With penetrating insight, Abbot George Burke illumines the the wisdom of Lao Tzu’s classic writing, the Tao Teh King (Tao Te Ching), and the timeless practical value of China's most beloved Taoist scripture for spiritual seekers. With a unique perspective of a lifetime of study and practice of both Eastern and Western spirituality, Abbot George mines the treasures of the Tao Teh King and presents them in an easily intelligible fashion for those wishing to put these priceless teachings into practice.
It is said that the Tao Teh King is the work of the great Chinese sage Lao Tzu. Disgusted with the degeneration of Chinese society, he decided to leave and vanish forever, which he did. But as he was leaving the capital, the warden of the gate asked him to set down his realizations since he would no longer be accessible to truth seekers. He did so, and then went out the gate into the lost pages of human history.
If a person wishes he can immerse himself in the stewpot of scholarly speculation as to who Lao Tze really was, whether he ever existed, and whether he wrote the Tao Teh King, or who did. None of this means anything. Taoist masters through the centuries have proved the truth of the Tao Teh King, and that is all that matters. For truth seekers it stands as a monument to Truth. Even those who understand it imperfectly will reap great gain from its study.
Assessment:
Idea: Burke displays extensive knowledge of Taoist scripture, while tying key ideas into a modern context. For those who seek spiritual guidance and insight into Lao Tzu's wisdom, this work offers a clear pathway.
Prose: Burke's writing is polished and rich with literary, cultural, and historical references. The narrative tone can at times come across as stern, which may strike readers as incongruous with Taoist teachings.
Originality: While surely not the only work on Taoist wisdom, Burke's evident expertise concerning both Western and Eastern spirituality, provides readers with a wide-ranging and intriguing study of the topic.
Execution: While the presentation is more scholarly than entertaining, the author provides readers with actionable steps for applying Taoist principles into their lives. Serious readers will find the insights to be edifying.
Date Submitted: October 09, 2019
"Magnificent and elegant and replete with Wisdom and inspiration." –Kabir
"[Abbot George's] commentaries on each chapter utilize quotes from the Gospels, the Bhagavad Gita, Yogananda and other Indian saints, and other Indian scriptures.. His insight in relating the aspects of the Atman to the Tao is essential in unraveling the meaning of the translation presented in this edition. His personal stories in the chapter commentaries brings a human element into the interpretations that give greater meaning and relevance to the ideas being portrayed in the chapters."
We are happy to announce that Abbot George’s latest book, The Tao Teh King for Awakening: A Practical Commentary on Lao Tzu’s Classic Exposition of Taoism, is now available as a paperback and ebook at Amazon.com and other online outlets.
With penetrating insight, Abbot George Burke illumines the the wisdom of Lao Tzu’s classic writing, the Tao Teh King (Tao Te Ching), and the timeless practical value of China’s most beloved Taoist scripture for spiritual seekers. With a unique perspective of a lifetime of study and practice of both Eastern and Western spirituality, Abbot George mines the treasures of the Tao Teh King and presents them in an easily intelligible fashion for those wishing to put these priceless teachings into practice.
It is said that the Tao Teh King is the work of the great Chinese sage Lao Tzu. Disgusted with the degeneration of Chinese society, he decided to leave and vanish forever, which he did. But as he was leaving the capital, the warden of the gate asked him to set down his realizations since he would no longer be accessible to truth seekers. He did so, and then went out the gate into the lost pages of human history.
If a person wishes he can immerse himself in the stewpot of scholarly speculation as to who Lao Tze really was, whether he ever existed, and whether he wrote the Tao Teh King, or who did. None of this means anything. Taoist masters through the centuries have proved the truth of the Tao Teh King, and that is all that matters. For truth seekers it stands as a monument to Truth. Even those who understand it imperfectly will reap great gain from its study.
This week buy the ebook now for only 99¢ at Amazon stores, and all other online stores.
