5 Beautiful Translations That Uncover the Secrets of the World
A Beginner’s Guide to Taoism
∘ Translations are complicated
∘ Stephen Mitchell (pocket edition)
∘ Jane English and Gia-Fu Feng (Paperback, English Only)
∘ John H. McDonald (hardcover)
∘ Benjamin Hoff (hardcover)
∘ Chad Hansen (hardcover)
∘ To Each Their Own
Translations are complicated
From 2013 to 2017, I worked for a bible translation non-profit organization. I used the term non-profit loosely because we would hold fundraising events that brought in millions of dollars over the course of a weekend.
For those of you who have kept up with my background, you might find it surprising that I worked for a missionary organization. Well, let me say when it’s all you’ve known for your entire life, bullshitting comes easy. It also paid well, and everyone was nice.
While I worked there, I learned heaps about how Bible translation happens. We were involved in every step of the process, from the initial fundraising for the project all the way to the dedication ceremony when the translation project finished.
There are so many different translations of the Bible it’s hard for even Christian organizations to keep track. However, the Bible isn’t the only heavily translated religious book.
The Tao Te Ching, the seminal, ancient Chinese text of Taoism, is the second most translated religious text behind the Bible.
So, which one do you choose if you want to learn?
All of them. Yep, read as many as you can and compare their differences, similarities, and changes. There is no “correct” version when it comes to translations. The only true copy of the Tao Te Ching was written in ancient Chinese over 2,000 years ago and has been lost to time. Everything that follows is just a copy of a copy that is translated into a different language after a different language.
However, I do have my favorites. I’ve spent a few years collecting different copies and learning from their strengths and weaknesses. I pulled five of my favorites off of my bookshelf, and you can find my thoughts on each below. I’ve also added a few of my own pictures and a link in case you want to read reviews or purchase them.
These are not listed in any particular order.
Stephen Mitchell (pocket edition)
I’ve recommended this version before, but it’s worth noting again. When you ask around, this is the translation you’ll find in nearly every bookstore. While more of an interpretation than a direct translation, Stephens's simple words and beautiful phrasing allow readers to grasp concepts in an otherwise difficult text. Also, the audiobook of this copy is AMAZING!
I like the pocket edition because it’s 3.5" x 5", which means it can be carried everywhere I go.
Tao Te Ching
Laozi was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is known as the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching and the…amzn.to
Jane English and Gia-Fu Feng (Paperback, English Only)
Translated and written in 1971, this translation is considered a gold standard and a classic. Even the great Alan Watts preferred this copy for it’s accurate translation work by Feng and beautiful opening and narration by Jane. However, because the translation is more accurate, it becomes harder to understand. The English words can be obtuse and obscure, but so is the Tao.
Tao Te Ching
The most accessible and authoritative modern English translation of the ancient Chinese classic. Offers the essence of…www.amazon.com
John H. McDonald (hardcover)
Beautifully decorated with amazing artwork, this is book four in the Arcturus Ornate Classics. Gold-sided pages with black and white artwork allow you to sit and ponder the time in China’s history when its wisdom was originally collected. McDonald’s translation work is easier to understand than Feng’s but doesn’t take quite the same liberties as Mitchell’s.
Tao Te Ching (Arcturus Ornate Classics)
Amazon.com: Tao Te Ching (Arcturus Ornate Classics): 9781839403958: Tzu, Lao: Bookswww.amazon.com
Benjamin Hoff (hardcover)
You might recognize the author's name as the same man who wrote The Tao of Pooh, one of the most well-known introductions to Taoism. His follow-up, The Te of Piglet, isn’t quite as well-loved (or well-written in my opinion), but his translation and understanding of the material is to be admired. Partnering with several Taoist masters, Benjamin fills many pages with gorgeous photography of nature around where the Tao Te Ching was written. As with McDonald’s version, Hoff tries to put you in the same place Laozi was.
The interesting thing about this copy is its omission of several chapters. He defends this practice by describing the chapters as “debated by scholars” but doesn’t elaborate much on the topic. I disagree with leaving out chapters, and this shouldn’t be purchased as your first copy. It’s beautiful, regardless.
The Eternal Tao Te Ching: The Philosophical Masterwork of Taoism and Its Relevance Today
The Eternal Tao Te Ching: The Philosophical Masterwork of Taoism and Its Relevance Today [Hoff, Benjamin] on…www.amazon.com
Chad Hansen (hardcover)
If you want a copy of the Tao Te Ching sitting on yourself that is going to make your family and friends say “Ooo” and “Ahh,” then this is your book. Silk-bound and foil-blocked, you’ll find that the photography and artwork can’t be matched by any copy of the Tao Te Ching. The newest copy in my collection, I started to see reviews on online Taoism groups recently.
Hansen, a specialist in ancient Chinese thought, is a Professor of Chinese Philosophy at the Centre of Asian Studies at the University of Hong Kong. Originally translated in 2009, you’ll find it the most difficult to understand if you’re new. But, if you compare it to the Chinese text, you’ll start to see why. So much can be read differently, and Hansen is an expert at seeing the words from a different angle.
I can not describe enough how absolutely gorgeous this book is. Sometimes I leave it in my living room as a conversation starter if friends or family are coming over. It’s that pretty.
Tao Te Ching on The Art of Harmony: The New Illustrated Edition of the Chinese Philosophical…
Tao Te Ching on The Art of Harmony: The New Illustrated Edition of the Chinese Philosophical Masterpiece [Laozi, Chad…www.amazon.com
To Each Their Own
No matter which translation or book you choose, each one can provide new insight and fresh ideas. As I stated earlier, read them all. Sit down with both copies open and read each chapter together. If you find one hard to understand, read the other and contrast them.
Don’t be afraid to disagree with the translation. As the first chapter of Tao Te Ching states:
The Tao that can be named is not the eternal name.
Therefore, there is no “correct” or “incorrect” translation. They are all beautiful works and can open your mind to the wonderful experience of Tao in your life.
If you buy one from above, or if you already own a different copy, let me know if the comments what you think of it. I’d love to hear your opinion about which translation you prefer or connect with the most.
