Living Tao: Timeless Principles for Everyday Enlightenment

by Ilchi Lee

Tao has been built into the foundation of East Asian culture for millennia, and many books have been written to explain it. But Tao cannot fully be explained in words; it can only felt and experienced. Tao is something you live, day by day, moment by moment. It's the omnipresent oneness beyond ephemeral phenomena that expresses itself in everything. New York Times bestselling author Ilchi Lee, an enlightened Tao master from South Korea, has laid out a path to living Tao every day. Along this path, he guides you to an understanding of the meaning of birth, death, and everything in between, building a foundation for living a complete and whole life. Rather than being a review or interpretation of ancient texts, such as the Tao Te Ching, Living Tao draws from the Korean practice of Sundo, an ancient tradition of mind-body training, as well as Lee's own life experience. With the tangible yet universal principles in Living Tao, Ilchi Lee makes this profound topic simple and accessible. This book has an unparalleled depth in its simplicity that anyone can absorb and immediately apply. * 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award Winner, Bronze, Body, Mind & Spirit

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2015

About the author

From a young age, I struggled to find the answers to what I think of are life's fundamental questions: Who am I? and Why am I alive? I found those answers for myself after much study and circumspection, culminating in strict fasting and meditation on top of Moak Mountain in South Korea more than 30 years ago.

What I discovered opened up a new life and a new world for me. Since then, I've sought to find ways to help others answer those questions for themselves, and live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives as a result. All of my work is focused on developing methods for this and sharing them with as many people as possible. I believe when enough people know their true nature and purpose and are empowered to live by it, the world will become a place of dreams; heaven will be expressed on earth.

This is the purpose and content of all of my books. I hope they enrich your life by reading them.

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Western and Eastern books on spiritual world, Tao, enlightenment, etc. Not many books were able to quench my thirst of practicing the ancient wisdom and bringing positive change in my life.

However, Living Tao was different. The way Ilchi Lee explained the Tao was very unique. He didn't follow verses of ancient books, but arranged 12 chapters that are closely related with our daily living.

I really like the way of thinking of spiritual growth. Lee explains, "Your spiritual growth is demonstrated by the character traits you exhibit in your interpersonal relationships. When you show compassion, tolerance, openness and gratitude toward others, you are actively engaging in your spiritual growth."

Also, after reading the book, I came to think a little bit differently about death. Lots of people worry about their physical death, but they are not as concerned about dying before realizing the essence of their souls. When I am reminded of this, whenever I think of death, I find myself trying to live more sincerely here and now.

I would like to recommend this book to everybody who is interested in self-development.

[John Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book full of timeless wisdom. Living Tao contains many messages that ring true for our present day society. Among the many messages, Mr Lee writes of Tao Consciousness and saving Earth through a more aware and broader view of the world in which we live.

I highly recommend this book.

[Geumnari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to see that this is now in book format. I have been practicing Ilchi Lee's principles in my daily life since 2007 and it has had a tremendous effect in the way I perceive life and reality. I now live my life with more meaning and compassion and appreciation because of the Tao principles. Like all of Ilchi Lee's other books, his delivery of the principles and laws is simple yet powerful. What also makes it more valuable for me is the application of the Tao principles in my daily life, through physical exercises and training along with energy training. This book makes my practice more profound and a great reminder for me. I can always refer to it to get clarity when a situation comes up for me. I consider it as my antibody or Vitamin C for my soul.

[Sayong Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious about what “Tao” is and how I can utilize Tao in my daily life before I found the book “Living Tao” by Ilchi Lee. While I was reading this book, slowly and deeply, I realized that the Tao is always with me, in me and around me, and that I am the manifestation of the Tao in this physical form and energetic system.
Now I think I am able to open the eyes of Tao beyond my physical eyes, which means that I try to see and feel Oneness from everything around me, and I feel easier about everything, even about what I didn’t like before.
It is not easy to describe what I felt and experienced through reading this book, it seems like the book “Living Tao” is alive in me, talking to me, and suggesting to me what I have really needed in my life. This book is a teacher and guide for my spiritual journey toward growth and completion of my soul. Yes, this is a Soul Book. Thank you Ilchi Lee for your wonderful words and guidance for all of us.

[Jinny Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story..

Deeply satisfying.. An absolute joy to read
The Secret life of tao living is a rich,Brimming with energy and humor and hope.

[Choongsung Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this book I could more clearly and deeply understand how to connect with my soul. The most touching for me was developing the five characters to grow my soul. Honesty, Sincerity, Responsibility, Courtesy and Faithfulness. This year I choose to develop the five characters every day. I have made a vision and action plan to follow every day. Thank you for making this great pathway and sharing your love. I also love myself and others.

