Tao Book Giveaway - June

For years, whenever Della and I moved, a good deal of the stuff we lugged around from one residence to the next were boxes upon boxes of books. About four years ago, I realized how stupid this was. Books are written to be read, not to sit on a shelf gathering dust. So, we gave away approximately three-fourths of our collection.

Books were chosen for giveaway from all topics and subjects save one: my collection of books related to Taoism. And so, I have placed several of these books on shelves where they have begun to gather dust!

To rectify this situation, I've chosen three of these books to give away; one each in June, July and August. Rather than tote them down to my local library -- where they each would likely gather MORE dust -- I've decided to offer them to you, my readers. I figure that since you take time from your day to visit here, you are far more likely to read a F-R-E-E book on this overall topic.

Here's how it's going to work: Anyone interested in the book of the month needs to contact me in one of two ways: a) You can note your interest in the Comments section of this post OR b) You can send me an email.

If none of you are interested in the featured book, it goes back on my bookshelf...with the dust. If ONLY one person is interested, then that person gets the book. If two or more individuals express interest, then I will write each name on its own slip of paper and, at the appropriate time, I will draw one name and that person gets the book. Once I obtain your mailing address (anywhere in the world), I will mail you the book and it is yours to keep for as long as you want.

With that out of the way, the featured book for June is When the Shoe Fits: Stories of the Taoist Mystic Chuang Tzu by Osho. This book is a paperback and spans 264 pages. Here's some information from Amazon.com:

“Only that which is attained through effortlessness will never be a burden to you.” That is the message of the renowned Indian philosopher Osho, one of the 10 people (others include Gandhi, Nehru, and Buddha) said to have changed the very destiny of his nation. This previously little-known study — a true classic of interpretation — presents his distinctive and highly illuminating exploration of Taoism. Osho offers penetrating commentary on the stories of Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu, the tradition's founder, as well as inspirational anecdotes on the quest for love, spiritual understanding, and true happiness. The powerful combination of Taoist wisdom and Osho's insightful interpretation make this a true gem, appropriate for the growing audience interested in Eastern thought.

Anyone interested in putting your name "in the hat" needs to indicate such by 11:59 pm on May 31, 2010. After that juncture, a name will be drawn and the book will be shipped to the selected individual.

Next month (around this time) I will announce the book to be given away in July.