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A review by trilobiter
The Complete Works of Lao Tzu: Tao Teh Ching & Hua Hu Ching by Hua-Ching Ni, Laozi
5.0
Reading this book is an experience I found to be both relaxing and intriguing, as I contemplated the principles of Taoism and my own customary worldview. Taoist philosophy poses a difficult challenge to many traditional ways of thinking, but its implications also offer a sense of comfort and peace.
The first part of this volume, the Tao Teh Ching, is older, shorter, and historically more likely to have been written by the actual Lao Tzu/Laozi. It consists mainly of short declarations about the Tao, variations on a few themes such as the forces of yin and yang, the illusory nature of all dualistic oppositions, and the ultimate futility of attempting to define the Tao with language. It contains many beautiful passages, and I found it to be a great reassurance.
The second book, the Hua Hu Ching, is much longer and denser. It takes the form of a dialogue between Lao Tzu and a disciple, and expounds on many of the same topics as the Tao Teh Ching, with some advice as to how to go about following its precepts. It also includes lengthy discussions of what I can only call Taoist cosmology/eschatology, and an interesting detour into a discussion of correct sexual practices.
I recommend a careful reading of both books, as it is easy to mistake Taoism for incomprehensible or meaningless generalities. There is something deeply meaningful about the insights of the Tao Teh Ching.
The first part of this volume, the Tao Teh Ching, is older, shorter, and historically more likely to have been written by the actual Lao Tzu/Laozi. It consists mainly of short declarations about the Tao, variations on a few themes such as the forces of yin and yang, the illusory nature of all dualistic oppositions, and the ultimate futility of attempting to define the Tao with language. It contains many beautiful passages, and I found it to be a great reassurance.
The second book, the Hua Hu Ching, is much longer and denser. It takes the form of a dialogue between Lao Tzu and a disciple, and expounds on many of the same topics as the Tao Teh Ching, with some advice as to how to go about following its precepts. It also includes lengthy discussions of what I can only call Taoist cosmology/eschatology, and an interesting detour into a discussion of correct sexual practices.
I recommend a careful reading of both books, as it is easy to mistake Taoism for incomprehensible or meaningless generalities. There is something deeply meaningful about the insights of the Tao Teh Ching.