Customer Reviews

The Tao of Inner Peace

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

There are a few comments I have read here where someone has said that this book does not represent "the true Tao". I would like to point out that Tao Te Ching itself says that the "true Tao cannot be spoken". There are basically two different types of Taoism: the old, simplified Tao that has wonderful, basic truths and resounding ideas about the nature of things. The other kind is the Taoism that evolved over the centuries with a lot of influence from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christian-like Confucianism...much like Zen Buddhism has deep roots in Taoism. This book is about the first kind of Taoism...sort of "the core of the Tao". Yes, it is also a book about humanism, ecological conservation, and there are some New Agey concepts...but the true value is the spirit of the book, of finding both inner peace as well as peace with the world in which we live. This book has helped me and many of my friends...in one case, the book was instrumental in turning around the thinking of a friend who was very seriously contemplating suicide. By the way, I would also recommend a book called "The Tao is Silent" by Raymond M. Smullyan - one of the funniest and yet profound books I've ever read.

One of the few books in my vast library that I refer to time and time again. Each time I pick it up I find a new gem. In my search for peace this was priceless..

I have read this book several times over the past few years. Each time it has held new meaning for me. "When the mind is ready, a teacher appears" is so true.

This is both an easily graspable introduction to the Tao Te Ching for the western mind, and also, as another reviewer pointed out, a good self-help book. It raises questions regarding self-awareness, growth, responsibility for one's actions, and alternatives to violence.

In today's turbulent world, this book is a gentle helping hand and an introduction to the way things can be if we make an effort to grow and act in peace.

I highly recommend this book.

The Tao of Inner Peace takes a subject which is not easily explained and dismantles it for the common man. THe lay person can read Tao of Inner Peace and come to understand difficult concepts that are usually overlooked by Taoist authors.You are litterally guided by the hand through the everyday practices of a Taoist.. and given accurate descriptions as to why those rites are necessary. This book is a must have for people of every religion or walk of life

You really need to read it for yourself, obviously there are vast differences between what you and I may find interesting or useful. I consider myself very picky when it comes to reading material, but this book broadened my perspective towards the world around me. There were a few things in there that I didn't embrace wholeheartedly, or have skipped over entirely, but overall it has been a wonderful resource and positive influence in my life that I still turn to repeatedly.

A must read for everyone - even those who don't realize they need it

In my search for the perfect book on Taoism, I thought that this book was the one. It came complete with exercises, reflections, and everything. As I read on, I began to think this was more of your everyday self help or humanitarian book, and not really about Taoism. This would probably be a good self help book, but if you are interrested in Taoism, you should read "The Tao of Pooh."

Gentle step-by-step instructions, exercises, and meditations to help the reader learn to live as a "Tao person." I was asking, "The Tao is wonderful, but how do I apply it in my life?" This book shows you how, in an easy to read, easy to use format.

This is a very personal guide whose lessons affected me quite deeply. Without becoming a Taoist, the book showed me that many Taoist principles can be used by anybody in his everyday life in order to help cope with the problems that constantly appear. The techniques Dreher explains help show the path to patience and self-understanding and are a great place to start for those who understand little about Taoism or Far Eastern Religions in general.

The author uses her own version of the Tao, which is very unorthodox, if not incorrect at times. Where the Tao gives general principles for living a happy life, Diane tries to force the Tao into something she wants it to be: A guide to inner strength and world peace. It seems that Diane is trying to knock out her own insecurity rather to help the reader. The book may reveal a way to inner and world peace, but it is not in line with the Tao.