1 comments about Hara: The Vital Center of Man.

1. This is a fundamentally important book for anyone seriously interested in any of the Eastern "Ways": sitting meditation, martial arts (external or internal), yoga, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, calligraphy etc. The clarity of the author's explanations is surprisingly crisp and practical.

   This book was written in 1956, originally in German, so the grammar is a bit old-fashioned, and "man" is used exclusively for "person", but on the up-side, a refreshing air of unbridled enthusiasm prevails throughout.

   I VERY highly recommend this gem of a book to serious spiritual seekers, martial artists, fine artists, all healers esp body workers, and those wishing to have deeper insight into Eastern philosophy.

5 comments about Taoist Astrology: A Handbook of the Authentic Chinese Tradition.

1. I couldn't believe how accurate the descriptions are of all 60 animal signs! I am born in the year of the Yellow Dog, and the authors even pegged my medical problem, that being stomach ailments for the element earth (the color yellow). As a manager in corporate America, I have used this book as reference to determine the Taoist character traits of my employees. This easy to reference handbook has greatly assisted me in building a successful team. I highly recommend this book for those who lead others because it gives practical insights on how to manage different personalities within a group.



2. I loved this gem of a book! The stories about the animal signs brought the animals to life. Now I have a true sense of how much we are influenced by the animal that lives in our heart. I can even now figure out someone's animal sign just by observing their traits. (And the five elements section is very informative.)



3. Probably one of the best 12 animal/ 5 phases (or element) astrology book that you'll find.
   
   I gave it to my parents and they got a kick out of it. Excellent for beginners and those who want to pursue more into Chinese Astrology.



4. I expected a book with "a handbook of authentic chinese tradition" in its title to present a more in-depth and penetrating insight into Taoist Astrology but this book fails to deliver on the promise.
   
   It is very basic. A good place for an absolute beginner but those with prior knowledge might find it a tad too generalized and be disappointed. If you like to spend an afternoon reading the newspaper or magazine horoscope then this is the book for you.
   
   The Pros? It is an easy afternoon read. The writing is clear and lucid.
   
   The Con? I question the accuracy... read for yourself and you will know what I mean.
   
   Overall... an interesting lazy afternoon read.



5. this goes further than just "you are a dragon, or tiger etc." but is still really accesible. I have found it to be pretty accurate, which is challenging withour casting an entire horoscope/astrology chart.

3 comments about Tao: The Pathless Path.

1. It didn't seem strange to me that this little book had no other reviews at the time I started to write mine. Why, it's an excelent book and not so recently published. But my experience was, as I tried to express my sincere admiration for it, that the words simply became hard to find. I felt in a situation in which I had to "describe what can't be described".

   I'm still reading the book, and from time to time, I just start it over again. There is so much in it. Definitely, the book is a door opener into our own insights. Into the unexpected, the unmanifest. Only a man of Osho's stature could bring us, westerners, the treasures of those ancient, pristine, unpartisan, unadorned revelations. Tao's. Or rather, only he could take us there, close to them: this is spiritual seeker's stuff, no joke. Food for meditators. And at the same time, it is a smart exposition to what I regard as Osho's core views of human development.

   For anyone wishing to flex his/her insight and mediation skills, and then harvest handsomely, I highly recommend it.




2. If you ever wander into the eastern philosphy section of the bookstores in search of "the" tao book that is waiting to catch your eye....This is one of you. This book now follows me around my house and hates living on my bookshelf.
   
   A word of warning to those very deeply rooted in other beliefs...this book could grate at your nerves. This is probably not a very good introduction book for you. Pick up the Tao of Pooh...I own it and love that one too. Tao: The Pathless Path speaks about other religions in a not so positive light. To me I understand completely where the author is coming from in saying these things. Some it has to do with other world religions being too strict as well as blood shed for their beliefs and comparing it to taoism being on the opposite end.
   
   You be the judge. But hopefully you'll give it a chance.
   
   PL&H



3. CAVEAT: Rajneesh was a rather polarizing guru. People seem to have either loved him or hated him. Personally, I am not the personality cult type. I don't mean that in a pejorative sense. It is just that I feel the Wizard, the Guru, the Priest, etc., can't give me anything I don't already have. A guru can tell me how to wake up, but only I can open my eyes. All I know for certain where Osho is concerned is that my awareness seems to increase every time I read one of his books. I have epiphanies. I do not believe a person has to be a saint before they can be of spiritual help to others.
   
