Zephyr Posted August 29, 2017 Hey, So i've been thinking about the Tao Te Ching lately and I was wondering is there a correct way to read and study it? I know that in the end we are supposed to draw our own conclusions about what Tao means to us. Still I couldn't help but notice there are many different interpretations and translations out there, are any of them more superior or closer to the original writings? I know in Christianity for example there are many versions of the Bible and everyone has a opinion on which is the best. While some stick the KJV other use the simplified NIV, some like study Bibles that guide them through the scriptures and provide better explanations and some people prefer to try and get as close to the original Hebrew writings as possible. All of the different versions share the same basic idea and story, mostly with just slight alterations to the way its presented. Instead of thou shalt saying you should and so on. Yet there is this huge divide even among people within the same church on which version is best. does the same hold true for the Tao Te Ching or am I just overthinking things? Also any links to different versions, interpretations, and translations of the Tao Te Ching are gratefully appreciated. Thanks all! -Zephyr 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted August 29, 2017 Generally speaking, most members here have a favorite translation but rarely is it argued which one is best or most correct. Many translations can be found here: https://terebess.hu/english/lexikon/l.html And just spoken to in another thread there is: 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dawei Posted August 30, 2017 see the pinned topic: also read our discussions which share translations. You need to find what sings to you to move you along your path... and another translation will sprout later, etc. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lost in Translation Posted August 30, 2017 (edited) 7 hours ago, Zephyr said: Hey, So i've been thinking about the Tao Te Ching lately and I was wondering is there a correct way to read and study it? While you are at it, make sure to grab a copy (or three) of the I Ching and learn how to use that. The oracle is absolutely amazing once you start to really use/understand it! [Edit] I forgot to mention, years ago I came across a DDJ translation called "Dynamic Tao and Its Manifestations" by Wayne L. Wang. It's not the most poetic translation but I found it to be very insightful - definitely worth taking a look if you can find it. Edited August 30, 2017 by Lost in Translation 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zephyr Posted August 31, 2017 (edited) On 8/29/2017 at 4:28 PM, Marblehead said: Generally speaking, most members here have a favorite translation but rarely is it argued which one is best or most correct. Many translations can be found here: https://terebess.hu/english/lexikon/l.html And just spoken to in another thread there is: Hey, sorry for all the quotes but I wanted to address and thank everyone that responded. Marblehead I appreciate the link. It looks super helpful! Having a multitude of translations in one place is gonna make reading and switching in between all the different versions much smoother. On 8/29/2017 at 11:18 PM, dawei said: see the pinned topic: also read our discussions which share translations. You need to find what sings to you to move you along your path... and another translation will sprout later, etc. Dawei, I checked out the post and I'm excited to see what people think about the different interpretations. Hopefully ill even be able to find some good versions to pick up online. On 8/29/2017 at 11:34 PM, Lost in Translation said: While you are at it, make sure to grab a copy (or three) of the I Ching and learn how to use that. The oracle is absolutely amazing once you start to really use/understand it! [Edit] I forgot to mention, years ago I came across a DDJ translation called "Dynamic Tao and Its Manifestations" by Wayne L. Wang. It's not the most poetic translation but I found it to be very insightful - definitely worth taking a look if you can find it. On 8/30/2017 at 0:30 AM, Earl Grey said: Since you mentioned the I Ching, a lot of comparative translations are here. http://www.jamesdekorne.com/GBCh/GBCh.htm Lost in Translations and Earl Grey, thank you for your suggestions. In all honesty I am not familiar with the I Ching. However I'm excited to find out what it is now! Again thank you all so very much! looks like I have a lot of reading to do. Till next time -Zephyr Edited August 31, 2017 by Zephyr 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelerner Posted August 31, 2017 I always go for the Useless translations of the TTC. I find them the most Daoish. The last one I bought said 'It is, What it Is.' That was the whole thing. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc benway Posted September 1, 2017 My favorite translation is Revealing the Tao Te Ching by Hu Xuezhi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mig Posted September 1, 2017 Traduttore, traditore: Translator, traitor. ... A lacuna, from the Latin meaning a hole or ditch, refers to the absence of a word or idiomatic phrase in translation from one language to another. You need at least three English translations to have a better understanding of the original text, IMO 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Starjumper Posted September 1, 2017 TTC by Gia Fu Feng and Jane English, of course. Original version with art photos. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mig Posted September 2, 2017 IMHO, it is important to grasp both language and culture while reading the DDJ and then find out how best to interpret at your own risk. This site and many others have good people who have a good understanding of the text in itself. I am learning to read 3 different translations, check the contributions here and ask those who cultivate the Dao either Chinese or Westerner. