3 comments about The Tao of Teaching: The Ageless Wisdom of Taoism and the Art of Teaching.

1. Lao Tzé, himself beeing a teacher. Greta Nagel, herself beeing a supervisor of lecturers, this book helps teachers to refind time, enthousiasm and inspiration for teaching children and learning themselves about the easy way of living without stress.



2. "The Tao of Teaching" is an excellent book for both new and old educators alike. Not only does Ms. Nagel provide beautiful interpretations and wonderful explinations of the 81 principles of "Taoism" she does so through the every-day practices of teachers like ourselves. I found the book to be an excellent form of encouragement, helping me to search deep within myself to find those qualities that make me an efficient teacher. The book also provides practical examples of teaching in a way that not only brings joy to the children, but also to ourselves. I highly recommend this book to all teachers and educators, of all religious denominations!



3. This book is very philosophical and shows practical ways others have applied the ideas within. I found it to be a very easy read and each chapter stirred the brain juices. Have a notebook handy to jot down ideas.
   
   While I do not agree with everything, and at times it felt like I was reading "How to be a Jedi and a teacher!" the book is a joy and worth the read.
   
   Two warnings: First: This book is not based on any empirical evidence from researchers. It is solely based on the observations of the author in the classrooms of three teachers and how they unknowingly(?) have implemented the Tao in their teaching and how the Tao can influence your teaching. Second: If you do not believe the best learning comes from the student and not from the teacher, then you will gain very little from reading this book. You will think it hogwash that students could actually have ideas and take true responsibility for their education.

5 comments about The Secrets of Chinese Meditation: Self-Cultivation by Mind Control As Taught in the Ch'An, Mahayana and Taoist Schools in China.

1. An excellent introduction to the various meditation techniques used by Buddhists and Taoist. A very important message regarding meditation is that the quality of one's meditation is directly proportional to one's virtue. Cultivate virtue and your meditation will be successful. The chapters on Zen and Pure Land meditation techniques are highly recommended. Patriarch Hsu Yun's discourse on using the "hua tou", or koan, is extremely valuable.



2. An excellent book on meditation. Very well written and comprehensive. This book should not only be read, it should be studied. I learn something new from it every time. This is a scholarly work, but it is not difficult to understand. The book is scientific in its study of the mind and how to bring about its control. It has none of the fluff that is associated with some new age books. This book has all substance. It has been in print for dozens of years, and little wonder. It is excellent.



3. This is an interesting book. I have long been a fan of this author after reading a wonderful translation of the Diamond Sutra he did years ago. Here he has laid out the basics of several types of "self cultivation" practiced for centuries in China. He has done so using an interesting style, wherein the bulk of the book is devoted to extensive quotes from original source texts of bygone masters. His own commentary is kept to a minimum, and the reader is left to make his/her own comparisons and conclusions. Starting off with an exposition from the Surangama Sutra, he then deals in turn with the techniques of the Ch'an (Zen), Pure Land, T'ien T'ai (Tendai) and Taoist schools. A larger amount of time was spent on the latter than seemed warranted, and the source material quoted seemed less directly related to most people's practices than the others, but it was still interesting. I was particularly pleased to have such a clear explanation of the Ch'an school, something hard to find in the other writings about it that I have read.



4. As a novice, I found this book troublesome. While the information is very interesting for my Buddhist study, it offered me little practical help in my meditation practices. I do enjoy the text for its readings and explanations of the various schools of Buddhist thought. But I have found better texts and more helpful texts when it comes to instruction on personal meditation.



5. This text deserves all the praise heaped on it by one of the reviewers.There is not a wasted word in it. It is thoroughly practical, and rightly so, because (a) based on the teachings of experienced masters and (b) translated by an eminent lay-practicioner. Master Hsu Yun (1840-1959) recommended that Lu KUan Yu (Charles Luk) should present these texts. Be it the Surangama Sutra, Ch'an (Zen,T'ien Tai or Taoism,everything is presented clearly - allowing for the fact that only a practicing reader - will find the meaning between the lines.One reviewer found the 'Taoist' section difficult,but it is based on the teachings of Chao Pi Chen, a famous Taoist, known all over China, before the revolution. The detailed notes on T'ien Tai practice are for the most part drawn from Master Yin Shih Tsu, an eminent practicioner who cured himself of T.B. - using these techniques. This book is a treasury of helpful advice and relevant information.

