The Complete Tao Te Ching and Affirmations - Living the Wisdom of the Tao

Dyer's "version" of the Tao Te Ching is terrible. I call it a version because his translations do not match traditional translations, rather, his translations water down the real messages of the Tao. In fact, attempting to reword them goes againsgt the very teaching and value of the Tao. I am not sure what to make of the book, as it is not the Tao, yet also not a self help book. If one is looking to purchase the Tao Te Ching do not purchase this book because it is not even a loose translation. I have not read any of Dyer's other books, and this doesn't affect my opinion of his writing because this is his attempt at the Tao Te Ching, not one of his own original works. However, his version of the Tao makes me question his validity as a wise person or even someone capable of giving self help advice to others because his translations do not even capture the same messages as the original Tao and demonstrate that he does not have a true deep understanding of the Tao.

Buy if you are a follower of Dyer, but do not buy if you wanted a more in-depth or different version of the Tao because it is not either one of those. I am 100% disappointed in my purchase of this book, and now will have to pay more money to buy a real copy of the Tao Te Ching.

After reading 'Change your thoughts, Change your life' and then discovering this summarization with the affirmations - I had to buy it. It's worth the purchase even if it just sits on the shelf. Beautiful design and a comfortable feel to the cover. Wayne spent a lot of time on this project and the work he produced is proof of that. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is connected to the Tao, a fan of Wayne's work, or just wants to add a handsome book to their collection.

Although a beautiful book, I expected more interpretation by Dr. Dyer, given his unique ability to articulate simply the most complex metaphysical thoughts. The affirmations are all right, but a clue as to how to interpret the Tao phrases to our XXIst century existance would have made this book a perfect read.

Didn't care for this book at all. It's each verse of the Tao and then an affirmation, but the affirmations seem to just be a repeat of the verse. I could come up with my own better than this. I'd skip this one.

Tao Te Ching..meaning Book of The Way, or book of the Word. One of the best books ever written. Certainly , the book that has had the most profound positive influence on my life.

If you are like me, you may be wondering should I get this particular version, and how does it compare with other versions like the Mitchell, English and Star version.

No matter how great a writer you think Wayne Dyer is, he did not write the Tao, yet his rendition is consistent with the best versions I have read. The distinguishing trait of Dyer's version is that there is a short affirmation opposite each verse, a lesson to be derived.

Some of these are good, and still leave room for you to come up with your own ideas. In fact, that is an inspiring way to go through the tao, and I must make a point of going through my other versions and writing out my thoughts on each chapter. So, thank you, Mr Dyer. I also like the layout with the graphics. They add a little atmosphere to each verse.

So, my personal favorite version is the Stephen Mitchell version. The Tao is wise, paradoxical, counterinituitive, puzzling, fascinating, mysterious, inspiring, amazing and true. These concepts bypass ego based thinking, and the idea of doing things by not striving is allowing a higher more authentic way of thinking to inform your being and your action.

The Jane English version, has a 25th Anniversary Edition which is a large size book, coffee table version, with symbols, and graphics, and a regular size version.

One of the Jonathan Star versions has Chinese symbols at the back, with multiple meanings of each symbol.

This is a great idea, which allows you to come up with your own version of the Tao, and would really open up your thinking on the Tao.

If you are like me, then as you read you discover the wisdom
like a raw jewel which you shape into a glittering diamond. That is the brilliance of the book.

The Tao is always present within you.
You can use it any way you want.

81 chapters, all less than one page. Like any great mystery, the Tao is there to be experienced and not necessarily understood. Here is a selection from verse 81 to illustrate the difference between different versions.

True words aren't eloquent;
Eloquent words aren't true;
Wise men don't need to prove their point;
Men who need to prove their point aren't wise.

A different version might substitute the word beautiful for eloquent.

You can feel comfortable buying the Wayne Dyer version, or any of these other versions.

I also recommend The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, which is another classic book of wisdom, and The Dhammapada featuring the succinct teachings of the Buddha.

