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

I thought this book was really well done and inspirational. I would caution the prospective buyer from the negative reviews, as they seem to lack any interest in Taoism (they are grading the book on an intellectual level of "being too simple" or "the writing style isn't pulitzer worthy" rather then the material expressed.) Taoism is not about using our intellect and rational thinking to find solutions to life, so such negative reviews are doing a disservice and not reflecting the very nature of Taoism.This BookThe book here is laid out with each chapter opening with a story or a Taoist quote. The rest of the chapter is the author's views on integrating that story or Taoist quote into our lives. We may not connect with each story, but if we're human will connect with many.If you approach Taoism or Taoist texts with intellectualized reviews, you'll find all of it lacking... probably most of the Eastern schools even. "Mistrust of conventional knowledge and reasoning is stronger in Taoism than in any other school of Eastern philosophy. It is based on the firm belief that the human intellect can never comprehend the Tao. In the words of Chuang Tzu, 'The most extensive knowledge does not necessarily know it; reasoning will not make men wise in it. The sages have decided against both these methods.'" - [...]The intellect is ego, it identifies with the self and says "I know so much" and then it compares itself to others saying "I know more than them" or "I know less than that person..." I found this in some of the negative reviews here. To which I offer a bit of advice [...] to people like oregonzen and kcolorado - you're focus is on your own intellect, your ego. You want something "complex" and not simple, something of impressive writing style... these are all traps. It's like being given a spiritual work and judging it on the cover image rather than the content.The great sages and scholars often spoke simply of truth. Truth to them was in few words. It is the commentators who extrapolated into intellectual digression. But today if you write simply, you're labeled "new age" and not in a good way. New age being a label applied by elitists who which to reflect a "simple" approach to the "common person," thereby separating themselves from the "common person." That's Ego.Ego is a great problem because it fakes spiritual growth. It says, "I'm so much smarter then this author... let me write some condescending marks and tear this a part..." all the while it's driving you further into self, and intellect and further away from oneness.I bought this book, and have found much inspiration from it. I think it's a great introduction to Taoism. It doesn't provide the history of Taoism, nor does it go over the different sects, rituals or ceremonies. What it does do is give the Tao itself as our daily life. It's not an adventure in memorizing some ancient mantra, or conceptualizing a very difficult philosophical commentary... it's simple. Straightforward. It says: many people have problems like... and gives the Tao as the answer. It's clear.There is need for meditation and self work in order to find our solutions. This doesn't replace that. It simply gives guidance on how the principles of Taoism can be used to solve many examples of common life issues.In the end, we all have to do the work of our spiritual path in order to get gain. We can't rely on this book to do it for us. But this book does give great treasure in a very common language. I love it.I'll close my review of the book with a quote from it:"Pursue knowledge, daily gain Pursue Tao, daily loss When we accumulate, we are in hot pursuit of knowledge. The acquisition of more and more material things ends up as clutter, which in turn leads to stress and agitation. In this mode of thinking, we put in a lot of extra effort but fail to gain any significant benefits. On the path of the Tao, we let go of more and more every day. The more we discard, the better we can utilize what’s left. The more we simplify, the easier it is to attain serenity and peace of mind. The wisdom of Ikkyu’s story is inextricably linked to the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching.Lin, Derek (2007-09-06). The Tao of Daily Life: The Mysteries of the Orient Revealed The Joys of Inner Harmony Found The Path to Enlightenment Illuminated (p. 172). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition."

