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Taoism for Beginners Lib/E: Understanding and Applying Taoist History, Concepts, and Practices
MP3 CD Format Begin your journey toward spiritual exploration and deepen your connection with the earth. Taoism for Beginners is your easy-to-understand guide to a rich, spiritual Chinese religion and a new holistic perspective.
Discover the core principles and traditions of Taoism with straightforward language and simple exercises you can do anywhere. Adopting aspects of Taoism into your everyday life can bring you into peace and harmony with yourself and the world around you—a practice that's more vital than ever in our busy modern-day lives.
Taoism for Beginners helps
● Feel better and feel more —Build your own Taoist practice that can help you relax, de-stress, and feel more at ease in your life.
● Learn history and tradition —Meet Taoism's founder, Lao Tzu, and learn the basic history of Taoism practice for the past 2500 years.
● This book and beyond —Deepen your practice (if you wish) with included resources for further reading and study.
Explore the depth and breadth of Taoism in a clear format that you can apply to everything you do.
Discover the core principles and traditions of Taoism with straightforward language and simple exercises you can do anywhere. Adopting aspects of Taoism into your everyday life can bring you into peace and harmony with yourself and the world around you—a practice that's more vital than ever in our busy modern-day lives.
Taoism for Beginners helps
● Feel better and feel more —Build your own Taoist practice that can help you relax, de-stress, and feel more at ease in your life.
● Learn history and tradition —Meet Taoism's founder, Lao Tzu, and learn the basic history of Taoism practice for the past 2500 years.
● This book and beyond —Deepen your practice (if you wish) with included resources for further reading and study.
Explore the depth and breadth of Taoism in a clear format that you can apply to everything you do.
Audio CD
Published February 23, 2021
315 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 28, 2020
Tao- from a holistic perspective...
Incorporating the principles of Tao in my life helps me align with the natural rhythms of the world better. Anything that enables me to cultivate gratitude, stay in the present moment, and helps me feel better- I include in my spiritual practice. You don't have to follow a Chinese religion to practice the exercises in this book if you don't want to, they can be done by anyone (and adapted into your own spiritual practice if you wish.)
The majority of the book introduces one to the history of Taoism in the past and present. I had no idea how many different lineages there were, I shouldn't be surprised because every religion seems to have adopted their own ways. Certain styles pertained more to me than others, I thought this was really neat and enjoyed seeing how some were more hands-on, while others took a more laid back approach.
The first microcosm/macrocosm meditation was terrific for shifting awareness and bestowing gratitude. I really connected with this! Each meditation is labeled as Everyday Taoism. I looked forward to these because I could always feel tension releasing from my body and my frame of mind settling down. ALL of the meditations shifted negative energy in my body to a more peaceful place. My mind, body, and soul would feel at one with each exercise. I loved them!
"Consider a clay pot: it is the empty space inside that makes the pot useful."
My favorite portion beside the wonderful exercises was at the end, I wish more time would have been spent on this section because I found it most helpful. These last few pages shared how one can get started right now living a more healthy lifestyle incorporating Tao via foods, purification, meditation and visualizations, practicing Taoist arts, and how to flow in all aspects of life. I look forward to engaging in these taoist arts soon, poetry, painting, and calligraphy!
Because there were so many new elements I learned in this book, the text felt a tad advanced but the exercises are perfect for beginners.
This is a great mind, body, and soul, self-help book. I even downloaded a blue light blocking app on my phone as the author kindly suggested, so when I don't have my blue light blocking glasses on, I'm protected. I was expecting this book to have a more holistic focus but still found valuable information within.
This was a great starting point for me. Many great references were shared so I can continue my journey of studying Taoism.
Much gratitude to publisher Rockridge Press, compliments of Callisto Media, for the early copy I received. I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is freely given.
Incorporating the principles of Tao in my life helps me align with the natural rhythms of the world better. Anything that enables me to cultivate gratitude, stay in the present moment, and helps me feel better- I include in my spiritual practice. You don't have to follow a Chinese religion to practice the exercises in this book if you don't want to, they can be done by anyone (and adapted into your own spiritual practice if you wish.)
The majority of the book introduces one to the history of Taoism in the past and present. I had no idea how many different lineages there were, I shouldn't be surprised because every religion seems to have adopted their own ways. Certain styles pertained more to me than others, I thought this was really neat and enjoyed seeing how some were more hands-on, while others took a more laid back approach.
The first microcosm/macrocosm meditation was terrific for shifting awareness and bestowing gratitude. I really connected with this! Each meditation is labeled as Everyday Taoism. I looked forward to these because I could always feel tension releasing from my body and my frame of mind settling down. ALL of the meditations shifted negative energy in my body to a more peaceful place. My mind, body, and soul would feel at one with each exercise. I loved them!