5 comments about Taoist Meditation.

1. This book is not actually a "how to" manual, rather, it is a series of talks on selected subjects such as "Virtue, Respect, Thoughts, etc." It not only speaks on these relevant subjects but makes it clear that a person should carry meditation through everyday life. Attention, and Awareness is the cornerstone of Buddhism and Taoism and in this book, it is presented in the taoist version. Benefits of meditation are also discussed. These include physical as well as psychological. A very relevant book for our fast paced lifestyles.



2. First, the name is somewhat misleading. Think of it more as documents that meditate on Taoism and have some information useful to meditation.

   That being said, this is a great book. It has a variety of interesting and useful essays, and is well worth repeated reading and comparative studies. Indeed, I can honestly say that some of it helped me in integrating meditative techniques effectively.

   This isn't for beginners - this is for people seriously studying Taoism, but its definitely worth it.




3. quite possibly the most amazing book i have ever picked up. in only thirty minutes with this book i reached a level of stillness that i could not even concieve of beforehand, much less attain. i recommend it for anyone interested in taoism or meditation... or even their mental or physical health. the passages are short, gripping, and insightful. a truly wonderful book.



4. I have delighted in this and other oriental 'translations' by Cleary, Wong, and others (Japanese Cult of Tranquility, Durkheim; 'Nature's Finer forces, Rama Prasad, readable online.) Some of this advice about breathing and perspectives on health is somewhat useful. Israel Regardie's books, and Rama Charakas' 'Science of Breath' is also good.
   
   However, I must put forth that Emma Curtis Hopkins' 'Scientific Christian Mental Practice' is one of the finest things I have ever read in this direction. I would also add the new edition of 'High Mysticism ' from the DESERT CHURCH OF THE LEARNING lIGHT in Ohio, and her pamphlet ' The Resurrection.'



5. the book ofter nothing new about meditation, lots of theory and mellow ideas. Not a true meditation method.
   i suggest ReikiTummo.com where someone can learn the what true meditation is really about and what it take to do it. because all publish books on the market ,tons of newagey author all miss the mark sadly to say.

5 comments about Taoist Feng Shui: The Ancient Roots of the Chinese Art of Placement.

1. Ancient Taoists developed feng shui from an understanding of universal energies, and this guide traces its history and how its knowledge has evolved in conjunction with basic Taoist beliefs. More than just a 'how to' guide, this examines the spiritual foundations of feng shui concepts.



2. Susan Levitt has done a fantastic job of pulling together the ancient art of Feng Shui into a format that is understandable and very useful around the house and office. I am very pleased with the results, and I was fortunate enough to see financial, health, and relationship changes for the better.



3. This is the only book that explains the wisdom and spirituality of Feng Shui in a way that is practical. I read it cover to cover in one sitting because it reads as exciting as a mystery. It was fun to picture in my mind how to apply the info to my own home as I read. Two thumbs up and six stars!



4. A wonderful guide to the Chinese practice of placement from a Taoist perspective. Offers traditional Taoist aspects of feng shui, including the Lo P'an Compass and the I Ching, as well as the relationship between feng shui and Taoist astrology. Also includes information on the Ba Gua Map and the Five Elements, including many examples of how to arrange rooms and counter negative energies in your home or office.



5. I really like practical information and this book is full of it. It was clear and easy to read. I especially thought the insightful chapter on the five elements very applicable to everyday life. I have seen results from the suggestions in Susan's book.

5 comments about Tales of the Taoist Immortals.

1. This book gives you the stories of all the famous Taoist immortals, from Lu Tung Pin to any you can think of pretty much. Eva Wong takes the stories from those she heard from storytellers in Hong Kong when she was young, and as such, they are entertaining as well as informative. There's not a whole lot to this book, but if you're looking for information on a certain Taoist immortal, it will probably be in here.



2. Eva Wong has taken tales of Taoist immortals of various kinds, and their mystic fellow-travellers, and compiled them into this wonderful, readable book. Most of these tales come from her childhood, and have that feeling of listening to the very storytellers she listened to.

