- Single Step Media, 2005">
| |
|

| In English | In Chinese | In Japanese |
| natural energy | chi as in "Chi Gong" | ki as in "Aikido" |
Traditional scroll - "Ki / Chi"
Chi is your natural energy or life force. This character appears in a lot of traditional arts in China and Japan and forms part of words such as, health, steam, weather, feeling and more. It is not associated with any religion in particular, but is an integral part of the Feng Shui system and appears three times in the Tao. If you are looking for a way to add an Asian touch to a room, it may be a good choice.
Made of Rice Paper with silk edges. 27" x 35" (69cm x 89cm). US$36
![]()
No one wants to read a whole book off a computer screen. Fortunately, the Tao is one of the cheapest books you could buy (US$7-$17.50 for the ones I'm recommending here). Ironically, the latest 'Far Side' will cost you double what you'll pay for one of the greatest books in human history. Here's some Taos I've owned and loved:
First timers
Stephen Mitchell's translation is quite modern although it loses some of its classic flavor in the process. Available as a (quite good) audio tape for busy people.
Book version here
Cassette version here
Illustrated
Great prints of Chinese paintings. Otherwise, the same author and translation as above.
Tao Te Ching : An Illustrated Journey
A fresh & different perspective
The Tao of Gung Fu -Bruce Lee - Interesting application of the Tao with surprisingly deep insight. Very little translation, but very practical application. Did you ever see anyone beat Bruce Lee?
The Tao of Gung Fu : A Study in the Way
Comic version
The Sayings of Lao Zi - Asiapac Publications - Great graphics in an easy to read format. More of an interpretation with examples than translation. In two parts, but either one works fine on is own.
Sayings of Lao Zi - Part 1
People who can read a little Chinese or Japanese or
want to study different versions seriously
Robert G. Henricks - Lau Tzu's Tao Te Ching - Features original Chinese text and detailed commentary. Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching
Qigong is one of the fastest growing adjuncts to Western health care. Connecting your body energy with the way of nature, Qigong is one of the Taoist Sciences. This book is for people wanting to know what works and how to use it.
Qigong for Living
A great version of the Tao, titled, The Sayings of Laotzu, is available from Cave Books if you're in Taiwan. There, it is packaged with Lin Yutang's, quite different, translation lot's of extra notes in Chinese, original text, and Modern Chinese. Outside of Taiwan, try this one:
People who can read Chinese fluently or for Christians
R. B. Blakney - Lot's of comparisons to the Greek classics and the Bible in the commentary of the Taiwanese translation. I've not sighted this American edition, but the translation is pretty solid and the price is right..
The Way of Life : Tao Te Ching

Popular alternative
A big hit for years, this a an off-beat, Western perspective featuring the very cute Pooh-bear.
The Tao of Pooh
Another alternative
Many visitors to this site became interested in the Tao after hearing Dr. Wayne Dyer speak. I haven't read this book myself but put it here after recommendations from visitors to this site. Have a look.
Change Your Thoughts -
Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao
Gateway to the Chinese ClassicsYou'll never understand what Lao Tzu or Confucius are saying even if you can read modern Chinese OK. It's like reading Shakespearean English except much harder. If you can read Chinese on an intermediate level, this is the book that will have you reading the classics in no time. Lots of examples and exercises. $17
![]()
That Yin Yang Symbol is so popular it gets everywhere including on these products:
Jumbo Sport Bag with Yin Yang logo
1½" (4 cm) wide shoulder strap with shoulder pad. PVC twill. 14" wide x 32" long x 16" tall (35 x 81 x 40cm). US$45
Yin Yang Adult Long Sleeve T-Shirt
100% preshrunk cotton with design printed on the front, 5.6 oz with shoulder-to-shoulder tape with a seamless collar, and double needle construction throughout.
Yin Yang Keychain
Gold-trimmed pin; 1 1/8" (2.8cm) wide. What else is there to say? US$3

Yin Yang Uniform Pin
Also pretty obvious. Best of all US$1.50
Zoppini Tao Link
It's a fashion trend that some of my friends are fond of, so I thought I'd list this here. If you recognise what it is from the image the I don't need to explain any more. US$18
Yin Yang Door Beads
Gateway Beaded Curtains are 36" x 72" (91x182cm), making them ideal for any standard doorway.
Includes a rugged, wooden crossbeam and eyelets for easy mounting anywhere. US$15
Onyx & Mother of Pearl Small Yin Yang Pendant
14k Gold. The stones are genuine and hand-cut so the actual item may appear slightly different than pictured. US$25
![]()