The Secret Tao

A refreshing alternative to many books on Taoism, this book uses an archaeological and historical approach to uncover the origins of this ancient philosophy. Using illustrations and photographs, D. W. Kreger, skillfully explores evidence that key concepts of Taoism may have actually existed for hundreds or even thousands of years before the earliest known texts by Lao Tzu, who lived 2500 years ago. By reanalyzing the verses of Lao Tzu from this perspective, Dr. Kreger discovered mystical and shamanic elements of Taoism, which have previously eluded scholars and seekers for ages. This book also contains a remarkably fresh, updated translation of the Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu. The translation shows the original Chinese text, a nearly verbatim English translation, and a more readable, figurative translation, side by side for easy comparison. The Secret Tao is well researched and beautifully designed. The book is aptly named. With its new approach and new translation, a previously unknown Secret Tao is finally revealed.