Nirvana is immediate. Not hidden. Not distant. Not in the future but right in front of your face. Right now. The Tao of Now helps readers experience the power of enlightenment moment by moment. In this book of daily meditations, Josh Baran shows readers that nirvana is staring them in the face--regardless of whether things get better, or whether true love happens, or whether the stock market goes back up, or whether they lose ten pounds. Nirvana happens when ordinary, everyday experience is freed from perpetual seeking or wishing for conditions to improve. The Tao of Now contains some of the greatest ancient and modern teachings on the immediate experience of enlightenment from such notables
* Eckhart Tolle
* Rumi
* Stephen Batchelor
* Ram Dass
* the Buddha
* Jack Kornfield
* Byron Katie
* Pema Chödrön Baran adds his own inspirational commentary on experiencing immediate nirvana to that of these teachers. The Tao of Now is a wonderful companion for any tired seeker who wants only to know the power and peace of true, immediate enlightenment.
My copy of the book has an image of a cell phone, so I thought it would be similar to Very Modern Mantras, a book I detested. Thankfully, I was wrong about judging a book by its cover.
The Tao of Now by Josh Baran is a book that takes quotes about the present moment. Rather than looking for enlightenment or happiness in some far-off future or mystical land, why don't you see what is in front of your eyes right now? You may be in dire straits, or your life could be mundane. That doesn't mean you can't find the truth, happiness, or whatever you seek.
Baran was a Zen Monk, so he does have experience. I remember Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. In that movie, Luke Skywalker meets Yoda, and Yoda chastises Luke for always looking toward something else rather than what he was doing at the moment. That line of dialogue always stuck with me throughout the years.
The book is long, but it isn't densely packed with text. I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
Each morning I would sip coffee and read a page from the Tao of Now for daily devotional and prayer time. Every page has positive thoughts or messages written representing a variety of world religions or spiritual thought. If you enjoy the Power of Now, this book might be for you.
I read this over the course of three months (Jan-Mar), each day taking in a few pages at a time. I found many sections enlightening and while the whole book did not speak to me, I am thankful it was direct and to the point.
The Tao of Now is filled with inspirational poetry, quotes, thoughts, and prose by a hundreds of different authors. The majority are well known spiritualist and historical figures. All have something to say about awareness, living in the moment, and resonating with your true personhood. A variety of belief systems are represented presenting a forum for spirituality and self understanding rather than adherence to any one religion.
There are several ways to use this book. You can start each day with a little inspiration or pick a favorite when you need them the most. With so many entries to choose from, you’ll find numerous new favorites that resonate with your personhood and inspire you in your daily life.
On many of the pages, the author has included her own little notes or comments. I like this aspect. I think it gives the anthology a personal touch while encourages contemplation about the pieces and thought presented.