Customer Reviews

A Gathering of Cranes: Bringing the Tao to the West

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Despite the other reviewers, this book is a high quality peice of work. Towler does a great service to humanity here, bringing together the insight of accomplished taoist masters. Nobody can argue with the integrity of this book: check it out yourself if you have any doubts. I promise you will not be let down.

Contrary to the previous two reviewers' caustic, uninformed and self-righteous observations, this little book marks, at best, a reasonably good beginning for enhancing the understanding that many if not most Westerners have of Taoism. Each of these interviews represents a lineage of Taoism. That's right: There is indeed more than one tradition of Taoism. The practitioners presented are accomplished masters, each in their own way. Because they are trained instructors, what they have to say about Taoism and Taoist disciplines carries much more credibility than the "talking Taoism" of those who openly declare themselves as qualified critics. There is certainly much more to Taoism than is revealed in this anthology, but then, to be sure, the spirit and the practices of this way of life cannot be fully captured between the covers of a 160-page book. Nor should anyone expect as much.

Mr Towler is to be congratulated on an essential contribution to modern Taoist literature. The manifestations of the Tao, in the final analysis, must come through individuals. Here you are able to see 9 manifestations of the Tao that would otherwise not be available, unless you had the time and money to study with all nine Masters. Truly a jewel. Prof Lindner

This book is merely a collection of uninspired interviews, conducted by a man without any real background or insigt into Taoism. Towler has absolutely nothing to say, and merely lets his subjects ramble on in any way they choose. Interviews are also conducted with almost anyone who claims to be an American Taoist. Towler isn't sufficiently knowledgeable to determine on his own who is a worthwhile subject. Don't waste your time or money.

This author has put together a book of interviews by so called "Taoist Masters" Most of the the "Masters" whom claim to be "Masters" are simply New-Agers using Taoism as a way to sell more books. This author of this book is just the master of cerimonies for the rest of these guys. One of his interviewees has the gall to call himself an "Achieved Taoist Master in his books. In sum, seek out genuine Taoist texts, not the new ager taoism ....Don't waste your money