Reading Lao Tzu

About the Book

Reading Lao Tzu is a commentary on the Tao Te Ching with a new translation. It is intended for the general reader. The Tao Te Ching is by far the shortest and yet the most difficult of all Chinese classics. For that reason, in the East it has rarely been read without the help of a commentary. In my commentary I present Lao Tzu's meaning passage by passage and as directly as possible, avoiding any scholarly discussion. However, notes are included separately in support of my interpretation, especially when the passage in question is controversial, or when I depart from a traditional reading. My translation includes a new rendition of a number of key passages. In place of summary statements, I give here sample chapters. (Please keep in mind that some of these chapters presuppose earlier discussions that are not included in this selection. All notes are omitted.)

About the Author

Ha Poong Kim, educated in Korea and the United States, taught philosophy at Eastern Illinois University for 23 years until his retirement in 1990. Trained in Western philosophy, he turned to ancient Chinese thought via Zen. He lives in Oregon.