"Consider a clay pot: it is the empty space inside that makes the pot useful."
My favorite portion beside the wonderful exercises was at the end, I wish more time would have been spent on this section because I found it most helpful. These last few pages shared how one can get started right now living a more healthy lifestyle incorporating Tao via foods, purification, meditation and visualizations, practicing Taoist arts, and how to flow in all aspects of life. I look forward to engaging in these taoist arts soon, poetry, painting, and calligraphy!
Because there were so many new elements I learned in this book, the text felt a tad advanced but the exercises are perfect for beginners.
This is a great mind, body, and soul, self-help book. I even downloaded a blue light blocking app on my phone as the author kindly suggested, so when I don't have my blue light blocking glasses on, I'm protected. I was expecting this book to have a more holistic focus but still found valuable information within.
This was a great starting point for me. Many great references were shared so I can continue my journey of studying Taoism.
Much gratitude to publisher Rockridge Press, compliments of Callisto Media, for the early copy I received. I was under no obligation to write a review, my honest opinion is freely given.
August 14, 2020
Taoism can be difficult to understand. When I first decided I wanted to learn more, I read some books about it. I read the Tao Te Ching. I loved it. I thought the poetry of it was so beautiful. But when I tried to put into words what I had learned, I felt like it had been a beautiful soup that I had left on the stove too long. Everything I’d wanted to say about it boiled away, and all I had left was a hodgepodge of words like “the ten thousand things” or “the way,” but I had nothing left to connect them. I had no substance left in the pot to share with others, so they could see the beauty too. I had all evaporated.
That’s why I was happy to find Taoism for Beginners. It has all that substance that I struggled to get my hands on, and so much more. It breaks down the history, the traditions, the beliefs, the rituals in a way that I’ve not seen before.
Taoism for Beginners starts with the big question: What is Taoism? and answers it by going back to the very beginning and showing how it got started and how it grew. Author Elizabeth Reninger explains the language of Taoism and shares alternate spellings and pronunciations of key words. She compares it with Buddhism and Confucianism to help give it context. And she shares Taoism’s uniqueness in its respect for the natural world and insightful understanding of concepts we think of as opposites.
From there, Taoism for Beginners touches on the core concepts like Tao, Ten-Thousand Things, Wu-Wei, Pu, and Chi. These concepts are explained and put into the context of the whole of Taoism, so beginners can start to understand how everything fits together. Then there are the core teachings. Taoism believes in emptiness as a way to be functional (think of a pot); in the 3 treasures of compassion, simplicity and patience; in wisdom; in playfulness, in nature; in cultivating skills like martial arts, healing arts, leadership, or artistic skill.
Moving forward, you learn different approaches to Taoism, such as The Way of Ceremony, The Way of Magic and Power, The Way of Meditation, or the The Way of Free and Easy Wandering. There is a chapter on the myths and misconceptions of Taoism, which helps explain many common misunderstandings about the origin and purpose of Taoism.
There is information on the Taoist schools, from the early days on to present day, and guidance to help you find ways to start practicing Taoism today, in the West, if that’s your goal. And if you make it a full-time practice or not, there are lots of tips for adding some of the simplicity and compassion, the essence of Taoism, to your life through lifestyle and attitude changes. And of course there is a suggested reading list, to you can know immediately where to turn for more information.
Taoism for Beginners is a great resource to get all the information you need on Taoism, whether you’re looking for information or looking for a way into the religion.
A copy of Taoism for Beginners was provided by Rockridge Press through the Callisto Media Publisher’s Club, with many thanks.
That’s why I was happy to find Taoism for Beginners. It has all that substance that I struggled to get my hands on, and so much more. It breaks down the history, the traditions, the beliefs, the rituals in a way that I’ve not seen before.
Taoism for Beginners starts with the big question: What is Taoism? and answers it by going back to the very beginning and showing how it got started and how it grew. Author Elizabeth Reninger explains the language of Taoism and shares alternate spellings and pronunciations of key words. She compares it with Buddhism and Confucianism to help give it context. And she shares Taoism’s uniqueness in its respect for the natural world and insightful understanding of concepts we think of as opposites.
From there, Taoism for Beginners touches on the core concepts like Tao, Ten-Thousand Things, Wu-Wei, Pu, and Chi. These concepts are explained and put into the context of the whole of Taoism, so beginners can start to understand how everything fits together. Then there are the core teachings. Taoism believes in emptiness as a way to be functional (think of a pot); in the 3 treasures of compassion, simplicity and patience; in wisdom; in playfulness, in nature; in cultivating skills like martial arts, healing arts, leadership, or artistic skill.
