The Tradition of Natural Taoism - by Jason Gregory (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive exploration and restoration of Taoism's original teaching

- Draws on source texts of the Tao Te Ching and the Chuang-tzu for ways to achieve skills effortlessly through unity with the Tao

- Explains how Taoism is a spiritual technology for deprogramming ourselves from socialization and dissolving the ego

- Explores concepts of wu-wei (nonaction) and xiaoyao you (free and easy wandering in oneness) in order to realize our unfiltered true nature

Giving readers a fresh take on the ancient philosophy of oneness, while at the same time restoring Taoism's original teachings, Jason Gregory shows how to effortlessly align with the Tao. By returning to the source texts of the Tao Te Ching and the writings of Chuang-tzu, he offers wisdom to liberate us from the suffering inherent in a materialistic culture and reconnect us with our unfiltered true nature.

Since the time of Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu, we have navigated a world detached from the Tao. This detachment continues to expand due to external forces and information saturation. In contrast to Confucianism, which offers social morality, Taoism is essentially a worldview shaped by nature--a spiritual practice for releasing ourselves from imposed socialization and reactions of the ego.

Jason Gregory shows that imposed socialization can impede the spontaneous flow that is central to the Taoist path--your true nature as it is with no filters. He explains that what we see is not reality itself but a world according to our conditioning. Taoism seeks to reunite us with our undifferentiated nature, dissolving the binary limitation of reason in our mind and achieving xiaoyao you, "free and easy wandering." This book shows the way to become what Taoists call a zhenren--an authentic genuine person, the ultimate state of being.

Review Quotes

"An interestingly complex yet simple book. It invites you to use your left brain for meaning and structure and your right brain, heart, and body to recognize the simple truths you see all around you in nature--and align with them for greater harmony--without great willpower or effort. It is certainly time we make life less confusing and distracting and settle into the calm center that we can recognize as Self, Truth, and Compassion. Jason has written many clarifying and inspiring books, and this one is a real wakeup call!"-- "Penney Peirce, author of Transparency, Leap of Perception, and Frequency"

"Even though it is said that 'the Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao, ' Jason Gregory's words on Taoism lead us back to a felt awakening of our true nature. We are the Tao we seek, the flowing reality of our body's life. We just need to pare away what keeps us from connecting so deeply with the felt river of life that's here all the time. The Tradition of Natural Taoism shows us how to let go of what is superficial so we can engage once again with that which we are and always have been."-- "Will Johnson, author of The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma and Breathing through the Whole Body"

"In this profound work, Jason Gregory warns us about the mass trivialization of Taoism. This book gives deep clarity to those who are called to flow effortlessly in the primordial river of Tao but find themselves perpetually obstructed by their deeply rooted habits of self-preservation. The time-honored virtues of humility, simplicity, and non-striving are elucidated brilliantly by the author, who offers the modern mind a possibility of venturing on the path of nonbecoming. In our increasingly social world, the naked simplicity of The Way is not easy to follow, and this book is the much-needed guide that bridges this gap of understanding and allows the reader to embrace the natural naturalness that is Tao."-- "Swami Atmananda Udasin, Advaita teacher and head monk of Ajatananda Ashram, Rishikesh (India)"

"Jason opens the Tao and shows us how spirituality can be found by wandering in the natural world. Supporting his points with references to the Tao Te Ching and the Chuang-tzu texts, he shows us how to escape the socialization and distractions of our times to realize our true natures."-- "Deng Ming-Dao, author of 365 Tao, Everyday Tao, and Chronicles of Tao"

"This book is an astonishing piece of work and one that is essential for anybody wishing a deeper understanding of not just Taoism but also Eastern philosophy in general. It introduces the reader to the explanatory power of this most fascinating of belief systems and places it within a precise context. It demands concentration and focus from the reader, but in doing so it gives great rewards. An absolutely essential read, and one destined to become a classic of its kind."-- "Anthony Peake, author of Opening The Doors of Perception"

"This book provides the reader with a different perspective and a deeper understanding of the Tao (Dao) and Taoist texts. If you are interested in Tao, it is a profound reference book for your study."-- "Yang Jwing-Ming, author of The Root of Chinese Qigong and The Dao De Jing"

"This is a wonderful summation of Taoist philosophy. Jason Gregory presents this cosmology clearly, concisely, and with great depth of understanding. If you want to gain a fuller understanding of commonly used terms such as the void, yin and yang, and nonduality, this book is for you."-- "Susan Campbell, Ph.D., author of Getting Real and From Triggered to Tranquil"

About the Author

Jason Gregory is a teacher of philosophy, comparative religion, metaphysics, and ancient cultures. He is the author of Effortless Living, Emotional Intuition for Peak Performance, Fasting the Mind, and Enlightenment Now and has created several successful documentaries, including The Art of Effortless Living. For more than two decades he has studied spiritual traditions and meditative practices with masters in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism. He divides his time between Asia and Australia.