Customer Reviews

The Tao of Inner Peace

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

 

 

I consider myself a student of Tao, having read Taoist classics including the Tao Te Ching, the I Ching, and the Chuang Tzu. I have also read the Tao of Pooh, Everyday Tao, and the Tao of Physics just to name a few. I also practice Tai Chi. Therefore, I cannot fully express the disappointment I felt while reading Dreher's the Tao of Inner Peace.

Why? It did not seem to gel with Taoist principles. In fact, Dreher's presentation of Tao is hampered by a distinctly western perspective, more influenced by Hippie culture than by far eastern mysticism. Though Hippie culture is somewhat based on Zen, and Zen is based on Taoism, Hippie culture is not Taoism proper. In fact, at the closest, her presentation is Taoism twice removed.

Although there are a few pearls of wisdom, they are hidden within what turns out to be a thinly veiled treatise on Green Party Politics. The book is hampered by militant political views. Though it is true that Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching to be a guide to proper leadership, that leadership is 1) by example, and 2) meant to be performed naturally and subtly. Dreher's politics, however, are blatant and combative, encouraging an activist role. Traditionally, Taoists are non-political and withdraw from public life. So it was with Chuang Tzu. Even Confucius, that pinnacle of ancient Chinese politics, after studying the I Ching and after meeting Lao Tzu looked back on his life with regret. He felt he had pushed to hard for law and order, and had not simply withdrew and lived the simple life free from chaos and disorder.

The meditations in this book are also very western, having been directly selected from self-help guidelines. Thus, they are more 'new age' and 'trendy' than Taoist. The practice of Tai Chi and Chi Gong have existed for centuries, but are mentioned briefly if at all. In their stead are new age, pop psychology practices such as daily affirmations.

In conclusion, Dreher seems to have used the increasing popularity of this ancient philosophy to further her own political cause. Though her intentions were good, I felt she had done Taoism a disservice. It is similar as to how Christian evangelists misuse the bible to combat homosexuality. Dreher uses "her own translation" of the Tao Te Ching, taking Taoist concpets out of context and spinning them to suit her own ends. For example, she uses the term Tao person and describes what qualities she expects a Tao person to have. In Taoism, a follower of Tao is referred to as a sage or a perfect man and has qualities not quite the same as Dreher's Tao person.

In conclusion, I feel this book is a mascarade, a politically charged book disguised as a source for modern Taoist wisdom. I regret having to write so harshly a review, but the Tao is close to my heart. Having someone twist it to suit their own purposes without fully understanding it affects me deeply. The misuse of a 3000 year old philosophy to benefit a comparatively insignificant political view is what kept me from enjoying this book. Please, stick to the taoist masters like Alfred Huang.

This book has quotations from the "Tao Te Jing" interspersed with personal experiences amd anecdotes.

I would rank about 90 - 95% of this book as excelent.

Unfortunately; Ms. Dreher fell into preaching militant environmentalism in that 5-10% that I have no use for.

I am 100% in favor of protecting the environment for future generations. However a real Tao person (in her vernacular) understands there needs to be a balance somewhere so that nature can be protected, and allowing mankind to take what is necessary to sustain life.

I encourage questions and comments about my reviews; Two Bears

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Diane Dreher takes on a daunting task ... teaching modern human beings how to live a more harmonious life ... using ancient Chinese texts written by Lao Tzu. She does an admirable job and achieves her goal ... for the highly motivated reader. First, the book is divided into sections that cover the concepts in a logical sequence. Her divisions are I. "The Way: Then and Now", II. "The Inner Way", III. "The Way of Nature", IV. "The Way of Life, and V. "The Way of Peace". I like how she starts each chapter with a translation of a specific Chinese quote which illusatrates the concepts and principles to be covered in the chapter. She amplifies the meaning of the text, bringing it up to date for modern consumption. The goal of her book is to help the reader become a "Tao person" defined as "someone who recognizes and works with the patterns of nature." {p. 5, Harper Perennial Paperback, c. 1990]

I feel her book is very helpful but more so for readers already familiar with the ideas and concepts of creating harmony with individuals and groups. Readers who have already immersed themselves with many of the principles would benefit more from her explanations and in depth analyses. Her everyday examples are very excellent. They are a guide on how to apply the principles to commone situations. No one need feel she is providing an inflexible unalterable route "from here to there". She does not do this ... she covers concepts and principles related to leadership, cooperation, judgements, fragmentation, transcending dualism, centering one's self, embracing the shadow, service to others, problem solving and cycles, timing and readiness, consensus/ group goals, personal power and process improvement. It is a principle based book and therefore some recognition and familiarity with the basic concepts is required for the reader to apply the teaching in their own environment. This is not a step by step technical manual -- there is no such thing.

The reader needs to be aware that life is dynamic and flowing, with energy shifts. Knowing everyone has personal preferences and patterns of behavior which are predictable but nonetheless changing ... learning to align one's self with the Tao will help create more inner and outer harmony, therefore more winners than losers. This book is highly recommended for those willing to explore personal energy and group energy along with the dynamics of success and failure. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

I love all of the Tao quotes in this book, they are all deep and thought provoking; each true in many ways. There are two drawbacks to this book; the personal stories, the "tree-hugging" and the small amount of actual quotes from the Tao Te Jing. Overall though, a good read and kept my attention the whole way through.

I couldn't disagree more with the "serious student" review. The serious student can simply read the original Tao Te Ching. This book makes the Tao, the Way, accessible to people who otherwise might never get the message at all and I consider that serious! It's very relaxing and certainly does create a way to peace. Keep in mind it was written over twenty years ago, so yes, it sounds "new age-ish." But, as I just wrote on my blog, if I was marooned on an island, this is a book I would like to have with me. That says a lot, from someone who has a houseful of books! Important, profound literature does nothing if it can't help us calm down and enjoy life. Lighten up and give it a try! It's been part of my collection of Taoist books for years, and I think it's a delightful, inspirational little gem.

This text is an Owner's Manual for All those Who Own a Body. BKA, An Outsider's Primer to the Inside Job.

I found the work to be a practical guide on how to become a Tao person and/or how to use the Tao as the situation arises. Ms. Dreher does quite a nice job giving background on Tao, defining what a Tao person is, what he does, how he lives. Peace, says Ms Dreher will come to the world when we find it in ourselves...balance, integration with nature, cooperation with others, dealing with conflicts can all be found in the verses of the Tao Te Ching. Ms. Dreher illustrates this by case scenarios, anecdotes and personal testimony. In each chapter there are personal exercises, affirmations, meditations, Tao questions and appropriate Tao verses. Good for both the uninitiated and those who already have years in the study.

One thing that is driving me crazy is that whenever Diane Dreher quotes the =Tao Te Ching=, she refers to "her own version." I have compared "her version" to many other translations, and seem to like her version the best. However, I don't see that she has published it; therefore, I don't know how to get a copy of the whole thing, but wish I could. Grrrrrrrrr. I guess I will have to
"Close my mouth,
Shut my door,
And live close to Tao."

I've read this book cover to cover many times. Whenever I find myself stressed out or overwelmed with life I pick it up, read a few chapters and it always seems to make me feel better.

Diane Dreher presents one of the most practical guides I have read for bringing personal peace into ones life. The quotes from the Tao Te Ching are used wisely. The exercises are spot on. A book with this many good attributes, surely has a few qualities that bring it back to the realm of the less-than-perfect. She does get on the soap box for ecology. But that it is OK, too. It brings poignancy to the failure to practice the peace of Tao, and the failure to view our existence in the context of the very planet upon which we live. She calls for action from those of us who are still waking up to the challenges we face as our world grows smaller, and the demands grow exponentially. Even so, Ms Dreher maintains optimism for a good outcome.

No matter what your position is on ecology, Ms. Dreher presents a compelling argument, not to mention a very practical guide for establishing peace within oneself.

I feel this book is a wonderful introduction to the Tao for people who have never explored Eastern Religions. After reading this book I felt compelled to do further research on the Tao and was very grateful for the very easily understood introduction by Diane Dreher. Good work Diane.