[Edward Sohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this book I deeply understand my life and soul.

As well I feel more clear about my life purpose.

I will keep choosing tao living to make a better life and a better world.

Thank you

[Julian Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read for all wisdom seekers! I am learning many valuable insights and utilizing them in my daily life. This book gives me hopeful, tranquil and positive mind. If you are searching for practical answers to your spiritual questions, I highly recommend this book.

[Ulrike Schmidt-Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hand book for Enlightened Living.
- Revealing the most fundamental and profound truth and how to apply it to every day life –
Many people have the desire to know the Tao, the ultimate truth and the way to enlightenment. Just as so many others, I also have the thirst to know the Tao. Reading the book ‘Living Tao” brought me so much closer to that truth. Until now It seems like knowing the Tao was directly associated with years and years of ascetic practice in the mountains, far away from human reality. This book took away the mysticism that has surrounded the concept of Tao for so long. It explains the Tao in a very comprehensible way and applies it to all aspects of human life. It is a book that provides deep insights and guidelines on how to not only know that Tao but make it part of our everyday life. I believe that this book will help countless people to awaken to the true values of life and through that help cause a big shift in human consciousness and everyday life as it is lived in our modern times, which is so desperately needed.

[Danielle]

It willy helping myself awake and seeing myself.

[Lolita Aulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Tao is an excellent source of practical spiritual information. Ilchi Lee has an excellent and immeasurable ability to simplify in-depth energy principles as well as spiritual development. Soon the connection and interdependence of physical health and spirituality will be common sense!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading Living Tao by Ilchi Lee. I have to say that it is so inspiring.
It is helpful for me to understand some things that I have been aware of in a much clearer way. It is also filled with so much food for thought.
I haven't finished reading this book yet, but I know that I will have to read it again to get some of the more deeper meaning of everything. It seems like the kind of book that you can pick up and open it to any page and read as your meditation for the day.

[Maria Mora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The LIVING TAO is a great book!
The more I read the more I want to discover. I feel so much energy on each one of the words, I truly feel a deep connection with my soul as I read.
I truly recommend this book! Not only has great principles but is so easy to follow.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned how to incorporate the Tao into my life through this book.
It gave me an understanding of birth, death, and everything in between.
“One day, we were given life as a gift... We can choose who we are and what the purpose of our lives is... We live life in a finite body, but it is wonderful and beautiful that we can choose for ourselves how we will use that life.”
Actually this was the best guide for me. I truly felt the real value of my life including my body and soul. Eventually I will leave this body and this physical world. Later, when I am old and facing death, I want to be able to say that I made my life and world beautiful. I want to be able to write a poem and sing a song like he said at the end of this book. And I want everybody on this earth to know that we are one.

[Susan Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate Ilchi Lee's ability to explain a deeply philosophical and spiritual subject in plain language. He seeks to help people see beyond their materialistic desires to shift to a spiritual life that benefits others as a way to health, happiness and peace. Through studying principles of nature, practicing mind-body techniques, and making choices how we live that not only benefit ourselves, but others, we are able to feel and have a life worth living. Ilchi Lee even helps the reader to reflect on their preconceptions about life, death and love. This book is not one to just be read for knowledge, but to experience, for that is the way of Tao. I will definitely read this book again and again to help me become a better human being and a person of character that lives to benefit others and complete the growth of my soul. Ilchi Lee, thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[Anne Paula Cavazos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this book because it contains many of the principles that Ilchi Lee has discussed in other lectures and books. It it a terrific guide to living life in easy to understand language. I have read the entire book but it will make a great guide to keep when I want to look up something specific or if I just decide to open to any page.

[Hyojung Im · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had clear idea of Tao from Living Tao book.
Thank you!

[Susan Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very insightful and interesting book about Tao not from the Tao Te Ching, but from Sundo a form of Tao with roots in Korea. It made me think a lot about my values and what it means to be a human being. I read it because I was interested in the title of "everyday enlightenment". I wanted to understand what that was. The wisdoms in the book were very basic and simple and I felt easy to integrate in my life. It gave me an idea that enlightenment is not about some big event that changes you completely but about the day to day choices that we make.

[Magdalena Szara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explaines principles of life in easy way to understand for me. I couldnt wait to finish it and I will read it again to get even more. It is like manual to life. Thank you

[John Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find Ilchi Lee's Living Tao to be a very clear and practical guide for how to live according to Tao principles, and also, how to actualize these principles into one's life on a daily basis. I have enjoyed for many years reading Eastern literature, especially Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, and while I enjoy them on a literary level, I do not feel that their books have deeply impacted my life in the same way as Living Tao.

