Changed my mind about Dyer, tooJune 2, 2008 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
As a long term student of Taoism, I was somewhat skeptical about an author like Dyer (who I thought of as a very Western self-help oriented writer) giving the Tao te Ching a meaningful reading and discussion. I am happy to say I was very wrong to be skeptical. Dyer writes with an eloquence and erudition that is balanced and accessible without "dumbing down" the subject or insulting his readers.
The essays are best read one at a time and digested, somewhat like other day by day spiritual treatises like A Course in Miracles or the Daily Word or any other where you are meant to reflect and apply the ideas as the day goes on. Following this method was the best way I found to gain the benefit from meditating on them.
Dyer's book works well for someone who knows the Tao te Ching on some level and wants a new way to meditate upon its treasures. The book would work equally as well for someone who doesn't know the Tao te Ching, I would think, as he illuminates certain points which would assist a newer reader into garnering the meaning from the sometimes elusive language this ancient text uses.
The only issue I really have with Dyer's book is the product description which emphasizes Lao tzu as the author and that he came before Christ. For one, I think it is still a matter of scholarly contention as to who the author or authors of the Tao te Ching are. Also, using Lao Tzu or the Tao te Ching's earlier place in history compared to Christ is unnecessary. Its validity stands on its own merit and the comparison was a bit un-Tao-like I thought.
I would not recommend this book as the only study of the Tao te Ching or Taoism, but certainly would recommend it as an adjunct to additional readings on the subject. It's a volume to come back to more than once.
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your LifeJune 1, 2008 A life changing book for sure. We study one verse for one day or however many days it takes to fully grasp the message of that verse and its accompanying essay. We got this book to help us after my husband got laid off from his job. It helped us to see and use the source of our lives to get through this challenging time. My husband starts his new job tomorrow! This book was a wonderful tool and a huge comfort all along the way and will continue to be so for the rest of our lives. Thank you Wayne Dyer.
Is this The Secret?May 29, 2008 Sounds like it. This is the teachings of Tao Te Ching. Well written but if you prefer a simpler approach I would recommend The Secret and even better because it shows you how,Living The Secret Everyday: My Secret Workbook. This is the same premise changing your thoughts can change your life as in The Law of Attraction.
Change Your Thoughts--Change Your LifeMay 25, 2008 Dr. Wayne W. Dyer presents a way to enjoy your life with learning some of the ways of Taoism. I found it enteresting and easy to read as well as understanding the Verses once I read the chapter.. I have been emailing the Verses to the people in my address book and some of them have been taken by some of the Verses and are going to purchase the book.. I would highly recommend the book if one is interested in finding a better way to handle every day problems. I know it has helped me...
A Trusted Mentor Teaches You How to FlyMay 23, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Having been a fan of Your Erroneous Zones for many years, I found this book to be a little intimidating upon first glance - mainly by the sheer volume of the the thing. But I found it to be something savored and was very sad when I finally came to the end - like having to say goodbye to a trusted mentor who tells you that you need to fly on your own... a little like that...
