Embarking on the Way: A Guide to Western Taoism (Paperback)

~ Solala Towler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Drawing on his extensive foundation in Taoist practice and as "a life-long seeker of truth and spiritual fulfillment," Towler presents the complete world of Taoist practice with the Western reader in mind. The beauty of Taoism is its lack of demands--as the books says, "nothing to join, no vows to take, no special diet to follow, and...no need to let go of your own personal...spiritual path." Adoption of all or part of the practice Es up to the spiritual needs of the reader. In the classic style of mentoring, most chapters begin with quotations from teachers, which are then expanded and expounded, some briefly and some at length. The seeker will find much to ponder and much of real use in these pages, from "The Value of Worthlessness" to "The Eternal Dance of Yin and Yang" and "The Tao of Sec and Relationship." Even as he discusses the most subtle and esoteric principles, Towler's tone is simple, conversational, and reasoning. This is a gentle book, as befits it subject. -- NAPRA ReView Vol. 9, No.3

Product Description

Written in simple and non-scholarly fashion, Embarking On the Way is designed to present the fascinating world of Taoist philosophy and practice to Western readers. It encompasses a wide range of Taoist studies, from the classical teachings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu to the Tao of sex and relationship.

The appeal of this book for modern Westerners is in its simple yet profound presentation of Taoism. There is nothing to join, no vows to take, no special diet to follow and there is no need to let go of one's own personal religious or spiritual path to benefit from the teachings of Tao. Embarking On the Way offers the full program of Taoist philosophy and practice. The reader is then able to choose which parts of the program he or she wishes to use--for instance Chinese medicine or qigong practice--or they may choose to follow the entire program. There is no pressure or need to become a hard-core Taoist to gain benefit from the teachings covered in this book.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: Abode of the Eternal Tao (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964991225
• ISBN-13: 978-0964991224
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,260,520 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An book with nothing to say, July 14, 1999

By A Customer

This author quotes most of the "Taoist Masters" whom write articles is his Empty Vessel Mag. Most of the so called "Taoist Masters" he quotes through his book are professional authors selling a lot of New-Age type of Taoist ideas, with the exception of Ding ming Dao... This book has more to do with "New-Ager Taoism than the real thing.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Way of Exploration, June 15, 2004

By A Customer

I found this book to be a clear exploration of Taoist thoughts and philosophy (as it merges here in the West vs. ancient schooling). Since the Tao is ever flowing and never set in a particular ritual (unless it becomes "religionized")this book is an example of the many ideas of the Taoist thought. Whether traditional questioning, traditional chinese medicine, sex, qi gong, etc.
It's a smattering of info that allows the reader to continue to choose where to go next (with recommended readings) and sparks curiosity re: taoist thought.
In this sense it is light reading, not a scholarly dissertation. None of the thoughts should be taken as "law" when it comes to Taoism - how could it? - that goes against the Tao. However, it's interesting to see Taoist thoughts evolve and involve as it interacts with us in the west.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect introduction to Taoism for the western audience., January 4, 1999

By A Customer

I highly recommend Embarking On The Way for anyone wanting to enter into Eastern Philosophy but find it hard to begin somewhere that is contempory for the Western Mind. I recommend it to all my clients who want to get a flavor of the many cultural aspects there are to Taoism and how it affects the day to day life of ordinary folks. Each chapter is a gem!