   No attempt is made to reconcile the stories, they are merely presented simply and effectively. So you'll meet Immortals who ascended to the Celestial spiritually and others who perfect the pill of immortality, sages and politicians, ner-do-wells and royalty. This provides a wonderful view of different stories surrounding these colorful and interesting characters, presented without attempts to bend them to a mold.

   Eva Wong has translated many documents, but this one, from the heart, is as important, stimulating, and interesting as anything that's passed through her capable hands. Indespensible for any student of Taoism, legend, and Chinese culture.




3. The stories in this book are from Eva Wong's childhood - stories told about Chinese heroes and Taoist Immortals.
   
   Stories are divided into five sections; The Eight Taoist Immortals, Sages, Magicians, Diviners and Alchemists.
   
   In Taoist tradition, the stories of immortals are meant to teach as well as to entertain. Even the immortals themselves learned lessons in these tales.
   
   Taoist immortals are as diverse as any group of people. Some were healers, some were teachers, some were social activists and politicians. Some cultivated the Tao by living in seclusion, others lived in society but shunned the values of the establishment.
   
   Despite their diveristy, the immortals had several things in common: they were interested in the Tao at an early age, they shunned fame and fortune, and they lived simple and unencumbered lives.



4. "The secrets of the Tao are transmitted only to the right person, even if you only meet him casually on the street."
   
   I loved the stories in this little book. I found them to be both inspiring and comforting- this would make a great collection of bedtime tales for either children or adults.
   
   There is just something consistently inspiring about the Immortals. They all share the same core characteristics: interest in the Tao at an early age, the shunning of fame and fortune, generosity, and the living of simple and unencumbered lives. Even when approached by the Emperor with high position and riches the typical Taoist immortal responds with "thanks, but no thanks." And if they do accept the task of advising a great lord for the good of the empire, they get out before the decline and the purges start. Oh yes, and they almost always have an excellent sense of humor.
   
   The stories are divided into the Eight Immortals (the archetypical patterns of what it means to be an immortal); the Sages (the greatest of the scholars and patriarchs to achieve immortality- including Lao-Tzu, Chang-Tzu, Wen-Tzu, and the Yellow Emperor); Magicians; Diviners; and Alchemists.
   
   If you think that you know something of Chinese culture through chop-socki films and Chinatown, you owe it to yourself to immerse yourself in this book. You'll find yourself much closer to the heart than to the fringes. And there is more than a little Taoist wisdom to be absorbed here.
   
   "Whether you are a noble or a commoner, rich or poor, famous or unknown- at best you'll end up as a ghost. My destiny lies beyond this."
   
   Lin Ling-su



5. In her introduction, Wong states her objections to other books that come across as dry, historical records. She wants the voices of the masters, not lists of dates and places. She has written her book accordingly. These are readable, non-academic stories of Taoist sages and masters. Dozens of different masters are presented, each in a short and readable anecdote. At the end of the story about some master, a few lines state the era and area in which [s]he lived, if known.
   
   This book's goal is its weakness, however. It present each famous name in isolation, with no organization by place, time, or school of thought. It's almost impossible to get any sense of continuity, or sense of which sages lived at the same time. Some are simply identified as having lived in some dynasty - a span of a thousand years. It would have been nice if the information were just a little more specific.
   
   Also, the relationships between different immortals and different Taoist traditions are rarely spelled out. Chuang Tzu, a major author, gets the same three or four pages as any other. The more practical sages are lumped in with the ones who founded the alchemical tradition, blurring distinctions that I find worthwhile.
   
   It's an interesting and lively set of stories, but unsastisfying for any reader who wants more historical information.
   
   //wiredweird

5 comments about Wen-Tzu (Shambhala Dragon Editions).

1. I frankly had some difficulties with Lao Tzu. It may be due to the fact that the book's popularity invites too many "free" translations and "interpretations". This book is more unknown, but that means that the translation is a bit more scholarly. Wen-Tzu does explain essential aspects of taoism, and how to include them in your everyday life. He is clear where Lao Tzu is obscure, and practical where Lao Tzu is philosophical. Simplistic, but not simple - all of these teachings are easy to understand, but take years to really sink in.



