Life Without Stress: The Far Eastern Antidote to Tension and Anxiety (Paperback)

~ Arthur Sokoloff (Author) "THERE IS A Zen story that tells of a professor who lived in a university town in Japan..." (more)
Key Phrases: life without stress, inner tranquility, inner serenity, Far Eastern, Zen Buddhism, Noble Truth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Sokoloff, a practicing dentist and teacher of Far Eastern studies (Univ. of Miami), distills the basic concepts of several Far Eastern traditions in a way that will appeal to pragmatic North Americans. The nonattachment of Buddhism, the spontaneity of Zen practice, the harmony and balance of Taoist thought, and the Confucian legacy of civility and respect are ideals the author singles out as beneficial to Westerners in the quest to find a healthy way to live in an increasingly stressful world. Sokoloff admits that his aim is practical and his treatment of these traditions limited. Although he does so with noble intent, he inadvertently romanticizes the Far Eastern way of life by ignoring the more difficult cultural contradictions that make Eastern spirituality a challenging study. Suitable for beginning readers who don't want more than a superficial introduction to Far Eastern philosophy.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

A practical guide to the wisdom of the East that shows how we can apply it to our pragmatic Western view of the world to achieve inner peace.

In Life Without Stress, Arthur Sokoloff demystifies Eastern teachings and shows how the basic tenets of the four major philosophies--Taoism, traditional Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and Confucianism--can be applied to life in the West. Through re-tellings of ancient parables and anecdotes from his own life, Sokoloff elucidates the practical lessons inherent in each philosophy: Taoism teaches us to understand that we are at one with the universe; traditional Buddhism offers the keys to finding and eliminating the roots of unhappiness; Zen Buddhism enhances our intuitive abilities; and Confucianism shows us how inner qualities affect and influence our relationships with the external world.

The ideal primer for readers interested in Eastern spirituality, Life Without Stress offers clear explanations and gentle guidance for handling the stress in our lives and achieving inner serenity.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Broadway (December 29, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767900456
• ISBN-13: 978-0767900454
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #934,077 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It takes a certain amount of genius to distill......, April 7, 2002

By	G. Glasser "ggdoc" (Rio Rancho, New Mexico United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

thousands of years of Eastern philosophy into a blissfully easy to read book filled with clear definitions and gems of insight about Taoism, traditional Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and Confusianism. Certainly one of the best antidotes for stress begins with reading this book. So many Westerners are overwhelmed with esoteric writings about the Eastern philosophies that they give up. This book is perfect as a primer for basic understanding between East and West doctrines and ideals ; Dr. Sokoloff "speaks our language" and makes us want to continue to learn more of the esoterica of these 4 philosophies. Hats off to the "Zen Dentist".

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Life Without Stress, April 5, 2000

By	Tortfeasor "tortfeasor805" (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life Without Stress (Hardcover)

This is a really nice little book. It strips away the mysticism and window dressing from Eastern thought, leaving the essential basic ideas, which are really pretty straightforward. I liked it and recommend it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New to Eastern Philosophy? Read this book!, April 18, 2002

By A Customer

I am new to Eastern Philosophy and this was a great introduction. For the past year, I have been searching for books that give a concrete explanation of Zen, Taoism, and Confucianism and how it is applied to living stress free. This book is it!