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Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony
The Taoist spirit comes to life, made vibrant and contemporary through the Chinese ideograms whose images and stories speak of living in harmony with the Tao. Everyday Tao revives an ancient approach to meditation and reflection by using these stories as sources of insight for spiritual growth.
Tao is a person running along a path
A companion volume to the bestselling 365 Tao, Everyday Tao offers clear, specific directions on bringing the Taoist spirit into our work, our relationships, and other aspects of our everyday lives. Each ideogram provides the starting point for a Taoist lesson. The narrative that follows shows how we can achieve an intimate relationship with nature, others, and our natural selves.
Tao is a person running along a path
A companion volume to the bestselling 365 Tao, Everyday Tao offers clear, specific directions on bringing the Taoist spirit into our work, our relationships, and other aspects of our everyday lives. Each ideogram provides the starting point for a Taoist lesson. The narrative that follows shows how we can achieve an intimate relationship with nature, others, and our natural selves.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 1996
119 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 25, 2025
Nothing can surpass reading the classical texts to understand Taoism. It's my opinion indeed that many Western books claiming to make such ancient Chinese philosophies accessible or relevant to our modern lifestyles are, far too often and sadly, grossly simplistic. This book (sadly too) falls into that trap. It omits a lot and is far too basic in its goal to catch too broad an audience. However...
However, its originality manages to make it somewhat enlightening. The fact is, the author focuses on some key words ('silence', 'Tao', 'prayer' etc.) by, first, displaying their Chinese ideograms and, then, describing such ideograms in using them as a way to give free rein to some thoughts and stories enabling to better understand their meaning and importance -from a Taoist perspective. We thus have the essential Chinese pictograms as basis for explanation, something otherwise impossible with translations using solely the Western alphabet.
All in all, then, here's an interesting take, enlightening somehow. Still, it could have been deeper and, above all, doesn't compensate for reading the classics.
However, its originality manages to make it somewhat enlightening. The fact is, the author focuses on some key words ('silence', 'Tao', 'prayer' etc.) by, first, displaying their Chinese ideograms and, then, describing such ideograms in using them as a way to give free rein to some thoughts and stories enabling to better understand their meaning and importance -from a Taoist perspective. We thus have the essential Chinese pictograms as basis for explanation, something otherwise impossible with translations using solely the Western alphabet.
All in all, then, here's an interesting take, enlightening somehow. Still, it could have been deeper and, above all, doesn't compensate for reading the classics.
May 24, 2011
This fantastic follow-up to 365 Tao: Daily Meditations follows basically the same structure as its predecessor. Each page tackles a single aspect of life from the general categories Nature, Silence, Books, Strategy, Movement, Skill, Craft, Conduct, Moderation, Devotion, Perseverance, Teaching, Self, Simplifying, and Union. Each page provides the Chinese character for the concept, an explanation of the character's meaning, and a short explanation of the Taoist principle associated with the concept, or that can be learned from it.
This short, simple presentation makes the book the perfect quick lunch reader, as you can digest as many or as few pages as you wish in a sitting. You can also return quite easily for quick reinforcement. Highly recommended for anyone seeking the tranquility of understanding the Taoist way.
This short, simple presentation makes the book the perfect quick lunch reader, as you can digest as many or as few pages as you wish in a sitting. You can also return quite easily for quick reinforcement. Highly recommended for anyone seeking the tranquility of understanding the Taoist way.
October 20, 2013
Everyday Tao by Ming-Dao Deng has been a kind of devotional for me over the last few weeks. It has gotten me through many otherwise grueling shifts and opened my mind in ways I can't even begin to describe.
Each verse begins with the Chinese character for a particular object or substance or quality. Deng starts with broad, abstract subjects and proceeds to illustrate the specific ways in which these symbolize Tao.
Tao is about learning to center the self, doing good for the sake of doing good, understanding the ephemeral state of our world and our lives, valuing the present, and not letting the constantly shifting sands of our environment dictate the direction of our lives. We must have ownership over ourselves.
Tao is often said to be like a river, but, as Deng suggests that we should not swim against the tide, neither can we simply sit in our vessel and expect to get anywhere. We must gauge when to move and how, and when to become still and simply observe. The right moment for action will always present itself.
I'm thankful to Deng for this lovely book. It's cast light on my own journey. I no longer see my life as linear. I'm not in a hurry to get to the Finish Line. Rather, I see my life as cyclical. I may cover the same stretch of road many times, but each time I return, I bring with me new insight, and that leads to phenomenal growth. The cyclical way of viewing things more clearly mirrors nature, and try as we might, we will always be a part of that dynamic.
At its core, Tao is about returning to simplicity, finding the source of all things within ourselves. I've felt this desire blossoming in me for a long time now, and it's wonderful to read words that so clearly define my desires and the challenges I face on a daily basis.
I would recommend Everyday To for anyone who needs to cultivate a bit of peace. It's also a good exploration of Taoism for those interested in the philosophy.
Each verse begins with the Chinese character for a particular object or substance or quality. Deng starts with broad, abstract subjects and proceeds to illustrate the specific ways in which these symbolize Tao.
Tao is about learning to center the self, doing good for the sake of doing good, understanding the ephemeral state of our world and our lives, valuing the present, and not letting the constantly shifting sands of our environment dictate the direction of our lives. We must have ownership over ourselves.
Tao is often said to be like a river, but, as Deng suggests that we should not swim against the tide, neither can we simply sit in our vessel and expect to get anywhere. We must gauge when to move and how, and when to become still and simply observe. The right moment for action will always present itself.
I'm thankful to Deng for this lovely book. It's cast light on my own journey. I no longer see my life as linear. I'm not in a hurry to get to the Finish Line. Rather, I see my life as cyclical. I may cover the same stretch of road many times, but each time I return, I bring with me new insight, and that leads to phenomenal growth. The cyclical way of viewing things more clearly mirrors nature, and try as we might, we will always be a part of that dynamic.
At its core, Tao is about returning to simplicity, finding the source of all things within ourselves. I've felt this desire blossoming in me for a long time now, and it's wonderful to read words that so clearly define my desires and the challenges I face on a daily basis.
I would recommend Everyday To for anyone who needs to cultivate a bit of peace. It's also a good exploration of Taoism for those interested in the philosophy.
May 23, 2010
Deng Ming-Dao writes books that are pertinent to modern times. When it might have been thought that a Taoist lifestyle is impossible to achieve today, especially for one who was raised in Western culture, he has proven this to be incorrect. "Everyday Tao", as well as it's predecesseor, "365 Tao", offer ancient wisdom in the form of easy to understand daily meditations which are applicable to our times and busy lifestyles.
Although I've just finished reading every passage in this book, I am not "done" reading it. This book is meant to be read one page at a time, and reflected upon. Sometimes I might have a problem that I need a different insight on to help determine a solution. Or sometimes life might be discordant and I just need comfort getting through it. Between "Everyday Tao" and "365 Tao", I can always look up a passage or few about my situation. Or if life happens to be fine I might pick a random entry just to evaluate myself and make sure I'm on the right path. I find both books essential in helping to find balance and harmony in life.
Although I've just finished reading every passage in this book, I am not "done" reading it. This book is meant to be read one page at a time, and reflected upon. Sometimes I might have a problem that I need a different insight on to help determine a solution. Or sometimes life might be discordant and I just need comfort getting through it. Between "Everyday Tao" and "365 Tao", I can always look up a passage or few about my situation. Or if life happens to be fine I might pick a random entry just to evaluate myself and make sure I'm on the right path. I find both books essential in helping to find balance and harmony in life.
July 10, 2008
No, I didn't read this book in one day. It's not a book to read chronologically; rather, it provides an incredibly long list of conflicts, emotional states, etc., with Taoist approaches to resolving and/or dealing with them. I've read a few currently-applicable entries and found them to be most helpful. Again, not a book to read cover to cover but to keep at your side and, if you have big pockets, there, too, if you're good at cramming.