   In my opinion Osho's musings are a concentrated dose of reality, a lightning bolt of spiritual insight, a slap across the face of our group amnesia, and yet he usually manages to leave the reader with a word of encouragement where our place in reality is concerned. I may have read somewhere that Osho was a designated walker in a world full of sleepwalkers. Some people definitely loved him. It seems to me that we often find the best face of a person in their writtings. Writing tends to focus one's thoughts. Writing can be a window into a person's soul. Of course, the proof is in the pudding. We know a person's heart by their fruit, not by their words. The fruit of the spirit is love. I am not so spiritually gifted nor too proud to learn from others. Books on Philosophy and Religion can be a great help, they can also be a hindrance and a crutch. Moderation in all things. I digress.
   
   A spiritual rebel Osho pulled no punches where orthodox thinking is concerned. I am reminded of Morpheus in the movie "The Matrix". He wanted us to take the "Red Pill". To wake up and disconnect ourselves from the Matrix of self-deception. To free us from the nightmare world of separation from the whole of existence. To realize that we, like "Neo", are the "One", an inseparable part of the whole. To trust in the Providence of Nature and not in the self-serving machinations of so-called leaders and experts who are themselves lost in a maze of their own devices. To be free to take responsibility for and control of our own lives by simply letting go and following the grain of reality. To be awake. Aware of the process of our awareness. Taoism can seem a bit paradoxical at times.
   
   In this book Osho discusses the essence of Taoism and how it is distinguished from most religions in that it is not so much a religion as it is a way of life. The way of the "Watercourse Way" of Taoism. The path of least resistance. The path that is not a path for there is no place we need to go, no place we truly can go, other than where we already are. Like the eye of a storm our center is still. Our deepest center that is without a surface, the center that is the center of all centers. Osho discusses the "via negativa" way of meditation, of sitting silently and being empty, waiting for God. The way of the Mystics, East and West. He also discusses the "via positiva" approach to theology. The way of the Ascetics. The way of prayer and form. Osho leaves it to us to decide for ourselves which is our tendency. Osho wants us to examine our lives so that we can be true to our own inner natures, rather than merely true to our cultural milieu. (For a more in depth discussion of the Four Paths, the via "positiva", "negativa", "creativa", and the "transformativa", you may want to take a look at Matthew Fox's book "Original Blessing".)
   
   Osho tells us that because the mature Taoist lives in the central still point of existence he or she is not controlled by the vacillations of the outside, but by the calm of the inside. The Taoist is a lover of Freedom. For the Taoist life is worth living. Death is as natural as life. Taoism is an Agnostic faith based upon experience as opposed to doctrine. Taoism is a Democratic way of life. He or she does not believe that ultimate reality can be absolutely known. That the mystery of life is not so much a problem to be solved as a reality to be experienced. Meditation is the art of dying to everything that separates us from the whole of existence, from the eternal Tao, from God. Though we cannot know God with our heads, we can experience God in our hearts. "The tao that can be described is not the eternal Tao". Lao Tzu. God is ineffable. The "I AM THAT I AM" of Exodus 3:14. No one has a patent on God, but we all share the same last name. We are each sons and daughters of reality. Both of the natural and the supernatural. The Kingdom of God is found within. "Be still, and know that I am God". Psalm 46:10.

5 comments about Taoist Qigong for Health and Vitality: A Complete Program of Movement, Meditation, and Healing Sounds.

1. Here's a little book that we've been waiting for for a long time. With visualisation, simple yet powerful movement, and quiet 'song', one is gently lead into the opening up and fine tuning of the energy system of the body.
   My only (slight) regret is that there is no film of Master Sat Hon performing these exercises as yet. He promisies me there soon will be one.
   A book really worth having if you're at all interested in health and the well-being of the body.



2. I felt compelled to return this book after I purchased it. Although the author is a Princeton educated individual (Princeton or some other snob school, I can't remember) he did not have the good sense to include movement arrows to describe the motions. True enough the movements are simple but, it is useless, even dangerous, to do Qigong without special attention to breathing and movement. This culture is too taken by how much education an individual has when it comes to how much weight their opinions matter. For instance, you could have a Tai Chi expert who has been practicing for 60 years but, who only had a second grade education. Most Americans would choose a "master" who has a Ph.D in God know what, but with only 20 years of experience in Tai Chi, as a opposed to a genuine master who has 60 years under his belt, but only went as far as the second grade. Such is the nature of secular arrogance.

