Created on Sunday, 29 March 2009 13:45

From Library Journal
Author/narrator Hoff calls Winnie the Pooh a "Western Taoist" and uses the unassuming bear to introduce Eastern philosophical principles. Pooh epitomizes the "uncarved block," as he is well in tune with his natural inner self. Pooh enjoys simple pleasures and the daily progress of life. Hoff contrasts this unpretentiousness to other characters created by Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne, including Owl, whom he describes as a "mind that tries too hard," and Eeyore, the eternal pessimist.

In a clear and crisp voice, Hoff explains the central tenets of Taoism and further illustrates them with familiar excerpts from The House at Pooh's Corner stories (1923), Chinese proverbs, maxims, and tales from Lao Tzu and others. The result is at once thought-provoking and charming. This is a small literary event that will leave all who experience it a little more serene.

Created on Sunday, 29 March 2009 13:18

"I Ching: The Book of Changes and The Unchanging Truth" is an in-depth instructional guide to the ancient philosophical and divination system that has been used by the Chinese for nearly 5,000 years. Author, teacher, and physician Hua-Ching Ni presents much more than a manual for how to use the hexagrams of the I Ching. The Book of Changes and The Unchanging Truth teaches the reader about the fundamental principles of the system.

From Yin/Yang theory to the Five Phases of Energy, to the Natural Calendar, the Constellations, Heavenly and Earthly cycles, and much more, The Book of Changes and The Unchanging Truth explains ideas expressed by ancient scholars such as Confucius in plain terms. A must-read for anyone interested in learning more about or practicing divination with the I Ching.

Created on Sunday, 29 March 2009 11:37

This book is appealing because it provides easy access for people to naturally identify, connect with, and be in touch with the spiritual part of themselves. Indeed, Way of the Peaceful Warrior does just that with its piercing truths, lively narrative, and humorous wisdom. Like Castaneda, it enables the reader to reflect on the deepest questions of life.

Told with drama and insight, the novel revolves around Dan, a world champion gymnast and student at the University of California at Berkeley. The story begins when Dan meets his powerful 96-year-old mentor Socrates, an all-night gas station attendant. Guided by this wise old mentor and tempted by an elusive and playful woman named Joy, Dan journeys through everyday reality and metaphysical realms. He travels the paths of flesh and spirit, romance and terror, light and darkness, laughter and magic, learning new ways to see the world and live life.

Created on Saturday, 28 March 2009 16:40

The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off, leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.

Along the way, he meets many spiritual messengers who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists – men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night. "Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."