• Taoism

  • A Friendly Beginners' Guide on Taoism and Taoist Beliefs
  • By: Jordan Jacobs
  • Narrated by: Sean Householder
  • Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (65 ratings)

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Taoism  By  cover art

Taoism

By: Jordan Jacobs
Narrated by: Sean Householder
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Publisher's summary

Taoism teaches the basic principles of living a long and healthy life. The Taoist principles help us understand the inseparable nature of the self and the nature of the cosmos, to participate in the natural flow of events. To gain knowledge about Taoism is the cultivation of a thought process of growth, self-exploration, and transformation and to link our inner self with the surrounding world. This is the way to engage ourselves in the realm of the Tao.

What are the implications of Taoism in our daily lives? Can we apply the principles of Yang and Yin in our personal lives? If we wish to enter the realm of Tao, we need to have the willingness to accept the natural flow of activities and events. If we are aware to the ever-changing facets of nature, we will have the strength to create harmony. If we aren't aware, we will be affected by self-conflicts due to the circumstances.

The first principle of Taoism is to develop an awareness of the natural things and understand these are interconnected as a part of the whole universe. The universal viewpoint states that everything is Tao. Good fortune is Tao; misfortune is also Tao. We must not pit one side against another but urge ourselves to determine a relationship between the opposites. There is a popular idiom: "there are two sides of a coin". Following this principle, you must appreciate both situations; it helps us embrace the situation. People become empathic as they understand the other side of the experience and imagine how they would react in a similar situation.

Secondly, you must recognize and embrace the natural flow of change. People struggle often, as they cannot accept failure. If we recognize the cause of the failure, we will try to overcome the weaknesses and be able to solve problems at the early stages. The natural wisdom enables us to act appropriately.

©2015 Jordan Jacobs (P)2015 Jordan Jacobs

What listeners say about Taoism

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Introduction

I believe that the author accomplished the goal of giving a basic introduction to the very complex subject of Taoism. Listening to this certainly helped me grasp what I need to know to better understand the way of life called Taoism.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great intro to Taoism

Only regret that there was not a written glossary of terms that could have been downloaded. Had to replay many parts to understand the terms .

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding!

Brief, concise, and enjoyable Audiobook on Taoism.
Well worth the time to listen... and learn.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not what I expected

In my opinion, this is more business oriented rather than "friendly" as it is advertised.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

A " Friendly Beginners "

If you bet someone they could not use every word in the Thesaurus in 2 hours or less well you just lost your bet. This was about as friendly as a mother lion guarding her young. Education is a wonderful thing but trying to show off your knowledge of the English language while supposedly introducing the listener (or reader) to a way of life which is supposed to simplify things is really really , did I say REALLY boring and confusing. I bought this for my 12 yr old who is studying about early China, I thought this might help her to understand the Chinese a little better along with a book I bought her about Confucianism. Don't waste your credit

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book

Was a great book for a beginner and searcher. There were a few running paragraphs that was hard to follow, but overall was a great and understandable book explaining Taoism.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love, lovee, LOVEE!

I am brand new to learning about Taoism. This booked help me understand a lot of different perspectives of the Tao and really makes me want to learn more about the Tao way of life! I could not stop listening to this book, and if I had to, I was craving to hear more!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Very tough as an "introduction."

I have read many books on philosophy and this one was both great and dry by comparison. The beginning opens a sense of wonder but that feeling is soon drowned out by huge words and complicated descriptions that would be made much easier. I am grateful the chapter breaks had chapter titles, though, allowing some preceeding knowledge of whether to skip ahead.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good but short

Overall pretty good, but felt the author at times had a tendency to rant alittle. I got the main aspect of The Dao but wished it would go alittle deeper.
This is just My experience though!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Taoism Revealed

Very well paced and performed, Jacobs' introduction to Taoism strikes at the heart of the topic. It does not bog with needless details or get lost in the weeds of ceremony and deities. Like Lao Tzu it is simple, curt, and sincere and opens a door into this helpful philosophy/religion/belief that is all inclusive and leaves you wanting to learn more. I hope another book(s) will follow charting the individual depths of Taoism.
So why not 5 stars?
There are a few parts where the audio gets wonky. They are few but they are noticable.

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