Description

Tao Te Ching, which can be translated from the traditional chinese to The Book of the Way and its Virtue, is an important classic Chinese text.

Written around 600 bce by Taoist Lao Tzu (or Lao Tsu, Lauzi), who was a sage and keeper of records at the court of the Zhou Dynasty.

The Tao Te Ching is an important compilation of maxims from a significant period in the history of Taoist Chinese philosophy, and has strongly influenced Chinese Buddhism and Neo-Confucianism.

Tao Te Ching has often been used by Chinese poets, painters, and calligraphers as a major source of inspiration.

Book Review

The old Chinese sage, Lao Tzu wrote this timeless book primarily as a code of conduct to living.  It contains Lao’s precepts towards following ‘the Way’, and is what one must do to achieve a long, trouble-free and contented life.

The advice offered by Lao, in which he put into two books (combined as one), was mainly for those who governed the people and who held the power to lead by example.  The Emperors, in Lao’s eyes, who were sitting at the top in a somewhat precarious position, appeared to be in more danger compared to most, with probable ambitious plans being drawn against them; traitorous subjects amongst them; and restless citizens to tame.

In my interpretation of what Lao wrote, he seemed to be advising that if one should follow the precepts of ‘the Way’ religiously, one will then attain the virtue and wisdom to not only govern oneself, but to be able to govern the empire towards peace and harmony – and with this, one can survive to very old age.

Another aim of ‘the Way’ is to make those in high positions become humble,  live simply and wisely – this is the only way to achieve true contentedness within oneself whilst at the same time not to harm the people of his kingdom due to personal ambitions.

Now, looking at the book in relation to us ordinary plebs, there is much to learn from it, and its wisdom can be applied to our daily lives.

The Tao Te Ching is relatively a small book with short numbered passages, but with its poetic prose and seemingly hidden treasures, it can take a few readings to unearth the apparent wisdom buried away.

So I recommend you carry this book around with you at all times and make good use of it when your lofty ambitions rears its ugly head.  Because when the need arises for you to read a couple of  passages, you will at once choose to let go of any pompous or competitive ways, and will soon discover that choosing to live a simple and humble life is probably the wiser course of action in regards your own personal well-being.

Apparently, “The meek shall inherit the earth.”…something to think about when you feel the need to be extremely hard with someone you think you have power over.

“In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don’t try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.”

~ Tao Te Ching

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1. Power of Thought: ‘As A Man Thinketh’ by James Allen

Description

A long-standing classic in the field of self-help, this book is a must read for anyone interested in bettering themselves.

The human mind is more powerful than most people know and this book provides readers with a major key in teaching us how to use it properly.

Thoughts are what truly control your life, and this book can well be considered a kind of “owner’s manual” for the mind.

The teachings are simple but powerful. Chapters include Thought and Character, Effect of Thought on Circumstances, Effect of Thought on Health and the Body, Thought and Purpose, The Thought-Factor in Achievement, Visions and Ideals, and Serenity.

My Review

Mind over matter is never more apparent than James Allen’s delightful words which is contained in this book.  Allen, who was probably the first self-help guru to address the human mind, eloquently expresses powerful instruction on how we can better ourselves towards virtue if we choose to master our thoughts.

Allen’s words are more poetic than formal, and whilst reading you can’t help but be  mesmerised by his rhetoric rather than taking note on how to apply it to your own mind – which defeats the purpose the book is trying to achieve.

However, this is a short book which can be read in under an hour, so it is far from heavy reading, and can be easily dipped into whenever you feel the need for some inspiration.  But I suggest you take your time and savor the wisdom and teachings it contains, as you will learn something new with every perusal.

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1. Humble Wisdom: ‘Tao Te Ching’ by Lao Tzu
2. Practical Wisdom: ‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius

Description

Written in Greek by the only Roman emperor who was also a philosopher, without any intention of publication, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180) offer a wide range of fascinating spiritual reflections and exercises developed as the leader struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Spanning from doubt and despair to conviction and exaltation, they cover such diverse topics as the question of virtue, human rationality, the nature of the gods and Aurelius’s own emotions.

But while the Meditations were composed to provide personal consolation, in developing his beliefs Marcus also created one of the greatest of all works of philosophy: a series of wise and practical aphorisms that have been consulted and admired by statesmen, thinkers and ordinary readers for almost two thousand years.

My Review

This is ancient philosophy at it’s best with stoicism, positive psychology and practical wisdom written by Marcus that can be used as a mirror for you to learn from.  This book will encourage you to attain knowledge of self through self-reflection so that you can empower yourself towards a wiser perspective of life.  It may even prompt you to write down your own daily thoughts, which is a good exercise for self-expression and understanding yourself totally.

Marcus displays tremendous honesty and humility for someone who was in such a prestigious position, and you can feel that this  journal was personal to him because of the  humanity and emotions of his thoughts that shine through.

I guarantee that if Marcus were alive today he would probably have created a most popular self-help blog – but then again, I’d rather he were busy bringing peace and wisdom to the world as a modern day emperor.

I have read Meditations several times already, and I’m sure I will be dipping into it several times more in the future.  You wouldn’t be surprised to hear me say that I have officially adopted this little gem as my bible to carry under my arm wherever life takes me.

Thank you Marcus, for my holy bible!

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1. Power of Thought: ‘As A Man Thinketh’ by James Allen

“The material contained in this volume was originally presented in the form of talks to students, teachers and parents in India, but its keen penetration and lucid simplicity will be deeply meaningful to thoughtful people everywhere, of all ages, and in every walk of life. Krishnamurti examines with characteristic objectivity and insight the expressions of what we are pleased to call our culture, our education, religion, politics and tradition; and he throws much light on such basic emotions as ambition, greed and envy, the desire for security and the lust for power – all of which he shows to be deteriorating factors in human society.’”

- From the Editor’s Note

“Krishnamurti’s observations and explorations of modern man’s estate are penetrating and profound, yet given with a disarming simplicity and directness. To listen to him or to read his thoughts is to face oneself and the world with an astonishing morning freshness.”

- Anne Marrow Lindbergh

My Review

This book is personally very important for me and I cannot emphasise enough how much it has changed my life.  No, it didn’t show me the secrets of getting rich overnight nor did it tell me the meaning of life, but what it did do was to lay down the foundations for me to do the rest of the work towards building my own ‘Tower of Babel’ within touching distance of a heavenly liberated mind.

This is a nice introduction to Krishnamurti’s teachings, and he communicates his wisdom in such a non-complicated and enlightening manner.  It is laid out in a Q & A format with the audience asking thought provoking questions and the speaker (Krishnamurti) replying with resonant answers.

In conclusion, ‘Think on These Things’ provides you with the tools to free your own mind which will allow you to perceive yourself and the world in a wiser perspective.  This book covers every subject that affects us daily, and Krishnamurti never stops to provide enlightening observations that encourages us to rethink the way we currently live, and for us to transform ourselves into conscious intelligent beings.

Highly recommended!

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