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Wen-Tzu (Shambhala Dragon Editions) | 
 enlarge | Author: Lao Tzu
Publisher: Shambhala
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $5.78
You Save: $14.17 (71%)
Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 67946
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 208
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7
ISBN: 0877738629
Dewey Decimal Number: 181.114
EAN: 9780877738626
ASIN: 0877738629
Publication Date: September 29, 1992
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: NEW - excellent, clean condition - soft bound *** publisher: Shambhala * Date of publication: 1992
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Product Description
Lao-tzu, the legendary sage of ancient China, is traditionally considered to be the author of the Tao Te Ching, one of the most popular classics of world literature. Now Lao-tzu's further teachings on the Tao, or Way, are presented here in the first English translation of the Chinese text known as the Wen-tzu. Although previously ignored by Western scholars, the Wen-tzu has long been revered by the Chinese as one of the great classics of ancient Taoism. In it, Lao-tzu shows that the cultivation of simplicity and spontaneity is essential to both the enlightened individual and the wise leader. This timeless work will appeal to a broad audience of contemporary readers who have come to consider Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching a classic on the art of living.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
Shamhala February 9, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book provides an imminently readable translation of the fascinating oral teachings of Lao Tzu. Think of it as presenting Lao Tzu, the metaphor or amalgam of Taoist thinking, as opposed to Lao Tzu the author. Approached this way, the book feels like an extrapolation of Te Tao Ching. The reader gets the chance to read and conclude on the reasonableness of the extrapolation. I liked it, and thought the logic and mysticism therein were very similar to that in the Te Tao Ching. As such, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to those fleshing out their concepts in Taoism
A Book for Real People January 7, 2008
I do not claim to be an expert on ancient Chinese civilization. However, I do seem to be able to recognize the spirit of the true Tao when I encounter it. This book is the distillation of that spirit and the last of the great books in the line of the Tao Te Ching, the Chuang-tzu, and the Huianan-tzu. Like those books this is a work written for "real people" (i.e. those men and women- of whatever origins or class- who are free from artificialities and centered in the Tao.) Such sages once existed in China over two millennia ago and by the will of Heaven may return there still. Indeed, that a few men like the translator exist in this time serves to give us hope.
It may very well be that such men of Tao do exist in our times in obscurity- holding our world back from the brink of chaos and oblivion by means of the golden chain stretching from their hearts to the heart of the great Tao...
Wen-Tzu August 14, 2005
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book I personally consider as being the "Bible of all Bibles", the most profound source and complete collection of ancient human wisdom from the "father of wisdom" - as Alan W. Watts justly called Lao-Tzu: It is unsurpassed and would deserve more than just "5 stars". (Also published under the title: "Further teachings of Lao-Tzu - Understanding the Mysteries; The long-forgotten sequel to the Tao-Te-Ching".) This book should be mandatory reading for every "human being" who strives to become a "True Human Being", its wisdom should be the spiritual and intellectual humus for all of mankind, if it expects to survive. Otherwise I see no future for this world worth living for.
But don't just believe me, convince yourself, after you have read the complete Christian Bible, the Islamic Koran, the Indian Upanishads and other so-called "holy books and scriptures". They are all shallow or incomplete by comparison, and some are very deluded in their wisdom.
And to all of those critics of Lao-Tzu who argue about when and where he actually lived: Remember, it makes no difference whatsoever whether he lived at all or not, only "His Spirit", the cosmic spirit of the "True Human Being" and the "WAY" is of importance, nothing else matters. Read also my review of Hua Hu Ching: "The unknown Teachings of Lao-Tzu" (better yet, read the book itself) - and think about it.
Wake up from your illusions, to reality, as long as there is still time for it.
Fills a gap in the Taoist canon February 12, 2005
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
Historically, Wen Tzu is said to have been a student of Lao Tzu, the founding author of Taoism. At least on the surface, the writing bears out that statement. Every chapter starts with the phrase "Lao Tzu said", possibly in answer to a question posed by Wen, as if Wen were writing down the master's teachings directly.
Points of style also seem more like Lao Tzu than like later authors. In fact, the Wen Tzu fits nicely into a continuum. Lao was the earliest, also the most poetic, abstract, obscure. Chuang Tzu was probably later, and had a more prosaic, anecdotal, and understandable style. Lieh Tzu was the latest, and even more pedestrian and pragmatic than Chuang. Wen fits neatly between Lao and Chuang. His writing is less figurative and poetic than Lao's, but still more ethereal than Chuang's. Like Lao, Wen addresses the Tao directly, rather than through the kinds of stories that Chuang uses with such good effect.
Wen Tzu has a strong message all his own, however. He conveys a strong sense of changing needs of each different moment, and of the proper relationships between things. He notes that a bow is needed for hunting, but is put away when the game is caught. He also points out that the wheel functions only when all the spokes are properly fitted, and that the harp plays only when all of its strings are present and properly tuned. One spoke can't carry a cart and one string can't play a melody. Both messages have strong social meanings: the Way gives a person diffferent duties at different times, and that organization of many people into a society may also be proper, if done in accordance with the Way. This is why Wen's "quotes" of Lao are sometimes suspect. It was the tradition, back then, for a newer writer to ascribe his words to an older authority. This practice made sure the writer was not seen to contradict established wisdom, and hoped to gain respect by association.
Cleary's translations are always very readable, and this is no exception. The text tends towards the repetitive, verging on monotony at times. Still, it makes a useful addition to any collection of Taoist classics and is easy to enjoy for its own wisdom and voice.
//wiredweird
An eye-opener! December 20, 2004
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I frankly had some difficulties with Lao Tzu. It may be due to the fact that the book's popularity invites too many "free" translations and "interpretations". This book is more unknown, but that means that the translation is a bit more scholarly. Wen-Tzu does explain essential aspects of taoism, and how to include them in your everyday life. He is clear where Lao Tzu is obscure, and practical where Lao Tzu is philosophical. Simplistic, but not simple - all of these teachings are easy to understand, but take years to really sink in.
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