Hope this was helpful, and hope you find this book useful.

This book was not what I expected at all. It was way too deep for my brain and I would have liked some insight as to the meaning behind each verse; you are left hanging to figure it out for yourself. Unless you are good at figuring out deep, soulful, profound "wisdom," I would not recommend this book.

The cover states this is the complete Tao Te Ching and affirmations. I believe the Tao, as it is called, is pronounced like the "ou" sound in "ouch" with a "T" in front of it. "Tao Te Ching" translates to "living and applying the Great Way". Ancient Chinese prophet and keeper of the imperial archives in the ancient capital of Luoyang, Lao-tzu, recorded his wisdom in the Tao some 25 centuries ago. Reportedly, many scholars consider the Tao to be the wisest book ever written. The Tao encourages you to change your life in a profound way (by changing your way of thinking).

This is what I call a desk-top booklet or a daily reminder booklet, great for keeping at work and reading something from it every day at lunchtime. It is the size of a 5" x 7 " photo and is only ½ inch thick, with a little over 169 pages plus blank pages for notes. There are 81 verses. Each verse is one small page with a page to the left which provides a short affirmation that relates to the adjacent verse. So, you read one verse at the beginning or the day or at lunchtime, then think about what it means to you as you go through the rest of the day. Of course, you can read the verses in the book order or randomly select them. It may also help you to find peace in a stress-filled workplace.

Just keeping the booklet on top of your file cabinet where others can see it even helps a little because it reminds people that there is something "greater" going on. I keep several Dyer desk-top books on top of the file cabinet and invite co-workers to pick them up and look through them during breaks or lunch. I personally found the verses themselves to be more meaningful to me than the affirmations.

Here is a nice example for you:

49th Verse:
"The sage has no fixed mind;
He is aware of the needs of others.

Those who are good he treats with goodness.
Those who are bad he also treats with goodness
Because the nature of his being is good.

He is kind to the kind.
He is also kind to the unkind
Because the nature of his being is kindness.

He is faithful to the faithful;
He is also faithful to the unfaithful.
The sage lives in harmony with all below heaven.
He sees everything as his own self;
He loves everyone as his own child.

All people are drawn to him.
He behaves like a little child."

The adjacent affirmation:
"It is my choice to be kind to those who are kind. It is my choice to be kind to those who are unkind, because the nature of my being is kindness, and that is all I have to give away."

Now, if you read through the 49th Verse above and really ponder its meaning, I think you will see much more than is stated in the affirmation adjacent to the verse. So, my challenge to you is to read it slowly and think about its meaning. Then ponder its meaning as you go through your daily routine. As you treat EVERYONE with kindness and goodness, then you are truly loving everyone. You are seeing the God, the Divine in all people and are living in a state of love and happiness that is beyond what many people experience. Is this not true beauty? Is this not what Jesus tried to teach us? And is this not how a child reacts to others, before he/she learns to behave differently from adults? Think on it for awhile. You CANNOT show unkindness if you only "do" kindness, because kindness is the only way you operate. Therefore, you can only show love, if that is the only way you chose to "be". And as you exhibit love, love is returned to you.

Namaste'
May you find the peace and love of God in all that there is.

If you are searching for an esthetically pleasing version of the classic Tao, this is it. The small book has a nice feel and look to it and its compact size perfect for a meditation area.

Dyer presents the Tao Te Ching with corresponding affirmations.

For those unfamiliar with the work, the Tao was written over 2500 years ago, by the Chinese scholar Lao-Tzu.

Here is the 76th verse:

A man is born gentle and weak;
at his death he is hard and stiff.
All things, including grass and tress,
are soft and pliable in life;
dry and brittle in death.

Stiffness is thus a companion of death;
flexibility a companion of life.
An army that cannot yield
will be defeated.
A tree that cannot bend
will crack in the wind.

The hard and stiff will be broken;
the soft and supple will prevail.

Dyer: "I choose to be strong by being soft and pliable rather than inflexible, brittle and hard."

By the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.

I had been looking at philosophical perspectives on resilience and flexibility. A widely read Chinese friend referred me to Wayne Dwyer's Living the Wisdom of the Tao: The Complete Tao Te Ching and Affirmations (Hay House, 2008). The Tao Te Ching (the Chinese characters translate, roughly, as "the classic way of virtue") consists of 81 "verses," attributed to Laozi, said to be a sage of the Zhou Dynasty living in the sixth century BC. The verses embrace every form of paradox, of the form "knowing ignorance is strength" (Verse 61) and "When the work is done, it is forgoten./That is why it lasts forever." (Verse 2)

Concerning Wayne Dwyer's work, it should be noted that he does not pretend to have knowledge of the Chinese language. Instead, he credits ten different English translations and commentaries, from which he has made apparently a pastiche. The text reads well, but I cannot judge the validity of the translation. The "affirmations" mentioned in the title are responses and encapsulations by Mr. Dwyer, which are rather poetic and inspiring and do add to the pleasure of reading. Mr. Dwyer, who holds a doctorate in education, has written scores of motivational and self-help books, of which one of the most well-known is Your Erroneous Zones (Avon/HarperCollins, 1995).

The Tao can be read on one level as advice to rulers, on the model of Machiavelli's The Prince, but with an almost diametrically opposed moral tone. Laozi advises rulers to practice humility, restraint, non-violence, trust in the people, and even avoidance of high taxes (see Verse 75). In fact, as to content, there is a closer parallel to Machiavelli's Discourses on Livy.

The Tao on a second level can be read as advice on how to be wise, as with Socrates' injunction, "know thyself." The ideal of knowledge is inwardly directed and highly contemplative. "Therefore the sage does not venture forth/and yet knows,/does not look/and yet names,/does not strive/and yet attains completion." (Verse 47)Again, "Because he does not display himself,/people can see his light." (Verse 22)

The Tao on a third level could be read as advice on the practice of self-mastery, in a manner we often associate with the practice of Zen Buddhism, "Mastering others requires force;/mastering the self needs strength." (Verse 33) Indeed, some scholars argue that Zen derives from Daoism. (See, esp., Ray Grigg, The Tao of Zen (Alva Press, 1994).

Finally, on a fourth level, there is radical, anti-materialist level, a renunciation of wealth and the trappings of power, in favor of an embrace of life forces and enlightenment, the Way: "The poor are enriched./The rich are confounded." (Verse 22) Cf. Christ's words: "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." (Matthew 20:16, King James Version) Also: "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:23. From a Western point of view, Taoism could be seen as a form of idealism and anti-materialism.

Concerning flexibility, Laozi affirms the truth of the "old saying" that "The flexible are preserved unbroken./The bent become straight." (Verse 22) Further, "keeping flexible is called strength." (Verse 52) In the 76th Verse, Laozi contrasts living things, that are "soft and pliable," with the hardness and stiffness of dead things. An army that can't yield "will be defeated." "Stiffness is thus a companion of death;/flexibility a companion of life." He concludes, "The hard and stiff will be broken;/the soft and supple will prevail."

The quality of flexibility can be interpreted on each of these levels. It is an essential quality of the ruler and the sage. It is a necessary part of self-mastery. It is part of the practice of life and the life force, not death.

(The author of this review, Andrew Szabo, is the founder of MindBodyForce.com)

Perhaps the most disappointing book I've ever read on this subject. Rather than translate the Tao de Jing, which he cannot do, Dyer "averages" the translations of others, producing a result that is distinct Dyer and not Lao-tzu. He makes stuff up. The arrongance of his "improvements" has made me realize what a shallow and presumptuous thinker he is.

I like just about everything Wayne had written so I may not be a good one to give an unbiased review. What I like is the message he delivers. It is so positive that I like being around books, songs and people that inspire that level of hope and guidance. This book is another good one. I've read the original Tao and I like what Wayne has done with by matching points of view from different sources. Interesting how the wisdom align yet were so far apart in time. Good info for the Seeker.

The beauty of this book is that it encapsulates the information in exactly the way the scribes of Lao-tzu had probably imagined. It's easy on the eyes, nice to hold and fails to bog down, unlike previous editions that I've seen that often have twenty page introductions, giant prefaces and essays embedded in the prologue. This offering is void of all the nonsense.

Often, other versions and publications of this text is offered up in a dry and unflattering representation which causes the reader to strain the eye to the page, let alone the mind to the soul. This version gives you some of the most straightforward and fluid translations that I've read yet and is beautifully laid-out and well presented.

Dwyer prefaces each verse with a short mantra or prayer version that compliments the following verse very well and lets the mind wander even further along as you read each verse. A brilliant idea and very unassuming.

What more can be said about such a book that hasn't already been uttered?

The Tao is the way, the truth, and the universe. Lao Tzu wrote 81 simple yet profound verses that transcended the fundamental reality of life. Life is about living in harmony with yin and yang. Without darkness, there can be no light.

Too often, we struggle against the waves when we can just flow with them. We keep searching outside, when we should be mastering inside. We want more, when we really need less. We follow other people's routines, when we could be creating our own rituals.

"The Tao that can be spoken of is not the true Tao."

The Tao is something to be experienced. Words are just fingers pointing at the moon. Don't focus on the finger, or you will miss all that heavenly glory.

Living in the Tao is like flying. You can follow footprints and formulas to climb the mountains so you can leap off the edge, but you can only find yourself when you fly.

This is a MUST read for everyone in the world. If you can read Chinese, the original version is the best. If not, go to the library and preview the version that connects best with you. I always read at least 30 pages of a book before I buy them. I read 1500 wpm, so this only takes 5 minutes.

I recommend Dr. Wayne Dryer's translation of this book based on what others have said. This is the ONLY book in all my reviews that I have not personally used, since I already read the original Chinese translations.

The translations are just the fingers. Find the one that points you best to your moon.

Here is Wayne's foray into the Tao. I really appreciated what Wayne has done. Decades ago when no one was speaking very clearly about inner development Wayne was there. Yep, even made it to big specials on PBS.

In this book Wayne combines a translation of the Tao with some practical, and mostly simple, if not simplistic, viewpoints as to how to orient your life to the wisdom in the Tao. Generally the material is OK.

However, for some years I have felt that Wayne's material has not kept up with where we need to go. Folks can only wander/slog through the self-help stuff until they stop reading what others are saying and really help themselves. For myself and many of my friends self-help was a temporary way point on the path to inner realization. Problem is that Wayne has not evolved his style to get people graduated. Wayne, like others leans heavily on others work (in this case Lao Tze) and repackages it as self-help / new age wares. And I have to say my feedback of this book and Waynes material is that he is sincere but is unable to really support those folks deeply on the path.

Wayne's guru was Sri Siva Baba Dattatreya and Baba is light years beyond what Wayne is able to communicate. Baba's videos are visible on the tube of you.

For a Tao/Dao de Ching translation I think you are far better served with Tao Te Ching: The New Translation from Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Edition (Tarcher Cornerstone Editions) That is if you are ready to take off the training wheels and ask yourself what does the Tao mean to you.

Internationally renowned author and dynamic, inspirational teacher, Wayne Dyer, offers an opportunity to directly experience the profound wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. This book shares verses by the ancient Chinese prophet, Lao-tzu on virtually every aspect of human existence. Wayne guides, "When we change the way that we look at things, the things that we look at change. This book was created with great love and wisdom and could be your handbook to the more contemplative life.

Katie Davis, Author, "Awake Joy"

This is a wonderful book that is inspiring and insightful. I have been studying the Tao for about 20 years, but Dr. Wayne Dyer has a way of sharing this message in a powerful way. I really enjoyed this book!

