Translations of the Tao Te Ching

A Contribution to Antonio’s Blog by Steven Gregory.

One of the oldest texts in the world, the Tao Te Ching, also happens to be one of the most widely translated books in history. Although its true origins are somewhat unknown, its teachings are said to have began sometime during the Zhou Dynasty, when, as fable has it, a woman finally gave birth to a wrinkly baby with grey hair, after more than 50 years (62 years according to legend) of pregnancy. Laozi, or ‘Old Master’, began teaching himself in the high courts, and soon became disillusioned with the Chinese government and decided to leave. Before leaving however, a guard on China’s border pleaded the wise man to write down his teachings, and thus the Tao Te Ching was born. Composed of 80 chapters, or small poems, Laozi’s teachings deliver a broad spectrum of thought-provoking philosophy that has actually evolved into a religion. Eventually this ancient text was introduced to the West, but unfortunately because there are many cultural and idealistic concepts present in this book for which the West has no knowledge of (or even a word for), the translations are heavily subjective and based on interpretation of the translator. There tend to be three major categories of translations however, the literal translation, the poetic translation, and of course the political translation.

Undoubtedly the most controversial and interpretative chapter is the first. Although across the many translations it expresses the same principal idea, language and diction gives the text different connotations. For example, in the translation by Ursula K. Le Guin, the excerpt, “So the unwanting soul sees what’s hidden, and the ever-wanting soul sees only what it wants” the wording is expressed in a more poetic undertone, suggesting its meaning in not only a physical, but a spiritual sense, unlike the more materialistic translation by S. Mitchell stating, “Free from desire, you realize the mystery.
Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations” which expresses the same general idea, just in a more interpretative and physical sense, rather than with the spiritual aspect. Similarly, Mitchell’s opening chapter states, “The tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal Name” which does attempt to interpret any Eastern concepts, is generally more difficult to understand because of this, compared to the much more flowery “A way can be a guide, but not a fixed path; names can be given, but not permanent labels.” In this translation by Thomas Cleary, the Tao is interpreted to be ‘A way’, a Western idea that does not actually have the same meaning as ‘The Tao’. In fact, the distinction is even made between this ‘way’ as being not a path to follow, but a ‘guide’, even though The Tao is really neither.

In similar fashion, the 77^th chapter is an excellent example of how the Tao Te Ching can be interpreted in a more political sense, focusing on the physical and moral implications amongst a greater society. The excerpt “Those who try to control, who use force to protect their power, go against the direction of the Tao. They take from those who don’t have enough and give to those who have far too much. ” by S. Mitchell chiefly exemplifies this by establishing the presence of the very specific ‘force’ and ‘power’, both words that are usually associated with the government. This is a very political interpretation of the Tao Te Ching as opposed to Yi-Ping Ong’s “It is the Way of Heaven to remove where there is excess and add where there is lack. The way of people is different: they take away where there is need and add where there is surplus” which uses words like ‘excess’ and ‘lack’ that are much more broad and encompassing, thus expanding the overall meaning of the passage beyond just the implied idea of controlling force like a government.

These minor differences amongst the many translations of the Tao Te Ching may not seem like important elements of Taoism, but for a Westerner reading such a translation it may in fact have a surprising effect on that persons view and understanding of The Tao. This is why it is quite important for readers to try and see these various interpretations. This also points to the immense flexibility of the already ambiguous text and philosophy.

Long Time Gone.

Its seems that as soon as Heroes was over I stopped blogging and then, today, one day Before Fugitive’s starts, I come back.

Well, I have a reason for that, I’ve been busy, terribly terribly busy.

My life has been yanked out of its cyclical routine and I was completely dazed and lost, and forgot to come here. It’s a new semester you see, and it looks like, unlike last semester, this one is going to be GOOD!!

I am taking six classes, a full eighteen credit hours, and across three campuses too: One at Downtown, Two at West and three in Main. Which means that I’ve become very familiar with the new Light Rail and the Shuttles that ASU provides.

So this semester I’m taking:

STP 226: Elements of Statistics, which seems fun and I am enjoying, strange, because I usually hate math.

ASM 455: Primate Behavior Lab, which rocks!!! Because Dr. Nash is the instructor and its already a major challenge, making it my hardest class this semester.