Disclaimer: I do not read anything proposing easy solutions in five to twelve steps regarding how to be happy or successful or anything else. I can burn my money and save space.
Disclaimer: I do not read anything proposing easy solutions in five to twelve steps regarding how to be happy or successful or anything else. I can burn my money and save space.
March 4, 2013
One of my top five all time daily reading books
September 7, 2014
This book changed my life.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
February 25, 2025Impulse grab at the library. Not for me. The 'stories' are too short. I don't see how people who can't make time to study Tao expect to have the time to learn it. You can't just take one page every morning as if it's a prescription for wisdom.
February 2025
February 2025
Currently reading
March 3, 20252025/03/03 Notes:
About 8 years ago, I did a spree and touched base on different philosophies. I bought two travel sized books about Tao and used them as journal prompts. It didn't last the whole year like I had planned, but it was a nice bit of writing zen when I did it. I saw my old posts, read them and felt like trying it out again. This time, I decided to read Everyday Tao in small portions and use the segments as my journal prompts.
Ironically, I'm not enjoying this book as much as the travel books I had used before. There's more interpretation written here that comes across the wrong way in English. Context & format. I'm definitely feeling that disconnect of having a mostly Western mindset and aligning with my Eastern origins.
I may have to re-purchase the travel books. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my solo, Socratic mental rambles as I read this book & jot down my thoughts. If I keep to a daily post, I should wrap up the book in the fall or early winter.
About 8 years ago, I did a spree and touched base on different philosophies. I bought two travel sized books about Tao and used them as journal prompts. It didn't last the whole year like I had planned, but it was a nice bit of writing zen when I did it. I saw my old posts, read them and felt like trying it out again. This time, I decided to read Everyday Tao in small portions and use the segments as my journal prompts.
Ironically, I'm not enjoying this book as much as the travel books I had used before. There's more interpretation written here that comes across the wrong way in English. Context & format. I'm definitely feeling that disconnect of having a mostly Western mindset and aligning with my Eastern origins.
I may have to re-purchase the travel books. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my solo, Socratic mental rambles as I read this book & jot down my thoughts. If I keep to a daily post, I should wrap up the book in the fall or early winter.
April 14, 2009
This book was very inspirational and helped me see things in a different light. I have learned to be more confident in myself. This book has challenged me to think of new ways to deal with conflicts. It has provoked my ideas of everyday challenges. I'm still trying to grasp the philosophy of Tao. I find myself going back to this book to reread and meditate on what I've read. It really is the easiest translation of the philosophy of Taoism. If you're new to this philosophy than start with this book. It dumbs it down just enough, but not enough to loose the authenticity of this great philosophy. I know that there may be better books on this subject, but this one is the best I've found for my personal needs.
I really do enjoy this book.
I really do enjoy this book.
May 30, 2011
I understand Taoism a bit but want to learn more. This little book is written like a devotional book with little teachings on each page. Good for a beginner like me. I now want to read 365 Tao which was written by the same author.
February 13, 2010
I read a page of this book before bed each night. It helps me calm down and think. I really enjoyed it.
October 10, 2013
A very good read if you are looking for ways to treat your anxiety, focus, negative thoughts and chronic pain. Meditation helps me greatly with all of these things. :)
June 13, 2015
This small book,
Changed me for a better man.
This is my subtle Truth.
Whatever you Love, you are.
Changed me for a better man.
This is my subtle Truth.
Whatever you Love, you are.
July 7, 2024
Take this to your next hiking trip 😉
October 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book much more than 365 Tao. It isn’t a daily devotional so you can read multiple entries in a day and still feel the development. I loved the focus on ancient Taoist perspective and characters of text. It felt more scholarly and less contrived than 365 Tao. Some entries toward the end felt forced and there were some typos in the later entries, but not nearly as many forced or awkward entries as 365 Tao. I’ll reread this one!