This nice and very accessible little book filled with verses & wisdom by Lao-tzu was given to me as a gift. For this I am very thankful. I love poetry, I have loved the wisdom of Tao Te Ching for a long time now.

However, I don't quite understand why someone as renowned as Wayne Dyer needs to repackage ancient texts in this way. the store shows 1,125 results when searching for Lao-Tzu. So another book just adds to an already very crowded offering on these teachings.

Christine Maingard, Author of 'Think Less Be More:Mental Detox for Everyone'

This will be the third year in a row that I've had a Living the Wisdom of the Tao calendar. I love flipping the page each month to read the Tao insights. The 2013 and 2014 editions had lovely images and plenty of room on the calendar for scribbling notes and reminders. The 2015 version looks just as great! During the month I refer back to the words for enlightenment and positive thoughts. If you're looking for a calendar that will inspire and ground you, this is the one.

This book is an excellent translation and compilation of the verses of the Tao. Dr. Dyer does an excellent job distilling the verses into affirmations as well. I do encourage you to first read each verse, and then read the affirmations, as sometimes I get a lot more than the affirmation out of the verse. Reading the affirmation first can limit your interpretation of the actual verse. However, I find the affirmations to be supportive, and as one person mentioned, a way to extend your application of the Tao personally to your life. The book is also aesthetically pleasing with beautiful graphics, and is small enough to carry around. All in all, a great, supportive book to help you live life with more joy and peace.
Mary K.
[...]

I have never really read or studied any of Dr. Dyer's work but as a seeker and Yoga teacher I am interested in the Daoist philosoply. I wanted an introduction to the Tao Te Ching and found the perfect book! The translation is clear and refined; the affirmations provided by Dr. Dyer are abundantly helpful. One can turn to any page on any day and find a verse which one can apply to one's work or personal life. As a Yoga teacher, I am reading verses from the book to my students to help them connect to positive affirmations as they progress through a Yin or restorative practice. This book is indeed a gem.

This is an inexpensive book to have sitting around at home, in the office, at the cabin, on the toilet tank, in the briefcase. A pretty accurate translation that makes sense to me. A relevant and friendly translation. I've bought many copies for friends and family.

How wonderful it is to find a book with such beautiful inspirations. The size and weight of the book is perfect. Hold it in your hands and you will understand what I mean. The teachings were so simply put, yet thought provoking, I truly believe this book is something that can be given as a gift to most people and thoroughly enjoyed by the recipient. A breath of fresh air during a hectic day, I highly recommend these teachings as a read to soothe and satiate a sometimes unsettled soul.

This is a lovely book with plenty of wisdom on every page. I am also an author of a translation of the Tao Te Ching. Dr. Dyer has written a wonderful version.

Dawn Lianna
[...]
Author, Lao Tzu Now

This Classic is nicely presented . It is a good,handy size, good quality paper and binding, attractively illustrated.
I feel that Wayne Dyer's choice of words in his translation is rather OVER "American" in it's choice of English ,sometimes to the detriment of the material....and less than aesthetic.
And I would have liked more explanatory commentary along with his summery of the original ,given on the left hand page.It is very much "bare essentials".
But this is a wonderful focus on our existence on this planet and good value for the money.

Though I am happy that Dr. Dyer has helped to widen the audience for the Tao Te Ching, I am terribly disappointed in his contribution to this particular book. I found most of the affirmations to be off-point at best and just plain wrong at wost. The Tao text itself is quite well done . . . so just read that and skip the affirmations. Better yet, obtain a different version.

Dr. Dyer writes in a down-to-earth style easily understood by anyone. His books may hold information one knows already, but just reading them tends to bring the words home and helps one to make positive changes in one's life.

Ahh, Wayne. You've done it again! I have your next book title Really Living the Wisdom of the Tao, or Living the Wisdom of the Tao Everyday, or Daily Living the Wisdom of the Tao. See, I can string words together, too.