The Dao in Action: Inspired Tales for Life

by Yang Jwing-Ming, Frank L. Walker (Illustrator), Leslie Takao (Foreword)

In this collection of fables, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming shares the stories that have influenced him most as a martial artist and lifelong student of the Dao. They bring the Dao to life for readers of all generations. Whoever we are, wherever we’re going, these short tales help us along the path—the Way. Some offer the traveler a moral compass. Some illustrate the dangers in human folly. Others just make us laugh. The Dao in Action will inspire young readers to refine their character. Older readers will smile and recognize moments of truth. This collection is for anyone who would like to explore the enduring lessons of martial wisdom.

Fables entertain us, enlighten us, and guide us. We recognize ourselves in the characters, be they emperors, village girls, or singing frogs. They help us see our own weaknesses, strengths, and possibilities. Their lessons transcend time and culture, touching what it really means to be alive.

For example, in life we must ask questions, learn from others, and find our place in the world. On the other hand, there is real danger in worrying too much about what others think. This lesson is clear—and very humorous—in the story “A Donkey, a Father, and a Son.” We must help others and give of ourselves, but we must also guard against those who would take advantage of us, as in “The Wolf, the Scholar, and the Old Man.” We should save our money and plan for the future, but we must also resist greed, lest we end up “A Rich Man in Jail.”

These lean, concise fables illustrate that balance, the duality of yin and yang, always shifting, always in correction. They help us laugh at our human predicaments—and maybe even at ourselves.

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2019

Reviews

[Angela Laughingheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most natural way of obtaining wisdom in the Dao is through experience and the obvious way of imparting wisdom is through telling tales about it. This delightful-to-read book is just such a set of instructional tales, written in the style of "Aesop's Fables" meets Sun Tsu's "The Art of War". Dr. Yang is an exceptional Martial Arts teacher and at his seminars uses stories about his craft and useful experiences to round off the physicality of training. In his recent book he time travels from ancient Asia to modern era, gathering and imparting the Wisdom of the Tao. My favorite tale "One Perfect Kick" illustrates the method of accomplishment for Martial Arts and I believe for any skill. In this story the astonished student asks her Master how he could possible perform 100 perfect kicks in a row. His reply is simple and telling; "I did not do 100 perfect kicks, I did one perfect kick, 100 times". Enjoy this good reading!

[David Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

his is a book of stories and fables collected and
retold by Dr. Yang, well known in martial arts circles
- particularly among folks who practice Tai Chi Chuan.
Many are from Chinese history or folk lore (hence the title reference to "Dao"),
but some are obviously from days more recent.
Some are detailed, some are short and pithy.
Some have a martial arts motif, most are for a general audience.
Some are amusing, some not so much.
Like Aesop's fables, most have a life lesson worth taking to heart.

Hard to offer any detailed review about such a diverse collection.
so let me say simply, I liked this book;
I've already shared some of the stories with my students
(nothing like a good story to make a point)
and the book is currently out on loan to one of them.
Probably the best praise I can offer is that,
when it makes its way back to me, I'm sure I'll reread it and enjoy it again.

[Steve P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life lessons on every page!

In his book The Dao in Action, Inspired Tales for Life Doctor Yang, Jwing-Ming presents more than 180 fables that bring the Dao to life for all generations. Through entertaining and thought provoking stories the reader begins to see how foolish and close-minded we humans can be and begins to learn about balance and true happiness.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for guidance and inspiration along their path. This book will point the reader in the right direction.

[Sunflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book, that you will enjoy on the first read and maybe even smile at some of the stories. But I'm sure you will go back and re-read this book many times. As always, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is an excellent story teller and full of wisdom.

[Jeffrey Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of deeply insightful fables. Would make for an excellent set of bed time time fables for any parents aspiring to raise a buddha.

[Joanne McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of short stories collection I like to read before bedtime.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has some very good stories and lessons to ponder.

[Austin Hunter Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun stories to read through. I enjoyed.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a disclaimer, I should note that I received a copy of this book for review from YMAA Publishing Center … That said, I'm also happy to affirm that I've rarely been disappointed by any of this publisher's offerings I've encountered over the years as a customer & student of East Asian martial arts … This book, THE TAO IN ACTION by Dr Yang Jwing Ming, is no exception! A collection of traditional Chinese fables and personal anecdotes, it offers up a feast of wisdom tales with a Daoist slant for young and old alike, as entertaining as they are edifying … It also offers an opportunity to touch the mind of a modern master who has done so much to promote Chinese philosophy and physical culture to Western practitioners and readers …

[Craig Ing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of short fables, some classic and some contemporary is both entertaining and thought provoking. Appropriate for all ages, these stories teach and inspire. Serves as a great primer for Daoist thought and philosophy.