Product Description

The Tao is the ancient Chinese "Way" that has inspired numerous books, from The Tao of Physics to The 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, including The Taoist I Ching , also translated by Thomas Cleary.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #457301 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-18
• Released on: 2006-04-18
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Language Notes
Text: English, Chinese (translation)

Inside Flap Copy
This collection of brief meditative essays illustrates the ancient philosophy that holds the key to success in every field of human endeavor.

About the Author
Liu I-ming (1737-?) was a Taoist adept and a scholar of Buddhism and Confucianism. He is the author of commentaries on several Taoist classics, including The Taoist I Ching and The Inner Teachings of Taoism by Chang Po-tuan, both translated by Thomas Cleary.

Customer Reviews

This is the one
This is the only book of meditations I take off the shelf regularly. The book is divided into two parts: the first 80 pages consist of about 75 "Contemplations," which are longer meditations (0.5-1.5 pages) based on simple observations of the natural and man-made world. The last 20 pages consist of "Refrains of Lament," which are shorter and more pronounced observations about the Tao, what it is, and what it is not. The passages that have had the most relevancy to me encourage me to reflect on social relationships, and help me to feel good relating to other people (or not) while living in a fast-paced, competitive, sometimes un-enlightened culture.

An excellent work.
This short work by Liu I-Ming deserves much praise for its clarity and simplicity. One of the formost figures associated with the Northern School of Complete Reality Taoism, Liu I-Ming brings an honest and pragmatic tone to his myriad reflections on the Tao presented in this slender volume. For the sincere reader at any level of understanding, this selection is an ongoing source of joy and inspiration. Subsequent readings of this book never fail to increase in significance, a testimony to the depth of the writings. Thomas Clearly provides a very readable translation. For the careful and reflective reader, this text will provide considerable satisfaction. Also recommended is the Taoist I-Ching with commentary by Liu I-Ming (also translated by Cleary).

I could do without this one.
I don't know if the problem with this book lies in the original author or in Thomas Cleary's translation. At any rate, "Awakening to the Tao" reads like a tedious commentary on the Tao Te Ching that says far less in many more words. There are occasional insights that are worth reading, but they could have been condensed into about 5 pages; I would have happily done without the other 100.