On the same place here in Goodreads, three completely different Bulgarian language editions are referenced:

1. “Daodejing” in a translation from Old Chinese by Teodora Kutcharova, published by “Iztok-Zapad”

2. “Dao De Jing” in a translation from English by Emilia Koycheva-Karastoycheva, published by “Knigomania”

3. “Dao De Jing” - a personal translation version by the wonderful intellectual and fantasist Ursula Le Guin, translated from English to Bulgarian.

——

“Daodejing” by “Iztok-Zapad”

The translation by Teodora Kutcharova is extremely in-depth, based on some of the oldest available transcripts. It must have been exciting to translate directly from bamboo strips from the 4th century BC!

The publication offers a detailed textual analysis of each part of the Chinese original. In some places, this analysis was very interesting to me, but given its highly specialized style and the fact that I am not a Sinologist, it did not particularly contribute to my better understanding of the texts themselves. The style of the introduction as a whole is unsmiling for a non-specialist. The historical references to ancient shamanism and the fact that the collection actually represents a compilation of philosophical-poetic texts by different (anonymous) authors, attributed to one mythical teacher - Lao Tzu, were interesting to me.

The translation was sometimes quite strange to me, many of the words were unfamiliar and untypical. The explanatory notes did not always succeed in bringing clarity, although they were abundant. However, in some of the poems, it was clear and precise, without a single complicated word, and the reading there was a pleasure.

——

“Dao De Jing” by “Knigomania”

This is a beautiful, illustrated edition with a lot of atmosphere. It is too short as an introduction, and explanations are lacking. The translation is mainly poetic and presented more clearly, but it passes through the intermediary of the English language, which surely robs part of the meaning and interpretation.

Given the elusiveness and emerging essence of Dao, I am inclined to prefer the more poetic and free interpretation.

There is charm and simplicity in the interweaving of philosophical and poetic forms in the texts, in the absence of a beginning and an end, in the peace, self-knowledge, and softness of Dao, in the peaceful combination of all opposites. As a student of Western culture, the concept of refraining from action puts me on edge in some of the texts, but again in Dao, nothing is what it seems at first glance. Dao is not just a detached philosophical current - it quite specifically examines the proper functioning of the individual, the state, and the universe, connecting them in an indissoluble cosmic whole.

——

“Dao De Jing” - Ursula Le Guin's version

is an extremely purified, personal poetic interpretation of the main Daoist postulates. Exactly this version appealed to me extremely, coming closest to my personal perception. Maybe because Le Guin is still a resident of the 20th century, but of a secularized, enlightened, kind, tirelessly progressive 20th century, as it actually was to a large extent. And with this, it also approaches the antiquity of Lao Tzu. And in both epochs, there is still a lot to be desired from reality and from man. The path never ends, sometimes it has not even begun.

——

So (the possible here hardly) 5 stars for the authors from antiquity - whoever they are. Without them, humanity would be immeasurably poorer.

In conclusion, two translations of the same, still relevant, text:

☯️ “The true words are not beautiful,
the beautiful words are not true.
The good words are not rhetorical,
the rhetorical words are not born of kindness.”

☯️ “The truth does not appear in clever words.
Eloquent speech is not truth.
The wise do not prove their rightness.
He who proves it is not wise.”

Exceptional performance of the Tao Te King (Tao King: The Book of the Word/Tao King: The Book of Nature) in an edition where, apart from the translator's interpretive notes regarding the teachings of Lao Tzu and the degree to which these influenced the development of Taoism, excerpts from sacred books, philosophers (mainly Heraclitus), and writers are presented, which demonstrate the clear existing similarities.

Through the mouth of the'sage old man' (whom the legend says that his virgin mother conceived him from a shooting star and carried him for eighty full years!), two - three timeless truths:

• "Therefore, humility is the root of greatness, just as the low is the foundation of the high. The lords would be sincere only if they admitted their unworthiness..." (Tao King, stanza 39)

• "To know that you do not know is true wisdom. To think that you know is a correct illness. When you admit the illness, you can be cured. The cured one is intelligent." (Tao King, stanza 71)

• "The people suffer because a few powerful ones steal their toil. Many rebel because power is insufferable. There are people who reject death because they are full of bitterness. He who values life itself is wiser than he who values the goods of life." (Tao King, stanza 75)

Five golden stars (on a red background to remind of the flag of the country that 'gave birth' to Lao Tzu).

