The ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism is more popular today than ever This accessible & enlightening collection offers stories "ations from the most celebrated Taoist masters including Chuang Tzu Lieh Tzu & Lao Tzu as well as new writing inspired by the traditional tales Set against a stunning photographic backdrop of the mountains waterfalls & gorges of China these stories introduce important Taoist ideas about our most basic human experiences including birth death loss gain simple dignity in the face of challenge how to judge character when to move forward when to retreat & how to surrender to the most fundamental experience of the Tao itself As a longtime student of Taoism Solala Towler understands that the simple yet profound truths of spiritual practice & awakening are often best learned from these entertaining illuminating puzzling often downright funny tales rather than through ponderous exposition These engrossing narratives are as relevant & useful today as they were in the great dynasties of ancient China