Tales from the Tao: The Wisdom of the Taoist Masters

by Solala Towler

31 inspiring stories by Chuang Tzu, Lao Tzu, and other Taoist masters—now presented in one easy-to-read volume featuring over 100 photographs.For thousands of years, students of the Tao have gleaned inspiration and illumination from its parables, and these thought-provoking examples discuss topics ranging from dignity in the face of challenge, to judging character, to how to deal with loss. Whether solidifying a spiritual truth, unravelling a puzzle for contemplation, or providing a moment of humor, these tales are a mainstay of Eastern philosophy.This unique collection brings together the most inspiring, illuminating and downright funny stories from the classical works of Taoist masters, alongside new writing inspired by traditional tales. Set against a backdrop of the mountains, waterfalls and gorges of China, these tales introduce important Taoist ideas about many of the most basic human experiences—including birth, death, loss, pleasure, and how to surrender to the most fundamental experience of the Tao itself.Interwoven with classic Taoist quotations and illustrated with beautiful photography throughout, these engrossing narratives are as relevant today as they were in the great dynasties of ancient China.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Taoism, Classics, Short Stories

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wisdom of the Taoist masters comes alive on these glossy, artful pages. Simple truths come from within. These stories are not complex, but they are meant to be internalized or contemplated, reflected upon or accompanying meditation. It was not a book I would have ever found without the help of a good friend. I will keep it on my shelf to refer to whenever I've lost my Way and need a quick dose of ancient wisdom. It is now a part of my spiritual journey. Some would like to create separation and have us all believe that we are vastly different from our fellow human beings. But we're essentially all the same at the core and this book taps into that universality. I recommend Tales from the Tao to seekers of truth and wisdom, those with open minds and those who will create space for new and ancient ideas.

[Brian Griffith · Rating 3 out of 5]

As editor of "The Empty Vessel" magazine, Towler has the broad overview of Daoist folklore and the taste to pick the finest tales, and to recast them for Western readers. She's also able to concoct some tales of her own, building on a blend of themes and capturing the spirit of the tradition. The book is illustrated and bound like a collector's item, and is great as a gift.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A neat little book. This takes a bunch of short taoist tales, the type that are normally a couple of sentences or a paragraph long, and fills them out somewhat. They're still short, easy reads, but now each one reads more like a very short story.

This book is also illustrated by the great photography of John Cleare. His black-and-white subjects are both natural and simple, plus they're well placed to somewhat mirror the subject matter.

[Gail Wylde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It is a beautiful book, the black and white photos are stunning evoking a feeling of peace. I know very little of the Tao but the stories were thought provoking and interesting. This is the sort of book that will sit on a coffee table and be picked up when required. This is not my usual reading but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.

[Kristjan Solmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

See loll väike raamat on minu lemmik. Iga kord kui ma selle läbi loen on kõik jälle korras.

[Surya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might take a while to get into the flow of this book, but once that is done, this book is so soothing and calming.

[Oisín Hoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some nice stories in here with some good lessons

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to pick up and move to a secluded forest near a pristine river and live out the rest of my life carefree. Unfortunately, I'm not brave enough to do that 😅 beautiful stories with wise messages and amazing photography. A great introduction into Taoism.

[Will Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the years, I have enjoyed numerous books on the Tao te Ching; authors such as Stephen Mitchell, Brian Browne Walker, Wayne Dyer, and now my latest favorite: Ron Hogan's "Getting Right With Tao": http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Right-T...

Hell, I admire the Tao te Ching so much that one time I composed a short 8 verse version of the Tao te Ching entitled "The Super-Condensed Motha' Fuckin' Tao Te Ching: 8 Concepts to Revolutionize Your Life". My brother used to have it up on his website for viewers to download, but recently took it down. If you are interested in this version, shoot me an email and I will gladly share the pdf with you.

Enjoy your life.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. The full page photographic layouts are breath-taking. And the tales from the taoist masters seemed very well-selected and comprehensible. The only odd thing was that the author had added added himself in as one of the 'Great Taoist Masters' :-/

It's kind of like Joe Blog creating a set of excerpts from the bible and then adding in a few parables that he thought up as well... and they sound weird and don't make a lot of sense...

I bought it on sale for $5, so overall I'm pretty happy with it, though. Not sure if I'd pay full price, though...

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of short Taoist stories covers the majority of core Taoist concepts in nicely written, beautifully illustrated style. The black and white photography fits the Taoism theme very well. The tales will be mostly familiar to those already familiar with Taoism, although I was not directly familiar with the specific authors (since my main exposure is still just the Tao Te Ching). While this isn't an absolutely necessary book, it is a nice volume that sums up Taoism in a good looking package.

[Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book carried me through a bit of a rough patch and reminded me how to "breath from my heels". Reading ancient (and not-so-ancient) tales from Taoist masters is the best way I have found to locate that place inside myself that understands, at some level, the unknowlable and that perceive the Tao in it's rawest form.

[Ash Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know nothing of Taoism, so I read this purely as a short stories. It's a relaxing, occasionally thought-proking read, but I'm pretty sure I missed the point.

The presentation of the book is stunning: a textile-finish hardback volume printed in black, red and silver, with landscape photography between and around every story.

[Philip Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. But don't be fooled by the short stories - it is profound in provocative thinking, in living and life. It is useful for continuous many readings than back to back reading. I'm very grateful for understanding human nature and discovering myself from these wisdom. Less is definitely more.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Traditional stories/lessons from Taoist tradition. Some were good, some were bad. The bad ones were kind of condescending to other religions and people. A bit of a surprise for a Taoist philosophical book.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I've been interested in Daoism for years.
I picked this up on a whim and really enjoyed it.
Now I'm reminding myself to breathe through my heels and relax and enjoy life more -- in all its aspects.

[Supermomochan (PeachyFishyBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Taoism, then this book is a nice compilation of stories and words of wisdom. It helped me to remember to be myself and go with the flow. I didn't like the author's stories (Solala Towler) as much as the other ones, but they were a thing, and I appreciated them nonetheless.

[Zackary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though there are great references to the teachings of Tao and/or the lessons of the"Masters," the compilation format is too random for my liking.

Enjoyable read and self-audit, but not a good source for learning the ways of the Tao.

[Ryune · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great, beautiful and elegant book packed with stories full of insights, most of them coming from the Chuang Tzu and the Lie Tzu. If you plan to buy those books either way, I think you can pass on this one.

[Chinaame Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photography and funny tales

[Neil Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories, poems, and couplets combined. Great for dipping into. Also beautiful photography and presentation.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection of Toaist bits and bobs. Some long, some very short, most accompanied by very nice photographs. Very cool collection.

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some wonderful photographs in it.

[Amal Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read it , then think about it, then meditate upon it.

[Tess Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

make an argument an exchange of ideas or no one ions or hears each other

[John Fredrickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This easy-to-read book contains 30+ tales from Taoism, along with numerous quotes, and is replete with gorgeous black and white photographs that match up nicely with the text. As is often the case, though the tales themselves are straightforward to read, they somehow point to deeper truths that kind of hover just out of reach.

[Donn Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The translations felt a little too “western” for me, which would make sense given the target audience. However having read many translated works and having a background in the Chinese language it felt a little “off”. But the collection of stories was overall pretty good, a number of which I hadn’t seen or noticed before.

[MJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5*

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little collection of Taoist stories.

[susan murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won from goodreads
Just started love the pictures.
It's is a nice group of stories with words of wisdom.