At the beginning of my spiritual path, Tao Te Ching was heavily influential on me. Is there anyone here who can recommend good English or Finnish translations to this book? I'm mainly looking for translations that seek to translate its meaning, rather than give exact word to word translation, but all recommendations (also commentaries) are welcome. My favorite so far is the one I quoted by Ch'u Ta-Kao. I have also read the Finnish translation by Taoling and the English translation by Stephen Mitchell.Tao Te Ching, Chapter 23 wrote:"To be sparing of words is natural.
A violent wind cannot last a whole morning; pelting rain cannot last a whole day.
Who have made these things but heaven and earth?
Inasmuch as heaven and earth cannot last forever, how can man?
He who engages himself in Tao is identified with Tao.
He who engages himself in virtue is identified with virtue.
He who engages himself in abandonment is identified with abandonment.
Identified by Tao, he will be well received by Tao.
Identified with virtue, he will be well received by virtue.
Identified with abandonment, he will be well received by abandonment."
- Translated by Ch'u Ta-Kao, 1904
I'm also interested to hear your recommendations or opinions on chapters that could be especially relevant to the practice, and philosophy of the Star of Azazel.