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The Way of Chuang Tzu (Second Edition)

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The Way of Chuang Tzu (Second Edition)

By: Thomas Merton
Narrated by: Greg Chun
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About this listen

Classic writings from the great Zen master in exquisite versions by Thomas Merton, with a preface by his holiness the Dalai Lama, now in audio for the first time.

Working from existing translations, Thomas Merton composed a series of his own versions of the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of Chinese philosophers. Chuang Tzu, who wrote in the fourth and third centuries BC, is the chief authentic historical spokesperson for Taoism and its founder, Lao Tzu (a legendary character known largely through Chuang Tzu’s writings). Indeed, it was because of Chuang Tzu and the other Taoist sages that Indian Buddhism was transformed, in China, into the unique vehicle we now call by its Japanese name: Zen.

The Chinese sage abounds in wit and paradox and shattering insights into the true ground of being. Thomas Merton, no stranger to Asian thought, brings a vivid, modern idiom to the timeless wisdom of Tao.

©1965 The Abbey of Gethsemani (P)2018 New Directions Asian Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Poetry Themes & Styles World Literature China Taoism Classics
All stars
Most relevant
The book of Zhuang Zi may be the most important text in Daoism, but like many within this genre, is difficult to understand.
This volume, by a Christian Monk, takes the most readily understood parables from Zhuang Zi's teaching and compiles them into an hour of easy listening.
Note that half the actual audio is introductory material which can seem overly long and could possibly tire the reader out before getting to the main bulk of the argument. However, the narrator is very clear and maintains the readers interest.
The main concepts are non action, acceptance and Harmony with the world. They may sound simple but the anecdotes help the listener understand and absorb these life lessons. So in many ways it's a pre modern self help book.
This volume serves as a good introduction, but I would recommend the reader equip themselves with an unabridged version of Zhuang Zi's full book and be prepared to read and reread certain chapters. Worth it because it is highly rewarding.

A decent abridgement of the key ideas

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The narrator speaks a little too fast (which can be slowed down) and the main body of the book is not separated into chapters, which is a real shame. The selections themselves are fine and intro is okay (if you're a Christian I suppose you'd get more out of it). Merton was clearly dissatisfied with Christianity but for his own reasons stuck with it to the end.

Not Bad Overall.

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I felt deceived. It doesn’t mention that it would be scattered with Christian propaganda and references. Typical arrogance of a Christian. Do not recommend.

Too much Christian propaganda.

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