Tao te Ching: Power for the Peaceful

As someone who develops interfaith education resources for kids, I'm a huge fan of breaking down traditional silos and lifting up universal truths about peace, compassion, and equanimity. Marc Mullinax does a fantastic job of connecting the teachings of the Tao Te Ching with a variety of sources through the ages, including poets, philosophers, religious thinkers, authors, and musicians. It serves as an excellent reminder that deep wisdom runs in many streams. His commentaries after each verse (often colloquially referred to as chapters) are also truly profound. But, my favorite parts were the paragraphs about the Chinese characters themselves -- the array of meanings these complex characters hold, the number of times they are used in a verse, the individual characters that are part of the overall character composition, etc. Fascinating. And a feature rarely seen in other Tao Te Ching translations. You might think you don't need another translation of the Tao Te Ching on your shelf, but you will love this one.

Best book I’ve read in a long time. Inspired modern translation of an important classic of spiritual literature, about guiding wisdom on how to live a life of peace, harmony and integrity. Beautifully complemented by a collection of profound quotes from many different times and sources. Especially appreciated the very insightful commentary by the authors Notes and Reflections on each verse. Transformational read!

Great translations and interesting quotes that respond to the text. Has helped me think about and reflect on my leadership style. I have enjoyed reading a passage daily.

This is a phenomenal new translation of a classic wisdom text. In this version, he includes a chorus of other wisdom voices--both contemporary and ancient--to accompany the 81 verses of this text (everyone from Thich Nhat Hanh to Mahershala Ali to Madeleine L'Engle to Sojourner Truth to Wendell Berry to Pink Floyd to Buddha to other religious texts). He also brings forward the feminine in the text (he says Tao Te Ching is the most feminine of all ancient religious texts), something I really appreciate as a parent to daughters. In addition to the companion chorus of voices that he's curated, Professor Mullinax also has a short commentary following every verse that I've found really meaningful. He often includes notes on the classical Chinese characters used in the text in his commentaries. (He learned Classical Chinese while living in southeast Asia for several years and he clearly loves this language). This book is really good medicine for what we need more of right now.

The biggest issue I have is that I want to read through it quickly, where it is best to savor a meditation a day. Great quotes, teachings and contemplations for the reluctant and enthusiastic Toaist. I can read the love and attention that went into this book. It inspires one to do the inner work that can create a better world. I have already gifted 2 friends a copy.

What I loved about this translation is its thoughtfulness. You can tell the author is a great teacher and accustomed to reinvigorating ancient texts with new life. There are so many great gems in the text I had to slow myself down and read a chapter each night before bed. To provide color and ambiance to the translations he punches with quotes like a good prize fighter. From a thumper like Mozart: "The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between them." To a quick jab from Michael Franti: "I didn't come here to chill, I came to rock."

This is one of those rare books to keep close at hand to read regularly. Marc Mullinax has a gift for weaving the ancient wisdom of the Tao Te Ching for our current times. He creatively illumines the translation of the text with historical and contemporary quotes. He invites perspectives and practices that can transform our engagement with the world. It is a timely and subversive guide to power that should be essential teaching not only for leaders, but for all of us longing for just and transformative ways to live peaceably in these challenging days. I highly recommend it.

Excellent! This is the most refreshing translation of this classic text since Ursula K. Le Guin. And it is my new favorite. Graceful, thought-provoking, and poetically faithful. The commentary by the author and the inclusion of additional voices by a wide range of historical and contemporary figures provide further layers of inspiration. Read it cover to cover. Then return to it daily. I recommend it highly!

Just recently received my copy, great book so far! I highly recommend it. The Notes and Reflections sections are a wonderful part of the book. Going to order more copies to give away as gifts.