The Tao of Success: The Five Ancient Rings of Destiny

In contrast to the first book "The Tao of Daily Life" in which Derek organize the contents based on themes, this book has been written in a sequential and systematic manner. Derek chose this organizational style to further clarify how to apply Tao to our daily life systematically. I believe this is also to address many questions from the readers who want to look at the big picture of how to apply Tao to daily life.Specifically, according to Derek own words' "Although there is no universally recognized curriculum for the Tao, there are common patterns in traditional cultivation. These patterns are not random or arbitrary. They have been distilled from experience over thousands of years. When the ancient sages observed someone making a meaningful change for the better, they took notes."Derek addresses this with 5 steps sequence considering both internal and external aspects of our life:Internal aspect:Step 1: Your spirituality. Change yourself inside-out and "unleash the hidden power within". In my opinions, it is similar to "substance over form" (a popular phrase in accounting field).This consists of 5 elements: Tranquility, Buddha nature, faith, existence, and renewal.Step 2: Your mind. "Take advantage of the water by regulating and channeling its flow. Rather than to let it splash out in random directions..." is such a beautiful metaphor for this. I think this is to understand, recognize, monitor and control your own thinking.This consists of 5 elements: Perception, authenticity, integrity, perspectives, and alchemy.External aspect:Step 3: Your relationships. Good relationship management and conflict resolution are emphasized here. "The Tao encompass the full range of human interactions, from the darkness of discord to the light of fellowship."This consists of 5 elements: criticism, reaction, harmony, alignment, and seamless compassion.I extremely like "The Blanket" short story that illustrates "seamless" compassion. This story clears up not only the doubt of what is really compassion and forgetfulness but also why we should have compassion--a seamless compassion. Seriously, if everyone reads and understands this story alone, our world will be way more peaceful!Step 4: Your world. "This step highlights the practical and down-to-earth nature of an authentic practice...in managing prosperity."This consists of 5 elements: Emptiness, attention, knowledge, acquisition, and detachment. In my opinions, opposite to many who misunderstand that the Tao suggests no-action, the Tao actually suggests we not only plan, think and talk about something but also take actions accordingly. In this step, Derek shows exactly how we should be pro-active to take opportunities and "handle the gains properly, rather than to have them handle you."Step 5: Your destiny. "The last step pulls together the work of the previous four to channel it toward life transformation...This step is not only about the how of destiny determination, but also the why."This consists of 5 elements: Command, goals, persistence, fortitude, and purpose. This is like now you have all the parts and tools, you actually need to assemble and build the whole system. Therefore, systematically speaking, I would suggest everyone to learn the parts and tools (from the first 4 steps) and build your own unique system (with suggestion of step 5) for gradual improvements in your life from now on and forever.The above is just a very brief summary of what this book has to offer. For every element from every step, Derek illustrates it with concrete and memorable short story in a format similar to the "Tao of daily life". Again, Derek's writing contains such significantly deep wisdom from seemingly simple and sometimes funny stories.Last but not least, when you read this book with an open mind and critical thinking, don't forget to actually test it by applying Tao in your own life, then you will probably see Derek Lin' short stories playing right in your head. When you encounter a similar situation like the short story, review what you do with and without the Tao wisdom, and see the result live. I always like to revisit the stories and magically enough, every time I re-read the story, I clear out few more doubts.Finally, as a student in many practical majors (undergraduate student in math, and accounting and graduate student industrial engineering), I always like to look at big pictures before scrutinize into the details. This book provides exactly that systematic framework.I would say this is like the new invention of the century: iTao 1.0 framework! :)This book can be improved even further if Derek links in more Tao-Te-Ching chapters comprehensively, not just short stories.

