Carmen Cejudo
William Bunting
Richard Seymour
Professor Geraldo Lino de Campos (ret.)
Myles Berkowitz "Derek's Tao Living column offers a regular and always insightful look into the everyday dilemmas that are so common in our lives, we've forgotten they're avoidable. The stories Derek uses to illustrate his points are always to the point, and his overview is always a joy to read." Nick Merrill
Kataraina Wihapi "Truth only turns into wisdom when it becomes part of the very essence of a person. If a great teacher is someone who turns static truth into the dynamics of personal transformation, then Derek Lin qualifies as a great teacher." Jos Slabbert
At the time, I had been a Tao follower for three years, trying to put into practice some obscure and inspiring concepts. The discovery of the site really happened at the right time. Reading the enigmatic classics proved oftentimes to be quite a hard task. Whole passages from Lao Tzu simply made no sense to me. And yet, I was curious to push my understanding further... Tao Living installments made things clear, using a contemporary imagery to help the Tao follower in his quest for more inner peace. Here is an excerpt from the letter I wrote to Mr. Derek Lin at the time:
Today, I still think every word I said at that time. It was five years ago. I have translated in French a number of Tao Living installments since, and deeply hope to see those texts reaching a vaster audience. Sylvain Paquette
The essence of Tao practice is experiential. Yet, a translator must possess the intellectual and academic ability to convey the original intent of Lao Tzu writings. Derek’s command of the Chinese language and understanding of his culture of origin yields unique insight into the teachings of Lao Tzu and how they apply to our modern society. I have personally witnessed Mr. Lin apply Tao principles to the vexing relationship and personal issues of mutual acquaintances with great success. His gentle and equitable demeanor permeates the text and allows the reader to absorb the content at his/her own pace and level of understanding. All in all, Tao cultivators should practice what they preach. After being immersed in academic environments for many years where there is a distinct division between intellectual pursuit and functional wisdom, I can assure you that Mr. Derek Lin is a Tao cultivator in the truest sense and I would highly recommend his book, “The Tao of Daily Life”. Professor Edward Monaghan Derek, I've found that your use of the stories is perfectly illustrative of the concepts and ideas you're attempting to demonstrate in your Tao Living posts. These posts are extremely helpful to me, and they make the not always so accessible teaching of Taoism much more understandable to someone who is just now finding himself through Tao. I'd simply like to thank you for these posts and let you know that you're doing an excellent job of getting your points across. I particularly enjoyed to most recent installment about the wealthy man who desired to pass over the foundation, first floor and second floor as a means of saving time and money. I don't think there is a better metaphor. Love, peace, and elbow grease, Pauli Dear Derek, You are my favorite author! I've recently found True Tao, and have read lots of your powerful stories, and learning every second from them. I am totally blind and am using Window-Eyes screen reader. Your outstanding writing is changing my life, and man is that a difficult and necessary task, thanks! I just got finished rereading four of your enlightening stories and am just as please with them the third or fourth time over, as I was the first. It is difficult for me to give you my favorite, but after rereading "Eight Winds" that is likely to be the winner. It is especially perfect for us, collectively speaking blind people. Because of fears, we rarely get recognized and as a results overplay our abilities. I am good with a cane and have to walk extra fast, with computers, and have to demonstrate my ability as often as possible, and the list goes on and on... I copied all and brought it into Notetaker and saved in txt. Then reloaded it so that the symbols had been eliminated and took it into my mail server and sent it to my blind friends. Joe Tolve |
"I remember reading one of Derek's first articles in the
Tao Living section of the website. It was called 'Meet the Meat' and left
quite an impression. Through his use of amusing allegories and uniquely
tuned observation, Derek communicates life's simple truths and offers
suggestions for how to put thoughts into action. Reading Derek's writing
always evokes in me the feeling of listening to a dear friend share a new
discovery."
"I've followed an enjoyed the Tao Living articles and
teachings by Derek Lin for years now. I look forward to new installments and
re-read the existing chapters repeatedly. One of the things that strikes me
as truly wonderful, is that each time I read one of the articles, I learn
something new, or I see the words from a different angle, and gain a new
perspective both on ancient wisdom and modern living. I've recommended Tao
Living to many people at my Tai-Chi school, and they too have really enjoyed
what they've read. Derek makes the teachings of Lao Tzu, and Chuang Tzu
alive and relevant and fun to study as well as meaningful and applicable to
the struggles of everyday life."
"Five years ago, I read my first installment of Tao
Living. I had no idea then what Derek's words would start in me: a change of
direction in my life for which I will always be grateful. What struck me
about his writing then – and still does – is the integrity. For Derek is
always clear that while he hopes his truth might act as a guide for others
to find theirs, he has no wish to be anybody's guru. It is also fascinating
to read his older articles and note his own spiritual development, of which
he makes no secret is still a work-in-progress. Admirably, he refuses to
roll the carpet up behind him, as it were, by re-writing his early work,
thus reassuring the practitioner who is new to Taoism, that this is indeed a
path that is long, sometimes difficult, but, with patience, ultimately
fruitful."
"Derek, in his site, and especially in his column 'Tao
Living' is an inspired writer. He presents an incredible combination of
knowledge of Taoist philosophy with ease of expression even in presence of
multilevel meanings: his insights guide us on the path to enlightenment in
more ways than one. His writing is more than eye opening; it is mind opening
and illuminating. His writings are erudite, challenging and fun. I recommend
for everyone, from the advanced student to the occasional reader."
"I've read a lot of translations of The Tao, and a lot of
books explaining the Tao, but I've never read anything as illuminating and
as practical as Derek Lin's writings on The Tao. He not only interprets this
deceptively complex book, but he explains how to apply the Tao in our daily
lives. Thanks to Derek Lin, the Tao has shaped and changed my life. I guess
I should thank Lao Tzu also, but he's not around anymore!"
"Derek has some very powerful and uplifting insights into
the Way of the Tao. He has demonstrated a modern day approach to ancient
wisdom of the sages that are both uplifting and inspiring. In understanding
this ancient wisdom, Derek shares some very valuable and practical ways to
apply this wisdom to your life. The essence of which is clear, beautiful,
and a precise guide to transformation. I recommend that you use this wisdom
in your path to becoming harmonious with the Great Tao."
It’s been five years since I first discovered the
Taoism.net web site. I was immediately struck by the modern and yet timeless
pertinence of its content. I remember my urge to write to the Webmaster -
whoever he was - to congratulate and thank him for the excellent work.
In my study of Eastern philosophy and martial arts, I
have become increasingly aware of the discrepancy between academic knowledge
and wisdom borne of life experience. Derek Lin’s book “The Tao of Daily
Life” strikes a perfect balance between the two worlds. Mr. Lin’s
translation of the Tao Te Ching pays homage to the original intent of the
text because of his enormous respect and knowledge of Chinese history and
tradition. Yet, the translation reflects his personal application of Tao
principles in every day life.