Moving forward, you learn different approaches to Taoism, such as The Way of Ceremony, The Way of Magic and Power, The Way of Meditation, or the The Way of Free and Easy Wandering. There is a chapter on the myths and misconceptions of Taoism, which helps explain many common misunderstandings about the origin and purpose of Taoism.
There is information on the Taoist schools, from the early days on to present day, and guidance to help you find ways to start practicing Taoism today, in the West, if that’s your goal. And if you make it a full-time practice or not, there are lots of tips for adding some of the simplicity and compassion, the essence of Taoism, to your life through lifestyle and attitude changes. And of course there is a suggested reading list, to you can know immediately where to turn for more information.
Taoism for Beginners is a great resource to get all the information you need on Taoism, whether you’re looking for information or looking for a way into the religion.
A copy of Taoism for Beginners was provided by Rockridge Press through the Callisto Media Publisher’s Club, with many thanks.
October 29, 2023
The story of Chuang tzu fishing then being offered a position in government reminds me of the similar story of Diogenes and Alexander The Great. Basically the same but with a twist of Alexander wishing to be Diogenes if he wasn't Alexander, and Diogenes saying "If I was not me I would also rather be me; now get the fuck out of my sunlight."
Remember a lot of this is HER interpretation of Taoism; which itself says that The Dao that can be spoken of is not the constant “Dao”
I'd say prove that chi exists with science, but she already cut off that argument by use of logical fallacies saying "science can explain an apple but can't explain what an apple tastes like, you have to experience it." 🙄
The way she presents Taoism ☯️ is as a religious faith/belief system, like Christianity and such with their abrahamic sky genie, Hinduism, etc.
If this is what Taoism actually is, i'll stick with studying buddhism and other philosophy thanks.
I am fine with cultivation of body and mind such as with martial arts practice including Tai Chi/qigong, meditation, eating well, living in harmony with nature including stewardship, growing your own food ie plants and animals, and practices such as wu wei or beginner's mind.
However, I am not so open-minded as to let my brain fall out.
Additionally, once you have accepted the beliefs of Taoism and dogmatically cling to them you have already closed your beginner's mind to the possibility that there is no "way" or Tao, and that Christianity is right with their zombie and sky genie, or Hinduism and brahman/parabrahman are the "correct" interpretations.
Much like there is being gender fluid, as a Taoist one should also be spiritually fluid - to come at religion/belief/spirituality with a true beginner's mind.
Also she misrepresents agnosticism and atheism. Most atheists are agnostic, they just say "I don't believe in God BECAUSE it hasn't been proven to me, if it was, I wouldn't be an atheist."
Just like everyone are atheists to unicorns, we aren't saying they didn't, don't, or couldn't exist just that we haven't found evidence of one nor a convincing argument for its existence.
There are also agnostic theists, who aren't sure about a god since one hasn't been proven to them, but like the idea anyway so go along with it. Gnostic atheists are the type she presented here, ones that say they KNOW there is no god, and that's what most people think atheists are. However those are usually gnostic theists, and they can't comprehend an atheist as anything but one who's opposite and oppose them and their beliefs. But I digress.
On the nutrition section at the end I got annoyed and wanted yell at her ceaselessly. The author needs to stay in her lane, some of what she says is either wrong, bad advice, or is much more nuanced than was presented.
I don't want to go over it all, but there is no such thing "THE paleo diet" paleo man all over the world ate very different things.
You don't have to drink tea, just take L-theanine with your caffeine/coffee and it's the same.
It's weird that she contradicts herself by saying people have romanticized or incorrectly adopted a culture outside their own, but then goes on to recommended to drink tea like Asians do.
Stick with coffee if that's what you want, either eastern tea or coffee doesn't make you more or less like a "real" Taoist, that's her needlessly stereotyping and romanticizing Asian and Taoist culture.
Coffee has other benefits that tea doesn't and vice versa, do your own research, not some half baked advice in a piss poor book about Taoism.
Also, I recommend not consuming caffeine anyway, go for Korean red ginseng (panax ginseng) and gingko bilboa, way better stimulant/nootropic combo for you than caffeine and L-theanine, but again, do research for yourself.
Don't get me started on anti-pharmaceuticals/modern medicine vs alternative medicine...
"Holistic" has become a term to mean "it might work for the thing you need it for and it might not but might make other things better instead but also might do nothing."
Alternative and especially traditional eastern medicine have latched onto the term holistic for dear life.
