Of the major wisdom traditions, I have the most affinity for Taoism. Its bible, the Tao Te Ching, is a scripture brimming with advice, insight, and practicable wisdom. Originally intended as a guide to statesmanship for the aspiring Philosopher King, its keen advice applies both to monarchs and to moderns; perhaps the progenitor of all self help manuals, it can be read as a guide to spiritual growth, or as a leadership manual, or as a guide to “excellence.” Since there are so many different ways to approach it, I recommend reading two or more translations side by side as the different intentions and interpretations of translators will often help reveal the scripture’s meaning. However one approaches it, the Tao Te Ching rewards the patient and receptive reader. In the end, it is up to you to embody its wisdom in your own life.
A Way that can be walked
Is Not The Way
A Name that can be named
Is not The Name
Tao is both Named and Nameless
As Nameless, it is the origin of all things
As Named, it is the mother of all things
(Jonathan Star, trans.)
The Dao that can be described in language is not the constant Dao;
the name that can be given it is not its constant name.
Nameless, it is the origin of the myriad things;
named it is the mother of the myriad things.
(Richard John Lynn, trans.)
The Way as “way” bespeaks no common lasting Way,
The name as “name” no common lasting name.
Absent is the name for sky and land’s first life,
Present for the mother of all ten thousand things.
(Moss Roberts, trans.)
My favorite translation is by Jonathan Star. The introduction offers a good amount of scholarship while examining the difficulties in translating the work. The commentary on verse one—perhaps the most difficult verse—is excellent. The verbatim translation challenges enterprising readers to attempt their own translation. If you are a bibliophile and a Taoist, then buy this one; it is a very handsome book.
The most accessible modern translation is by Stephen Mitchell. Light on scholarship, Mitchell takes liberal artistic license with his translation; he simplifies and rewrites the more cryptic passages of the text. This is not meant as criticism because this translation greatly helps the Taoist neophyte.
If you are a businessman with an Eastern Managerial fetish (i.e.: you know more of Sun Tzu than Lao Tzu), you will treasure the translation of R.L. Wing. The characterization is mildly unfair because the commentary in this translation distinguishes it—making this translation excellent.
If you like the academic, check out the Richard John Lynn and Moss Roberts translations. The Lynn translation includes the hallowed commentary by Wang Bi which the ancient Chinese themselves relied upon to help understand the text. Also, Lynn’s cross references between passages are invaluable. Moss Roberts brings a lyricism to his translation that is very refreshing and a joy to read; it feels true to the original.
If you are wary of gnomic spiritual texts, What Is Tao by Alan Watts will gently introduce you to Taoism. The stories of the Lieh Tzu put you in the Taoist frame of mind while offering very practical advice. Divination with yarrow stalks is surely passé—but Robert Cleary’s introduction in the Taoist I Ching more than makes up for it.