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flowing hands Posted September 7, 2017 On 29/08/2017 at 8:48 PM, Zephyr said: Hey, So i've been thinking about the Tao Te Ching lately and I was wondering is there a correct way to read and study it? I know that in the end we are supposed to draw our own conclusions about what Tao means to us. Still I couldn't help but notice there are many different interpretations and translations out there, are any of them more superior or closer to the original writings? I know in Christianity for example there are many versions of the Bible and everyone has a opinion on which is the best. While some stick the KJV other use the simplified NIV, some like study Bibles that guide them through the scriptures and provide better explanations and some people prefer to try and get as close to the original Hebrew writings as possible. All of the different versions share the same basic idea and story, mostly with just slight alterations to the way its presented. Instead of thou shalt saying you should and so on. Yet there is this huge divide even among people within the same church on which version is best. does the same hold true for the Tao Te Ching or am I just overthinking things? Also any links to different versions, interpretations, and translations of the Tao Te Ching are gratefully appreciated. Thanks all! -Zephyr Yes is the answer and without abash it is mine! Find the link through my personal practice section and download it its free. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted September 7, 2017 22 minutes ago, flowing hands said: Yes is the answer and without abash it is mine! Find the link through my personal practice section and download it its free. Well, I know there are a number of members here who really like your transmission of the Tao Te Ching. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stosh Posted September 9, 2017 I too would endorse Fhs presentation , from the parts I have seen, it is written smoothly, makes sense, and probably more closely embodies the traditional understanding ,such as it was intended. The only better one hasnt been put in print yet. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LAOLONG Posted September 9, 2017 https://terebess.hu/english/tao/addiss.html Academic speaking ,the most accurate translation from Chinese 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flowing hands Posted September 9, 2017 6 hours ago, SHINTO said: https://terebess.hu/english/tao/addiss.html Academic speaking ,the most accurate translation from Chinese Ah but this is a 'translation', mine is from the horses mouth. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stosh Posted September 9, 2017 6 hours ago, SHINTO said: https://terebess.hu/english/tao/addiss.html Academic speaking ,the most accurate translation from Chinese A translation contaminated by 2000 years of Confucian and Buddhist influence has high potential for being Confucian or Buddhist in character. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted September 9, 2017 2 hours ago, flowing hands said: Ah but this is a 'translation', mine is from the horses mouth. I thought he rode an ox. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stosh Posted September 9, 2017 I think the ox disappears eventually. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mig Posted September 9, 2017 3 hours ago, Stosh said: A translation contaminated by 2000 years of Confucian and Buddhist influence has high potential for being Confucian or Buddhist in character. But isn't that the essence of the Chinese culture: inclusiveness? A practical way to believe in whatever you want. Oh well, it didn't happen after 1949 but it came back sometime after 2000 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stosh Posted September 9, 2017 18 minutes ago, Mig said: But isn't that the essence of the Chinese culture: inclusiveness? A practical way to believe in whatever you want. Oh well, it didn't happen after 1949 but it came back sometime after 2000 I figure youre right, but for someone looking for the root sentiments , one needs the fresh eyes. Like that telephone game , messages can be confounded by the retelling. Im not saying that an evolved view is bad its just,.. not the same. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dawei Posted September 9, 2017 28 minutes ago, Mig said: But isn't that the essence of the Chinese culture: inclusiveness? A practical way to believe in whatever you want. I think that might of been in the highest thinkers but not the average person. I'm glad we got that idea put into books. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stosh Posted September 9, 2017 certainly one has the inherent ability to formulate the best life or world model as they see it. But if you do want input then you want independent ideas otherwise I am just feeding back the things that you are unsatisfied with. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dawei Posted September 9, 2017 16 minutes ago, Stosh said: certainly one has the inherent ability to formulate the best life or world model as they see it. But if you do want input then you want independent ideas otherwise I am just feeding back the things that you are unsatisfied with. I see some great ideas out of this that would touch on education alone.... but then we'd be getting way off topic But one could say, such high thinkers and books were meant to 'teach' the average person or as least, offer an inclusive voice that they are not seeing or hearing. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lost in Translation Posted September 9, 2017 2 hours ago, Marblehead said: I thought he rode an ox. Ba! (spit's coffee). lol. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
