Good general Taoist literature?

Question

I am going to write a research paper on Philosophy, and I am going to do a topic relating to Taoism. The problem is, it has to be really specific and deal with looking at a work written by a philosopher studying the area of philosophy. I am looking at Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu and Chang-tzu. I need suggestions on books that would explain the two works or add general insight that adds more clarity. I have both works, I just need more general information and explanation on Taoism. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Well the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu is the seminal work. However like the Great Bud said it is an attempt to explain the unexplainable and so its not a straightforward read.

There are many translations but I like the Stephen Mitchell one the best. He doesn't translate it literally or slavishly but instead tries to uncover the mystery in a way that is poetic and more accessible than other more direct translations.

Instead of trying to get others to explain it to you I would just read it myself (several times) and try to extract what you can yourself from it.  Its not very long but it does require slow reading and reflection.  Even those who 'get it' have a hard time explaining it, in fact I believe that thats a sign that you're on the right track.

Its more like poetry than anything else and so its very hard to get an exact summation.  Like a poem I think that each reader has to interact with the poem, the aesthetic, the underlying ideas and come to their own realization of what enlightenment is.

The very first stanza is:

The tao that can be told

is not the eternal Tao.

The name that can be named

is not the eternal Name.

This to me means that once you try to explain it directly and logically then you have missed the mark, but if we are to talk about it at all we have to start somewhere...

Good luck, its worth the effort.

Answer 2

You're not going to get much clarity on Taoism.

Taoism is completely different from Western philosophy, and you won't be able to explain Taoism in simple words.

That's why Lao Tzu wrote his books in that way; he's trying to explain the unexplainable, but also knows that it is impossible to explain it.

Also your information is confusing, what are you looking for?

A philosopher writing about the era of philsophy? How does a philosopher do that, can you clarify that sentence?

Also you need to map out what you think is best, because that is what philosophy is about, your thinking not mine or anyone elses.

Answer 3

Here are some websites with more information and books.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/tao/

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/taoism...