   Mr. Hon was educated at a snob university and only has 20 years of Qigong experience and yet, because of this culture's social set up his opinions on certain matters, even spiritual ones, carry more weight simply because he has a degree from that snob school.

   This matter is debatable, but, I think you all see my point. I would also like to point out how the west seeks a "scientific" explanation for everything. I have noticed that, the more secular the work on Tai Chi or Qigong, the more the book sells. I must point out that Tai Chi and Qigong are more than mere excercise; represent a system of thinking and spiritual focus that can not be adequately explained by secular logic. Although Mr. Tsung Hwa Jou does a wonderful job with logic (he was, after all, a college level math professor). Despite Mr. Jou's big degree, he showed a deep respect for the old traditions. Mr. Hon's attitude on his Qigong book had an "okay-here-is-a-Taoist teaching-but-since-I-was-educated-at-Princeton-my-take-on-it-will-be-better-so-here-is-my-opinion" tone. Not Mr. Jou. Despite the fact that Mr. Jou was in a position to do exactly what Mr. Hon did (Mr. Jou did after all, hold a PhD in mathematics), he chose to use his own interpretations for the sake of bringing better understanding rather than changing what was being taught. Basically, since Qigong and Tai Chi both deal with abstraction, he used Mathematical abstraction to help illustrate what was taught to him. Mr. Hon used overly simplistic symbolism that is a bit, shall we say, condescending.

   Don't get me wrong, there are many charlatans and hypocrites in the realm of spiritual thinking and by no means would I encourage anyone to have "blind faith" in any system of meditative thought. Nevertheless, the secular world has its con-artists, golddiggers, and womanizers. Meaning, it is wrong to label spiritual explanations for things as "primitive" or "hokey" when the secular thought we are forcefed in school is not without its own flaws that could easily draw criticism from religious or spiritual minded people.

   Instead of this book I recommend the book "Tai Chi Classics" by Waysun Liao, or "The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan" by Tsung Hwa Jou. Mr. Liao is spiritual without being hokey, and Mr. Jou is both logical and spiritual, giving equal respect to both. Basically, unless you want pedantic overly intellectualized babble lacking in competent instruction, by all means waste your money on this book. However, if you desire quality from men who have a genuine desire to teach you what they know, I strongly recommend the books by Mr. Jou and Mr. Liao. Mr. Hon just seems out to make a buck.

   Beware of false masters and selfish teachers. As Master Wong Kiew Kit quoted in one of his Kung Fu books "it is better to spend to years searching for a good master, than to spend 10 years with a bad one." When it comes to buying a Qigong or meditation book, one does not need to spend that length of time, however, the modern application of that proverb would be that one needs to be extraordinarily careful in chosing written works.

   I hope this was helpful.




3. As a practicing physical therapist for nearly 10 years, and as a personal student of Master Hon's, I have been trained and certified by him in the therapeutic application of the Six Healing Sounds. In my professional experience using the SHS with a wide range of patients in my private practice in NYC, I can attest to their efficacy, the ease with which they can be learned and, most importantly, their safety, especially for beginners. Of course, like any modality, the SHS will work differently for different people, but, in my experience, the effects have been uniformly positive across a variety of different clinical populations.
   
   Personally, after having studied with around 15 different teachers for over a decade (some of whom only spoke Chinese), when I met Sifu Hon almost 10 years ago, I knew that my search for my heart-teacher was over - I can't emphasize enough how rare it is to find a Chinese teacher who is not only well-versed in Eastern classical studies (Taoist, Buddhist) but whose knowledge of English and Western culture enables him to transmit the knowledge without losing it's true essence in the translation. By writing this book, Master Hon has made the benefit of his wide experience in this area available to a much greater audience than he was able to before.
   
