In Defence of Stephen Mitchell (and ourselves)
Since the recent publication of our version of the Tao Te Ching, I’ve been self-consciously eyeing up many of the other versions that are available next to ours in the Kindle Store. Comparing the actual wordings of these other versions to our own has been enjoyable, but I’ve also spent some time exploring the reviews … Continue reading
Tao is not a thing: Chapter 4 of our video translation
We’ve just uploaded the next entry in our Video Translation of the Tao Te Ching thanks to another generously donated voice. Have a peek: The rest of our video readings can be found on our YouTube page. Our text translation is here. We are still desperate for new voices, so if you would like to … Continue reading
Stability born of force is not order… (Video translation of Chapter 3)
As some of you may know, we have a long-term goal to have each of the 81 chapters of our translation of the Tao Te Ching read by a different voice. (If you would like to be one of the voices, follow this link…) This reading was graciously donated by Karen, and features ants carrying … Continue reading
Crowdsourcing comes through again
Thanks to yet another generously donated voice, we have put together another video reading of our translation of the Tao Te Ching. Have a peek: The rest of our video readings can be found on our YouTube page. Our text translation is here. We are still desperate for new voices, so if you would like … Continue reading
Finally, another chapter in the video translation
Thanks to the generosity of a friend, who donated his voice to our cause, we have put together another short video reading of our translation of the Tao Te Ching. Chapter 6: We need as many voices as we can get, so if you’re interested in being the next disembodied narrator for one of our … Continue reading
Tao 81
Truth is not fancy, and does not need to be. In fact, decorations only hide it from sight. You can’t force people to see truth. Arguing with them will only draw their attention away from it. True wisdom is a loss of misconceptions rather than an accumulation of knowledge. Do not hoard facts and call … Continue reading
Tao 80
Toward a sustainable society: Nations, corporations, and other institutions are kept small. In amassing too much power they become rigid and reckless toward humanity. The evolution of technology continues to augment human abilities, Yet it is understood that technological advances do not necessarily imply solutions to humanity’s struggles. Imperialistic ventures are abandoned, Even as technology … Continue reading
Tao 79
There is no perfect resolution to war. This is not good considering the frequency with which war occurs. Therefore, though the Sage keeps a tally in his left hand He does not seek retribution with his right. Those who model Te control the tally. Those who merely speak of Te settle grievances. Heaven’s Tao is … Continue reading
Tao 78
Water is unquestionably soft and yielding, Yet it can carve massive canyons And sweep away entire cities with ease. This is because it does not rise up in solid fragility like the structures of humanity, But flows in low places, fluid and flexible like humanity itself. There is great strength in what seems weak, Great instability … Continue reading
Tao 77
The way of the universe is a symbiotic flow. As one part pulls, Another part pushes. A part that has excess will lose. A part that is lacking will gain. Presently, society acts against this flow. Where there is abundance, there is power to acquire even more. What is it when excess is freely offered, … Continue reading
Nothing Just Is 