The Tao Of Forgiveness: The Healing Power Of Forgiving Others And Yourself

The Tao of Forgiveness: The Healing Power of Forgiving Others and Yourself

Bestselling Taoist author William Martin brings the power of the Tao to the essential practice of forgiveness, creating a unique path from guilt, blame, and shame to peace of mind and freedom.How do we forgive when forgiveness seems impossible? William Martin, author of the bestselling The Parent's Tao Te Ching, provides practical and time honored answers. He weaves excerpts from the ancient sacred Taoist scriptures together with insightful teaching stories, bringing the practice of forgiveness to readers of all spiritual backgrounds. Each chapter contains two parts-a journey toward forgiveness and a practical exercise in forgiving-and also includes personal anecdotes, poems, and simple exercises.With the devastating personal and societal damage caused by resentment, anger, guilt, and shame in mind, Martin patiently and compassionately helps readers overcome the ills of "holding on" with the openness of the Tao. In this accessible work, he illustrates how forgiveness is freedom and that the pathway to overcoming anger is also the way to spiritual liberation.From Publishers WeeklyWith parables, exercises, and "mind meditations," Martin (The Parent's Tao Te Ching) explores forgiveness from a Taoist standpoint. Rather than merely adding a twist of Lao-tzu to this essential yet often difficult action, Martin goes for the big picture. An accepting, nonjudgmental attitude (he calls it "Tao Mind") must come first. Only then can forgiveness of self, others, and the world be possible. Martin's commentary is usually spent contrasting Tao Mind with the strict and resentful conditioned mind. Exercises to locate Tao Mind are interactive; readers who follow them will be breaking plates, walking around with eyes closed, and moving rocks around. Those who jump in and complete the exercises may be pleasantly surprised. Also inspiring is the author's use of analogy. A particularly affecting example places forgiving thoughts within a tea ceremony. Forgiveness is a paradox -- what should be the most effortless thing to do is often the hardest. Fortunately, the Tao is no stranger to paradox, and Martin proves it can be a vital resource for anyone holding on to not letting go.Copyright