Laozi

QUEST FOR THE ULTIMATE REALITY

by Jingwei ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 26, 2012

Jingwei offers a new translation and analysis of an ancient Chinese text.

Serving as an archivist for the imperial court of the Zhou Dynasty (circa sixth century B.C.E.), Laozi postulated that the universe was formed by Dao, the benevolent spirit of the bellows, who creates and asks nothing in return. Laozi compiled his thoughts in the Dao De Jing, encouraging readers to model their actions after the nurturing Dao: “He suggests reconciliation in response to grievance suffered, and to embrace the gentle, feminine way in life.” Jingwei gives readers all 81 chapters of the Dao De Jing, in both the original Chinese and in English translation. These are followed by sections labeled “Laozi’s thinking,” which breaks down the text further, and “Comments,” which delivers a more modern interpretation of the text. Following the 81 chapters are supplementary sections that analyze the text by theme—“On Fears and Crises”; “On Femininity Appreciated”; “On Freedom”—as well as some thoughts on the composition of the text and the intentions of Laozi. Jingwei has used a very small font for his debut book so that each chapter fits on one page. The volume’s 200-page length belies the amount of material found therein. Jingwei’s translation remains clear and easy to follow, and the notes further clarify the text. Chapter 61, for example, begins: “Whatever big nation, be low flowing (humble) / Be the world’s female.” “Laozi’s thinking” reads: “For big nation, be humble; be like the mother of the world.” The “Comment” reads: “Here Laozi simply urges nations to behave with humility to avoid conflicts with each other.” The reiteration of each concept (in verse, then ancient note, then modern note) has an almost meditative effect on the reader, and the frequent use of metaphors from nature allows discussions of conflict and strife to be removed from any emotion-laden, real-world context. Jingwei occasionally falters in his English, though never in a way that makes his intention unclear. He states that his purpose in this translation is to bring the text to a wider audience, and in this he has succeeded.

An accessible and informative presentation of the Dao De Jing.

Pub Date: Oct. 26, 2012

ISBN: 978-981-07-3758-0

Page Count: 206

Publisher: Jingwei Publishing

Review Posted Online: March 29, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2016

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION