love reading different versions of the Tao. They are fascinating.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

The I Ching translation by Wilhelm/Baynes is considered one of the classic English translations.

Answer 8

The book is called "My words are very easy to understand". It's by Cheng-Man Ching.
To paraphrase a certain TV advert, it's exactly like it says on the cover.
I've looked at other translations, and they usually seem too literal or verbose.

Respect due to GreatEnlightenedOne (or "Simon") - I see where you're coming from.

Answer 9

I quite like "The Tao Of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff, but I guess I'm not as intellectual about the whole thing as many ...

Answer 10

The Book (or explanation) of Changes. Because each hexagram shows a change from one state to another, and if you get the changing line, it gives you a little more information. I also think that Changes is a good name, because usually when I consult it, it is because I am contemplating a change in my life.