Life Without Stress: The Far Eastern Antidote to Tension and Anxiety

by Arthur Sokoloff

A practical guide to the wisdom of the East that shows how we can apply it to our pragmatic Western view of the world to achieve inner peace.In Life Without Stress, Arthur Sokoloff demystifies Eastern teachings and shows how the basic tenets of the four major philosophies--Taoism, traditional Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, and Confucianism--can be applied to life in the West. Through re-tellings of ancient parables and anecdotes from his own life, Sokoloff elucidates the practical lessons inherent in each Taoism teaches us to understand that we are at one with the universe; traditional Buddhism offers the keys to finding and eliminating the roots of unhappiness; Zen Buddhism enhances our intuitive abilities; and Confucianism shows us how inner qualities affect and influence our relationships with the external world. The ideal primer for readers interested in Eastern spirituality, Life Without Stress offers clear explanations and gentle guidance for handling the stress in our lives and achieving inner serenity.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 1999

Reviews

[Christiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this slim volume Arthur Sokoloff offers the reader brief introductions into some Far Eastern religions (stripped of mythology and superstition) and philosophies, i.e. Taoism, traditional Buddhism, Zen and Confucianism, conveying the essence of each with great simplicity and clarity.

He feels that pragmatic, reason and logic oriented (and often stressed, anxious, frustrated, alienated) Westerners might profit by incorporating some Eastern concepts and practices into their lives, thereby not only broadening their minds but also reaping benefits like serenity, mental and physical wellbeing, peace of mind, etc.

The author seems to have a special affinity with Zen which is probably the most difficult practice for people brought up in the West with its illogicality, emphasis on intuition, spartan ways and endless repetitive practice. The aim is satori (instant intuitive enlightenment) which may be reached with the help of logic-defying Koans (“What is the sound of one hand clapping?”) and Mondos.

So much more accessible are Taoism (the concept of Yin and Yang, to live simply and in harmony with nature, to be true to one’s self and to “go with the flow”) and traditional Buddhism, also called “the thinking person’s religion” (no gods, no heaven, no hell, no-one to watch over us or save us. “Be a lamp unto yourselves” said the Buddha) because of its clarity and the logical reasoning behind the “Four Noble Truths” (in a nutshell : suffering is caused by attachment, aversion and ignorance). It stresses “the Middle Path”, equanimity, serenity, detachment, tolerance and compassion with all living beings.

Although ancestor worship and unquestioning filial obedience are outdated concepts in the West, Confucianism, too, has a lot to recommend it in that it stresses peace and harmony, dignity and poise, duty, decency, courteousness, good citizenship and moral behaviour.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle to this book is 'The Far Eastern Antidote to Tension and Anxiety'. I read it entirely in 15 min intervals while eating lunch at work over the past five weeks or so. With this book and my morning bedside books and my time for meditation I found a synchronicity that made the understanding of this book more deep and profound. It has a good deal of wisdom and, more valuable to me, some basic historical information about the different Eastern religions/philosophies. The more I read, the more I wished there were a Buddhist temple near here. I feel good about the changes I've made in my life. I'm not making them all as fast as I would desire, but then that isn't in keeping with a more Buddhist frame of mind - unless it is the sudden enlightenment of Zen. I very good little book.

[The Lifelong Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In this era of the rat race, trendiness, and a sort of constant semihysteria, words like dignity and poise may seem out of place. But the fact is, these qualities are more important than ever... Overtly aggressive behavior, rudeness, and insensitivity to others' feelings are not requirements for success; they are, in fact, deterrents."

[Jeffery Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opening look at what is out there and also with in ourselves. This book provided a look at something I already knew and yet never put into practice. A comparative of east meets west and the way of thinking that will allow me to focus on reducing stress and enjoying life.