Awakening to the Tao

Rating:
Summary: I could do without this one.
Review: I don't know if the problem with this book lies in the original author or in Thomas Cleary's translation. At any rate, "Awakening to the Tao" reads like a tedious commentary on the Tao Te Ching that says far less in many more words. There are occasional insights that are worth reading, but they could have been condensed into about 5 pages; I would have happily done without the other 100.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent work.
Review: like stephen mitchell's translation of the tao te ching, i go to this book when i want inspiration. this is one of the great spiritual books, yet it is simple and a joy to read. it also teaches about the three "treasures" of life: vitality, energy, and spirit, and how to preserve them. i wish i could read more by this 18th century Taoist

Rating:
Summary: a simple book that i go to over and over
Review: like stephen mitchell's translation of the tao te ching, i go to this book when i want inspiration. this is one of the great spiritual books, yet it is simple and a joy to read. it also teaches about the three "treasures" of life: vitality, energy, and spirit, and how to preserve them. i wish i could read more by this 18th century Taoist

Rating:
Summary: One of the best
Review: There is so much talk on Lao Tzu, but I never really liked his book. I prefer this one. It is much more practical and down to earth.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent work.
Review: This short work by Liu I-Ming deserves much praise for its clarity and simplicity. One of the formost figures associated with the Northern School of Complete Reality Taoism, Liu I-Ming brings an honest and pragmatic tone to his myriad reflections on the Tao presented in this slender volume. For the sincere reader at any level of understanding, this selection is an ongoing source of joy and inspiration. Subsequent readings of this book never fail to increase in significance, a testimony to the depth of the writings. Thomas Clearly provides a very readable translation. For the careful and reflective reader, this text will provide considerable satisfaction. Also recommended is the Taoist I-Ching with commentary by Liu I-Ming (also translated by Cleary).