   I'd also like to address some statements made by some other reviewers about Master Hon's book. First, in regards to the review by "tendar", while it's ok that he didn't like the book (not everyone will) and although I'm sorry he feels that he wasted his money (can't he just return it?), to claim that the SHS is not a Taoist Qiqong practice is incorrect. I don't know what his background or qualifications are or what evidence he has to support his assertions, but even a little research on Amazon of books available in English would reveal that the SHS is a well-established practice within several different school of Qigong, not just Master Hon's. Similarly, his definition of Taoist Qigong practice - "physical movement, breath control and concentration" - though not wrong per se, is incomplete, and shows a somewhat narrow and superficial knowledge of the topic (he might benefit from re-reading the Dao De Jing or the Chuang Tzu a bit more thoroughly). Overall, it is unfortunate that he chose to couch his comments in such a derisive manner: to say that he (and, by implication, anyone else) would have to live to be 150 to derive benefit from the practice is not witty - it is sarcastic and smug, and ultimately negates the possibility of any constructive dialogue that might arise from a legitimate criticism of the text.
   
   Second, in regards to the individual who identifies him/herself as "a reader", I would first question what his/her real agenda is, as he/she spends very little time actually critiqing the book, choosing rather to make a number of inflammatory, even borderline slanderous remarks about Master Hon that he/she has no way of substantiating. Indeed, he/she seems more interested in presenting his/her general opinion on various topics such as the elitist nature of universities such as Princeton (which he/she oddly referrs to as a "snob school"), the misguided priorities of western culture when it comes to assessing a spiritual teacher's worth, the inability of secular logic to adequately describe spiritual experience, and the various ways in which fake spiritual teachers can mislead the public. While these all are certainly important topics, I am unclear as to what they have to do with Master Hon's book, and why "a reader" feels that this is an appropriate venue to express his/her thoughts on these matters. Quite frankly, the rambling, disjointed and seemingly bitter nature of this review is indicative of an individual whoese opinion is, at best, suspect. Not to mention the fact that he/she contradicts him/herself, by first critcizing Master Hon for being too condescendingly over-simplistic, then for being too intellectual. Furthermore, in my opinion, it is quite offensive to accuse Master Hon of being "out to make a buck", when he/she has no idea what Master Hon's actual motivation for writing the book was (although a quick perusal of the forward will give the reader a pretty clear idea). As you will note from other reviews, most people felt that the book was a welcome addition to their own libraries. I should say that "a reader" offers one useful suggestion, which was that the pictures could have benefited from the use of arrows to show the direcetion of the movements. This is not a bad point at all, and the inclusion of arrows might well indeed facilitate their practice. However, to then proport that this omission would make it potentially dangerous to practice the movements is simply not true. While there are definately many qigong practices that could be very harmful if practiced incorrectly, the SHS as described by Master Hon are certainly not in that category. Unfortunately, like "tendar", "a reader" gives no indication of what credentials he/she has that would enable him/her to reliably make such a statement, and it is actually somewhat disconcerting that both reviers make statements of a technical nature without offering any information as to what their qualifications are. Nor do they provide any information about where they teach or how to contact them directly, leading one to conclude that they possess neither the confidence nor courage to receive an answer to their criticisms. One further point of interest, in regards to his/her high praise for Master Jou, "a reader" might be intereted to know that Master Hon was actually at one point a senior student of / assistant instructor for Master Jou when Master Jou was teaching at, of all places, Princeton! So, following "a reader's" logic, if Master Hon is a snob for attending Princeton, Master Jou was even more of one since he taught there. But maybe he/she didn't know that...Finally, to make an additional correction, "a reader" is in error when he/she states that Master Hon has studied for only 20 years: while Master Hon has been publically teaching for over 20 years, he has actually been studying Taoist practice for nearly twice that amount of time, so his/her criticism of Master Hon as lacking sufficient experience is also without any merit. Overall, "a reader" seems like someone who has a lot of anger and frustration that he/she does not seem to be able to vent through an appropriate outlet, but rather expresses at Master Hon for no apparant reason.
   
   In closing, I would recommend Master Hon's book to anyone who is interested not only in learning a basic qigong routine but who would also like a taste of what it is like to study with a classical Chinese Taoist master. If one reads it with an open heart, one may come to appreciate the essence of Taoist practice in its profound simplicity.



4. There are many books on Taoist exercises. Some are effective, some are frankly, derivative, some are complex, and some are simple.
   
   Mr. Hon's work is simple, effective, and on target. His goal is to provide a series of meditations to bring health and balance to the 5 organs of Chinese medicine and the "Triple Burner" via special sounds, and additional meditations.
   
   His work is focused, yet chatty and even informal, as if he's talking to you directly. Instructions are clear and concise, and he's willing to use metaphors and simple language to make a point, even if they may seem silly (trying to explain how to make specific sounds is rather complex without using examples). I've rarely seen instructions done this well for relatively complex exercises.
   
