The Tao of Success Review

2011-03-13T23:23:04-07:00

Derek Lin — author of The Tao of Daily Life and his own translation of the Tao Te Ching — once again brings his practical approach to the masses. This time, the focus is on using the lessons of Taoism to their intended effect and bring success — both material and spiritual — to one's life. It's evident from the quality and clarity of Lin's writing that he has proven this method with his own experience, and has spoken with many others about the concepts contained in the book. As a Tao cultivator, I can attest to the validity of the lessons and their effect they have on a mindful reader who's looking to bring more success and harmony to his or her life.

The book's format is composed of five central steps that are common to applying Taoist thought. This number is important, both in Chinese culture and in the book. Within each of the five steps lie five concepts to keep in mind. The result is a 25-step manual of sorts to applying the life-changing lessons of the Tao.

After each core step is outlined, Lin shares some short stories (dharmas) that have been passed down through the generations, a time-honored custom in all cultures. Each story has a superficial lesson on the surface, but is much deeper in meaning as Lin unravels the underlying tapestry of lessons. In his unraveling, Lin brings each story to life and paints a vivid picture with the reader.

It's important that I use the word "with". Lin encourages the reader to think deeply about each lesson and how they can apply it to their own life, and in a very inclusive tone. He frequently uses "we" in the place of "you", emphasizing the point that everyone can take part in the Tao tradition, regardless of creed or religion.

The strongest points of the book — for me anyway — are the short reminders that the reader can make for themselves to recall important lessons, like the image of an ancient Chinese coin. Such coins have a square hole inside them, which represents self-discipline and seeing your own faults to improve, while the outside of the coin is soft and round, representing the compassion and understanding we should give to others. The complete lesson amounts to "Do not be harsh to others, but do not be afraid to find — and fix — the faults you see in yourself." Such simple but powerful images can serve as a reminder and motivator for the reader to improve his or her life, one lesson at a time.

In summary, I believe Derek Lin has brought yet another great Taoist book to the West. A book that will resonate well with the success-oriented culture we have here in the West. Whether you're looking to get out of a series of failures or just want to take your Tao cultivation to the next step, The Tao of Success is a book that will reveal to you powerful, simple lessons that you can begin employing on Day One. No membership required!

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Derek Lin is the award-winning author of Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained and The Tao of Daily Life. He manages Taoism.net, its related social media, and hosts a weekly Tao study group. Together, they form one of the largest English-speaking Taoist communities on the Internet.

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The Tao of Success Review

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