The author of SPIRITUAL TEACHINGS OF MARCUS AURELIUS now unveils the philosophy of Taoism which began with Chuang Tzu in the 4th century and remains the most influential in the Eastern world. Tao, meaning The Way, provides rich insight and guidance for a long life, contentment and wisdom. Chuang Tzu wrote a series of fables and stories to illuminate the workings of the Tao which Forstater selects and reinterprets for our age. Entertaining, often surprisingly striking and radical, the teachings of the Tao are just as relevant today as they were 1600 years ago. Its philosophy forms the basis of everything from feng shui and acupuncture to Tai Chi and traditional Chinese medicine.
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Taoism is one of the world's oldest belief systems, originating in China in the fourth century before Christ. One of its most influential founders was Chuang Tzu; Mark Forstater's The Spiritual Teachings of the Tao is a new selection of his writings. The first third of the book is Forstater's own introduction to the Tao--"the Way"--and its relevance today. He faces head-on the first problem in writing about the Tao, lines by Chuang Tzu saying "The Tao that can be talked about is not the real Tao... He who knows does not speak, he who speaks does not know." But words in books, as Chuang Tzu says, are for conveying ideas, just as fishing baskets are for catching fish, and once you have grasped the ideas you can forget the words. The Tao cannot be described, but Forstater's book is a useful aid toward understanding it.
The Tao is about living in the world as it is; Chuang Tzu would have understood the phrase "go with the flow". It's about being in tune with the way of nature, so fits in well with today's Gaian philosophy. Taoism, Forstater explains, is "a true marriage of mind, body and spirit"; it underlies acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine, Tai Chi and much more. "A life in touch and flowing with the original essence of existence can restore us to the wholeness that we seek."
The second part of the book is a selection from Chuang Tzu's writings--poems, teachings and many delightful stories. There is a warmth and gentle humour underlying them, which makes them as readable today as when Chuang Tzu first wrote them 2300 years ago. "All Chuang Tzu wants is for us to live a full and enjoyable life," says Forstater. "It seems so easy and simple. Yet how many of us can manage it?" For those who follow the Tao, this book may help.--David V Barrett
About the Author
Mark Forstater is a producer of films and television documentaries. His most famous production is Monty Python and The Holy Grail. An American, he lives and works in London. He is married with three daughters.
Chuang Tzu (369-286BCE) was one of the founders of Philosophical Taoism. We know little of his life, except that he was married with children, held a minor government job, and refused wealth, power and title.
Chuang Tzu (369-286BCE) was one of the founders of Philosophical Taoism. We know little of his life, except that he was married with children, held a minor government job, and refused wealth, power and title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By J. Scott
TOP 100 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
For a long time now, I've been looking for a book that I can hand to friends who ask me 'What is Taoism all about anyway?'
Existing titles tend towards two extremes; at one end of the scale there are works which can seem a little too 'deep' for the casual reader. At the other end, there's New Age psychobabble where the meaning of 'Tao' corresponds to the writer's pet theories and prejudices.
This book is, in my opinion, superb for anyone who is 'kinda interested but doesn't want to get into all that hard-to-understand stuff.'
The first half of the book is a general intro to the theories and themes of philosophical Taoism, all in very entertaining and readable style.
The second half is a lively translation (paraphrase, really) of the author's own selection from Chuang-Tzu.
Mr Forstater has done an excellent job with this little book, and I recommend it.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The Toaist saying that the way that is spoken is not the true way is laid to rest at last.
This is a simple book that tries to explain a simple concept to people who think the way is complicated. The way just is, and the author explains this in an amusing and accurate manner.
The book is well written and laid out so you can just dip in and out at random. Not a book to be taken seriously or read from front to back. If you are wondering about Taoism then get this book and learn to forget the mystery.
This is a simple book that tries to explain a simple concept to people who think the way is complicated. The way just is, and the author explains this in an amusing and accurate manner.
The book is well written and laid out so you can just dip in and out at random. Not a book to be taken seriously or read from front to back. If you are wondering about Taoism then get this book and learn to forget the mystery.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Shay hermon
Format:Paperback
It is hard to find a book that keeps spiritual teachings of ancient wisdom as clear and enjoyable, while keeping its true form and magic. Forstater's "Spiritual teachings of the TAO" is a great delicates for those who wish to reveal the world of TAO, especially in a modern-age form.
If you want to taste the authentic mystic wisdom, I recommend getting your hands on a copy of this book.
Mark Forstater is not only an honest interpeter of the past, but also a knowledgable thinker and philosopher by his own right - which makes this book especially enlightning. Kind of make the mind tingle a bit...
A true gem of wisdom!
If you want to taste the authentic mystic wisdom, I recommend getting your hands on a copy of this book.
Mark Forstater is not only an honest interpeter of the past, but also a knowledgable thinker and philosopher by his own right - which makes this book especially enlightning. Kind of make the mind tingle a bit...
A true gem of wisdom!
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The Tao Movement (Pronounce Dow).........They believe when things aren't going too well we should just go with "The Universal Flow" which means let the Universal will step in and help you out ...naturally.
I found this book to be 'too heavy' to read, so NO I would not recommend it.
I found this book to be 'too heavy' to read, so NO I would not recommend it.
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