The Tao of Abundance (Arkana S.)

Rating:
Summary: Read this book!
Review: ... This book is awesome! I am on my second read. The more I study Eastern philosophy, the more it resonates with me. This is especially true of Taoism. When I first learned about it, it seemed like such an apathetic world-view -- stressing the importance of, basically, not caring. As I learn more, though, I think I got it wrong. Boldt presents topics in such a way that many are truly incredible insights into basic truth and the way the world works. Taoism has many *very* valuable teachings that most of us could benefit enormously from.

Rating:
Summary: An intriguing approach to finding spiritual wealth
Review: For some time, I had glanced at this book in stores and written it off as some attempt to cheapen Taoism by using it as a tool to promote get-rich-quick schemes and the like. Not a very enlightened way for me to look at the book, but the title and the back cover details did little to convince me it was otherwise. Finally, out of sheer curiosity, I grabbed a copy of /The Tao of Abundance/ and took a closer look. I am very pleased to say that my initial (mis)judgement was rather off base.

Despite the unfortunate title, /The Tao of Abundance/ has a lot more to offer than one might think. The entire book is devoted to one seemingly simple idea: no matter how wealthy you may or may not be in material terms, if you don't have the spiritual foundation to support it, you cannot find true happiness. As many people can attest, this is a view that's easy to agree with, but difficult to apply to everyday life.

In this book, Laurence G. Boldt offers a framework for understanding what he calls the "chains of psychological poverty and lack." As he says, our ego and conception of self vs. other keeps us from feeling spiritual abundance. Chapter by chapter, he guides the reader through the concepts, illuminating the various ways we can bring unhappiness upon ourselves. There are exercises to help see how these concepts apply to our own lives, and what we can do to improve the situations we find ourselves in.

/The Tao of Abundance/ is not about getting rich quick, but at the same time it is not a book of renunciation. This book is about learning to be happy, so that you can enjoy whatever level of material abundance you may have - or not. While a bit dry at times, it is nevertheless a good read with some intriguing insights. A lot of the ground covered here has been talked about in other books based on eastern thought, but /The Tao of Abundance/ approaches things from a refreshing direction. If you are interested in a rather Western guide to how to apply Taoist principles to your life, this book is certainly worth a look.

Rating:
Summary: slow to get going, but worth it
Review: Getting off the western consumer treadmill is very hard. This book has, at many different points in my life, helped me take baby steps towards a life where I am more appreciative of what I "have" and what the world can offer me. I keep it by my bed and wind up reading or rereading sections each week.

Rating:
Summary: Taoist cures for Western civilization's problems
Review: Having read many books on Eastern thought, I am often disappointed with new books that are either too esoteric to be of use in my day to day life, or are simple collections of aphorisms aimed at readers with short attention spans. I am happy to say that this book is neither. The author gives a very brief but clear explanation of Taoist belief, and relates it to the struggles faced by all who live in our consumer society. He also distinguishes Taoist beliefs from other traditions such as Christian and Buddhist. A very enjoyable and informative read!

Rating:
Summary: An easily understandable book that opens many doors
Review: I too have been looking for a book that combines Eastern philosophy with the practicalities of the Western economic system. The first part, which describes the concept of tao, was slow going. But once I got to the second chapter, I was hooked. The arguments are well-supported and logical, and help you break your personal paradigms about abundance and work. I am recommending this book to all my friends who are also going through that midlife questioning ("Is this all there is to life?").

Rating:
Summary: Esoteric, yet practical
Review: I too have been looking for a book that combines Eastern philosophy with the practicalities of the Western economic system. The first part, which describes the concept of tao, was slow going. But once I got to the second chapter, I was hooked. The arguments are well-supported and logical, and help you break your personal paradigms about abundance and work. I am recommending this book to all my friends who are also going through that midlife questioning ("Is this all there is to life?").

Rating:
Summary: A Life-Changing Book
Review: This book changed my life. It opened my eyes to so many aspects of life and living that I never imagined before. Mr. Boldt guides you to look inward, rather than outward, at finding inner balance and at redefining what success really means. HIGHLY recommended for the reader who truly wants to grow in new directions.