In 1999, I first read a translation of the Tao Te Ching. I had found this little thin paperback in a used bookstore, and read it a week later on a flight to the Philippines. I misplaced that book and don't remember the translators name, but the book was a relaxing read on the section of the journey from LAX to Taipei in Taiwan. Although I had flown on planes before, but never on such a long flight, and with so much turbulence. However, I became absorbed in the Tao Te Ching, and what I read helped me remain calm during flight.When I returned from the Philippines, I purchased several books on Taoism, mostly translations by Dr. Thomas Cleary. His writings not only helped me to learn about Taoism, but I introduced me to the I Ching and Confucius. The problem, though, was that although initially I liked Dr. Cleary's translation of the Tao Te Ching, it really did not do for me what that first translation by that not very popular writer whose name I don't even remember me, though for years I did think Dr. Cleary's translation of the I Ching was second only to the Wilhelm/Baynes translation, and still read it today.Then along came Taoism.org. This wonderful website! Here I was reintroduced to Taoism in a fresh way. I eventually purchased Derek Lin's translation of the Tao Te Ching and found it to be the best one for me. I've read many good and popular translations of the Tao Teh Ching, none work for me as well as Lin's translation.I don't know why it took me so long, but I've known of Lin's book The Tao of Daily Life for years but did not purchase this book until recently. I liked the first short chapter so much that I read several of them right away, but have since settled into reading one short chapter every few days and spending a few moments reflecting on the chapter. Then I start over again after the last chapter is completed. The chapters never get old for me. I have always tended to be an anxious person, but these little chapters, along with my daily prayers, help me to remain settled and balanced. Thus, aspects of the philosophy of Taoism (along with Vietnamese Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh's books on breath meditation and mindfulness) have complemented my Monotheistic faith. There is no friction between the two.Chapter Two of Part One: Living in the Moment - Being Mindful of the Present, has been an excellent chapter to return to from time to time. Lin tells the story of a man trapped on a vine that is being gnawed by rats, while higher in the tree is a hungry tiger and on the ground below is another tiger. The man sees a strawberry that is just within his range, and he reaches out, grabs the strawberry and enjoys it despite his predicament. Lin's interpretation of the story according to the Tao is that the tiger above is our past, the tiger below is our future, the vine being gnawed on by rats is our present predicament. Life is short, so rather than being anxious and worry about our predicament, we need to take the time to relax and enjoy the present moment. I need to be reminded of this until I can successfully do this. So, I go back to this story often. It reminds me of a teaching by Jesus Christ in the Gospels, and is similar to a passage in the Quran and to a Shia Muslim tradition. So, this little treasure of a story is applicable to those who hold to one of the Abrahamic faiths.I heartily recommend the Tao Teh Ching and this book, The Tao of Daily Life, by Derek Lin. Next for me will be Lin's book The Tao of Happiness, which is about the wisdom of Chuang Tzu, whose "Inner Chapters" I first read in a book by Dr. Thomas Cleary. I expect that Derek Lin will present Chiang Tzu in tasteful and digestible manner in that book.

This book has been so wonderful to read. I love the simple and different perspectives that are given to solve our everyday worries. This has been the breath of fresh air I’ve needed.

Good western way of loving the Tao in easy format a great version to buy five stars you won’t be disappointed in this purchase

I am not an avid reader..but some how this book caught me. The main thing I liked about this book is the way nice and simple stories are used to explain the philosophical gems and the in depth explanation on them by the author of the book. Coming to the concepts itself, its totally giving a different perspective of things...really different and a total treasure...hope this book had a1000 page..just didn't want it to finish...

Having read a few interpretations of the Tao De Ching, I was wanting a more accessible book of how to apply Tao to my day to day life.This book gives a really great slant on Taoist principles with lovely short stories perfectly illustrating how to apply Tao to your life.I really like Derek Lin's commentaries after each story. He is both insightful but also straightforward.Ive found with some books, that the terminology or poetic lyricism can get in the way of the message that your trying to get.If you are interested in Taoism and want a book that is written in an easily accessible way, then don't think twice about getting this.

Having just completed this book, I am struck by its simplicity and clarity. Taoism is a discipline that I have been taking an interest in, along with Buddhism, with which there is a similarity for some time. Anyone wishing to develop an understanding of the Tao and how to start cultivating the Tao, this is an excellent starting point. Important Taoist teaching is explained through the retelling of stories from ancient China, which are explained and applied to our very different and fast paced modern society. These teachings and Taoist explanations are quite short, however this does not diminish the message, in fact the Taoist teaching is succinct and quite profound. At times these teachings are quite life changing and you will soon discover you are trying to integrate Taoism into your daily life and interactions with others. Derek Lin is an engaging writer who is clearly able to aid readers begin to seek the quiet voice within. There seems to be lots of books on this fascinating subject and as a novice in the study of Taoism, it has been quite confusing to know where to start. However Taoist students will find this book to be informative, clear, sensitive and a wonderful entrance into the study of the Tao and how we can become thoughtful, kind and hopefully wiser human beings. I wish you well in your journey into the Tao.