Awakening to the Tao

by Liu Yiming

This collection of brief meditative essays illustrates the ancient philosophy that holds the key to success in all aspects of life
 
The Tao is the ancient Chinese "Way" that has inspired numerous books, from The Tao of Physics to The Tao of Sex . This book, written by an 18th-century Taoist adept, might be called ”The Tao of Tao.” In 142 brief meditative essays, author Liu I-ming uses simple language and natural imagery to express the essence of the wisdom that holds the key to success in every human endeavor.

Genres: Taoism, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, China, Religion, Buddhism

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Scribe]

One to digest, Liu I-Ming steers a path between the mystery of the Tao Te Ching, and the comedy of Chuang-Tzu. Gentle observations lead into important lessons, and in between the lines are some intriguing snippets on the true nature of Taoism. An excellent read that needs time to take full effect.

[Thurm]

3.5.

I'm not familiar with many Taoist texts aside from the Tao Te Ching itself. This was something of a collection of commentaries and parables or koans from one 19th century master, and was interesting enough. I think I'd rather study the Tao Te Ching directly than read something else like this again, but it was still thought-provoking if a bit grating. It would probably serve better as a collection of wisdom that is meant to be studied one section at a time rather than read straight through; it ended up being quite overwhelming for me and I don't know that I got much out of it. Still, there's good advice in here that is applicable to modern day life and I'd say that it is worth perusing again someday. It might also have better served me as an audiobook; I got sleepy almost every time I put my eyes on the pages, almost certainly making me the "Poor Student" referenced in the last few pages.

[B. Rule]

This little collection of contemplative meditations is a nice complement to the Tao Te Ching. Its lessons tend to be more practical, and Liu Yiming excels at showing that wisdom can be drawn out of almost any material. I found the plainspoken and often lightly humorous approach refreshing, although I'm not sure I'd recommend this for an absolute novice.

It's hard not to see evidence for perennialism lurking here given the numerous similarities to Western alchemical, mystical, and apophatic traditions, although Liu Yiming offers more scathing criticism of "quietism" than often appears in Western wisdom literature. He's clear that enlightenment is not found in retreat from the world, but amongst the ten thousand things in the cities and towns.

[Billie Pritchett]

Now here's a translation of 18th century Taoist and popular interpreter of Taoism Liu Yiming. He explains what this religion/philosophy has to offer in terms of wisdom and sage advice.

Here's a passage, chosen randomly and out of context.

It is most important not to waste time vacillating, and not to give up halfway, as this will only leave you with unhappiness. THis is especially true in that something that lasts forever without change can only be accomplished by long persistent effort.

If you start out diligently but end up slacking off, or indulge in idle imagination and hope thereby to keep essence and life whole and accomplish that which is rare in the world, you have no chance whatsoever of success. Therefore a sage said that people without constanty cannot even beer seers or physicians, much less attain completeness of essence and life.

And here's a fall excerpt of a brief section called "Wood and Charcoal, Clay and Brick":

When wood is exposed for a long time it rots, but if it is fired into charcoal it will never ot. Water and earth combine to make clay, which dissolves in the rain; fire it into brick, however, and it will last indefinitely.

What I realize as I observe this is the Tao of firing to cultivate reality. The reason people are unable to attain the Tao is because they have not yet been "fired" in the furnace of Creation.

If one walks with every step on the ground of reality in the furnace of Creation, experiencing everything that comes along, being in the doorway of life and death without wavering, like gold that becomes brighter the more it is fired, like a mirror that becomes clearer the more it is polished, fired and polished to a state of round brightness, clean nakedness, bare freedom, where there is neither being nor nonbeing, where others and self all become empty, then one will be mentally and physically sublimated, and will merge with the Tao in reality. This is like wood and clay passing through fire to become charcoal and brick, never to decay.

If any of that speaks to you, you're likely to like this book.

[ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ]

Reactionary to "false" Taoism, historically interesting, but not in the spirit of the Way. Far too prohibitive and moralistic. How does one speak of egolessness and yet preach of virtue! Moralism is an egoic activity.

[C Settles]

Excellent follow on to Laozi and Zhuangzi. Many common Daoist concepts are repeated and explained by a later day Daoist.

[Malik McClellan]

Very engaging

This book grabbed me from the start. I.could have read it from cover to cover of time had.permitted. I.would definitely recommend it.

[Ryder Seamons]

Ooh I needed this one

[Aaron Maurer]

This book is an old one published in 1988. I checked out several Tao books from the library and am slowly making my way through them in the limited time I have to actually read anymore. What I liked about this book is the fact that you could read a few contemplations at a time and that would be fulfilling enough for a couple days. The first part of the book has several little contemplations for you to read and think about. I took notes on several of them to use in my teaching and coaching of middle school. I find them very productive in terms of thinking in new ways and just taking pause to stop and consider all the things around us in life.




This was a nice read for me. I got through it fairly easy and took away some pretty good ideas. I don't plan on purchasing this book like some other Tao books, but I am glad I read it.

[Deni]

Learn to be a better person with this book. Lots of good points that I can use in life. What can I say... love this book!

[Mike O'pecko]

Difficult, but more helpful then theTao Te Ching. Later sections were more comprehensible, Lamentations were strange

[Shinji007]

Meh. Not very interesting to me at all.

[Stephen CM]

I like it. I'm going to dig it out of my shed soon so I can read it again.