For beautiful verse from Ilchi Lee, I recommend Calligraphic Meditations. For the reader who might be looking for practical ways to improve their life, or to understand their life more deeply, then I suggest Living Tao. This book is well-written, easy to understand and can be applied immediately into one's life. Check it out!

[Eun-mi Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is very impressive to me.
I got inspired a lot of things and to make awareness.
I think everybody need to read this book.

[Pilsun Pyun · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will help me to have peaceful mind all day long!

[June]

I am very excited and grateful that this teaching became available in a book format. This contents has been available only in audio CDs for many years and I had difficulty to share it with more friends at that time. I owe deep gratitude to this teachings because it has been most beneficial guideline for my meditation and healthy living for two decades. Thank you Ilchi Lee for sharing this golden wisdom. I am certain that this can benefit so many other people as well guiding them into clarity and self-realization. If this teaching get shared to everyone in the world, we together, will overcome today's conflicts that comes from duality and competition.

[Brian Huff]

I read this while going through an inner cleansing process. Physical, emotional, and spiritual. It really worked as a guide to help me understand myself and humanity as a whole more deeply. I would recommend to anyone on a spiritual journey

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives me a lot of inspiring for daily life. I enjoyed so much for reading this book. Very helpful for watching myself!

[Sunnee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm willing to look for another book on Taoist beliefs, but this was not a good first impression at all. This surprised me, as the ratings are so high! The first chapter (and much of the rest of the book) was a slog to get through, filled with repetitive sentences that come across as a way to fluff up the word count to make a lengthier book.

The author comes across as someone who is so full of himself, that he uses Taoism as a front to excuse himself from husband and fatherly duties - and really any duties to society. (But he isn't shirking responsibility! He is enlightened! /s)

There are also recommendations to utilize unsafe and unhealthy practices to "prove" devotion and dedication to his version of Taoism. He claims to have gone 21 days without food, sleep, or even laying down at all. Lee Ilchi talks about how he almost died a few times during this stunt, but it was apparently vital for his realizations and new way of seeing the world to come to him. He doesn't say this is a bad thing for anyone to do, just that it isn't for everyone - he presents it as a challenge and "better than thou" feat. "This method worked for me because I had a strong physical constitution..." He also talked about how the normal person will go on two-week-long diets consisting of one meal per day paired with vigorous and prolonged exercise, and how not following through with such a plan shows lack of discipline and devotion. This is unsafe and does damage to the body!

So much of this book comes across as justifications for catering to one's ego under the guise of "seeking enlightenment," that I really hope this guy must simply be a poor spokesperson for the belief system. On top of that, it was such a chore to get through. Not because of complicated theorem or lofty ideas, but because of how mind-numbingly simple, hypocritical, repetitive, and superficial it all was. I do not recommend this book.

[Rakeela Windrider · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book tries hard to be a work of absolute peace, but I consider it only a book of relative peace. It denies the compassionate potential of materialists and assumes that the materialistic worldview is a wasteland void of compassion. The author sees the present day as a horrible place full of misery and social decay. I think humanity has actually gained a lot of compassion over the periods of materialism ascendant, and I see a lot of hope and promise in the present day.

The book is exuberantly heterosexual and spiritualizes reproduction. This really bothers me. You can't have a nature-honoring path without acknowledging that humanity over-populated this world relative to Earth's resource base. A true nature-honoring path should acknowledge that future generations need to be smaller than past generations.

This book claims that most of the diseases affecting modern people are psychosomatic. I recorded it in my notes as something to highlight. I don't approve.

I got the impression that this author's view of individualism is highly negative. Their attitude is kind of fanatically collectivist, seeing the individual perspective as inherently sick and in need of fixing in every case, with a fixed person being de-individualized and turned into a selfless avatar of the pure cosmic will. I feel like that attitude is hostile and manipulative; I imagined the author stripping the mind of a troublemaker to try to make them perfect. All principle is individual principle as all experience is individual experience. People should be respected as unique individuals.

[Kelly Miess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a number of Ilchi Lee's books, and of them all, this one best encapsulates his philosophy. It's simple, clear and pulls no punches. It expects self examination, dedication, compassion; essentially spiritual maturity. And if like most of us, you're on the path, but not there yet, it helps you see your way more clearly. I've read, and reread, most of the book and find it speaks to me a little differently each time. Highly recommended.

[Susan Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living Tao is the best possible primer for those interested in upgrading their consciousness and their life. Don't worry, this isn't lululala wanna-be spiritual - this is very practical wisdom to help us examine how we've lived so far, and to understand the principles we can apply to live life more completely. If everyone lived like this, we'd have a much better world!

[Hyeran Ihm · Rating 5 out of 5]

His teaching of tao is very down to earth and helpful about reflecting on how I live.