The Second Book of the Tao

This work is divided up into three (3) parts: 1) The Second Book of the Tao 2) Notes 3) Notes on the Adaptation The Second Book of the Tao is derived from two (2) ancient Chinese works (BCE): 1) The Chuang-tzu 2) The Chung Yung The author, Stephen Mitchell has taken the liberty of editing these two (2) works into 64 Tao sayings or teachings. They are nicely placed in a sequential order with each faced with an opposing commentary page. The commentary page applies what was "known" or "unknown" by the ancient Chinese to our modern day experience of living. The author does a brilliant job of using these sayings/teachings to point "The Way" to our heritage or oneness or egoless Self. Strip away all "personal" delusional thought and experience what we have forgotten. From saying (5) commentary "The ancient Masters saw deeply indeed. They realized that since nothing lasts longer than the untraceable instant, nothing ultimately exists." Thus the "Dream"! From the second half of saying (8): "You may dream that you're at a banquet and wake up to find yourself miserable. You may dream that you're sobbing your heart out and wake up to find yourself at ease. How, in the middle of a dream, can you know that you're actually dreaming? In the middle of a dream, you may even try to interpret the dream; only after you wake up do you realize that you were dreaming. Someday there will be a great awakening, when we know that all this was one big dream." Then in the first part of saying 43, The Way is pointed: "Give up wanting to be important; let your footsteps leave no trace. Travel alone as the Tao to the land of great silence." We are limited by our beliefs in saying 47: "You can't talk about the ocean with a frog who lives in a well: he is bounded by the space he inhabits. You can't talk about ice with an insect who was born in June; he is bounded by a single season. You can't talk about the Tao with a person who thinks he knows something: he is bounded by his own beliefs. The Tao is vast and fathomless. You can understand only by stepping beyond the limits of yourself." Since the Tao is in everything, the author's version of the Tao's Golden Rule in saying 57 commentary: "Love your neighbor as yourself: leave him alone." This is just a small flavor of The Way or the Tao. Ahhhh the Tao! The readings of the 64 sayings are effortless and timeless. The author's commentaries clarify the sayings, relate them to modern times and interject a necessary ingredient....humor. The material of this book is of great quality. The paper, the cover, the content, the organization and the dust jacket all evoke the feeling of The Way.

Because Lao-Tzu's Tao Te Ching is one of my favorite books I was intrigued by Stephen Mitchell's new book "The Second Book of the Tao." I was not disappointed. Mitchell's 64 (not 81 like the original) chapters are drawn from the work of Lao-Tzu's disciples Chuang-tzu and Tzu-ssu. Mitchell's 64 commentaries add further depth and insight into what it means to be in harmony with the Tao or the way things are. The Tao means "The Way" of the universe, it is the way a person should live their life so that they are in harmony with the universe. The Tao Te Ching means "the way of power" and we can get this by cultivating "stillness" of mind so that we can open to the Tao and its power. The purpose of Mitchell's book is truth. Mitchell said in his commentary, "It's all about paying attention to what is happening within our innermost self, until the unseen, the unquestioned, is as obvious as the seen...A tragedy is a comedy misunderstood. Once you realize what you are there's nothing left but gratitude and laughter" and "There is no beginning in time, only a beginning of thought." Like Eckhart Tolle's book "A New Earth" and "A Course in Miracles" Mitchell's book shows a way to wake up and live in the now in peace and joy without judgment.

This is an incredible book. Stephen's book is really in sync with his wife, Byron Katie's, work. There are some very timeless qualities that he references with his poetry - such as impermanence, or that life is precious and doesn't go on forever. In his commentary, he links up these philosophical concepts with the modern world in very specific ways which I could relate to easily. I found his book relaxing to read especially after a hectic day when I am too tired to concentrate on anything. I could savor each word and read slowly because he writes in such a succinct clear way. If you like metaphysical books and you have challenges in your daily life that you want to look at from a more spiritual perspective, this book is an excellent choice for inspiration and support.

Translations and Versions of the OldBoy's, Lao Tzu/Laozi, Tao Te Ching/Dao De Jing, are as numerous as the stars in the Galaxy UFO777V8. So, why not a Second Book of the Tao that will never be translated. No offense Stephen, but no one is ever going to translate Tao Te Ching 2. But then you already know this. No, this is simply one man's collection of thoughts about the nature of the eternal Tao from the perspective of one that has read and thought about such things extensively. A Poet's account of the Tao from the perspectives of the trickster Chuang Tzu and Confucius' grandson Tzu-ssu, as well as his own. Stephen gives us his version of something said long ago in a land far, far away. Or just around the corner. Or maybe even right in front of us all along. Whatever is before you is your teacher. Stephen knows that the Whole cannot be said. "The great tao cannot be named, great discernment cannot be seen, great benevolence is not gentle, great modesty is not meek, great courage is not aggressive. When you truly understand the Tao that cannot be named, you become rooted in not-knowing. This is called inner radiance. Add to it, it is never full: take from it, it is never depleted. Who can tell where it comes from? It is the inexhaustible treasury." The course that can be discoursed is not the eternal Course. Stephen Mitchell's Tao is open to all possibilities and yet fixed on the underlying unity of existence. The Right Here and the Right Now of every place and every time. Zen. I highly recommend "The Second Book of the Tao".

The Tao Te Ching combines the age old teachings of Chuang-tzu and Tzu-ssu with the wisdom and relevancy of Stephen Mitchell's 21st century vantage point. It is perhaps akin to someone writing a sequel to The Bible. It is done with the utmost care and respect. As an adaptation with invaluable commentaries on the passages, the book comes to life and becomes more than intellectual wisdom. Mitchell gives the teachings heart, blood, bones and marrow. The Second Book Of The Tao deserves a second reading.