Simple Taoism: A Guide to Living in Balance

by Annellen Simpkins and C. Alexander Simpkins

Book Overview

Simple Taoism is designed to help the reader understand what Taoism is about and to help apply its best aspects to everyday living. Divided into three parts, the book outlines: A clear explanation of Taoism and how to apply its best aspects to your daily life. Simple instructions for exercises to lead a fuller life--meditation, breathing, chi kung, and tai chi chuan. An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804831734
• ISBN13: 9780804831734
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Simple Taoism provides a hand book for life.

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!

I loved this book!

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.

Spirituality and Health

Taoism is a complex vast collection of customs, rituals, and beliefs that have never been codified into doctrine. This ancient Chinese path emphasizes attunement to the natural rhythms of life, the wisdom of intuition, and the value of inaction or wu-wei. C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins, authors of "Zen Around the World," discuss the importance of chi (life force or energy), yin and yang, the five elements, and simplicity in Taoism.The movement from Lao-Tzu's writing about the Tao to the contemporary search for methods of enhancing and prolonging life is a zigzag course rather than one of logical progression. "Wisdom lies in not contending," write the Simpkins. "Sensitive to the inner nature of self and others, Lao-Tzu''s Way leads through mystery by returning to the core of life." Those who are interested in living in balance will find plenty of helpful resources in Taoism including meditation, Eastern medicine, the martial arts of tai chi and aikido, feng shui, and techniques for working with dreams.

A wonderful introduction to Taoism!

I have been involved in Taoism for many years and found this book to be very true to the spirit of Tao. It clearly and beautifully explains the important concepts and people in straightforward language so that modern readers can not only understand it, but apply it! I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is interested in knowing more about Taoism.

Communicates the spirit of Taoism to you!

This book reveals the secrets hidden in the mysterious Tao, Yin and Yang, Te, and the Way of non action. It gives straightforward instructions for chi kung, tai chi, and healing with acupressure. A simple yet comprehensive book that shows you how to use Taoism to improve your life.