Best Taoism Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 5, 2023

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Taoism books are widely recognized as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the principles of Taoism. These books provide a comprehensive understanding of the ancient Chinese philosophy, including its core beliefs and practices. The texts range from introductory books for beginners to advanced texts for experienced practitioners. They cover a diverse range of topics, including Taoist meditation, spirituality, and philosophy. Some of the most popular Taoism books include "Tao Te Ching" by Lao Tzu, "The Tao of Pooh" by Benjamin Hoff, and "The Taoist Classics" by Thomas Cleary. With their insightful teachings and practical advice, Taoism books are an excellent guide for anyone seeking a more balanced and harmonious life.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Tao Te Ching Cover #TOP 1
Tao Te Ching
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics) Cover #TOP 2
Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics)
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao Cover #TOP 3
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Taoism Books

Tzu, Lao
Torode, Sam
Goddard, Dwight
Independently published
Sep 2, 2019

The Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese text that offers meditations on the nature of the Tao, the source of all existence. This edition, translated by Sam Torode, makes the ancient work accessible to contemporary readers with poetic language. The Tao Te Ching is beloved by seekers all over the world, and this particular edition has received high praise for its memorable quotes and lightweight travel size. The book offers wisdom that can be read in half an hour or a lifetime and is a testament to humanity's connection to the universe.

Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics)

Lao Tzu
Stephen Mitchell
Harper Perennial Modern Classics
Sep 5, 2006
Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics) Cover
Tao Te Ching: A New English Version (Perennial Classics)

The Tao Te Ching: A New English Version by Stephen Mitchell is a bestselling and widely acclaimed translation of Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching, providing advice that imparts balance and perspective. The book teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao – the basic principle of the universe. Mitchell's rendition of the Tao Te Ching is gemlike lucidity that is radiant with humor, grace, largeheartedness, and deep wisdom. Overall, this book is a treasure, and Mitchell's great talent is to communicate with profound simplicity, making the obscure transparent and available.

Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao

Dyer, Dr. Wayne W.
Hay House Inc.
Jan 1, 2009
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao Cover
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao

Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer is a motivational self-help book that offers 81 distinct essays on how to apply the ancient wisdom of Lao-tzu to the modern world. Dyer has compiled the entire 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching and has reviewed hundreds of translations to provide balanced, moral, spiritual advice and guidance. Each chapter focuses on living the Tao and concludes with a section called "Doing the Tao Now." This is a book that will change the way you look at your life and offers the opportunity for positive change.

365 Tao: Daily Meditations

Deng, Ming-Dao
HarperOne
Jul 17, 1992
365 Tao: Daily Meditations Cover
365 Tao: Daily Meditations

365 Tao: Daily Meditations is a contemporary book that offers daily meditations on the Taoist way of life. The book is authored by Deng Ming-Dao, who is an expert in qigong, philosophy, meditation, and internal martial arts. The Tao is a way of life that flows through all life, and harmonious living is to move with it. The book is a great resource for individuals seeking to be in harmony with themselves and their surroundings. The book has been translated into fifteen languages and is a must-read for anyone interested in meditation and the Taoist way of life.

Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching: A Book about the Way and the Power of the Way

Le Guin, Ursula K.
Shambhala
May 14, 2019
Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching: A Book about the Way and the Power of the Way Cover
Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching: A Book about the Way and the Power of the Way

Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, translated by Ursula K. Le Guin, is a fresh and socially relevant take on the great spiritual-philosophical classic of Taoism. The book offers an unparalleled window into the text’s awe-inspiring teachings and their inestimable value for our troubled world. Le Guin's translation is jargon-free, faithful to the poetic beauty of the original work, and conveys humor, insight, and beauty. This book is highly recommended for readers who are discovering the text for the first time or for those who have been longtime readers of the Tao Te Ching.