ASB 102, because I got bored last semester and failed it. This semester I have a good teacher and the classroom is not full of idiots.

SPA 413: Advanced Spanish Grammar, and yes I very much like it.

SPA 426: Spanish Literature from 1700 to Present, which seems like it will be very interesting, plus the teacher is way smart, and a tad bitchy.

ENG 102: Composition, because I finally finished 101! Yay!!

I’ve also discovered that my much planned and expected trip to London may not work out, because I have no money, well, I have money, just not enough, Britain will have to wait for me, unless I can talk people into giving me money. And a lot of it, right now I’m a whole two thousand dollars short. I may have to find another way for getting the hell out of America. I will try and I swear I will go to London soon, maybe in the Summer if I can find those 2k’s or the Fall semester.

I went to see Underworld: Rise of the Lycans and loved it!! I also went to see Slumdog Millionaire, and I absolutely loved it (they will each get a post later on, after Heroes: Fugitives ep. 1)

The Borders closest to me closed about five hours ago, permanently. I am very, very sad and require coffee to cheer me up.

I’ve read more of Le Guin’s Works, including The Tombs of Atuan, Very Far Away From Anywhere Else, Gifts, and I’m working on The Telling, Changing Planes and The Word for World is Forest.

Oh and January 20 was one of the HAPPIEST DAYS OF MY LIFE!! PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!!

I was very pleased when he cut salaries and finally closed Gitmo! It looks as if America will finally grow a backbone and start respecting Human and Civil Rights. I was disappointed when Obama replied to Hugo Chavez’s congratulations by saying that he (Chavez) was impeding progress in South America, in fact, I’m still pissed at Obama for that, he really needs to stop making the same shitty mistakes that Bush made by pissing off Latin America.

For now, that’s all because it’s very late, or very early depends on how you look at it, either way i WANT COFFEE!!!!

Ciao.

OBAMA WINS!!

Two hours ago my cell phone started ringing like crazy. This was about a minute after Obama was projected as the winner. All of the calls were happy ones, except for one” Arizona Prop 102, passed.

I celebrated nonetheless.

America has finaly elected a African-American to the White House, and after the worst eight years in our recent history, hope is finally back on the table. Not only did Obama win, but the Democratic Party has taken majority both in the House and in the Senate. which means that all of  the bills that were vetoed by our current president, now stand a chance after Obama’s inaguration, and hopefully, we will have a president that will actually do something about the Iraq problem and somehtign about our economic status.

Prop 102 passed. as i’ve said, meaning that the Arizona Constitution now defines marriage as being only between one man and one woman. That needs to change, and in 2010, we will try to change that.

so, all in all

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Church

I went to Church this Sunday.

At first I was bored, because it was incredibly boring (obviously) and because all that everyone seemed to talk about was General Conferences, which i did not watch because i had better things to do last weekend (like sleep) And i really didn’t care about what they were talking about.

But one thing stuck: how blatantly they threw absolute lies about and nobody even flinched (except me) and everyone agreed! I was for a while i was just shocked, then it started to sink it, that is why i am not a believer, and i started thinking, and i realized something huge about people. After the initial shock wore off, I started to get bored again, then they brought up Prop 102, and why they had to vote yes on it. The reasons why made me laugh inwardly, because i thought it would be a tad disrespectful if i did do outwardly.

The man who gave the little lecture (a man i actually respect, somewhat) sadid that never has something like this had happened before (gay marriage) and i started to correct him, but i promised i would behave, so i didn’t tell him that is wasn’t until the last few centuries that gay has been tabboo. Not in the modern sense, but the idea of two men having sex or living together hasn’t been considered wrong until the Roman Emperor in 342 (or 372 i forget) declared gay marriaes illegal, before then it was legal, and it isn’t unheard of high ranking men being married to each other.

But none of this i said there, because i promised i would not.

Then I took part in their close knit community, even though i knew that their close knit community was antagonistic to my life. It was nice, and I realized that i missed out on the concept of community my entire life. Made me kind of sad, that the only times that this kind of togetherness happens is clearly outside of the realm of people like me. I am truly a marginal figure.

So after pretty much being reminded that i belong on the wrong side of the line, I just enjoyed that rare glimpee at what life is like on the other side. Then, the friend who took me to church said soemthign that brought up the amrginal figure thing again: he said that having me in the church would be a great asset, that i was someone who would either take the church forward, or someone who could hinder the church greatly.