October 23, 2017
A friend of mine gave me this book and it revealed myself to myself. I am a poet (so not fit company for anyone), a scholar although an autodidact, a writer of essays, and this book showed me the rightness of the little way I've chosen to live internally. This book made me so happy and it didn't collide with that other eastern religion , christianity, which is mine from birth.
May 12, 2025
DNF, stopped page "White". Too mystical, superstition, unfounded parallels between completely different topics. Goodreads is making me leave a rating in order to leave a review, but I'd like to have not left a rating, given that I didn't finish the book and that my thoughts on Taoism don't reflect the quality of the book in question.
March 17, 2018
Good book that you don't need to read all at once. I kept it on my desk for a couple of months and read a few pages at a time here and there. I enjoyed some of the insight in this book and will refer back to it again.
December 23, 2020
This isn't a book for reading. It's a book for dipping into, almost like divination. What do I need to think about today? The mixture of commentary on the characters and the meditative prompts is excellent.
September 1, 2023
LOVE this book. TAO means following a living path, moving with life. This book is sectioned into 15 parts. My favorites are: Nature and Silence; Movement; I also liked Self and Simplifying. I love the philosophy of the Tao . One of my fave quotes. “If you are dispensing care, do it happily.”
May 25, 2017
Really great collection of Taoist thoughts and meditations. Worth reading.
March 17, 2020
An excellent guide not only to the principles of the Tao but how one can integrate them in one’s life.
December 14, 2022
This book is an excellent overview of Taoism for the modern person
February 6, 2022
This is a great bedside book for those interested in Daoist philosophy. Written in a devotional-like style, it is a book of short anecdotes illustrating how Daoist notions are seen in every day living. Most enjoyable.
April 25, 2017
Eastern philosophy is a rather intricate subject that has many different viewpoints. This particular book couples well into that philosophy.
Everyday Tao – Living With Balance & Harmony by Deng Min-Dao is a very insightful book.
Split up into 15 different sections, Everyday Tao covers a variety of ways into which individuals are able to get in tune with the Tao. The 15 sections are: nature, silence, books, strategy, movement, skill, craft, conduct, moderation, devotion, perseverance, teaching, self, simplifying and union.
Using Chinese ideograms, which contain inherent stories therein, the author brings about much meaning showing the reader what each ideogram breaks into and what insights can be had.
The way the book is set up, each individual insight covering no more than a page, makes this the type of book that can be read straight through, or on a day-by-day basis. For me, the latter offered much enjoyment and meaning because I was able to digest and discern much of what the book provided and ponder it deeply therein without rushing.
Through and through, the book offers a no-nonsense approach into Taoist insights. As someone who’s relatively new to Eastern Philosophy and am open minded about it, there was much to appreciate, regardless if one is locked within a particular paradigm or not. This volume offers much value, and if you’re seeking more to read on Tao or Eastern Philosophy, do not hesitate – get this book.
Everyday Tao – Living With Balance & Harmony by Deng Min-Dao is a very insightful book.
Split up into 15 different sections, Everyday Tao covers a variety of ways into which individuals are able to get in tune with the Tao. The 15 sections are: nature, silence, books, strategy, movement, skill, craft, conduct, moderation, devotion, perseverance, teaching, self, simplifying and union.
Using Chinese ideograms, which contain inherent stories therein, the author brings about much meaning showing the reader what each ideogram breaks into and what insights can be had.
The way the book is set up, each individual insight covering no more than a page, makes this the type of book that can be read straight through, or on a day-by-day basis. For me, the latter offered much enjoyment and meaning because I was able to digest and discern much of what the book provided and ponder it deeply therein without rushing.
Through and through, the book offers a no-nonsense approach into Taoist insights. As someone who’s relatively new to Eastern Philosophy and am open minded about it, there was much to appreciate, regardless if one is locked within a particular paradigm or not. This volume offers much value, and if you’re seeking more to read on Tao or Eastern Philosophy, do not hesitate – get this book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews