The best books on Taoism

By Diane Dreher

Who am I?

Diane Dreher is the author of The Tao of Inner Peace, The Tao of Personal Leadership, and The Tao of Womanhood. She has been fascinated by Eastern philosophy since her childhood in the Philippine Islands. In addition to her doctoral degree in English from UCLA and master’s in counseling from Santa Clara University, she has studied Taoism, trained in aikido, and become a reiki master. She enjoys applying the lessons of Tao in her teaching, consulting, and international coaching practice.

I wrote...

The Tao of Inner Peace

By Diane Dreher

The Tao of Inner Peace

What is my book about?

Drawing upon the vital lessons of the Tao Te Ching, The Tao of Inner Peace shows readers how to create greater peace in their lives by honoring their own inner rhythms, part of the overarching rhythms of nature. They will learn to see beyond current conditions, recognize the Tao’s dynamic balance of yin and yang, resolve conflict within and around them, discover new possibilities, and create greater harmony in their world.

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The Books I Picked & Why

Tao Te Ching

By Lao Tzu, Gia-fu Geng, Jane English, Toinette Lippe

Tao Te Ching

Why this book?

The Tao Te Ching has been translated more than any book in the world except for the Bible and this is my favorite translation. Reading it is a Tao experience on many levels. Gia-Fu Feng’s translations are graceful, meaningful, and memorable, accompanied by his beautiful Chinese calligraphy of the 81 Tao Te Ching chapters. This new edition includes brief updates from the original translation and an introduction by Jacob Needleman. Complementing the text are Jane English’s evocative black and white nature photographs which capture the essence of Tao.

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Tao: The Watercourse Way

By Alan Watts

Tao: The Watercourse Way

Why this book?

The classic study by Alan Watts with calligraphy and preface by Al Chung-liang Huang. This, Alan Watts’s final book, takes the reader on an exploration of Taoist philosophy, focusing on the world view inherent in the Chinese language, the dynamic balance of yin and yang, and the power of wu-wei, the art of flowing with the process. Watts’ insights and passion make the book a valued and enduring introduction to the world of Tao.

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Thinking Body, Dancing Mind: Taosports for Extraordinary Performance in Athletics, Business, and Life

By Chungliang Al Huang

Thinking Body, Dancing Mind: Taosports for Extraordinary Performance in Athletics, Business, and Life

Why this book?

This book takes the wisdom of Tao into the world of sports, combining Chung-liang Al Huang’s calligraphy and insights as a T’ai Ji master with sports psychologist Jerry Lynch’s use of Tao principles to coach professional, Olympic, and recreational athletes. Offering lessons from the enduring wisdom of Tao, along with exercises, affirmations, and encouragement, this book helps readers transcend the limits of Western dualism to discover a new path of joy and meaning in their athletic endeavors, careers, and personal lives.

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The Tao of Leadership: Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age

By John Heider

The Tao of Leadership: Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Adapted for a New Age

Why this book?

John Heider’s book takes the wisdom of Tao into the world of leadership, offering timeless wisdom and practical advice for leaders. Readers will learn about the power of presence in relationships, as well as how to pay attention, trust the process, and stay centered in the midst of challenge and conflict to become more effective and inspiring leaders.

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Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao

By Wayne W. Dyer

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao

Why this book?

In a yearlong journey of discovery, psychologist and author Wayne Dyer steeped himself in the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching. The result is this book of 81 chapters, offering his reflections on the 81 chapters of the Tao. Combining meditations, exercises, and personal examples, each chapter encourages readers to release their preconceptions, transcend duality, recognize their oneness with all creation, and discover their deepest sense of themselves as the wisdom of Tao becomes a living presence in their lives.