Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony

I have had a passion for the Asian martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate-Do, Kung-Fu, Tai Chi, and Kenjutsu) and philosophy (Zen, Taoism, Shintoism etc.) for most of my life. Recently I have been reading more books on Zen and Taoism, which have similar philosophies. They both emphasize basic principles on how to live our lives and how to view the world. I picked up this 256 page (Everyday Tao by Deng Ming-Dao) book for a bargain price on Amazon. There is an enormous amount of material in this volume. Each page has a word followed by an ideogram and explains the meaning as it applies to Taoism. This text is organized into fifteen areas and they are as follows: (1) Nature (2) Silence (3) Books (4) Strategy (5) Movement (6) Skill (7) Craft (8) Conduct (9) Moderation (10) Devotion (11) Perseverance (12) Teaching (13) Self (14) Simplifying (15) Union. The author is a Taoist master who has written numerous books on Taoism. This book, (everyday Tao) along with Scholar Warrior: An introduction to the Tao in everyday life by Deng Ming-Dao will provide a comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of Taoism. Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy haiku)

In my opinion, this book, along with its counterpart 365 Tao: Daily Meditations , distills and presents the essence of Taoist thought better than anything else I've read; you get the Taoist insights which matter, not scholarly trivia. In fact, I would rank these two books even higher than the Tao Te Ching and other Taoist classics. As I read these books, I was repeatedly stunned by the profoundness of the ideas and the remarkably graceful beauty with which they're presented. In other words, I'm trying to say that these books are perhaps best viewed as genuine sacred texts for our times, not merely books. Obviously, my rating is 5 stars, and I can't recommend these books highly enough. In addition to these books, I also highly recommend Zen Guitar and 50 Spiritual Classics: Timeless Wisdom from 50 Great Books on Inner Discovery, Enlightenment and Purpose for those who are interested in spiritual growth without being tied to any particular religious doctrine.

Love this book.... perfect reader.

After reading Deng Ming Dao's 365 Tao for years, I was looking for something different, but loved his teachings. Found this book and am thoroughly enjoying it as a change, and learning more about Taoism with it each day.

Excellent book! Teaches the basics of the spirituality of Taoism, and teaching one how to live in balance and harmoney with self, nature, and cosmos. Simple to read and follow, some words of wisdom needs to be lightly meditated on, if not little deeper. If one is very wise, one should have no problem understanding the words of wisdom. For those wanting to cultivate wisdom, not just spiritual being and living, this is the right book for those seekers.

I liked this book as it gives a daily thought to meditate on as well as the symbols. I like the idea that when I'm stumped, I just open to a page and read what is there. Great for this!

I read one of these offerings a day and take the time to think about what I have read. The readings are both simple and profound and relate to the natural world from whence comes the wisdom for everyday living. I recommend this book wholeheartedly and often suggest my students beginning a daily meditation practice use it.

Deng Ming-Dao has written a brilliant book. On every page is a new message of both spiritual and practical wisdom. If you are wise, you will never finish this book because when you get to the last page you will start over and read it again....and again....and again!

I bought this book when I was in full depression and didn't know it. It helped me concentrate on basic and generous ideas of life. They became the equivalent of rocks I could grab among a sea of negativity and cheerlessness. I took it with me to read on my way to work. It helped me focus on what was important, and, know what was important and what was not important. On the layout of the book: I loved it. One page per word. It keeps your thoughts from wandering. I came to recognise the signs which were used to write the chinese ideograms. It became a guessing game too.

Brillant book

Each page has the caligraph and Tao expression translated into english and then a page of explanation. I am loving every minute. The Characters are well broken up and explained. Very enlightening.

A nice book of Taoist wisdom, to dip into on a daily basis.

Great book