Mentoring: The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom [Hardcover]

Chungliang A. Huang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1995

The new model for business and personal relationships based on the simple yet profound principle of mentoring--both giving and receiving knowledge in a creative mutual exchange.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Defining mentoring as "a two-way circular dance that provides opportunities for us to experience both giving and receiving without limitations and fears," the authors of Thinking Body, Dancing Mind (LJ 7/92) have written a short book of meditations on relationships that is based on Taoist concepts. The major part of the book features 33 "virtues of the heart and soul" (wang tao). Each virtue, presented first in Chinese and Western calligraphy, is given a poetic definition, followed by a summary of Taoist wisdom. Practical applications of the virtue and its relevance to modern times is finally discussed. The book is best regarded as a source of inspirational meditation rather than an introduction to Taoist principles or a self-help guide to relationships. Buy according to demand.
Lucille Boone, San Jose P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1 edition (October 19, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062512501
• ISBN-13: 978-0062512505
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #641,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tao and Mentoring, March 25, 2000

By 

JPL (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mentoring: The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom (Hardcover)

In our fast-paced, everchanging world, Mentoring The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom, is a very welcomed and insightful book. Its style is Humanistic, it emphasizes Humanism, for Humanity - the book was truly Human. It begins humble with " emptiness, as a precondition for receptivity in the process of giving." For the Tao mentoring process is created by "the natural movement of expansion (learning) and empty (teaching) on part of each individual." (pg. 5)

The feeling is that of being the authors personal audience with its memorable use of the "power of the narrative." In which one sees the emphasis on growing together and the journey of the relationship rather than the mechanics of the outcome. Through stories of past Chinese sages, the beauty of exploration is once again discovered. i especially enjoyed the section on Attentiveness and how "Tao mentors listen with full attentiveness, not with the ears but with their spirit and heart." (pg. 65) Its mix of rich language and ideas encourages the creation of a safe, empathic environment in which trust and enthusiasm can flourish and thrive.

It then leads to the pragmatics in the direction of sharing this valuable knowledge and IMHO, wisdom. "Rather than begin to change the world, perhaps we may need to be less ambitious, and act on the local, individual, and personal levels." (pg. 159)

The book reads like poetry, with the writing flowing as smoothly as the calligraphy, soothing the soul of the reader. Throughout, the book supports what it sets out to do - to encourage the work of good mentoring. i strongly recommend this book, not just as a quick read but as one that can be referred to many times - in our careers, our lives and our communities.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book is a Visual Inspiration., January 24, 2000

By 

Zpty (Malibu Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mentoring: The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom (Hardcover)

The elegant Chinese and English calligraphy paints a fluid picture of the ancient poetical relationship of the mentor and protégé.

Unlike many writings on the subject, Haung and Lynch, capture the essence of the mentor. "Tao Mentoring", is a process of where both the mentor and protégé benefit. This book illustrates the flowing motion of the spiritual qualities that embody this relationship. "Tao Mentoring is a two-way circular dance that provides opportunities for us to experience both giving and receiving without limitation and fears."

The book is split into three chapters: The first chapter begins with the eight philosophical petals of Tao, each beautifully illustrated. Jing Hwa --The Golden Flower, Jing (gold)- transformation and transcendence of the individual. Hwa (flower)- the blossoming of the ultimate "thousand petaled lotus". The eight petals of Tao are: Wu Ming- The Neutralization of Duality, Tui Shou- The dance of Pushing Hands, Wu Ji- The Empty Space of Wisdom, Gu Shen- The Spirit of the Valley, Wu Dao- The Dancing Wu Ji Mentors, Wu Wei- The Movement of Tao Mentoring, Hao Jan Zi Ch'i- The Expansive Spirit, Dao Ying- The Ideal Mentoring Relationship,

The second chapter gives an overview of the Virtues of Tao Mentoring. Wang Tao- Cultivating the Virtues of Tao Mentoring, Wang- Virtue and Tao- the way. The topics include: Virtues of the Heart: "Those who follow the Tao, with truth and fulfillment in their hearts, are indeed virtuous." Virtues of the Soul: "..inspire us to attend to the intricate details and mundane realities on the path of the mentor."

The third chapter: Tashun- The Great Harmony Humble Visions for a Harmonious World The final chapter sums up the potential for applications of the "Tao Mentoring Method". The book ends with thoughts of encouraging harmony and balance, the natural order of all things. The authors bring the concepts full circle emphasizing how to "cultivate dynamic relationships in all areas of life".

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A simple, artful guide to mentoring and relationships..., January 23, 2000

By 

Karen, Pepperdine EdD student (Culver City, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mentoring: The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom (Hardcover)

Mentoring The TAO of Giving and Receiving Wisdom Chungliang Al Huang and Jerry Lynch

This book reminds of us that there is beauty and poetry in mentoring and that it truly is an art. Through the use of Chinese and English calligraphy, the wisdom and warmth of the relationship between Huang and Lynch is richly translated onto paper for all of us to learn from. The blend of Tao wisdom from Chinese classics and modern insight and experience is what forms the new model referred to as Tao mentoring. While the book might lack the detail, analysis, or specific instruction some lust for or expect in a book related to business and mentoring, it eloquently points out that each relationship of our lives is related to the key principles of mentoring. The book then provides explanation and art for each principle. It also invites us to add our own through reflection and practice. Mentoring, The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom is rich with simple and critical exploration of Tao mentoring--a mutually beneficial process of guiding and growing together.

Through art (both in calligraphy and words) the book uses wonderful stories and quotes to demonstrate key elements of Tao mentorship. Included among the key elements are: Each mentor must be a mentoree and vice versa. Trust, non-judgement and other principles related to the heart and soul are essential for effective and honest mentorship. There is joy and reward in the journey itself, it not always found in just reaching the goal.

This is a must read for anyone wanting to be mindful of effective, harmonious mentoring. The principles are universal and a welcome refresher. The art and quick, simple read also make the book a treasure to be able to revisit from time to time.

I especially liked the reference to natural elements in relation to mentoring.

"According to the Tao, the best relationships are like water; they benefit all things and do not compete with them. Water is a natural element that ultimately changes the shape of whatever touches in a satisfying, positive way."