The Dao in Action: Inspired Tales for Life

(Paperback, New edition)

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In this collection of fables, Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming shares the stories that have influenced him most as a martial artist and lifelong student of the Dao. They bring the Dao to life for readers of all generations. Whoever we are, wherever we're going, these short tales help us along the path the Way. Some offer the traveller a moral compass. Some illustrate the dangers in human folly. Others just make us laugh.

The Dao in Action will inspire young readers to refine their character. Older readers will smile and recognise moments of truth. This collection is for anyone who would like to explore the enduring lessons of martial wisdom.

Fable lessons transcend time and culture, touching what it really means to be alive. For example, in life we must ask questions, learn from others, and find our place in the world. On the other hand, there is real danger in worrying too much about what others think. This lesson is clear and very humorous in the story A Donkey, a Father, and a Son. We must help others and give of ourselves, but we must also guard against those who would take advantage of us, as in The Wolf, the Scholar, and the Old Man. We should save our money and plan for the future, but we must also resist greed, lest we end up A Rich Man in Jail.

These lean, concise fables illustrate that balance, the duality of yin and yang, always shifting, always in correction. They help us laugh at our human predicaments and maybe even at ourselves.

Author Bio

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming started his Gongfu training at the age of 15 under the Shaolin White Crane Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts. With the same master he also studied Qin Na, Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment. At the age of 16, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan under Master Kao, Tao. Dr. Yang's tai chi can be traced back to the Yang family through Master Kao's teacher Yue, Huanzhi, an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu. After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong. Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane, Shaolin Long Fist, and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience.