Each Journey Begins with a Single Step

“A great wisdom book of Chinese philosophy and poetry, of political values and religious thought” (Joe Stroud, author of In the Sleep of Rivers; Signatures; and Of This World).

“A lyrical . . . poignant . . . and insightful . . . journey through Taoism.” —Anna Jedrziewski, Retailing Insights

This is a book of guidance rooted in the wisdom of ancient China. Bestselling author Deng Ming-Dao provides key poetic lines that distill the essence of Taoism, organizing them in the form of a journey. The material here is drawn from three sources, including the Yijing, 300 Tang Poems, and the full text of The Tao Te Ching.

As Deng Ming-Dao notes, “We walk the Way each day. We don't know what’s ahead and so it’s helpful to have the wisdom of others to guide us. They have left us a message to encourage us. They have spoken of the joys, griefs, and purity that we should embrace. Like good pathfinders, they give us direction and prepare us for what we might encounter. They let us walk for ourselves. We have a wonderful companion for the journey.”

This profound collection of ancient wisdom is the resource for those looking for daily sustenance and guidance on the path of life.

“A marvelously engaging and innovative omnibus! Deng Ming-Dao maps here the way of China’s perennial philosophies. A wise and trusty mentor, he lets the landscape, within us and all around us, speak for itself, so that we may each find our own way with this timeless guide.” —Gary Gach, author of Pause, Breathe, Smile

“This book is a precious gem—a gift to anyone who would follow the Tao for life.” —Gary Young, author of Hands: The Dream of a Moral Life; and Even So: New and Selected Poems