Martial Arts Book Review: Tao Teh King (Nature and Intelligence) by Lao Tzu/Archie J. Bahm


by Shawn Kovacich - Date: 2006-12-07 - Word Count: 353 Share This!

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Lao Tzu's, "Tao Teh King," which is interpreted as "Nature and Intelligence" and translated by Archie J. Bahm.

This book has been referred to as, "One of the simplest yet most profound interpretations of man and nature." And also, "The source for one of the sanest and most enduring of the major religions of mankind."

What follows is an example of the writings in this book. This is number thirty-one.

Weapons have a negative value, for they create fear in others. Therefore, the follower of Nature avoids them.

For when among intimates, one naturally prefers the gentler, more trusting position on the left. And when among enemies, one naturally jockeys for the more strategic position on the right.

Since weapons have a negative value, the intelligent man will have nothing to do with them if he can. But when he is forced to use them, he does so with reluctance and restraint.

He does not admire conquest. For, whoever desires to conquer desires to kill. And whoever delights in murder, cannot inherit the earth.

When things go well, we signify this by honoring the position on the left. When ills prevail, we symbolize this by giving precedence to the position on the right.

In military parades, the second in command, who is ordered to give orders, takes his place on the left. While the first in command, who by himself undertakes to give orders, takes the right hand position.

There is a significant similarity between fighting and funerals. Just as the slaughter of many people should be accompanied by weeping and mourning. So the position in a victory parade should properly parallel those in a funeral procession.

This is one of the best books that you could ever read on Eastern philosophy and should be in everyone's library. All I can say is buy this book and read it many, many times, I guarantee you that you won't ever regret it.


Related Tags: book, philosophy, religion, review, intelligence, nature, martial, arts, lao, tzu, archie, bahm

Shawn Kovacich has been practicing the martial arts for over 25 years and currently holds the rank of 4th degree (Yodan) black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do. Shawn has also competed in such prestigious full-contact bare knuckle karate competitions as the Shidokan Open and the Sabaki Challenge, among others. In addition to his many accomplishments, Shawn is also a two time world record holder for endurance high kicking as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. Shawn is the author of the highly acclaimed Achieving Kicking Excellence™ series and can be reached via his web site at: http://www.kickingbooks.com

Marc can be reached via his web site at: Kyokushin Karate

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