A01=Deng Ming-Dao
A01=Ming-Dao Deng
ancient texts
ancient wisdom
Author_Deng Ming-Dao
Author_Ming-Dao Deng
Category=FN
Category=QDHC
Category=QRRL5
Category=VXA
chinese myths
Chinese philosophy
Dao
daoism
Daoist
eastern religions
Eastern spirituality
eastern wisdom
effortless action
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_mind-body-spirit
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
forthcoming
happiness
life lessons
Mind-body connection
mindfulness daily meditations
mythology
non-action
personal growth
sacred texts
success
Tao
Taoism
taoist
Taoist book
Taoist philosophy
Wu wei
Product details
- ISBN 9781642970777
- Dimensions: 127 x 178mm
- Publication Date: 13 Aug 2026
- Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Paperback
Secure
checkout
Fast Shipping
Easy returns
“In this delightful little book, Deng shares 144 ancient tales that are at times folkloric, others more comedic or tragic or paradoxical, and some just plain ribald. The advice contained here is simply presented: carry only what you need for the journey, literally and metaphorically. Quiet wisdom of the best kind.” —Library Journal
When I was a boy, I didn’t get specific lessons on how to live. I got stories. If I asked why I had to believe some concept, a person like my grandmother might reply with something like, “It is true because of what happened to the Yellow Emperor,” and then the story would follow. What intrigues me is that this habit hasn’t changed even after China’s revolution, rapid modernization, digital technology, and global culture. People still say, “It’s true because . . .” before they invoke a story that is more than two thousand years old.
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the universe. It is a tradition that has become widely popular in Europe and North America over the past fifty years—largely through its core text, the Tao Te Ching. Taming Tigers & Butterfly Dreams is filled with over 140 ancient stories that express great truth by fusing anecdotes—many of which are foundational stories related to the Taoist path—with philosophy. The stories are frequently humorous, ribald, irreverent, or sarcastic, but they always speak to great and universal truths:
The wisdom here fills a universal need. We need stories. They help us make sense of who we are and how we got here. They keep us sane as we try to absorb our experiences, our aging, and our emotions. Stories help us visualize the future by taking the messages of yesterday and helping us get tomorrow right.
This book was previously published as The Wisdom of the Tao.
When I was a boy, I didn’t get specific lessons on how to live. I got stories. If I asked why I had to believe some concept, a person like my grandmother might reply with something like, “It is true because of what happened to the Yellow Emperor,” and then the story would follow. What intrigues me is that this habit hasn’t changed even after China’s revolution, rapid modernization, digital technology, and global culture. People still say, “It’s true because . . .” before they invoke a story that is more than two thousand years old.
Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that emphasizes living in harmony with the universe. It is a tradition that has become widely popular in Europe and North America over the past fifty years—largely through its core text, the Tao Te Ching. Taming Tigers & Butterfly Dreams is filled with over 140 ancient stories that express great truth by fusing anecdotes—many of which are foundational stories related to the Taoist path—with philosophy. The stories are frequently humorous, ribald, irreverent, or sarcastic, but they always speak to great and universal truths:
- Flow with life
- Live from the heart
- Develop an openness to possibilities
- Live in balance
- Drop expectations
- Embrace acceptance
The wisdom here fills a universal need. We need stories. They help us make sense of who we are and how we got here. They keep us sane as we try to absorb our experiences, our aging, and our emotions. Stories help us visualize the future by taking the messages of yesterday and helping us get tomorrow right.
This book was previously published as The Wisdom of the Tao.
Deng Ming-Dao is an author, artist, philosopher, teacher, and martial artist. Deng is his family name; Ming-Dao is his given name. From a young age, he studied Taoism and internal arts such as qigong, tai chi, and kung fu. He is the author of many books, including 365 Tao, Everyday Tao, The Way of Heart and Beauty, Each Journey Begins with a Single Step, and Chronicles of Tao. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. Visit him at dengmingdao.com.
