The Hundred Remedies of the Tao: Spiritual Wisdom for Interesting Times

by Gregory Ripley

A new translation of the 6th-century Taoist text Bai Yao Lu ( Statutes of the Hundred Remedies ), with practical commentary

• Explains how the Hundred Remedies of the Bai Yao Lu offer a practical guide to what enlightened or sagely behavior looks like

• Shows how each short verse of the Hundred Remedies presents a spiritual precept as a solution to the problems encountered in daily life and on the spiritual path

• Provides insightful commentary for each of the Hundred Remedies, showing how they relate to meditation practice and can help us navigate emotional and social challenges

In modern Taoist practice, the emphasis is often on “going with the flow” ( wu-wei ) and not following any fixed rules of any kind. This may work well for an already enlightened Taoist Sage, but for the rest of us, following a spiritual path involves ethical, moral, and practical guidelines. As author and translator Gregory Ripley (Li Guan, 理觀) explains, the little-known 6th-century Taoist text called the Bai Yao Lu ( Statutes of the Hundred Remedies ) was created as a practical guide to what enlightened or sagely behavior looks like—and each of the 100 spiritual remedies are just as relevant today as they were when written over 1500 years ago.

Presenting a new translation of the Bai Yao Lu for the contemporary world, Ripley provides insightful commentary for each of the Hundred Remedies, showing how they relate to Taoist meditation practice and how they can help us navigate the emotional and social challenges we all experience. He explains how each short verse of the Hundred Remedies presents a spiritual precept in a positive way, not as a restriction or commandment that must not be broken but as a solution to the problems encountered in daily life as well as on the spiritual path. He shows how these deceptively simple statutes, known as abstentions in Taoism, teach us how to emulate the behavior of the Sages until the behavior becomes our own.

Both scholarly and inspirational, this guidebook to Taoist spiritual living will help you learn to effortlessly go with the flow, deepen your meditation practice, and find the natural balance in all things.

288 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2023

Reviews

[Austin Hunter Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who frequents this genre of text, I really enjoyed Ripley’s translation and commentary. He did a great job making the text accessible for all audiences and his comments were what you’d hope from such an author. I look forward to hopefully reading more of these kinds of works from him and trying to act on the values stated from not only the text but from Ripley himself too.

[Jithendra Jithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Hundred Remedies of the Tao'

by Gregory Ripley

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉"Immersing myself in 'The Hundred Remedies of the Tao' by Gregory Ripley has been an enriching odyssey into the heart of ancient wisdom and its striking relevance to our contemporary lives. 📚✨ Ripley's meticulous translation of the Bai Yao Lu, a 6th-century Taoist text, breathes new life into its profound teachings. 💬🌿

👉The book unfolds as a guide to enlightened behavior, a roadmap for those seeking sagely virtues in a world often characterized by chaos. Ripley's insightful commentary serves as a beacon, illuminating the practical application of each of the Hundred Remedies. 🗝️💖

👉What sets this translation apart is its ability to transcend the temporal gap, demonstrating how these age-old precepts are as pertinent today as they were over 1500 years ago. The emphasis on positive presentation resonates deeply; these aren't mere restrictions, but solutions to the multifaceted challenges of our daily lives and spiritual journeys. 🌈🌟

👉Ripley's writing skillfully bridges scholarly depth with inspirational heights. The guide doesn't merely inform; it transforms. It beckons us to emulate the behaviors of the Sages until they become ingrained in our own lives. 🌌🙏

👉'The Hundred Remedies of the Tao' isn't just a book; it's a compass guiding us to effortlessly flow with the currents of life, to deepen our meditation practices, and ultimately, to find that elusive yet profound balance in all aspects of our existence. 🌊🌸

👉In a world saturated with transient distractions, this book stands as a timeless testament to the enduring wisdom of the Tao. 🕊️🌿 Whether you're a seasoned seeker or someone just beginning their spiritual exploration, this guidebook is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. 🗺️📖

#TaoTeChing #AncientWisdom #BookReview"

[Gregory Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always usually enjoy reading anything that has to do with the Tao. "The Supreme Dao is bot difficult, simply have no preferences. Hold no opinion for or against. To set up what ine likes or dislikes is a disease of the mind". All of that is written in this book, yet the whole book is riddled with YOUR opinions about politics (really dude?),
Climate change, Covid. Conspiracy Theories, etc. I couldn't even get past page 24 without already having been shown your opinion on what YOU think happened at the Capitol. So, I wasted money on a book about the Tao, that has been twisted with your brainwashed idealogy.
Not worth reading in MY opinion. To the garbage it goes, but hey, you still made money. Would have been nice to know how ignorant you were before I bought the book.

[Kathyanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a worksheet.
I feel like an asshole saying this but there is nothing new here. I know Taoism is an ancient philosophy, and perhaps there is a need for a simplified modern version, but this felt like nothing we don't already know. It was repetitive, over simplified, and TOO of its time. It ALREADY feels dated.
I found very little personal value, but I finished it, and liked hearing the Chinese words broken down, because I love words.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book. It has a lot of wisdom in it and ways for self improvement of character issues in relation to the Tao. This is a book of China's oldest religion and an explanation of the philosophy behind it.

[Readsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, I have been searching for sensible ethics with spiritual reverence towards nature and Taoism seems to be the best. This is very readable and thought provoking.