   If you're interested in Taoist healing practices and healing sounds, or just general health meditations, this is a book well worth reading.



5. ... grow the six healing sounds (that was just to get your attention - they might be the roots). This is unique amoung books on qigong. Not only because of the way it is written, but also because the subject matter is one which Master Hon has researched and used more seriously than many others. Here, the practice of qigong is rounded out, so to speak.
   The book is written in a way that shows a complete understanding of the nature of qigong: the theory and the intentionally abstruse nature of much traditional writing on Taoist practice is handed to you here in a digestible form without compromising anything. Many contemporary books on Qigong are packed with information and diagrams and photos, but can't be easily used or they haven't been fully understood by the heart-mind of the author. In this book, you see that true understanding.
   While the Tao can be expressed in extremely complex and sophisticated ways, it is, as it really is, as simple as the uncarved block -- as dull as the old baby who wrote that famous book.
   The stories Master Hon tells of his own experiences both here and in China are both homey and sophisticated. The folk wisdom is checked against Qigong theory and applied to modern living. This is a book in our language and for all times.
   Concerning the subject matter, it is a serious study of the qigong branch called the Six Healing Sounds, which forms the body of the book. Master Hon opens the way for us to have a very deep understanding of TCM in general through the particular (the Sounds). He has used, taught and tested the Healing Sounds in clinical practice and provides detailed instruction on their execution.
   I URGE those who wrote negatively-critical reviews of this book to just pick one of the healings sounds and learn it. Practice it for a week and see what happens. This qigong is very effective medicine/therapy/love potion or whatever else one needs. This book is out there to help us.

1 comments about The Way of the Champion: Lessons from Sun Tzu's The art of War and other Tao Wisdom for Sports & life.

1. Finest sports book I've read in almost 50 years from the standpoint of a book which personally involves you on every page. A fascinating book written simply but with great thoughtfulness. We bought one for each of our high school basketball players. They can use it for every aspect of their lives. Sincerely,
   
   Ray Card

5 comments about The Inner Teachings of Taoism.

1. Cleary did a remarkable translation of this complicated topic giving the reader an opportunity to comprehend the alchemical symbolism of Taoism.



2. This is a great taoist alchemy treatise. The root text by Chang Po Tuan is presented along with enlightening commentaries. It has helped me understanding the "Secret of the Golden Flower" translated by Richard Wilhelm and introduced by C.G. Jung and revealed the meaning of so many symbols of taoist alchemy.
   Not a very easy reading but it's worth the effort.



3. it is difficult to get lost along the way when you have a book like this in your possession. i've given away a couple copies as gifts. i've recommended this book to several people. this book is sold in taoist temples throughout china. buy this book! a great handbook for taoists everywhere, and people everywhere.



4. One of the best books written on taoist alchemy you will ever find. If you are a serious practitioner i think this book is a must have. Genuinely puts to rest the age old ideas people have that there is some mystical pill for immortality. Very well written and translated. Great read for anyone interested in the deeper meanings of taoist alchemy or willing to give the tao a try.



5. It's all theory, and a more rational interpretation of the symbolism of Taoism applied to spiritual transformation. Interesting but not for the one looking for specific practice.

5 comments about Simple Taoism: A Guide to Living in Balance.

1. This is a beautiful little book that is a pleasure to read. It answered many of my questions about Taoism and gave me some good ideas about how to apply it to my life. Taoist philosophy has a lot to offer for living calmer, with less stress while still getting things done. I highly recommend this book.



2. Simple Taoism provides a handbook for life. Deceptively brief, it explains in plain language the basics of Taoism and builds on these with simple exercises to help you put the theory into practice. It gently persuades you to look at your life again. Stand back and let things take their course - let your true nature emerge. A book that was meant to find its way onto my shelf. Feet on the ground stuff, but providing spiritual insight. An inspiration!



