Grain of Truth: The Ancient Lessons of Craft

by Ross A. Laird

On the surface, Grain of Truth is a brief, simple book in which the author makes objects out of wood – a hand plane for himself, a marimba for his children, a box to hold the cremated remains of his grandmother-in-law. It’s not a how-to book, not a description of technique so much as an exploration of craft as a contemplative and spiritual practice. It shows how one’s hands can serve as guides in the unfolding of awareness.

The book is organized into eight chapters, based on the essential symbols of ancient Taoism (wind, earth, thunder, deep water, mountain, shallows, fire, and the unfathomable). Each chapter deals with a particular craft project – its inspiration, the materials it requires, the rewards it offers. Using sharp tools and a delicate touch, Laird uses the creative process to discover his essence.

Grain of Truth is lyrical and mesmerizing. Like Eugen Herrigel’s Zen in the Art of Archery, it explores physical discipline as a path to spiritual awakening. Like Thoreau’s Walden, it places the unadorned self in nature, simple experience opening a door to unforeseen depths. Like Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, it evokes the mystical through keen observation of the natural world. It’s a book to cherish.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2001

About the author

Ross Laird is an author and consultant to organizations on themes of personal development, professional mentorship, and whole-person learning. He works with a diverse range of clients across North America, from social service providers to educational institutions to corporations. He has worked extensively in the fields of addiction, interpersonal conflict, trauma, creativity, and healing. He has also taught at over a dozen post-secondary institutions and was the founder and lead developer of the Interdisciplinary Expressive Arts program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Dr. Laird holds a Ph.D. degree in Interdisciplinary Creative Process from The Union Institute and is a recipient of Union's Sussman Award for Academic Excellence. He also holds a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Antioch University and is a recipient of the Communications Award from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. As an author, he has been a finalist for Canada's Governor General's Award and the BC Book Prize. As an educator, he is a recipient of the Dean's of Arts Award for Teaching Excellence at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Dr. Laird is also a noted craftsman in wood and stone, and a persistent advocate for purposeful and personal learning.

Reviews

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

B-. Don't even know where this book is!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that were just a joy to read, and there were other parts that were really difficult. The author has a great way with words when he's "on" but that's not for the whole book. If he has a book that were as elegant as those passages throughout I'm sure it would be a smash hit.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!! This book combines gorgeous prose, reflections on woodworking, and ruminations on taoism into one extended booklength poem. This was a gift found in the discount bin - what a treasure.

[Eliel Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read.