The Tao Teh King for Awakening: A Practical Commentary on Lao Tzu’s Classic Exposition of Taoism (Dharma for Awakening Collection)

Abbot George takes the Chapters of the Tao and puts them into a perspective where we are viewing the Cosmos and the duality of Maya from the Tao itself, unfeeling, never exalting or condemning.His commentaries on each chapter utilize quotes from the Gospels, the Bhagavad Gita, Yogananda and other Indian saints, and other Indian scriptures.. His insight in relating the aspects of the Atman to the Tao is essential in unraveling the meaning of the translation presented in this edition. His personal stories in the chapter commentaries brings a human element into the interpretations that give greater meaning and relevance to the ideas being portrayed in the chapters.There are contradictory statements in many of the chapters and Abbot George helps us to interpret and realize which statement is related to the unattached and renunciation of the ego. He helps us to “realize” that we who do not participate in the materialism and pleasures of the senses are viewed as fools by the partakers of materialism, but that we fools are the souls that find peace and serenity in the here and now.The life long experience of Abbot George is priceless in the commentaries that he gives. He shows us how there is much more below the surface of the chapters and we have to dig deeper to find the true meaning and how it relates to our own selves, sometimes even when the opposite of the meaning is what is really relevant.The inherent message of the Tao Te King is that duality does not exist. Regardless of the reference point, whether it be from the manifested ten thousand things or the Tao itself, the final outcome is that the Tao is in all existence and non-existence (unmanifested creation) and is eternal.

Tao is the Universal essence beyond description. This treatise exemplify with simplicity a successful attempt to elucidate the Tao. No ordinary person can fathom the Tao from the point of view beyond the realms of duality and as a point of reference. I find this book as one of the best on the field of erudition, a jewel on the myriad of books on this subject. Among many transliterations of Tao Teh KingMagnificent and elegant and replete with Wisdom and inspiration.We cannot utter the word Tao and be able to frame it as tangible and yet this book offers a solid definition and a mechanism of genuine spiritual understanding.For me Tao is the Royal Highway within each and every one of us. Attachments and desired are the greatest obstacles for us to unveil the secrets of Tao.Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) honor Lao Tzu by giving to us a deep and fascinating insight of such towering interpretation.I highly recommend this book, specially if you are a spiritual seeker or a philosopher.

Always enjoy spiritual writings from this author. It's always good to get various takes on the Tao Teh King.

"A Practical Commentary" - Abbot Burke has done it again. As with others of his works that I have been blessed to consume (The Gospel of Thomas for Awakening, The Upanishads for Awakening, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening, The Christ of India) in The Tao Teh King for Awakening, he has brought to bear once again his gift of making the elusive and not so obvious accessible to the sincere seeker of the Divine in a most readable, enjoyable and, yes, practical manner. His insightful commentary on each verse of this ageless classic dissipates the fog from those minds, especially in the west, that have long stumbled through the intricacies of The Tao Teh King. As a life long student, both formally and independently, of the worlds religions (both their spirituality and histories), Self Realization and an avid "follower" of Abbot Burke's efforts on behalf of "Original Christianity" reading The Tao Teh King for Awakening has been, yet another, truly spiritually refreshing experience. I highly recommend that anyone who may be even remotely interested in the subject matter add this work to their library... for it will surely be referenced for years to come.

The Tao Teh King is a subtle work. Much of its beauty is in the mystery of living within it. With respect to its simplicity, there are many transliterations, much commentary, and more than a few have spent a lifetime immersed in the study of its understanding.What I find most compelling about this particular offering from Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) is its simple presentation while simultaneously deep and insightful cross-connecting numerous spiritual texts and sources to enhance the original from a fresh informed perspective.With quotes from the Gospels to the Bhagavad Gita the Tao Teh King is once again known and mysterious, the Way and the unnamed.I highly recommend this book to both beginning seeker and familiar student as a fresh perspective on the Path. It is beautifully and cohesively written and will not disappoint.

This book, as with all of Abbot George’s books, is of inestimable value to real Christian and Yogi seekers after truth. If you get a chance to meet Abbot George in person you won’t be disappointed.