3. 'Simple Taoism' is an essential book for the person seeking peace in an ever growing world of technology and distractions. Stuck in a stuffy shopping centre one morning waiting for the car to be fixed, a sudden desire to escape to the library for a bit of peace and quiet brought me to the book 'Simple Taoism'. I read almost half the book in 2 hours and was so taken by it, I spent a considerable some of money photocopying the rest of the book to read later. 'Simple Taoism' explains itself in such a pure and simple way, you can not fail to understand its message. The book fills you with inspiration and helps you realise that you can experience true life-long happiness if you just stop trying so hard. Everyone is lead to believe that they will reach a point in their lives when they will have every thing they need to be happy, but how long will it take? .If you understand Taoism you will realise that you can be happy now. Through this book you will see that Taoism is just pure wisdom. Taoism is simply derived from observing the ways of nature



4. 
   The book is organized into three parts: 1. History of Taoism, 2. Definition of Taoist Concepts, and 3. Taoism in Practice.
   
   The second section is easily the best, most objective and least analytic. The authors define Tao, Te, wu-wei, ying and yang, p'u and chi. Taoism *is* "simple"; it isn't easy to practice, but far too many authors tend to analyze and over-analyze while defining, which is the precise antithesis of Tao. The second section of this book takes a solid Taoist approach by simply defining the terms; you use them your Way.
   
   The third section, Taoist Practice, represents the authors' mindset. It is how they practice Taoism -- they write about some Taoist arts but not others and don't mention that this was their writing approach. Likewise for The first section, Taoist History. It reads as well-researched but speaks only of certain elements.
   
   The problematic part is that book is written as though all concepts presented are in equal measure the essence of--and necessary to--Taoism, with no mention of elements left out. I bought this for a friend who was interested in the basics of Taoism, and I picked it up to see what I'd be giving him. I ended up reading it; it's very short and fast and I liked it a lot. I thought highly of it. Then when I gave it to him I found that I wanted to explain which elements could be appropriate or not for him, or what he doesn't need to take as "fact" of Taoism as it's presented here.
   
   I've considered Taoism indespensible in my life for over a decade and while this book is quite a good introduction, it has a somewhat one-sided view that's presented as universal, which makes this a good primer course but requires supplemental information. It's unfortunate because the material is good -- if only they would have written that the third chapter, for example, is about the ways *they* practice: e.g., martial art is one of the Toaist arts, much detail is given to it while other Taoist arts go unmentioned. As a first book about Taoism it might be difficult to differentiate between their thoughts and others'.
   
   Overall: Good book. The 2nd section section is worth the price of admission, easily, for its simple definitions of typically over-described concepts. But parts one and three should be taken as the less objective of the three sections.



5. Simple Taoism: A Guide to Living in Balance is a simple book with simple ideas

1 comments about Tao-Te-Ching: The Classic Chinese Work in English Translation.

1. The Tao Te Ching (Dao De Qing) has been identified as a treatise on philosophy or on religion or on magic. Many students of the Tao, especially Westerners, claim it can do everything from curing warts to improving your love life. So what is it really? Well the editor of this version of the Tao Te Ching has suggested it offers as a guide to a "spiritual way" and is the esoteric portion of Chinese classical tradition. Lao Tzu the nominal author of this work would probably say that it cannot be understood through words at all. Given this caveat and warned by the editor of this book that a certain spiritual depth is needed to truly appreciate these writings one has to approach the Tao Te Ching with a good deal of caution.
   
   This book is an especially useful version of the work in that it provides a split text with an English translation beside the original text of the Tao Te Ching, but written in modern characters. The English translation provided by Derek Bryce from the original French by Leon Wieger appears quite accurate and the editor notes that Wieger adhered strictly to the classical meanings of the characters. Each of the 81 chapters of the book also incorporates Chinese commentaries on the original text. Now all translation involves some degree of interpretation by the translator particularly when dealing with non-Indo-European languages. Translation of even modern Chinese is a tough chore because it is based on pictographs and has a very different concept of grammar. All this is further complicated by the fact the Wieger's original 1913 translation was in French and Bryce had to then translate it from French to English. This of course doubles the chances for errors, but they seem to be minimal. All things considered this book appears to compare very favorably with more modern translations of this classic work although some would claim the modern tendency to translate the original Chinese into English poetry reflects the original intent of each chapter more accurately.
   
   So will reading this book make one a Tao `master' and ready to set up shop as Chinese sage? Not even close. Understanding the Tao Te Ching this reviewer suspects is the work of a lifetime requiring developing real knowledge of Chinese classical culture and thought patterns. One can get a glimpse of what this astonishing Chinese classic is about from this book, but a real understanding of what Lao Tzu offers requires considerably more effort than this reviewer at least is willing to commit.

3 comments about The Tao of Democracy: Using Co-Intelligence to Create a World That Works for All.

