Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 272 pages
- Published by: Shambhala December 11, 2001
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1570628998
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1570628993
-
Book Dimensions:
8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
- Weighs: 14.1 ounces
From Library Journal
Perhaps the best-known sacred texts of Taoism are the Tao Te Ching and the Chung Tzu. Yet the Lieh-Tzu is familiar to Taoists as a practical guide to the workings of everyday life. Although philosophic in its approach to the creation of the world, the Lieh-Tzu focuses primarily on matters like the nature and development of happiness, the emptiness of rank and wealth, and the value of trust and confidence. Wong, director of studies at the Fung Loy Kok Taoist Temple in Denver, offers a bright and lively translation that captures the essential insights of the Lieh-Tzu. Recommended primarily for academic and large public libraries.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Review
"A bright and lively translation that captures the essential insights of the
Lieh-Tzu."—
Library Journal
Reader ReviewsLao Tzu, the first author of Taoism, described abstruse, metaphorical scenes in abstruse language. Chuang Tzu uses prosaic descriptions, but still described philosophical ideal rather than gritty facts. Lieh Tzu came later. He used prosaic words to describe prosaic, everyday scenes, and to find enlightenment in them. Many ring true for me. The "yellow mare" reminded me of a technician who was finely attuned to the circuits we used. He was always wrong in his diagnosis onf the problems he showed me. That never mattered. He was always right in pointing out that there was a problem, often based on small clues that I might have missed. Lieh discusses honesty and friendship, poverty and happiness, great riches and death. Still, the language is always modern and clear, and a good supplement to Chuang and Lao. My problem, though, is that this isn't a translation. It's Wong's interpretation. She says, early on, "Instead of a straight translation of the sematics of the text, I have decided to present the 'voice' of Lieh Tzu." As much as I like Wong's text, it troubles me. Translation is never exact, but there are degrees of inexactness. I am concerned about how much Lieh's text has suffered. This is good anyway, and I'll probably come back to it eve if I find a more scholarly Lieh Tzu. This is readable and thought-provoking, no matter what it's authenticity. //wiredweird
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