Embarking on the Way: A Guide to Western Taoism

Written in simple and non-scholarly fashion, Embarking On the Way is designed to present the fascinating world of Taoist philosophy and practice to Western readers. It encompasses a wide range of Taoist studies, from the classical teachings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu to the Tao of sex and relationship.

The appeal of this book for modern Westerners is in its simple yet profound presentation of Taoism. There is nothing to join, no vows to take, no special diet to follow and there is no need to let go of one's own personal religious or spiritual path to benefit from the teachings of Tao. Embarking On the Way offers the full program of Taoist philosophy and practice. The reader is then able to choose which parts of the program he or she wishes to use--for instance Chinese medicine or qigong practice--or they may choose to follow the entire program. There is no pressure or need to become a hard-core Taoist to gain benefit from the teachings covered in this book.

Solala Towler is author of A Gathering of Cranes, Bringing the Tao to the West. He is also editor/publisher of The Empty Vessel: A Journal of Contemporary Taoism. He is a certified instructor of several styles of qigong as well as Taoist meditation and is a member of the board of directors of the National Qigong Association USA.