1. Tom Atlee's The Tao Of Democracy: Using Co-Intelligence To Create A World That Works For All offers the reader a positive viewpoint on and for creating a democracy founded upon wisdom, citizen participation, a culture of dialogue, and in an harmonious balance that encourages the best in people. A thoughtful and philosophical work written specifically to stave off the impending self-destructive side of current civilization, The Tao Of Democracy is recommended reading for students of Political Science and Philosophy.



2. Edit of 21 Dec 07 to add links and comment.
   
   New comment: Tom Atlee opened a door for me, and because of him I have joined the co-intelligence movement and will be publishing an edited work, COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE: Creating a Prosperous World at Peace, both free in PDF form at OSS.Net/CIB, and on Amazon from mid-February.
   
   I see so many things starting to come together around the world and through books. The Internet has opened the door for a cross-fertilization of knowledge and emotion and concern across all boundaries such as the world has never seen before, and it has made possible a new form of structured collective intelligence such as H.G. Wells (World Brain (Adamantine Classics for the 21st Century)), Howard Bloom (Global Brain: The Evolution of Mass Mind from the Big Bang to the 21st Century), Pierre Levy (Collective Intelligence: Mankind's Emerging World in Cyberspace), Willis Harman (Global Mind Change: The New Age Revolution in the Way We Think), and I (The New Craft of Intelligence: Personal, Public, & Political--Citizen's Action Handbook for Fighting Terrorism, Genocide, Disease, Toxic Bombs, & Corruption), could never have imagined.
   
   This book is better than all of ours, for the simple reason that it speaks directly to the possibilities of deliberative democracy through citizen study circles and wisdom councils.
   
   The book is also helpful as a pointer to a number of web sites, all of them very immature at this point, but also emergent in a most constructive way--web sites focused on public issues, public agendas, new forms of democratic organization, and so on.
   
   Still lacking--and I plan to encourage special organizations such as the Center for American Progress to implement something like this--is a central hub where a citizen can go, type in their zip code, and immediately be in touch with the following (as illustrated on page 133 of New Craft):
   
   1) a weekly report on the state of any issue (disease, water, security, whatever);
   
   2) distance learning on that issue;
   
   3) an expert forum on that issue;
   
   4) a virtual library on that issue including links to the deep web substance on that issue, not just to home pages of sponsoring organizations;
   
   5) a global calendar of all events scheduled on that issue, including legislation and conferences or hearings;
   
   6) a rolodex or who's who at every level for that issue;
   
   7) a virtual budget showing what is being spent on that issue at every level; and
   
   8) an active map showing the status of that issue in time and space terms, with links to people, documents, etcetera.
   
   I cannot say enough good things about this book. If the authors cited above have been coming at the same challenge from a "top down" perspective, then Tom Atlee, the author of this book, gets credit for defining a "bottom up" approach that is sensible and implementable. This book focuses on what comes next, after everyone gets tired of just "meeting up" or "just blogging." This book is about collective intelligence for the common good, and it is a very fine book.
   
   Five other books (all I am allowed to link):
   Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World
   Society's Breakthrough!: Releasing Essential Wisdom and Virtue in All the People
   One from Many: VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization
   The World Cafe: Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations That Matter
   The Cultural Creatives: How 50 Million People Are Changing the World



3. Tom Atlee's work illustrates the positive impact citizen deliberative councils can have where divisive public issues stall as intractable conflict.

   Chapter 3 -- Wholeness, Interconnectedness, and Co-creativity -- provides the Rosetta for understanding "co-intelligence" and the qualitative change in conversation when we embrace wholeness, interconnectedness, and co-creativity.

   Want to change the quality of the conversation? Read this book now.

1 comments about Tao Te Ching (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (Barnes & Noble Classics).

1. This was the first time I ever studied the classic of philosophy, the 'Tao Te Ching.' The notes by Yi-Ping Ong are exceedingly helpful, especially considering that I am a silly Westerner that is positively ignorant about Chinese history and culture. Her introduction was also extremely enlightening and allowed even a novice to grasp the major principles of Lao Tzu's philosophy. The translation by Charles Muller was easy to understand (but I cannot compare it to other translations). An excellent book and a truly wondrous philosophy! I wish I could give it an infinite number of stars! To paraphrase the Master: the perfect book that can be reviewed is not the perfect book! This book is simply TOO good for a mere five stars!!!