2. Historically, Wen Tzu is said to have been a student of Lao Tzu, the founding author of Taoism. At least on the surface, the writing bears out that statement. Every chapter starts with the phrase "Lao Tzu said", possibly in answer to a question posed by Wen, as if Wen were writing down the master's teachings directly.
   
   Points of style also seem more like Lao Tzu than like later authors. In fact, the Wen Tzu fits nicely into a continuum. Lao was the earliest, also the most poetic, abstract, obscure. Chuang Tzu was probably later, and had a more prosaic, anecdotal, and understandable style. Lieh Tzu was the latest, and even more pedestrian and pragmatic than Chuang. Wen fits neatly between Lao and Chuang. His writing is less figurative and poetic than Lao's, but still more ethereal than Chuang's. Like Lao, Wen addresses the Tao directly, rather than through the kinds of stories that Chuang uses with such good effect.
   
   Wen Tzu has a strong message all his own, however. He conveys a strong sense of changing needs of each different moment, and of the proper relationships between things. He notes that a bow is needed for hunting, but is put away when the game is caught. He also points out that the wheel functions only when all the spokes are properly fitted, and that the harp plays only when all of its strings are present and properly tuned. One spoke can't carry a cart and one string can't play a melody. Both messages have strong social meanings: the Way gives a person diffferent duties at different times, and that organization of many people into a society may also be proper, if done in accordance with the Way. This is why Wen's "quotes" of Lao are sometimes suspect. It was the tradition, back then, for a newer writer to ascribe his words to an older authority. This practice made sure the writer was not seen to contradict established wisdom, and hoped to gain respect by association.
   
   Cleary's translations are always very readable, and this is no exception. The text tends towards the repetitive, verging on monotony at times. Still, it makes a useful addition to any collection of Taoist classics and is easy to enjoy for its own wisdom and voice.
   
   //wiredweird



3. This book I personally consider as being the "Bible of all Bibles", the most profound source and complete collection of ancient human wisdom from the "father of wisdom" - as Alan W. Watts justly called Lao-Tzu: It is unsurpassed and would deserve more than just "5 stars". (Also published under the title: "Further teachings of Lao-Tzu - Understanding the Mysteries; The long-forgotten sequel to the Tao-Te-Ching".) This book should be mandatory reading for every "human being" who strives to become a "True Human Being", its wisdom should be the spiritual and intellectual humus for all of mankind, if it expects to survive. Otherwise I see no future for this world worth living for.
   
   But don't just believe me, convince yourself, after you have read the complete Christian Bible, the Islamic Koran, the Indian Upanishads and other so-called "holy books and scriptures". They are all shallow or incomplete by comparison, and some are very deluded in their wisdom.
   
   And to all of those critics of Lao-Tzu who argue about when and where he actually lived: Remember, it makes no difference whatsoever whether he lived at all or not, only "His Spirit", the cosmic spirit of the "True Human Being" and the "WAY" is of importance, nothing else matters. Read also my review of Hua Hu Ching: "The unknown Teachings of Lao-Tzu" (better yet, read the book itself) - and think about it.
   
   Wake up from your illusions, to reality, as long as there is still time for it.



4. I do not claim to be an expert on ancient Chinese civilization. However, I do seem to be able to recognize the spirit of the true Tao when I encounter it. This book is the distillation of that spirit and the last of the great books in the line of the Tao Te Ching, the Chuang-tzu, and the Huianan-tzu. Like those books this is a work written for "real people" (i.e. those men and women- of whatever origins or class- who are free from artificialities and centered in the Tao.) Such sages once existed in China over two millennia ago and by the will of Heaven may return there still. Indeed, that a few men like the translator exist in this time serves to give us hope.
   
   It may very well be that such men of Tao do exist in our times in obscurity- holding our world back from the brink of chaos and oblivion by means of the golden chain stretching from their hearts to the heart of the great Tao...



5. This book provides an imminently readable translation of the fascinating oral teachings of Lao Tzu. Think of it as presenting Lao Tzu, the metaphor or amalgam of Taoist thinking, as opposed to Lao Tzu the author. Approached this way, the book feels like an extrapolation of Te Tao Ching. The reader gets the chance to read and conclude on the reasonableness of the extrapolation. I liked it, and thought the logic and mysticism therein were very similar to that in the Te Tao Ching. As such, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to those fleshing out their concepts in Taoism

2 comments about Understanding Reality: A Taoist Alchemical Classic.

