The Tao of Daily Life: The Mysteries of the Orient Revealed The Joys of Inner Harmony Found The Path to Enlightenment Illuminated

by Derek Lin

Book Overview

The perfect book for readers who are interested in Taoism and want a little daily inspiration.

The Tao of Daily Life combines ancient Eastern wisdom with practical application-perfect for busy Western readers! Derek Lin, Taoist master and expert in Eastern philosophy, brings his deep knowledge of this time-honored Chinese spiritual thought system into the twenty-first century. "There is one simple reason for the Tao to have survived...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585425834
• ISBN13: 9781585425839
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.0" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Wonderfully written and great companion

Based upon the stories of sages from days long past, The Tao of Daily Life, offers practical and thought provoking lessons on topics ranging from spiritual journeys to work and our families. It is through the retelling of simple short stories that Derek Lin imparts wisdom in this accessible work. This book has 34 chapters, each beginning with a story. The story illustrates in just a few pages the topic. Lin then expounds upon the story to bring a deeper understanding of these principals into our present day context. In some chapters the connection with the Tao Te Ching is explored, however, this book is primarily a guide to living fully and deeply offering teachings that can be employed by anyone. "Cultivating the Tao isn't all about solitary meditations and mountain retreats. It is also about community. It's about interacting with people, sending out oneness with them, and feeling the invigorating energy that results from personal interaction. The more we do for others, the more blissful contentment we experience; the more we give to others, the more joyous satisfaction we receive."

Excellent, well-written book.

For anyone curious about Taoism or even for the person who has followed the way for many years, this is an excellent, well-written book that clearly illustrates the important philosophies of Taoism. There's nothing preachy or pretentious about The Tao of Daily Life. It's more like talking with an old friend - simply the best modern Taoist book I've read and is a more-than-worthy supplement to the original Tao Te Ching.

Excellent Insight into Dynamic Uses of Taoist Thought

Derek Lin does an exceptional job at interpreting and discussing Taoist thoughts and parables that can guide you in thought and action. I came by Taoism through the course of academia but now find the Tao to be an active part of my life. This book reflects how Taoism is applied in such a manner. Each chapter leaves a great deal of room for personal interpretation and introspection. Simply from a philosophical point of view, this book can lead to great discussions.

Tao applied to your Daily Life

I bought this book after being introduced to taoism on the author's website half a year ago. The book is a collection of parables (short stories) followed by a longer explanation by Derek Lin for each. The parables have themes on loving others, dealing with our ego, why unfortunate events can be a blessing in disguise, handling negative people, and finding joy in simple things, for example. The parables are often funny, extremely insightful, and easy to remember for when you actually need the insight in real life situations. This book has given me a large amount of understanding and inspiration in my own life. It is well written so that those of any religion (or lack of) can greatly benefit from its wisdom. The author even states this in the book. I would put this book at the top of the list for anyone wanting to help move past the daily trivialities and frustrations that can inhibit our lives. This is also a perfect companion to applying the Tao Te Ching to the daily life.

One of the best Taoism book

I bought a few Tao (Tao de ching) books. This one is the best! It's very easy to understand and relate to our daily life. The explanation from the point of Taoism is absolutely brilliant.