Tao Te Ching — Translation by David James Lees
About this Book
Ordained Taoist Master David James Lees offers a graceful, poetic translation of the Tao Te Ching, capturing its meditative rhythm and quiet depth for modern readers.
Through decades of study and travel in China, David encountered the Tao Te Ching engraved on cave walls, brushed on silk, and recited in mountain temples — each echoing the same living spirit. This edition honours that essence through a distinctive dual-line rhythm, reflecting the harmony of yin and yang and inviting gentle contemplation.
The verses speak directly, without commentary, allowing the Tao’s message of simplicity, humility, and clarity to shine through.
Key Themes
- Harmony of Yin and Yang: A rhythmic translation reflecting natural balance.
- Meditative Flow: Language crafted for reflection and inner stillness.
- Authentic Taoist Lineage: Rooted in lived experience and spiritual practice.
What You’ll Experience
Each verse of the Tao Te Ching invites you to pause and feel its energy rather than analyse its meaning. Read one passage a day or immerse yourself in the full text — either way, you’ll sense the Tao’s presence as a companion for contemplation, meditation, and returning to life’s natural flow.
How to Purchase
Available in ebook and print, direct from our store or via Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tao Te Ching?
The Tao Te Ching is a foundational Taoist text of 81 concise verses inviting simplicity, balance, and harmony with the natural Way (the Tao).
Who is David James Lees?
David James Lees is an ordained Taoist Master and teacher focused on sharing accessible Taoist wisdom for modern life.
Is this edition commentary-free?
Yes. It presents the 81 verses without commentary, offering a direct, contemplative reading experience.
What makes this translation unique?
A distinctive dual-line rhythm that echoes yin–yang balance, inviting slow reading, spacious pauses, and gentle contemplation.
How do I use it as a daily practice?
Read one verse a day, pause between the dual lines, then sit quietly in contemplation for a minute or two. Note any thoughts or insights that arise if you’d like to.
Does it pair with Hidden Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching or Echoes of the Tao?
Yes. Use the verse-only edition for pure reading, pair with Hidden Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching for applied guidance and exercises, and Echoes of the Tao for a spoken-word musical companion.
