I thought I would do something different for July. Instead of offering one book, I'm going to offer a choice between two books. What this means is that the individual whose name is drawn gets to choose which one of the two books she/he desires and then that book will be shipped to them (anywhere in the world with a mailing address) for F-R-E-E.
As with last month's giveaway, here's how it works: 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 you choose the first option, you will need to check this blog around July 1 to find out if you are the "winner". If so, you will need to email me your mailing address, so I can send you the book of your choice.
The two books to choose from for the July Tao Book Giveaway are:
As with last month's giveaway, here's how it works: 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 you choose the first option, you will need to check this blog around July 1 to find out if you are the "winner". If so, you will need to email me your mailing address, so I can send you the book of your choice.
The two books to choose from for the July Tao Book Giveaway are:
- The Tao of Zen by Ray Grigg (paperback)
- The Living Tao: Meditations on the Tao Te Ching to Empower Your Life by Stephen F. Kaufman (hardback)
The Tao of Zen
Taoism? Buddhism? Zen? Zen Buddhism?!?The Living Tao
Ever get lost trying to untangle these terms? Well, you are not alone in the confusion.
Ray Grigg's The Tao of Zen provides a valiant effort to untangle the terms and can help you understand the confusion. The book, in an appropriately indirect way, also provides a sense of how Tao and Zen can be experienced in everyday life.
The main thesis of the book is provided in preface:
Zen is Taoism disguised as Buddhism. When twelve hundred years of Buddhist accretions are removed from Zen, it is revealed to be a direct evolution of the spirit of Taoism. Indeed, the literature known as the Lau Tsu and the Chuang Tzu begins a continuous tradition that can be followed through the Ch'an of China to the Zen of present day Japan. The formative writings of Taoism are essentially the teachings of Zen.
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching or Book of the Way is the ancient text on the art of living a comfortable and stress-free life. This unique interpretation of the Taoist philosophy presents Lao Tzu's message clearly and in a direct manner that avoids confusing mystical explanations. To Hanshi Stephen Kaufman, a distinguished martial arts grandmaster and educator, the Tao Te Ching is simply a book of poetry and passion and through Hanshi's staightforward approach and explanation you will come to see that to understand the Tao is to understand the beauty and simplicity of life.
The Living Tao presents eighty-one original poems followed by the author's commentary relating each to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life based on the Chinese notion of yin and yang. The result is a guide for living that can empower you to achieve meaning and fulfillment in your life.
I'll bite, Tao of Zen looks to be a good fit for me, but I keep hearing the title of an old Robert Plant album, Now and Zen, everytime I read it. Thanks for making such a kind and generous offer, even if I don't win.
ReplyDeleteBoth books sound interesting so please add me to the draw.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm in. I think I would enjoy the Kaufman Living Tao, should I have such luck. And this gives me an idea of what to do if I decide to weed my collection of martial arts/DVDs.
ReplyDeleteI think I might be too late (depending on the world clock), but if not I'd love to be entered for The Living Tao. :)
ReplyDeleteWings,
ReplyDeleteTechnically, you are too late, but we don't like to be technical here. So, your name is entered.