Derek Lin -- author of "The Tao of Daily Life" and his own translation of the"Tao Te Ching" -- once again brings his practical approach to the masses. Thistime, the focus is on using the lessons of Taoism to their intended effect andbring success -- both material and spiritual -- to one's life. It's evident fromthe quality and clarity of Lin's writing that he has proven this method with hisown experience, and has spoken with many others about the concepts contained inthe book. As a Tao cultivator, I can attest to the validity of the lessons andtheir effect they have on a mindful reader who's looking to bring more successand harmony to his or her life.The book's format is composed of five central steps that are common to applyingTaoist thought. This number is important, both in Chinese culture and in thebook. Within each of the five steps lie five concepts to keep in mind. Theresult is a 25-step manual of sorts to applying the life-changing lessons of theTao.After each core step is outlined, Lin shares some short stories (dharmas) thathave been passed down through the generations, a time-honored custom in allcultures. Each story has a superficial lesson on the surface, but is much deeperin meaning as Lin unravels the underlying tapestry of lessons. In hisunraveling, Lin brings each story to life and paints a vivid picture with thereader.It's important that I use the word "with". Lin encourages the reader to thinkdeeply about each lesson and how they can apply it to their own life, and in avery inclusive tone. He frequently uses "we" in the place of "you", emphasizingthe point that everyone can take part in the Tao tradition, regardless of creedor religion.The strongest points of the book -- for me anyway -- are the short remindersthat the reader can make for themselves to recall important lessons, like theimage of an ancient Chinese coin. Such coins have a square hole inside them,which represents self-discipline and seeing your own faults to improve, whilethe outside of the coin is soft and round, representing the compassion andunderstanding we should give to others. The complete lesson amounts to "Do notbe harsh to others, but do not be afraid to find -- and fix -- the faults yousee in yourself." Such simple but powerful images can serve as a reminder andmotivator for the reader to improve his or her life, one lesson at a time.In summary, I believe Derek Lin has brought yet another great Taoist book to theWest. A book that will resonate well with the success-oriented culture we havehere in the West. Whether you're looking to get out of a series of failures orjust want to take your Tao cultivation to the next step, The Tao of Success is abook that will reveal to you powerful, simple lessons that you can beginemploying on Day One. No membership required!

"The truth is that there are deeper teachings of the Tao that go beyond the meaningless nature of everything. Most people never get exposed to them, so some will automatically assume that the lack of meaning must be the highest form of wisdom. In actuality is the entry point." excerpt from the book.I have read and reread this book several times now. The words resonated with me on a deep level. Facebook and social media are full of well-meaning memes and platitudes that at best only scratch the surface of what is a true success is and what the Tao has to offer. If you really want to transform your life you must be able to move beyond the clichés of popular culture and realize the real power of the deeper meanings. This book does that and more by getting to a truth that you can apply in everyday life and circumstance. When you read this book, there will be important insights that will stay in your mind. Later you will observe something or hear someone say something and the teaching will suddenly make sense in a profound way. The best way to learn the lessons is in the moments of everyday life.This is not a book to read so you can show the world how smart you are. This is a book that will teach you how to implement the wisdom of the Tao in that moment of choice that will determine your future. This book is aptly named, "The Tao of Success". If you are serious about achieving success, then this book is for you.

The "parables" and Lin's commentary on them are great. But the tendency of the book to become a "self improvement" text in terms of incremental philosophical exercises, which the parables are supposed to mirror, seems forced. The title "The Tao of success" is also a bit stomach churning and seems as though it may have been suggested by the editor/publisher to appeal to the self help market to aid material success.

This book is very insightful. You are given stories containing gems of wisdom that are then explained immediately afterwards. They act as tools for spiritual development through to use in work and interacting with people. It a is great book, giving the reader the understanding of how to apply Daoist teachings to everyday life.

This book will touch the depths of your soul. As you turn page after page, you will realise the reason for your ups and downs, positive and negative reactions in all aspects of life. The author guides you step by step on your journey of personal development to help you realise your fullest potential. The wisdom is unparalleled. This is enlightenment. You wouldn’t need another self-help book if you have understood and are practising these teachings. I am so happy I discovered Taoism through Derek Lin’s books. It has changed my life and attitude for the better. I have found my balance. I wish more people read this beautiful work. This book is a true masterpiece!

Teaches you how to look into your heart and follow the way everyday, through the stories that Mr. Derek Lin explains.

Good intensive read