However actual medicine medicine that works for the things it is needed for could also do a much better job of addressing things holistically if the practitioners actually cared to, however for liability reasons most just attempt to treat the problem you're seeing them for, regardless of proximal problems that it may be linked to or cause later, which is unfortunate.
TL;DR Go read the Wikipedia article on Taoism, and any links or additional resources mentioned that interest you, for four hours, which will be way better time spent there than on this one.
Remember a lot of this is HER interpretation of Taoism; which itself says that The Dao that can be spoken of is not the constant “Dao”
I'd say prove that chi exists with science, but she already cut off that argument by use of logical fallacies saying "science can explain an apple but can't explain what an apple tastes like, you have to experience it." 🙄
The way she presents Taoism ☯️ is as a religious faith/belief system, like Christianity and such with their abrahamic sky genie, Hinduism, etc.
If this is what Taoism actually is, i'll stick with studying buddhism and other philosophy thanks.
I am fine with cultivation of body and mind such as with martial arts practice including Tai Chi/qigong, meditation, eating well, living in harmony with nature including stewardship, growing your own food ie plants and animals, and practices such as wu wei or beginner's mind.
However, I am not so open-minded as to let my brain fall out.
Additionally, once you have accepted the beliefs of Taoism and dogmatically cling to them you have already closed your beginner's mind to the possibility that there is no "way" or Tao, and that Christianity is right with their zombie and sky genie, or Hinduism and brahman/parabrahman are the "correct" interpretations.
Much like there is being gender fluid, as a Taoist one should also be spiritually fluid - to come at religion/belief/spirituality with a true beginner's mind.
Also she misrepresents agnosticism and atheism. Most atheists are agnostic, they just say "I don't believe in God BECAUSE it hasn't been proven to me, if it was, I wouldn't be an atheist."
Just like everyone are atheists to unicorns, we aren't saying they didn't, don't, or couldn't exist just that we haven't found evidence of one nor a convincing argument for its existence.
There are also agnostic theists, who aren't sure about a god since one hasn't been proven to them, but like the idea anyway so go along with it. Gnostic atheists are the type she presented here, ones that say they KNOW there is no god, and that's what most people think atheists are. However those are usually gnostic theists, and they can't comprehend an atheist as anything but one who's opposite and oppose them and their beliefs. But I digress.
On the nutrition section at the end I got annoyed and wanted yell at her ceaselessly. The author needs to stay in her lane, some of what she says is either wrong, bad advice, or is much more nuanced than was presented.
I don't want to go over it all, but there is no such thing "THE paleo diet" paleo man all over the world ate very different things.
You don't have to drink tea, just take L-theanine with your caffeine/coffee and it's the same.
It's weird that she contradicts herself by saying people have romanticized or incorrectly adopted a culture outside their own, but then goes on to recommended to drink tea like Asians do.
Stick with coffee if that's what you want, either eastern tea or coffee doesn't make you more or less like a "real" Taoist, that's her needlessly stereotyping and romanticizing Asian and Taoist culture.
Coffee has other benefits that tea doesn't and vice versa, do your own research, not some half baked advice in a piss poor book about Taoism.
Also, I recommend not consuming caffeine anyway, go for Korean red ginseng (panax ginseng) and gingko bilboa, way better stimulant/nootropic combo for you than caffeine and L-theanine, but again, do research for yourself.
Don't get me started on anti-pharmaceuticals/modern medicine vs alternative medicine...
"Holistic" has become a term to mean "it might work for the thing you need it for and it might not but might make other things better instead but also might do nothing."
Alternative and especially traditional eastern medicine have latched onto the term holistic for dear life.
However actual medicine medicine that works for the things it is needed for could also do a much better job of addressing things holistically if the practitioners actually cared to, however for liability reasons most just attempt to treat the problem you're seeing them for, regardless of proximal problems that it may be linked to or cause later, which is unfortunate.
TL;DR Go read the Wikipedia article on Taoism, and any links or additional resources mentioned that interest you, for four hours, which will be way better time spent there than on this one.
September 12, 2021
I received an advance review copy from the publisher. There is a lot to like about this book — a conversational style, some deep knowledge, a wide survey of subjects. The author is obviously knowledgeable about Taoism.
My red flag alert starts around page 135, when the author — who doesn’t list any credentials as a medical practitioner or registered dietitian, not even as a naturopath or an herbalist — gives diet, medical, and exercise advice that is pretty explicit. You can learn a lot from this book, but I advise skipping the section about diet and herbs.
Otherwise, this is an easy-to-follow book that neither talks down to the reader nor overwhelms them with fringe knowledge. Readers will get a concise history of Taoism as well as real-life application of principles.