1. One of the few texts translated into English from a Taoist master who pursued celestial immortality. Students of Taoism who internally steam their sexual energy in an attempt to give birth to the spirit often wish that they could compare notes with a master of a by-gone era. This is their opportunity! One must ignore the commentary beneath each verse, however, as it is provided years later by a Taoist Scholar who either doesn't have a clue as to the meaning of the verses of Chang Po-Tuan, or wishes to protect the information they contain. While talking in code, Chang Po-Tuan's work IS decipherable if one knows the actual physical and energetic practices. This knowledge is often labeled as the "Kan & Li work" by modern Taoists and can be learned from such contemporary masters as Mantak Chia.



2. "The body is just a lodging; the innkeepers name is Illuminator. The Illuminator neither comes nor goes, so we know it has no birth or death. If you ask what the Illuminator is like, any description is wrong; every act and everything we see is neither the same nor different. Seeing the acts and things, each one is a Buddha and a disciple." P.174

   This book is a guide for those experiencing the Tao as illuminator; it tells you what can happen along The Way by using highly poetic language, leaving you to sort out the meaning through your personal experience of the Tao. If none of that makes sense, this might not be the book for you, but then again ...

   If you value highly imaginative Asian poetry, you will enjoy the Chang Po-tuan text. "Quiet and clamor, speech and silence, are originally the same thing - Why bother to talk of a dream in a dream?" You might want to read his stuff first; it's spelled out in all CAPITAL LETTERS. The commentary by Liu I-ming was excellent, but it was sometimes jarring to read him right after Po-tuan's poetry.

   Jungians will find this book an interesting addition to their study of Alchemy, finding somewhat similar to The Secret of the Golden Flower. The Po-tuan text is rich will Alchemical poetry.

   Mahalo to the University of Hawaii Press for publishing this book, and special thanks to Tom Cleary for providing us with this translation.

2 comments about When the Shoe Fits: Stories of the Taoist Mystic Chuang Tzu.

1. Osho sheds a clear light on the teachings of Chuang Tzu, helping them to penetrate the Western mind. Very enlightening!



2. Taoist parables are very deep, interesting experience of reading the parable, trying to come up with your own explanation and then read Osho's comments.
   One would enjoy reading this book. I would highly recommend it! If you are reading this review - means something already brought you here, don't stop and buy it. :-) Pathless Path is another great book on Tao.

4 comments about The Great Tao.

1. The sexual organs/system is described as a means to acquire/maintain good health through meridians.

   An excellent beginners practice as well as recommend to seniors and physical rehabilitation training.

   Suggest prescription by physician for post-surgical cardiovascular rehabilitation and maintenance.




2. This is an excellent book on various aspects of Taoism. This book and its approach is quite different from most books on Taoist techniques that I have read. Dr Chang keeps most of the dialouge on a practical level of usefull information, instead of a going into the airy-fairy approcaches used by some "Taoist" writers. My only objections in Dr Changs books is his attempt to tie in Christianity to Taoism. I suspect that he did this simply to have a greater appeal to Western readers, as not to be to "alien" Outside of the one distraction, I highly recomend this book for people studying the TAO.



3. Most of the old Taoist arts are described in this book. He uses the chinese BaGua symbol or the 8 trigrams to structure the book. Heaven trigram for Philosophy, fire trigram for sexuality et cetera. (not in this order) You can find other books on all of these arts that will do the same, but why not get it all in one book. He has written other books on some of these subjects that are more in depth. But if you read this book first you will have a good concept of them all from this one.
   One bad thing is that some arts are just described in a few pages - leaving you to spend hours in dusty corners of bookstores and long nigths at Amazon.com to find some other book on this subject. Arts like 108 star astrology, facial interpretation and feng shui. You will find most of this books contents on the authors website http://thegreattao.com
   This book comes in top 3 on my reading list.



4. Cold Vital energy: Celery, freshwater Fish, shellfish
   Cool Vital energy: Butter, Dairy, Fruit, Vegetables, Mushrooms, Pork, Seafood, sugar
   Neutral Vital energy: Eggs and Grains
   Warm Vital energy: Beans, beef, poultry, Root Vegetables
   Hot Vital Energy: Chili, garlic, Lamb, pepper, Wild Game
   
   Hot energy adds energy to the body and cold energy reduces vital energy in the body. Hot and warm foods are yang that is positive and energizing foods. Cool is yin and weakens or lowers the energy level. The portions of hot and cold vital energy foods are as follows:
   
   Food intact should be 20% sweet, 20% sour, 20% bitter, 20% spicy, and 20% salty.
   
   Sweet: Almonds, beans, black eye peas, bran, Brazil nuts, cabbage, cakes, candy, canned fruits, carrots, cereals, coconut, corn cream, cucumber, dried fruit, eggplant, eggnog, fova beans, honey, ice cream, jicama, Kale, Kentucky Wonder beans, lettuce, molasses, milk, oatmeal, pastry, peanuts, peas, pecans, pies, pudding, pumpkin, rice, sherbet, snow peas, soft drinks, sorghum, squash, starch, string beans, sugar, sun flower, sweet potatoes, fruit, syrup, walnuts, wheat.
   
   Sour: Barbecue sauce, beets, breads, buttermilk, chicken collards, fish, fruit juices, fruit raw, liver, mayonnaise, meats, pickles, salad dressing, salami, sausages, sour cream, sprouts, tartar sauce, tomatoes, turkey, vinegar, yeast, yogurt
   
   Bitter: artichokes, asparagus, avocadoes, bamboo, black fungus, bitter melon, bock choy, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, chard, Chinese mustard, chocolate, cocoa, gelatin, green vegetables, leeks, mushrooms, mustard greens, napa cabbage, rutabagas, spirulina, tea, turnips, and vegetable greens.
   
   Salty: Beef, Bones, butter, canned foods, cheese, eggs, fish, frozen foods, ham, kidney, margarine, processed foods, salt, saltwater fish, shellfish, soy sauce, tofu.
   
   Spicy: chili, curry, garlic, ginger, onions, parsley, pepper, vanilla.
   
   Do eat: meat, whole foods, diversity of food, fiber (carrots and bran), fruits, 6 cups of water, tofu, rice, and on time.
   Do not eat: fat, shellfish (oysters and clams), butter, cheese, and margarine
   
   Four principles for an healthy meal: 1. good taste 2. good smell 3. good appearance 4. good nutrition
   
   The fire symbol represents the heart meridian and is invigorated by the dragon exercises.
   The earth symbol represents the spleen meridian and is invigorated by the bear exercises.
   The metal symbol represents the lung meridian and is invigorated by the eagle exercises.
   The water symbol represents the kidney meridian and is invigorated by the monkey exercise.
   The wood symbol represents the liver meridian and is invigorated by the tiger exerice.
   
   Related connections: heart to lung, liver to spleen, kidney to heart, spleen to kidney, and lung to liver. The connections by association either strength or weaken the linked organ.

5 comments about The Tao of Pug.

1. The Tao of Pug is a wonderful book. I had never noticed the similarity between pug behavior and Taoism before. Taoists believe that people are good by nature, and that one should be kind to others simply because such treatment will probably be reciprocated. Pugs are naturally friendly and trusting. Taoism is focused on nature. Pugs happen to be very fascinated with nature (mostly by the parts of nature that are edible). Taoists seek answers to life's problems through inner meditation and outer observation. Have you ever seen the quizical look of a pug? This is a fun approach to both Tao and the Pug!



2. The Tao of Pug has great snapshots of pugs, and comically done by "Wilson the Pug", Nancy Levine's pug. 'Black and white isn't so bad', I always think to myself, looking at the pug photos. 'I believe it's just a nice, warm, way of showing pugs off.' The Tao of Pug will always be a family favorite!



3. This was great book. The pictures are awesome. It's a must for all pug lovers. I might be a little biased, though, I have a pug named wilson.



4. I loved this book, and received it as a gift. I wish I could get my pugs to pose like that for pictures, how does she do it? I have purchased this book for other pug friends of mine, and they have simply adored it. I highly suggest this book as a gift to a pug person.



5. I'm a Pug fan, so I'll admit bias. The book is on my media room/bar coffee table and our guests have often been delighted with some of the opinions expressed by Wilson.
   
   It's just a fun book.