Awakening to the Tao [Paperback]

The Tao is the ancient Chinese "Way" that has inspired numerous books, fromThe Tao of PhysicstoThe Tao of Sex. This book might be called "The Tao of Tao." In 142 brief meditative essays, the author uses simple language and natural imagery to express the essence of the wisdom that holds the key to success in every human endeavor.

Liu I-ming (b. 1737) was a Taoist adept and a scholar of Buddhism and Confucianism. He is the author of commentaries on several Taoist classics that have been published in English, includingTheTaoist I Ching, also translated by Thomas Cleary."I-Ming wrote this collection of 142 meditations on the Tao in 1816. Using natural and mythical phenomena he illustrates in everyday language the principles and practice of the Tao as the whole of life. The result is the essence of the wisdom that holds the key to success in every field of human endeavor. This may be due in part to Cleary's excellent translation. What is most interesting about this book is that these meditations also awaken us to the basic wisdom of our own religion and show us what we need to do to make it the whole of our life. It is just one more example of the unity of basic principles we find in the diversity of our religious concepts. Highly recommended!"—SSC BooknewsLiu I-ming (1737–?) was a Taoist adept and a scholar of Buddhism and Confucianism. He is the author of commentaries on several Taoist classics, includingThe Taoist I ChingandThe Inner Teachings of Taoismby Chang Po-tuan, both translated by Thomas Cleary.US