My red flag alert starts around page 135, when the author — who doesn’t list any credentials as a medical practitioner or registered dietitian, not even as a naturopath or an herbalist — gives diet, medical, and exercise advice that is pretty explicit. You can learn a lot from this book, but I advise skipping the section about diet and herbs.
Otherwise, this is an easy-to-follow book that neither talks down to the reader nor overwhelms them with fringe knowledge. Readers will get a concise history of Taoism as well as real-life application of principles.
September 24, 2020
This is a decent introduction to Taoism. Reninger introduces Taoist history, concepts, lineages, and practices to the reader in a way that I haven't seen in other primers. I didn't know so much about the organization, history, and structure of this seemingly elusive spiritual path. I was also unaware that there were so many deities associated with the path of the Tao. I would have loved to have learned more about Taoist deities and to have a bit more focused on the wisdom and practice. Still, this is an interesting primer. I received a copy of this book from the publisher with no requirements to review.
April 25, 2023
I found this book to be extremely well written and very educational. I have known for some time that I am suited to a Daoist way of life, but prior to reading this book I wasn't sure which style. Elizabeth's thorough understanding of the subject allowed me to realize that I am very well suited to Classical Daoism, and will allow me to follow that style. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who is starting down the Daoist path and needs help to gain a very good base.
June 19, 2020
This has some very good exercises and bits of wisdom that many readers are likely to benefit from. There's a lot of history info which I suspect readers will find the least valuable. The books provides a good intro and "sense" of the topic, and it is well written.
I really appreciate the review copy!!
I really appreciate the review copy!!
March 21, 2021
I received an advance publishers copy.
Learning about other religions has interested me for years. I found Taoism for Beginners a great introductory book to Taoism. It provides a detailed history of the religion and a digestible base of the principles and traditions. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
Learning about other religions has interested me for years. I found Taoism for Beginners a great introductory book to Taoism. It provides a detailed history of the religion and a digestible base of the principles and traditions. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
May 16, 2020
I got this book free from the publisher.
The only chapter I liked was "taoism today". The history was just...too much. It didn't feel like it was for beginners. I did like the "everyday taoism" little practices, there weren't enough of those.
The only chapter I liked was "taoism today". The history was just...too much. It didn't feel like it was for beginners. I did like the "everyday taoism" little practices, there weren't enough of those.
November 18, 2020
A delightful, brief overview of a very interesting way of life. I enjoyed this as a quick explanation of Taoism. I also really appreciated the recommendations at the end to continue learning about Taoism.
July 6, 2021
A nice overview of Taoism. Covers more of the religious aspects than the philosophical. I find the philosophical more interesting, yet it is also intriguing to see how a religion has existed for 2000+ years, has changed, adapted and continued to exist over the centuries.
March 2, 2022
As someone new to finding his way, this book answered many questions I had, while not in great detail it provided enough information to know where to look and how to find my own path as I begin my journey.
February 10, 2023
#transformation
This book provides great insights on the history and practices of Taoism. It is a good theoretical introduction and also have some practical examples of exercising Taoism in our daily lives. Would have liked a bit more practical application.
This book provides great insights on the history and practices of Taoism. It is a good theoretical introduction and also have some practical examples of exercising Taoism in our daily lives. Would have liked a bit more practical application.
April 18, 2025
Giving this book 5 stars because as someone who has circumvented Taoist concepts throughout my whole life (often unknowingly), I had a lot of a-ha moments here. I wish some of the explanations of the basic concepts went a little deeper but also...this is a beginners book.
May 8, 2020
I received a complimentary copy.
A cool way to learn if you are not familiar with this and it is easy to understand.
A cool way to learn if you are not familiar with this and it is easy to understand.
July 11, 2022
easy to understand
The book gave a simple sequenced explanation of Taoism. This was a great place to start. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a basic understanding.
The book gave a simple sequenced explanation of Taoism. This was a great place to start. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a basic understanding.
January 30, 2023
Boring. Could be a lot shorter.
February 14, 2024
Amazing
Wonderful book concrete with simple explanations of Taoism. It encourages to investigate, learn and begin practice. I am enthusiastic to read more from this author.
Wonderful book concrete with simple explanations of Taoism. It encourages to investigate, learn and begin practice. I am enthusiastic to read more from this author.
July 31, 2024
intro
It’s a great introduction. All I knew about Taoism was yin-yang concept. So, it does the job it’s meant for:introduction!
It’s a great introduction. All I knew about Taoism was yin-yang concept. So, it does the job it’s meant for:introduction!
September 12, 2024
adequate introduction i suppose
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews