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Tao Te Ching: The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Book of the Tao Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

John Minford (Author), Edoardo Ballerini (Narrator), Lao Tzu (Author),
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 218 ratings
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The original mindfulness book, in a landmark new translation by the award-winning translator of the I Ching and The Art of War

The most translated book in the world after the Bible, the Tao Te Ching, or “Book of the Tao,” is a guide to cultivating a life of peace, serenity, and compassion. Through aphorisms and parable, it leads readers toward the Tao, or the “Way”: harmony with the life force of the universe. Traditionally attributed to Lao-tzu, a Chinese philosopher thought to have been a contemporary of Confucius, it is the essential text of Taoism, one of the three major religions of ancient China. As one of the world’s great works of wisdom literature, it still has much to teach us today, offering a practical model based on modesty and self-restraint for living a balanced existence and for opening your mind, freeing your thoughts, and attaining greater self-awareness. With its emphasis on calm, simplicity, purity, and non-action, it provides a time-tested refuge from the busyness of modern life.

This new translation seeks to understand the Tao Te Ching as a guide to everyday living and encourages a slow, meditative reading experience. The Tao Te Ching’s eighty-one brief chapters are accompanied by illuminating commentary, interpretation, poems, and testimonials by the likes of Margaret Mead, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.

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  1. Listening Length
    7 hours and 21 minutes
  2. Author
    John Minford, see all
  3. Narrator
    Edoardo Ballerini
  4. Audible release date
    December 4, 2018
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Penguin Audio
  7. ASIN
    B07KX51N8L
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 7 hours and 21 minutes
Author John Minford, Lao Tzu
Narrator Edoardo Ballerini
Audible.com Release Date December 04, 2018
Publisher Penguin Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B07KX51N8L
Best Sellers Rank #16,654 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#23 in Taoism (Books)
#32 in Taoist Philosophy
#78 in Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
218 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's translation clear and understandable. They appreciate the commentary and poetry included after each chapter. The book provides valuable insights from other masters and supplements the main text nicely.

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TranslationValue for money
9 customers mention "Translation"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the translation understandable with simple, beautiful poetry. They appreciate the commentary and other material after each chapter. The cross references to other Taoist literature are helpful and informative. Overall, readers describe the book as an interesting read that keeps the essence and spirit of the original.

"...their own conviction and understanding of these crucial and timeless teachings." Read more

"...boom quality was good, i do like this translation and layout." Read more

"...But because of the stripped down language and simplicity of style this becomes accessible to everyone (regardless of age gender and such) from 2,500..." Read more

"...I think the translation is excellent and the commentaries and poetry that Mr. Minford includes go a long way in providing that meditative atmosphere..." Read more

4 customers mention "Value for money"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it helpful and informative, with valuable insights from other masters included.

"...the translation of the Tao, the author includes the valuable insights from other masters by sharing their interpretations and explanations of each..." Read more

"This book is simply amazing and has changed my life in the best ways. I couldn’t recommend it enough." Read more

"...I think the cross references to other tao literature is very helpful and informative. Highly recommend." Read more

"...It supplements the book nicely. The translation is great and keeps the essence and spirit of the original. Very happy with this purchase." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • A. Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-have Book on the Tao!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    There are lots of positive things I could say about this book; it is a well-crafted work!

    One of the aspects I most appreciate about it is that, in parallel with the translation of the Tao, the author includes the valuable insights from other masters by sharing their interpretations and explanations of each lesson. This helps the reader by confirming, expanding, and/or deepening their own conviction and understanding of these crucial and timeless teachings.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • MrsBell80
    5.0 out of 5 stars i like this translation
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    great book, highly recommend. boom quality was good, i do like this translation and layout.
    One person found this helpful
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  • nikita
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing and Life Changing
    Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is simply amazing and has changed my life in the best ways. I couldn’t recommend it enough.
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  • Brad Paul
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting, cluttered read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Ive purchased 4 translations of the tao te ching, things that are diffetent are NOT the same. Some are very heavily feminist, others are gender neutral, FEW seem to be masculine. In all this is a very fascinating read, what can be confusing, is, that there is commentary that breaks up the flow of the text, which does differ in font size as well, this break in flow of reading CAN make one lose the moment as it were, nonetheless, fascinating and entertaining.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • D'vo
    5.0 out of 5 stars The review that can be written is not the true review.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Simple straightforward beautiful poetry. Removing some of the unnecessary and clunky language of other translations. Such as the master this and the sage that. And the ever convoluted the Great integrity. This volume returns to a simple poetic translation. It also offers that the Taoist does this or that they don't do that and they are happy. Masculine and feminine are still present as yin and yang obviously. But because of the stripped down language and simplicity of style this becomes accessible to everyone (regardless of age gender and such) from 2,500 years ago to present. There is also an introduction that gives a brief history explanation. As well as with each vearse there are several commentaries for further reflection and meditation. I previously recommended and still do the translation by John C. H. Wu. For simplicity. But this is just miles above even that.
    26 people found this helpful
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  • BenC
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on the Tao Te Ching
    Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    As I get further into understanding the philosophy of Taoism I come across books that help to advance my understanding to a deeper level. John Minford's book is one of them. The author suggests that this book should be read meditatively - and I've found that to be true. I think the translation is excellent and the commentaries and poetry that Mr. Minford includes go a long way in providing that meditative atmosphere that helps to uncover insights into the true nature of our existence.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Gretsch Guitar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best translation yet
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I've read umpteen translations of the Tao Te Ching. I like this one best. I think the cross references to other tao literature is very helpful and informative. Highly recommend.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • BobbyA
    3.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Nothing Special at all!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Translation is clear but lacks poetic feeling. Commentaries, usually by the same 3 scholars with an occasional poet added, do not add any insights. Completely lacks insights into the subtleties of the meanings of the original core words.
    Save your money.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ryan Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful guide to understanding the flow of the Tao
    Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    While never eternal, the way of nature everchanging can be difficult to grasp. Lao Tzu's book; the Tao te Ching provides a pathway of moral righteousness that will lead you in harmony with nature. It acknowledges the reality and flaws of humans and their laws, and explains that the true path to 'heaven' is by virtuous non-action. A worthwhile read.
    Customer image
    Ryan Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful guide to understanding the flow of the Tao
    Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2024
    While never eternal, the way of nature everchanging can be difficult to grasp. Lao Tzu's book; the Tao te Ching provides a pathway of moral righteousness that will lead you in harmony with nature. It acknowledges the reality and flaws of humans and their laws, and explains that the true path to 'heaven' is by virtuous non-action. A worthwhile read.
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  • Victoria
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great product, fast delivery
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoying reading this, only just got into philosophy and this is a great book, really gives you something to think about.
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  • tanmay
    5.0 out of 5 stars A profound translation
    Reviewed in India on September 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    the print quality is nice. wisdom of the tao is well translated and elucidated.
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  • Kitty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful book
    Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Recommend read for the vibe of looking at the world differently.
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  • Jake
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very deep and beautiful read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Tao Te Ching can at times be quite paradoxical and a struggle to comprehend at times, and I loved the extra input after each verse that stuck to the authenticity and style of Lao Tzu. One of my favourite features of the book is the end breaking down some of the commonly used phrases in not just the Tao Te Ching but Taoist text.

    Glad I got this and not I have read through once I will return to read a chapter a day every morning to contemplate on.
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