The Tao Te Ching is essentially the Bible of Taoism.

Unlike the actual Bible, Quran, or other religious texts, it is remarkably short, allowing one to read it within an evening.

The practical wisdom it contains is not only useful but also poetic.

Unlike most Western religions, it is not coded in allegory and mythology.

The 81 verses are filled with balanced sage advice that one can spend a lifetime contemplating and will surely warrant many re-reads.

There are numerous translations of this book from Chinese.

However, I have found the blunt, straight-forward translation by Ron Hogan to be the best I have ever read.

Personally, I have made a free audiobook of this Tao Te Ching translation.

If anyone is interested, they can listen/watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pcRX...

This audiobook provides an alternative way for people to engage with the profound teachings of the Tao Te Ching and gain a deeper understanding of its wisdom.

Whether you are new to Taoism or a long-time practitioner, this translation and audiobook can offer valuable insights and inspiration.

Give it a try and see how it can enhance your spiritual journey.

I spent almost half a year deliberately reading this book. Rushing through what are supposed to be spiritual books is like a recipe for disappointment, as some of my friends have attested to. I also chose not to read it in public as I do with my other books. At first, I read one passage after morning meditation. However, when that became difficult to maintain, I started reading one passage before and after yoga training. I highly recommend combining the reading of this book with a form of mental relaxation or activity that is based on similar principles, such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, or self-hypnosis.

Yes, this book does contain vague and seemingly contradictory sentences like 'do without doing'. But dismissing it as senseless or pretentious strikes me as a misstep. There is clearly something of significance being conveyed here. However, it might be underwhelming for those who are naïve enough to expect a simple answer or phrase that can neatly solve each and every one of their complex life problems without any ambiguity or the need for personal judgment.

I believe there is wisdom within these pages, and my impressions will likely change with future rereadings. I read Ursula LeGuin's translation, and I applaud her efforts to make the passages gender-neutral and more accessible.

I think anyone with a spiritual inclination or a clear moral conscience should attempt to read this at some point in their lives. It has the potential to offer unique insights and perspectives that can enhance one's understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The advice regarding this book is to start from page 111, where a question is posed: what is Taoism? And one might expect to read an essay on the subject, but instead discovers that it is simply a collection of ancient thoughts and new reflections. It should be consulted, not read; it should be 'thought about', adapted and criticized, surely deepened and...quoted:

"Knowing that one does not know is supreme. Not knowing that one does not know is a defect. Therefore the sage is not defective. He recognizes the defect as a defect, and therefore he is not defective." LAO-TSU page 46

"In the world, nothing is softer and weaker than water, but for attacking what is hard and strong, nothing can surpass it, because nothing can take its place. Therefore the soft overcomes the hard, the weak overcomes the strong. In the world, no one does not know this, but no one can put it into practice. Therefore the words of the sage say: To take on the disgrace of the state is to be the lord of the altars; to take on the misfortune of the state is to be the king of the world. Straightforward words that seem absurd." LAO-TSU page 53

"The TAO is empty, it is used but not filled. Abyssal! It is like the progenitor of all beings. It blunts their sharpness,解开 their knots, harmonizes their splendors, mingles with their dust. Profound! It seems to last forever. I do not know whose son it is, it seems to be prior to the Lord." LAO -TSU page 58

"He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened. He who overcomes others has strength. He who overcomes himself is strong. He who knows what is enough is rich. He who acts with force has will. He who does not lose his position endures long. He who dies but does not perish has long life." LAO-TSU page 87

Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu

The Tao Te Ching, also known by its pinyin romanization Dao De Jing, is a Chinese classic text traditionally attributed to the 6th-century BC sage Laozi. The text's authorship, date of composition, and date of compilation are subjects of debate. The oldest excavated portion dates back to the late 4th century BC, but modern scholarship suggests that other parts of the text were written or at least compiled later than the earliest portions of the Zhuangzi.

The Tao Te Ching, along with the Zhuangzi, is a fundamental text for both philosophical and religious Taoism. It has also had a profound influence on other schools of Chinese philosophy and religion, such as Legalism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. When Buddhism was first introduced to China, it was largely interpreted through the use of Taoist words and concepts.

Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and gardeners, have drawn inspiration from the Tao Te Ching. Its influence has spread far beyond East Asia and it is among the most translated works in world literature. The teachings of the Tao Te Ching offer profound insights into the nature of life, the path to wisdom, and the art of living in harmony with the universe.

For example, the quote "The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like..." beautifully illustrates the concept of effortless action and the power of humility. Laozi's words continue to resonate with people today, offering guidance and inspiration for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

I feel that I can't write anything about this book. Its spirit was greater than what I had the ability to handle.

However, I must say that its translation was extremely good.

--

But it's not like that. If you can't reach within it, you won't be able to accept it. If you don't reach it, you will waste it in water and fire. What is not found from within cannot be obtained from without, and the universe does not care about its passage. What is obtained from without is not stable within, and the universe does not care about its preservation....

This book seems to hold a certain mystery and depth that eludes my understanding. The translation, on the other hand, has done an excellent job of presenting the original text in a way that is accessible to readers.

Perhaps with more time and careful study, I will be able to uncover the true essence of this book and be able to write more about it. For now, I can only marvel at its greatness and appreciate the efforts that went into its translation.

How beautiful and enjoyable it was! According to a friend, the text of the book is like a gentle and touching poem that people love to read many times. Here are some parts of the book that I liked:

25

Before the birth of the world,

There was something formless and perfect.

It is peaceful; empty,

Alone, unchanging,

Infinite, eternal presence;

It is the mother of the world.

Since I can't find a better name for it,

I call it Tai Chi.

It flows in everything;

Outside and inside,

And returns to its original source.

Tai Chi is mysterious.

The world is mysterious.

The earth is mysterious.

Human beings are mysterious.

These are the four great powers.

Human beings depend on the earth.

The earth depends on the world.

The world depends on Tai Chi.

Tai Chi depends on itself.

19

Forget about sanctity and wisdom,

And the people will be a thousand times happier.

Forget about justice and morality,

And the people will only do what is right.

Forget about profit and industry,

And there will be no more thieves.

If these three are not enough,

Stay in the center of the circle

And let everything revolve around you.

24

Whoever stands on tiptoe cannot maintain balance.

Whoever hurries cannot go far.

Whoever tries to shine extinguishes their own light.

Whoever thinks themselves great does not know their true nature.

Whoever commands others cannot conquer themselves.

Whoever clings to their work creates nothing that lasts.

If you want to be in harmony with Tai Chi,

Do your work and then let go of everything.

36

If you want something to become smaller,

Let it expand first.

If you want to get rid of something,

Let it flourish first.

If you want to obtain something,

Give it away first.

This is a profound understanding of the law.

The soft overcomes the hard.

The calm defeats the hasty.

Let what you do remain hidden

And only show the results to others.

46

When a country is in harmony with Tai Chi,

Its factories produce agricultural and industrial machinery.

When a country goes against the way of Tai Chi,

The weapons and tools of war are stored in the suburbs of the cities.

There is no greater illusion than fear,

No greater mistake than being prepared to defend oneself,

No greater misfortune than having an enemy.

Whoever can see through their fears and observe what is happening

Will always be safe.

This is an amazing book that is worthy of being read throughout our lives, time and time again.

While I was deeply engaged in the study of Qi Gong, I became acquainted with this book in various translations and versions. This particular one is not only extremely good but also very beautiful, thanks to all the wonderful illustrations, paintings, and calligraphy it contains.

For those who wish to read it, I would suggest first reading something about TAO and about Lao Tzu, so that you can have a better understanding and be more "in the context".

It is impossible to provide a comprehensive description of the teachings within this book.

As stated in chapter 56: "Those who know don't talk. Those who talk don't know. Close your mouth, block off your senses, blunt your sharpness, untie your knots, soften your glare, settle your dust. This is the primal identity. Be like the Tao. It can't be approached or withdrawn from, benefited or harmed, honoured or brought into disgrace. It gives itself up continually. That is why it endures."

The wisdom and profoundness of these words are truly remarkable and can offer us valuable insights and guidance in our lives.

