The Tao of Elvis

by David H. Rosen, Diane Katz (Illustrations), Thomas Moore (Foreword)

From his early days as a burgeoning superstar to the drug-addled haze of his final years, from "Love Me Tender" to "Suspicious Minds," from devoted father to estranged husband, Elvis Presley's life was one long quest to balance opposites. Yet no matter how he was cast - as a savior, a sinner, an idol, a has-been - Elvis was a deeply spiritual man. Twenty-five years after his death, The Tao of Elvis is the first endeavor to illustrate Elvis's Taoist nature and to interpret his never-ending search for purpose and meaning. Revealing his journey from light into dark, David Rosen examines the king's life through the structure of the Tao Te Ching. In reflections on forty-two Taoist concepts - one for each of his years - Rosen shows how the Tao, a mysterious force, was and is operating through America's king. Like the Tao, Elvis is everywhere.

136 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2002

About the author

David H. Rosen (b. 1945) is an American psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, and author.

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read anything more pretentious in my life, this was an unintentional laugh a minute. Here’s the thing though, I actually really like the concept of taking a pop culture icon and meditating on them as a spiritual figure — Elvis certainly looms in our collective psyche as much as God whether we want to admit it or not.

But the biggest issue I had with this book was the general tone of worship and awe towards Elvis as a figure and the total disregard for him as a man. There’s mention of his flaws, drug addiction to womanizing, in this but they’re so glossed over, spun into spiritual signs and meaningful choices, that it just comes across as painfully fake. That there’s then a handful of ridiculous quotes in here (from Elvis’ grade school girlfriend to a dying 11 year old) juxtaposed with philosophical musings from Lao Tzu and others only adds to the ridiculously camp nature of the book.

So I can’t say I got anything out of this in educationally, but it sure did make me laugh a whole lot so that counts for something spiritually.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really quick read and an interesting one. Whilst the Tao teachings are deep I'm not sure how much depth there is here regarding Elvis. I was a little annoyed at the author harping on about Elvis being self destructive and a drug addict. We now know thanks to the brilliant book by author Sally Hoedel, Elvis: Destined To Die Young, that this just wasn't the case but I digress because this isn't a biography of Elvis' life. It's just a short summary of some of the Tao teachings and how they apply to Elvis at each stage of his life. The book is broken up into 41 short chapters for every year of Elvis' life. There are quotes here by Elvis and those that knew him. Larry Geller especially was a big part of that side of Elvis' search for a higher purpose. I especially enjoyed hearing from Elvis himself, in his own words. It focuses and highlights the very spiritual side of Elvis and does show his inherent goodness and generosity of spirit. There are some really good and positive messages to take away from this book and the Tao teachings. Just approach it with an open mind and perhaps a "grain of salt" and don't take everything that is written here as gospel. Do your own research into the spiritual and religious side of Elvis. I am now doing this by reading some of the books he read and loved.

[Ville Verkkapuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this from a thrift shop and had to grab it. The cover and name were just too intriguing: Elvis and Tao and a golden yin and yang on top of the face of Elvis Aaron Presley. Just... what?
Found out this was a far-stretch, of course, and a weird juxtaposition. Which is always a good thing, definitely! You can draw lines and parallels to any two things and will find interesting things. For example the case of Kennedy-Lincoln: Kennedy was shot in a Lincoln, Lincoln was shot in Kennedy theater and so forth... (list goes on forever).
But having read Tao Te Ching recently and being interested in the subject overall, having watched the Elvis film and having these two things as a top of mind I enjoyed this very much. It's basically a collection of quotes by various famous people of a very significant and controversial character, linked to Tao with every step.
This could've used a bit more criticism towards Elvis, but this had an agenda and it succeeded in presenting it. I learned a lot from Tao, bit less of Elvis.
I find a lot of comfort in Tao and have TCB tattooed on my arm, so throw my ass in jail for having a lot of fun with it. Won't recommend it, though.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? I read it. It's good.

[Eli Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really need to learn more Zen philosophy before the book makes much sense.