This book contains all the essential elements of philosophy of the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, as expressed in the "Tao Te Ching" as well as the important interpretations and explanations of The Tao by his two most important disciples, Chuang Tzu and Lee Tzu. It contains all of the important sayings and parables that form the basis for Taoism from these three Great Sages.

The translations from the Chinese texts by Lionel and Herbert Giles of these classic foundations of Tao are both scholarly and sensitive. The comprehension of ancient Chinese by this father/son team is obviously profound. Unlike other translators, their English is also impeccable - simple, clear and precise. Their introductions and discussions to the sections by the three Great Sages of Tao provide insights into the philosophy and culture of ancient China that are unparalleled.

If you are looking to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of Tao, this is probably the best source available in the English language. As you read this fine volume, you will frequently find yourself saying: "Ah - I see." This book is really extraordinary. It has my highest recommendation.

"Tao - The Way" is a great resource on the philosophy of Tao. The Sayings of the three most important figures in the history of Tao are represented in this single book. In its way it comes close to being a "bible" of Tao.

Lao Tzu, the father of Taoism, expressed a view of the Cosmos that was, and still is, difficult to grasp. By his own admission he was trying to describe the indescribable, explain the unexplainable and reveal a higher force in the universe that is generally beyond the comprehension of mankind. Several hundred years before the Christian era, he offered moral lessons that are still familiar, such as:
"Recompense injury with kindness."
"To the good I would be good. To the not-good I would also be good, in order to make them good."
"Mighty is he who conquers himself."

Chuang Tzu was more than a poetic philosopher. He was imbued with a mission to show "The Way" to those who would listen. His method of expression was by presenting parables, paradoxes and allegories that reveal the mysteries of Tao. Perhaps his most well known story is the "Butterfly Dream", about dreaming that he was a butterfly and upon awakening not knowing whether he was a man who had been dreaming that he was a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming that he was a man.

Lieh Tzu was perhaps a fictional character to which later writers ascribed their own views of Tao and tried to pass them off as legitimate expressions of a master. Regardless of the source, much of what has been attributed to Lieh Tzu makes fascinating reading and is an important part of the philosophy of Tao.