I was flattered, because he wasn’t the first person to tell me something very similar.

Country Hunting

So, I mentioned that I was looking for a way out of the United States. (One reader in England warned me that that country sucked, and recommended Spain) And I though I would explore this moving out and away idea further.

Tempe is nice, i like living here. The atmosphere is crowded and a tad older, with just the right hints of the new. Plus, everything I really need is in walking distance. Except fro the movie theather, its just a bit further away than what i would eb confortable walking, mostly becasue there is alot of empty space between both places (where i live and Tempe Marketplace)

I could just stay put, or move elsewhere in the country. San Diego is awesome, except the water there sucks, tastes like fish (but the beach, especially Mission Bay, make up for that) so i have considered ending up some day. Living in Arizona seems like a bad idea, i’ve lived here half of my life anyway, and its been boring (well, Tempe isn’t) It would all be good, if it was not for the overwhelming passive hosility.

So, possibly California, if I were to stay here in the USA. I’m thinking of using leftover scholarchip money to visit oter places in the USA, maybe Florida (don’t know much about) Seattle (same) maybe somewhere in Virginia or Maryland, and i know that at some point i’m going to end up un Manhattan, because the UN Headquarters is there, on International ground.

So countries I’m considering moving too:

Spain, I already speak spanish, not as good as it should be, but much better than most Mexican-Americans, which is saying something. Plus Spain seems like a nice place to live.

England, I still like the idea of London, i’ll have to actualy go there, to see. Plus gay marriage is legal in Britain.

Mexico, going back is always acceptable, except i have no idea if i can pull off permanently living there. Nothing wrong with the country, but some things I love are in short supply in most of the country.

Ireland, maybe i should say somewhere in the UK

Canada, its very calm, and active at the same time. Its a nice place, but a visit is in store.

Countries that caught my attention:

Romania, seems like a history rich country

New Zealand, seems kind of out of the way.

Countries that i would never consider moving too:

Israel, Turkey, China, India and Iran.

SO, right now i’m digging though information about these and other countries, i mean there are about two hundred countries, i’m due to find one with people who are not compete idiots. Hey, maybe Japan? ]

Case being, American politics are bull, life in the US is bull, i want out.

Three Things on The State Press

Three things managed to get my attention in the State Press today. I suspected that like every other day, the school newspaper would have a an article of interest, an engaging cross word, the always awesome Non-Sequitor comic and a bunch of bullshit. I was right.

Expect the bullshit was actually interesting.

The first story was that of “Muggle Quiditch” I have two thoughts on the matter: one, how can you not trip? and two, are you serious? I actually want to go watch, just to see them trip, or to se how horrible it is, that is to say how do they compare to real sports?

Second, was the first analysis of prop 102 that was written not by the usual author, but an entirely different girl. And as compared to the other guy, she is a much better writer. I enjoyed reading it and it was actually a “breath of fresh air” when it came not only to the sticky issue of gay marriage (which i strongly support) but the entire week, which has been strangely depressing, and i have no idea why, might be the nightmares, the lack of sleep, the loneliness, the lack of money, yeah that is probably it, the lack of money.

And Third: Joe Arpaio, who want to be reelected. I feel sorry for the writer of the article, i wonder how long it will be until the cops are knowing on her door for libel of some other shit. actually i wonder how long it will be until i get the knock on my door about this post. Cant be that long, the man is completely insane, power hungry and has no regard for the rules, which he, ironically enough, claims to be upholding.

And finally, Heroes: Villains, I Am Become Death airs today. Which reminds me, the Bhagavad Gita: freaken’ awesome, go read it. NOW!

I’m almost done with it myself.

The Problem With the (early) LDS

“The truth is Roy, there are many people who do not like our church. Somehow simply believing differently than others seems to be the only instigation, yet these people will say and do anything possible to discredit and denounce us. Unfortunately, lies and murder ARE in our past but they deal with lies about us and murder of our innocent members. Church members were beaten, imprisoned, murdered, and driven from their homes in the early days of the church and the US government, that we have always been in support of, didn’t support us when we needed them most. I would recommend reading an impartial history of the church in America and not one film maker’s twisted view of supposed history.”

The quote is from the wall of the Facebook group: LDS Life. Where a Mormon reader responds to another member’s question about the “real” history of the Mormon church, as the issue is addressed in the movie September Dawn.

The movie addresses one of the many massacres at the hands of the Mormons in their early history, and even though i haven’t seen the movie myself, it seems to be incredibly accurate. Of course, like the above comment points out, Mormons have always painted themselves the victims, when in reality, and historically, they are far from it.

I can say, without the shadow of any reasonable doubt, that the actions taken by the US Government against the newly emerged Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was not an act of genocide, but an act of National Security. The leaders of the early Mormon Church, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young standing out, were, in plain terms, not only separatists, but terrorists, who could each of them be charged with several Crimes Against Humanity, not to mention multiple counts of rape, murder, bribery, and treason.

This is not to say that the members of the Mormon church at the time were all criminals, but many of them were, a simple walk though the historic collections at ASU, proves that. Although most modern Mormons are in fact, peace oriented, and overall incredibly kind people, their history, and their leaders, are covered in the blood of innocents who dared to believe something that they (the Mormons) did not.

Perhaps the best example of the arrogance and the threat that Joseph Smith posed was in the governmental system of Nauvoo. (and the current system of government in Utah) Where one man, allegedly chosen by God rules over a city council, whose members all believe him to be the incapable of err, and in turn these rule over Nauvoo. The entire system, aside from theocratic, is more akin to a monarchy. As Joseph Smith himself pointed out, the Lord would deliver the country to him and make him “King”. These ideas, combined with the doctrine of “Blood Atonement” (the belief that a person could, and should, be saved by spilling their blood in sacrifice to the Lord, a glamorized system of Human Sacrifice) and the forced marriages of women and girls to those “chosen” by the Lord surmount to America’s very first, homegrown terrorist and organized crime syndication.

After his death (which of course, i disagree with) Brigham Young emerged as the victor after a set of fights that gave birth to other Mormon factions (much like the death of Mohammed, Jesus, Buddha, and other, less pleasent character’s deaths left several factions vying for power) Of course, this change in government, did not improve the Mormon situation, and eventually led to The Mormon Wars, where armed militias of Mormons led attacks on unarmed non-Mormon civilians in order to take the resources needed to survive their self-imposed exile, and through these actions forced the US Army to openly declare and unofficial war with the Mormons, leaving countless dead on both sides fo the conflict. Thankfully these conflics lasted only months and eventually, after the death of Young, the Mormon Church was able to settle down, into a moslty respectably group of people.

The Creepy Obama Video and the Hilarious Responses

Floating round online is a video of a bunch of kids singing a Obama-themed “Change” song. The video is very creepy, because of the monotonous voices and the rhythm. What really caught my attention though, were the responses: they were at best, ignorant, stupid and downright comical comments.

They ranged from just a “creepy” to extensive comparisons with Chairman Mao, Hitler and one elusive comment about Cuba. But they all had one thing in common: they were appalled at the idea of praising or venerating a human. they all, in some way, shape or form, had the words: God Save Us, God have Mercy on America, I Will Pray for this Country, et cetera. Which made me think: Why praise something that’s imaginary? Why not recognize humanity’s achievements?

I admit Obama is not the best choice for president, but he is good at getting people fired up. That is to be admired, except everyone on the Right seems to think that its because he’s some sort of Antichrist.

I’ve noticed before now, that individual humans are discouraged from taking credit for things, they are encouraged to ignore one man’s achievements. But where I grew up, in Mexico, we are inspired by these men and women, we honor them because they are fine examples of humanity. They are our best members.

There is Francisco Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Benito Juarez, Miguel Hidalgo, Jose Maria Morelos. To us they are national icons, men who dared to stand up. But in America, I don’t see monuments, it is as if were forgotten that a man can do great things. As if everyone is just expected to hold their heads up high because everyone else is doing it. So many people, of course, claim the America is the best there is.  I would argue against that, America is far from the best, in my opinion, it is one of the worst. We cry about human rights violations abroad while flaunting our disregard for them at home. We say we’re the smartest, and yet we still teach our children that “God did it” is as good as a scientific answer. As Fidel Castro put it once : “Cada nino Americano sabe bien quien es Mickey Mouse, pero no saben quienes son sus lideres”

America has the potential to be a great nation, a land where people can truly be free, but at every step, we are undermined by religion, fear and a sense of collective arrogance. From the idea that this nation was “Founded n Christian Principles” to the idea that “God is using America for the greater good” our intelligence is being robbed by fear and superstition, and yet, the same people responsible for this cry about how they feel sad that our country is going down the hill, because of “socialists’ like Nancy Pelosi.

