Publishers Weekly
09/14/2015
Lin (The Tao of Daily Life) retells 17 stories by the ancient Tao master Chuang Tzu (who lived in the fourth century B.C.E.), dividing them into four sections corresponding to the spiritual journey: Departure, Travel Advisory, Travel Tips, and Arrival. A longer section follows each story, explaining its meaning in terms of 21st-century Western life—for instance defeating archenemies such as a dead-end job or a codependent relationship. After one story, Lin writes that “the world is full of people who talk too much but say too little.... The Tao... expresses all possible meanings while saying nothing at all.... The sages aspire to convey more meaning using fewer words.” The stories themselves are well organized and insightful, but one wishes Lin had followed the sages’ advice and let the stories stand with far less explanation, so that readers could extract their own wisdom. Perhaps the answer is to read these fine stories without their interpretations, since their accompanying explanations often block the free-flowing power of the Tao. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Tao of Happiness:
“If someone told you that happiness was within your reach, without a moment's delay, would you believe them? The 'counterintuitive' nature of that proposal is exactly what Derek Lin, a prolific author and Taoist teacher, said can be found in the teachings of Taoism. Lin's new book, The Tao of Happiness…shares stories from Taoist sage, Chuang Tzu…[whose] parables illustrate a guide to happiness that Lin said runs counter to many common notions about success and fulfillment.”
—Huffington Post review
"The parable as prescriptive is one of the great paradigms for spiritual teaching, and in The Tao of Happiness...as illuminated by Taoist teacher Derek Lin, the lessons are deep and rich and lasting...[I]n lucid prose, Lin takes...ancient teachings and reveals their modern-day relevance."
—Chicago Tribune review
"...[F]ew authors apply the Tao to modern life with the rigor of Derek Lin."
—Publishers Weekly review
"Lin again demonstrates his skill as a cultural interpreter and guide to Chuang Tzu’s wisdom regarding daily life in any cultural context."
—Booklist review
Praise for Derek Lin’s books:
The Tao of Joy Every Day:
Winner: Best Spirituality/ Alternative Science Book (The Coalition of Visionary Resources)
“The book offers up easily digestible wisdom for when you need a quick bit of inspiration. It is a great way to start the day, and it's small size makes it ideal for a nightstand book. It's short but powerful entries are great for settling the mind before bedtime, or on nights when you can't sleep. It's a great addition to any Eastern wisdom book collection.”
—The Buddhist Blog
The Tao of Daily Life:
“This book has given me a large amount of understanding and inspiration in my own life. It is well written so that those of any religion (or lack of) can greatly benefit from its wisdom. I would put this book at the top of the list for anyone wanting to help move past the daily trivialities and frustrations that an inhibit our lives. This is also a perfect companion to applying the Tao Te Ching to the daily life.”
—Saint Monica’s Episcopal Church’s Book Corner
“The perfect book for readers who are interested in Taoism and want a little daily inspiration. The Tao of Daily Life combines ancient Eastern wisdom with practical application—perfect for busy Western readers!”
—Taoism
“There are some wonderful stories here! A top-drawer collection of Taoist teaching stories and commentaries on this ancient path.”
—Spirituality and Practice, “Best Spiritual Books of 2007”
The Tao of Success:
Winner: Best Spirituality Book (The Coalition of Visionary Resources)
“This book represents a melding of the best of eastern and western thinking.”
—Bill Tammeus, Faith Matters
“A practical, systematic approach to the ancient and time-honored spiritual learning process. Using the same format that made The Tao of Daily Life a breakout Eastern wisdom bestseller, Lin draws on the power of Taoist stories to illustrate important keys, or lessons.’
—Taoism