Laozi
Stephen Mitchell
Harper Perennial
Jan 1, 1900

The Tao Te Ching, also known as the Book of the Way, provides insights on how to live a balanced and serene life. The book offers advice on various aspects of life, including good governance, love, and business, all rooted in the basic principle of the universe, Tao. Stephen Mitchell's version of the text has been widely acclaimed for its lucidity and profound simplicity, making it a gift to contemporary culture. Overall, the Tao Te Ching is an essential read for anyone seeking wisdom and perspective in their daily lives.

Tao Te Ching: With Over 150 Photographs by Jane English

Lao Tzu
Feng, Gia-Fu
English, Jane
Lippe, Toinette
Needleman, Jacob
Vintage
Nov 1, 2011
Tao Te Ching: With Over 150 Photographs by Jane English Cover
Tao Te Ching: With Over 150 Photographs by Jane English

The Tao Te Ching book, translated by Jane English and edited by Toinette Lippe, has been a bestseller for almost two generations. The revised edition reflects the Classical Chinese in which it was initially written, while considering changes in our language. With over a hundred new photographs by Jane English, this oversized edition expresses the vast spirit of Tao. The philosophy of Lao Tsu is simple: accept what is in front of you without wanting it to be different. In the clarity of a still and open mind, truth will be reflected. Overall, the book offers a useful and beautiful volume that everyone should read.

Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy

Mantak Chia
Michael Winn
Aurora Press
Sep 1, 1984
Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy Cover
Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy

The book "Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy" by Aurora Press reveals the ancient sexual practices of the Taoist sages. It teaches higher Taoist practices for alchemical transmutation of body, mind, and spirit, and the secret of achieving and maintaining full sexual potency. The book also explores the Taoist valley orgasm - a pathway to higher bliss, and how to conserve and store sperm in the body. This book is a must-read for those interested in the ancient Taoist sexual practices and the secrets of achieving a higher level of sexual energy and spirituality.

#TOP 9

Living the Wisdom of the Tao: The Complete Tao Te Ching and Affirmations

Dyer, Dr. Wayne W.
Hay House Inc.
Mar 1, 2008
Living the Wisdom of the Tao: The Complete Tao Te Ching and Affirmations Cover
Living the Wisdom of the Tao: The Complete Tao Te Ching and Affirmations

This book, Living the Wisdom of the Tao: The Complete Tao Te Ching and Affirmations, presents readers with the opportunity to internalize and experience the great wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. The author, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, has pieced together 81 verses from hundreds of translations and created corresponding affirmations for each verse. The book offers divine guidance on virtually every area of human existence and encourages readers to change their lives by changing the way they think. Overall, this motivational self-help book from Hay House is a valuable resource for those seeking to live a more fulfilling life through the teachings of the Tao.

#TOP 10

Tao Te Ching

Tzu, Lao
Lau, D. C.
Penguin Classics
May 30, 1964

The "Tao Te Ching" is a collection of wise sayings attributed to Lao Tzu, the founder of the Taoist religion in China. Penguin Classics has published an updated version of this classic work, translated by award-winning translator Jonathan Star. The book encourages a moral code based on modesty and self-restraint, which leads to a harmonious life. This edition includes introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors. The "Tao Te Ching" is a must-read for those interested in philosophy and spirituality, and Star's translation provides a fresh perspective on this timeless work.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main book for Taoism?

The key book of Taoism was compiled around the 3rd century BCE. It's called the Tao Te Ching (Dao De Jing or Daode Jing) - The Way and Its Power, and is also known as the Lao-tzu.

2. What are the 2 important books of Taoism?

With the two most important of these texts being the Tao-te Ching and the Chuang-tzu, these texts give the modern world a glimpse into the ancient Taoist beliefs concerning the nature of the universe and the life of man.

Editor's Notes

During our taoism book research, we found 1,200+ taoism book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 36,929 customer reviews through our big data system to write the taoism books list. We found that most customers choose taoism books with an average price of $12.28.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.