I haven’t been to many other countries (In fact, I’ve never been outsie North America) but I feel like other places, other countries might be better to live in. I’ve been considering London, it trikes me as odd, that I may be the only American just waiting for an opportunity to get out, while so many people are dying to get in.

Why I Did Not See The Presidential Debates.

This Friday, were the first presidential debates, and i opted not to watch, listen or read about them. Odd right? me not caring? But i have a reason, a few actually.

One: is quite simply, i am tired of all the bullshit. Obama lies, McCain lies, they throw shit at each other and then everyone is either happy or angry.

Second: Other than a few people who care, and who have also already chosen a side, nobody watches the debates, and no one can sincerely say that their vote is going to swing this late in the race. There may, MAY, be one or two people, but most people have already made up their minds and are watching with a bias. Besides, it’s not like rational thinking has an impact on Americans, we tend to just go with what mommy and daddy say, so there really is no point to them watching, the very fact of their birth has already chosen for them.

Third: I went to a movie. I saw Burn after Reading. It was an awesome movie, but it is not worth buying on DVD.

Fourth: Mongolian Food Rocks.

Fifth: I already knew what each candidate was going to say, I’ve heard them say it before, and I really didn’t want to hear it again. And the bailout plan in Washington is likewise giving me a headache, the thing is simple really: create a committee. We do it for everything else, why not this plan? Why argue needlessly over something both candidates agree on: Paulson cannot be trusted to handle it alone, and needs supervision. So, create a temporary committee to reside over the handing out of the money, make sure that the corporate leaders get a payout (otherwise they’ll never agree) but a small one, and make sure that the money does not go into the wrong pockets. Its simple really, almost elegant.

And Finally: Yeah, i’ve covered it all.

Why the Tao Te Ching (daodeking) Can Never Be Briefly Disscussed.

First day of ENG101 (yes, i am picking on the class again!, but I bring this up again for a reason, as previously mentioned, born in my ASB102 class)
We had a small discussion about Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. One student said that one chapter in particular (Chapter 3: Hushing in Ursula K. LeGuin’s translation, my favorite version) where it says:

  So the wise soul
  governing people
  would empty their minds,
  fill their bellies,
  weaken their wishes,
  strengthen their bones.
 
meant that the wise government would have to keep their people in ignorance. But this idea is completely contradictory to the fundamentals of Taoism. Especially if taken in context, not only with the culture, but with the rest of the text. For example, as i told Rob, my favorite chapter, Taoing says:

  The way you can go
  Isn’t the real way
  The name you can say
  Isn’t the real name.

As LeGuin says:

  “to those who will not admit morality without a deity to validate it, or spirituality of which man is not the measure, the firmness Lao Tzu’s morality and the sweetness of his spiritual council must seem incomprehensible , or illegitimate, or very troubling indeed.”

  So, the very idea that a government would act while keeping ignorance among the people could be understood, especially after reading Chapter 17, it again appears that the ideal leader should be manipulative and keep the people without thinking. But the meaning, once place d in context, is just the opposite.

Once such ideas begin to be understood or discussed there is a tenancy to forget the the original purpose of the Tao Te Ching was not to be a manual for leaders, but a guide to the Tao. literally, the having the Way guide the Way. much like the concept (or non-concept) of Zen.

Back to the point I was trying to make. The Tao cannot, and should not be summarized. It is not responsible, and not beneficial either to the students or to the Tao itself.

By the way, I strongly recommend reading the Tao Te Ching, several times of course. I read a chapter or two every day. I am not a spiritual person, or religious, but I read of the Way and I try to live in the Way. I especially recommend LeGuin’s translation. other translations are very forced, and forcibly translated in order to have political meaning. LeGuin’s version is translated with the poet in heart. Translated for the sake of Tao and beauty, not for classroom politics, and Western obsession with dry ideologies.

Actually I recoment all of LeGuin’s Works, especially The Telling, and Gifts. Both are beautifully writen and, if you really must, have deep meanings and parallels in society today/