The Bookshop Guru
Book Review “The Way of Life – Lao
Tzu” by R.B. Blakney
Sometimes it is better to listen
and learn than to speak. I found this book in a thrift shop in America on a
recent holiday and I believe is still available in print. I have chosen to
write a review because the book teaches us how we should live according to the
“WAY” defined by Lao Tzu and called “ Tao Te`Ching,” which means “ The Book of
the Way and Its Virtue.”
The Tao is often referred to as
“The Way” an ancient way of life and philosophy. The Tao or Dao comes from
China and has been kept alive by the followers of this philosophy over the many
years since it was first recorded by word of mouth, and later written down for
future generations.
There are 81 poems translated and below is
one which I hope reflects “The Way” as Lao Tzu may have intended to
encompass the meaning of the “WAY” and I hope you will see the meaning as I do.
To take all you want
Is never as good
As to stop when you
should.
Scheme and be sharp
And you’ll not keep it
long.
One never can guard
His home when it’s full
Of jade and fine gold:
Wealth, power, and pride
Bequeath their own doom.
When fame and success
Come to you, then retire.
This is the ordained Way.
Pg61 No 9 poem “The Way
of Life – Lao Tzu” by R.B. Blakney
The book is rich in its
translation of the original Tao Te Ching and gives the reader plenty of
opportunity to grasp what was originally said by Lao Tzu. I found the book easy
to read and more importantly, enjoyed reading the poems which are the essence of
the writings and philosophy of Taoism. You may want to call it a religion or a
doctrine, but I much prefer to listen and read the poems and from there apply
what is said to today’s way of life.
Taoism is second only to the
philosophy of Confucianism which is also a way to live in harmony with
oneself and the world around you. I understand Confucianism as a form of wisdom
and Taoism as a means of living with nature, not against it. The two distinct
philosophies as opposed to religions are a means to know oneself and
to follow a way of life and not a doctrine which is what religion dictates.
Christ does not mention religion because it has no basis in fact or truth, and
the truth never lies. And religion is man-made and God does not need doctrine
and “ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way… .”
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Whatever you want to believe this
book will open your eyes if you can listen to the words of the poems as the
“Way” is a means of finding our journey through life where we seek to find
happiness, wealth, and long life. The Tao Te Ching is fundamentally a kind of
sanctuary by submitting to its proposal the so-called “Way” you will find its
virtue will set you free.
As Matthew said, “Many are called, but
few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
To paraphrase from the book – a
student may increase his knowledge daily, but the “Way” is not like that. The "Way” will teach you to forgo selfish impulses or desires until your will is
undistracted and at rest with the “Way.”
Are you listening, what are you dreaming?
As Jesus said, “Belief is everything.”
In my book “It’s Never Too Late” read how dreams do come true, but be careful what you wish for. Understand the secret of greed and you will attain one of the secrets of prosperity. The book will also take you on a journey and explore love, money, luck, and much more.
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Hey, Chuck. Did you bring any spending money? Viva la vida loca.
Conducting a Survey into Precognitive Choices
Which would you prefer half-price digital or paperback?
Everyone should know what is the right way.
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