\\"One who knows does not speak;
One who speaks does not know.\\" (p.60)

From the distant east where the light rose, there is a source of wisdom. It is believed that the poems within the book, which is filled with many still relevant advices even today, have inspired many important names such as Buddha and Confucius.
\\"If it is thought that these three words are not enough,
If I must connect them to a sentence:
Show simplicity, embrace sincerity,
Reduce self-centeredness, restrain desires\\" (p. 19)

This book should not be seen only as a book of advice. There are also profound texts that can express meaning in terms of the ontology of philosophy:

\\"Ten thousand things arise together,
And we watch their return\\" (p.16)

What should be said about the following statement that can be quoted as a preface to many theories talked about in quantum physics and generally in particle physics today:
\\"The space between heaven and earth is like a bellows:
It is empty yet inexhaustible,
The more it is worked, the more it brings forth.\\" (p.5)

I think it is one of the texts that must be read.

https://agacingovdesi.com/2021/03/31/...

**Title: The Wisdom of Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching"**

We all know the saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but we don't know who said it. In fact, this beautiful wisdom came to us from China, specifically from the ancient Chinese sage Lao Tzu, who lived more than two thousand years ago. However, this wisdom was abridged from a complete and beautiful passage.

This Chinese sage has a lot to say to us. He wrote a book called "Tao Te Ching" or "The Book of the Tao", which is a small book full of aphorisms. It contains a profound philosophy that some Chinese people have adhered to until today, called Taoism or the Taoist philosophy, although it is not really a religion. The world's interest in this book has increased in recent decades, and indeed, this book contains a penetrating wisdom of great depth and insight that has been able to inspire many people in ancient and modern times.

What is the Tao? The Tao is a profound concept that the author himself cannot provide a description of. Its understanding is that the Tao is the original spirit of the universe. There is a system that governs the world, with a balance between good and evil. Lao Tzu said that evil and problems must always exist, whether in small or large amounts, but the way to reduce evil lies in not confronting it. We should not use violence to achieve peace, nor should we calculate and suppress people more than necessary, because the method of coercion will always be followed by the rebellion of the oppressed. On the same principle, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If two opposite things in this world are made to conflict, a greater problem will occur than if they are allowed to live peacefully together.

There are words in the book whose meanings differ from what comes to our minds. For example, the author often says "do nothing", but by this he does not mean to be lazy. Instead, he means a deeper meaning that is not to burden oneself with the actions one takes. Do not aim to do a great work that changes the universe. Just do a small good thing, such as cooking a small fish. And when you focus on your simple work, you will see that your achievement becomes greater and greater. Indeed, the greatest achievements in the world have come from the simplest intentions, much more than you think... This is what the sage Lao Tzu said.

We take another word, for example, "the wise". The author blames them. He blames the so-called "wise men" who are advanced in knowledge. In my opinion, he does not mean what we know, but rather those among them who engage in many clever plans, but these plans are plans that destroy the world from the perspective of the sage. It seems that the book is primarily addressed to the ruler of the state, advising him of many views and examples that he should understand. But the book is also suitable for us to read thousands of years later and take the best from this book and leave the incorrect ideas that do not suit us.

References with excerpts from the book "The Tao in My Voice"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAWUi...

A famous life thought in the world. Although concise, it contains many exquisite life philosophies. Lao Tzu's thought advocates living in accordance with the Tao, in accordance with nature, living without seeking personal gain, not following the crowd, and not chasing after material wealth and reputation in the world - that is, living a life of "wú wèi" (inaction). This thought is very practical for cultivating oneself and one's character. The Tao Te Ching consists of 81 chapters, which have been translated from Chinese to Vietnamese by NDC. The translation and annotation are very detailed, and there are many chapters with repeated thoughts. There are also some chapters that require extremely clear annotation to understand, and people who understand it will be extremely fascinated. In short, this is a book that contains incalculable value and can be accurately appraised.

It is a precious spiritual wealth that has had a profound impact on people's thoughts and behaviors throughout history. The concept of "wú wèi" challenges our traditional way of thinking and encourages us to look at life from a different perspective. By following the Tao and living in harmony with nature, we can achieve inner peace and happiness.

The Tao Te Ching also emphasizes the importance of simplicity and humility. In a society where people are constantly pursuing more and more, these qualities are becoming increasingly rare. However, they are precisely what we need to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. By practicing simplicity and humility, we can free ourselves from the shackles of material desires and focus on what really matters in life.