Rating:
Summary: Not and easy read but one I recommend
Review: We have a large home library (mostly non-fiction) and many of the books are on eastern thought. This book is one I savor. I am reading it now and reading it is akin to savoring a long wonderful meal where each bite of food bathes the senses with wonder and pleasure.

Now I admit that Tao is a school I have always been interested in, but never fully, for whatever reason grasped. Until that is, I bought this book. And I guess the phrase "go with the flow" is what comes to mind a great deal when reading the book, because I am really learning the value of becoming more intuitive and comfortable with my own skin. The book does teach or encourage thankfully the whole march to your own healthy drummer. Live simple but content and don't feel that because "society" pushes and idea that it is a healthy idea.

I appreciate the chapters that deal with money issues and how money can be good or bad, depending on how it comes into our lives. Does it come from production or investment in a good ethical product from a fair market price, or does it come from unethical practices that make a few rich and most (the workers) poor or sick?

I look at the key word in each chapter like The Nature, Ease, Flow, Power, Harmony, Leisure, Beauty of Abundance and can see the consistent flow. Not a negative term is used. And I love how the author has chosen wonderful quotes from well known, past and present, sages. Like at the beginning of the chapter on The Beauty of Abundance where "A thing of beauty is a joy forever; Its loveliness increases; It will never Pass into nothingness... John Keats". Each quote is perfect for each chapter and hopefully will also encourage the reader to read works of those who have written the quote in question.

I also learn so much from the explanations of Tao terms and how they relate to the subject being discussed i.e. Te is often translated "virtue" or jen "human heartness". But its the slow leisurely reading of what total abundance is in all areas of my life that is so empowering.

This is not however and easy read, and that's good. It is a book that like a good meal, good friends, good sleep, must be a part of ones life. A book that you read a chapter and then think or meditate on so that you can savour all the wisdom each chapter has to give. It is not a quick fix book or new age or a fad. The wisdom is centuries old.

Rating:
Summary: Not and easy read but one I recommend
Review: We have a large home library (mostly non-fiction) and many of the books are on eastern thought. This book is one I savor. I am reading it now and reading it is akin to savoring a long wonderful meal where each bite of food bathes the senses with wonder and pleasure.

Now I admit that Tao is a school I have always been interested in, but never fully, for whatever reason grasped. Until that is, I bought this book. And I guess the phrase "go with the flow" is what comes to mind a great deal when reading the book, because I am really learning the value of becoming more intuitive and comfortable with my own skin. The book does teach or encourage thankfully the whole march to your own healthy drummer. Live simple but content and don't feel that because "society" pushes and idea that it is a healthy idea.

I appreciate the chapters that deal with money issues and how money can be good or bad, depending on how it comes into our lives. Does it come from production or investment in a good ethical product from a fair market price, or does it come from unethical practices that make a few rich and most (the workers) poor or sick?

I look at the key word in each chapter like The Nature, Ease, Flow, Power, Harmony, Leisure, Beauty of Abundance and can see the consistent flow. Not a negative term is used. And I love how the author has chosen wonderful quotes from well known, past and present, sages. Like at the beginning of the chapter on The Beauty of Abundance where "A thing of beauty is a joy forever; Its loveliness increases; It will never Pass into nothingness... John Keats". Each quote is perfect for each chapter and hopefully will also encourage the reader to read works of those who have written the quote in question.

I also learn so much from the explanations of Tao terms and how they relate to the subject being discussed i.e. Te is often translated "virtue" or jen "human heartness". But its the slow leisurely reading of what total abundance is in all areas of my life that is so empowering.

This is not however and easy read, and that's good. It is a book that like a good meal, good friends, good sleep, must be a part of ones life. A book that you read a chapter and then think or meditate on so that you can savour all the wisdom each chapter has to give. It is not a quick fix book or new age or a fad. The wisdom is centuries old.