The Essence of Tao

by Pamela J. Ball and Pamela Ball

Book Overview

A compact yet thoroughly informative series on philosophical and religious topics, written with the general reader in mind.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0785818618
• ISBN13: 9780785818618
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Booksales
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.6" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

TAO and its conceptual links to tasawwuf

I picked up a copy of "The Essence of TAO" for several reasons: firstly because my prior knowledge was that it was an under girding life force within Chinese thinking, and I wished to know that better, what it meant; secondly because Truth is spread far and wide in this world and no one practice, sect, tradition or belief system owns it; thirdly as someone who greatly appreciates the writings of Confucius I figured TAO would be similar (some how); and lastly because as an individual who practices Islam through tasawwuf I wished to seek out common threads between Islam and the philosophy of TAO, if any. In regards to now knowing what TAO means, I can say that within Chinese philosophy/spirituality, TAO is the name given to the natural life force-come-energy at work in the world (I especially appreciated Pamela's comments that by naming this force you automatically give it limitations, hence the downside of doing so whilst the need to do so persists). Here is a quote from the book regarding this force-slash-source of TAO: "Tao has reality and evidence but no action or physical form. It may be transmitted but cannot be received. It may be obtained but cannot be seen. It is based in itself, rooted in itself. Before Heaven and Earth came into being, Tao existed by itself for all time. It gave spirits and rulers their spiritual powers. It created Heaven and Earth. It is above the zenith but is not high. It is below the nadir but is not low. It is prior to Heaven and Earth but it is not old. It is more ancient than the highest antiquity but is not regarded as long ago." Now when I read the above and replace the word TAO with the Friend [Allah] I answer my inquiry regarding common threads between Islam and the philosophy of TAO. Other aspects of TAO covered within the book (Feng Shui, Tai Chi, Chinese herbs, divination) hold in my mind's eye helpful insights for a healthy lifestyle but as a Muslim, hold shamanistic aspects I personally abstain from (but appreciated learning about). Regardless, this books holds superb definitions of GOD that I believe will both challenge and expand our deistic thinking, hopefully past the dogmatic structures that are currently strangling it. In regards to the similarity between the worldview of TAO and Confucianism there are many, with the differences explained by the book as one being more spiritual and philosophically based, whilst the other is more political and socially inclined. What is clear is that for thousands of years the Chinese have been a very High Culture (before that fat idiot Mao and his Communist Party gained ascendancy) and developed a unified way of living in harmony with nature and natural laws. More than anything "The Essence of TAO" explains this natural progression and as an introduction to it, does very well; it serves as a good introduction and teaser to the genuinely sincere and I appreciate the author's sincerity.

Excellent introduction, lots of good info and quotes

Western books on Taoism tend to fall into one of two main categories: New Age-y, fluffy titles that really have nothing to do with the Tao; and abstruse litanies about the "proper" way to follow the Tao. It is refreshing for me to say that /The Essence of Tao/ fits into neither category, and instead offers an excellent overview of Tao in its many guises. Finally, there is a book that can compete with /The Complete Idiot's Guide to Taoism/ for a readable and enjoyable introduction to Taoism. This book is a bit like one of those holiday chocolate samplers - you won't get lots of any one thing, but you will get a good taste for what's out there. Pamela Ball manages to talk about the Tao, Yin-Yang polarity, Feng Shui, meditation, Taoist scriptures, Chinese medicine, the Tao's relation to other major religious concepts, and so forth. There's also a nice concluding chapter to tie everything together in a way that is meaningful for the reader, rather than dumping a dozen Chinese concepts in one's lap and saying "figure it out on your own." Of course, with the Tao, you have to do that anyway - but a little guidance never hurts. Pamela Ball's style of writing is a refreshing one that is both informative and entertaining to read. My favorite feature of /The Essence of Tao/ is the collection of related quotations at the end of each chapter. Ball doesn't limit herself to Taoist or even Asian influences when picking these quotes, and they are often worth reading. Sometimes, they can be downright enlightening. Ultimately, a book about Taoism can only do so much for you. The Tao is very much an internal path (as any true religion or philosophy is). /The Essence of Tao/ is a nice introduction, and a handy pointer to where you might want to go with your travels on the Way.