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Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu ( English and Chinese Recitation Version)(Regular Edition)

Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu ( English and Chinese Recitation Version)(Regular Edition)

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The Dao De Jing is a classic of ancient Chinese philosophy and is considered the foundational work of Daoism. Authored by Laozi, this profound text—comprising over 5,000 characters—offers deep and far-reaching philosophical insights. More than just a book, it stands as a cultural treasure of China, unraveling the mysteries of life, society, nature, and the universe through concepts such as Dao (the Way), De (virtue), and Wuwei (non-action).

The Dao De Jing has resonated not only with scholars and sages of ancient times but also continues to enlighten contemporary minds. It serves as a beacon of wisdom that transcends time and space. Through this work, we glimpse the profound wisdom of ancient China, grasp endless philosophical insights, and embark on a spiritual journey beyond the boundaries of time.

This translation is based on the Mawangdui silk manuscript version of the Dao De Jing, which was unearthed from the Mawangdui Han tombs in the 1970s. Compared with the received version (commonly known from the Wang Bi edition), the Mawangdui texts present over a hundred textual differences, including variations in wording, structure, and even the order of chapters, many of which significantly alter the meaning and interpretation of key passages. These differences offer valuable insights into the early transmission and development of Laozi’s thought, making this version a crucial reference for understanding the original philosophical intentions of the text.

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Book Features

  • Readability

    English-Chinese Reciation Version of Dao De Jing are concise in layout: Chinese Pinyin+original verses+English translation+Chinese notes+frequently quoted verses from Lao Tzu, which are convenient for Chinese and foreign readers to learn and read out loud. This edition only lists a simple explanation of words, phrases and sentences that are difficult to understand.

  • Based on The Dao De Jing: Mawangdui Silk Manuscript Edition

    Unlike most Dao De Jing translations on the market, which are typically based on the received version (such as the Wang Bi edition), this book is grounded in the Mawangdui silk manuscript, one of the earliest known textual sources of Laozi’s work. English translations based on the Mawangdui version are extremely rare, making this edition a unique and valuable contribution to the study and appreciation of Daoist thought. By drawing from this alternative textual tradition, the book offers readers a fresh perspective on the Dao De Jing, revealing nuances and interpretations that are often absent from more conventional versions.

  • Accuracy

    This English-Chinese Recitation Edition of the Dao De Jing was compiled over nearly five years by Mr. Wu Gaolin, a former senior translator at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Preparation for the translation began as early as 2008. Mr. Wu thoroughly studied a wide range of Chinese annotated editions and existing English translations of the Dao De Jing, with the aim of creating a version that would stand as a true classic. His deep linguistic expertise and years of dedication bring clarity, depth, and authenticity to this bilingual edition.

About the Author

Colin Wu:
Wu was born in Hunan, China in 1964. In 1981, he entered the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Languages to study the English language & literature. After graduation, he served as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China. Since 1992, he migrated to America and has been active in the Sino-U.S. political and business circles. He is committed to the economic, trade, business, scientific and technological innovation, culture and art exchanges between the two countries. In 2005, he was appointed to chair the China Office of the U.S.-China Business Association. In 2012, he founded the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Exchange, and in 2019, he won the award of “Charming China-Leader of the Innovative Economy”.
Wu earned an M.A. degree in history at Eastern Illinois University in 1994. In 1993, he was in the graduate program of Arts Management at the School of Public Administration of the University of Illinois in Springfield. In 1985, he majored in Diplomacy at the Beijing Foreign Affairs College and received a diploma for career diplomat training. In 1985, he was awarded a degree of B.A. in English Language & Literature from the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Languages.

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