An Introduction to Daoism: A Practice Guide for Living the Way

Discover ancient Daoist wisdom for modern mindfulness—with slogans, verses, and practices drawn from traditional Daoist texts to redirect our busy, chattering minds to an awareness of the sacred here and now. In An Introduction to Daoism, ordained Daoist priest Gregory Ripley reveals a lesser-known treasure of spiritual practice: mindfulness verses drawn from centuries-old Daoist texts. Ripley provides historical context and commentary that reveals how uniquely fresh and relevant the Daoist view is in our contemporary world. Drawing from two traditional texts, The Precepts of Initial Perfection and The 58 Prayers of Great Clarity, Ripley offers a complete framework for cultivating presence, compassion, and harmony with the natural world. He presents a full day’s spiritual routine—from waking to sleeping—integrating meditation, altar setup and use, and embodied practices (sitting, lying down, walking, and standing), appealing to those seeking a holistic and grounded approach to Daoism beyond just philosophy. With historical context and contemporary insights, this wise and accessible guide empowers you to integrate authentic Daoist practice into daily life, moment by moment, returning to your true self and walking the path of the ancient sages.