A Daoist Practice Journal: Come Laugh With Me

In reading this book, I actually did laugh with Shifu Michael. I did so, because of just how simple and uncomplicated he has made his practice. Do not get me wrong when I use that word simple. I do not mean that it is easy. What I mean is how direct and unobstructed his approach seems to be. I bring this up because early on in his book, Shifu Michael states this clearly in relationship to his developing a new form of qigong based on Daoist zuowang meditation. He states, “Zuowang is a form of meditation, which stresses the wuwei state of being – nonaction, noncontriving, and self-dissolving process.” I think that his trust in himself and his trust in his practice allowed him to explore a way to purely manifest what is happening in the moment. Not a reflection of what is happening in the moment, but rather a true expression of that moment. You see, to me that is what meditation is all about. When you are practicing fully and sincerely in each moment, that is already enlightenment. When there is a …”nonaction, noncontriving, and self-dissolving process,” then this is manifesting the true Dao in every moment. In this book Michael Rinaldini outlines his practice from 1995-2013. It is a very down to earth approach. For anyone interested in learning how a modern-day Daoist approaches practice, this is a great introduction in how to do so. There are quotes from prominent Daoist scriptures as well as other teachers from the Daoist, Christian, and Buddhist traditions.

This book was a delight! In studying Daoism, one thing I was having difficulty finding was a daily practice perspective. This practice journal was exactly what I was looking for! Daoist Priest Michael Rinaldini has provided an excellent resource for those (particularly in the West) that are eager to learn more about how to bring oneself closer to the Dao.This journal whose entries span many years had so much to glean, I read it once, and then went back with highlighters. I particularly enjoyed the entries from November 2012 - I think I practically highlighted this entire section. Understanding more about the daily elements of this style of daily practice provided insight into topics such as meditation, Qigong, scripture and reaping the benefits of solitude. I highly recommend this book, and have already purchased the second collection!

What an unexpected pleasure! Ordained Daoist priest Michael Rinaldini's "Daoist Practice Journal" provides an enjoyable reading experience with sound information, guidance, and inspiration from his own practice and from other highly credible sources. American (or "Western") Daoism has emerged as a valid tradition in its own right in recent years. Rinaldini is one of the very first to acknowledge and celebrate this vital expression of religion, philosophy, healing practices, and spirituality. The author speaks directly to the reader with clarity, grace, and good humor, providing insights into Daoism in the context of modern times. Along the way he cites the writings of other authors who have influenced the development of Daoist spirit in the West, including Simone Marnier (author of the Daoist novels, "White Tiger, Green Dragon" and "Black Tortoise, Red Raven"), as well as the Daoist priest Christina Barea-Young and the scholar-translator Livia Kohn, who has been instrumental in providing authoritative translations of key Daoist texts in the West. As someone who can never get enough about this wonderful tradition which has roots in ancient China, I found the Practice Journal a delightful page-turner, but one whose message of understanding, wisdom, and harmony lingered long after the last page was read. This book can serve as a model for all who wish to explore and apply Daoist principles in lives filled with joy, compassion, and laughter. A much-appreciated volume by a master practitioner and communicator. Now, bring on the pu'erh tea!

The book was a quick read & interesting; the author seems honest & open. However, just as a caution, the Taoist practice in this is a far cry from the simplicity of the ancient Taoist classics, much like all the rituals, programs, buildings & such of a modern American megachurch are far from the simplicity of Jesus's teachings. The author even mentions that a Master in China advised him more or less to keep it simple & the only text needed is the TaoTeChing. There are dozens of translations & versions of the TTC & it's fun & enlightening to check several different versions of the same chapter--each chapter is like a many-faceted jewel, & there's something to be learned from each different version. There aren't so many versions of Chuang Tzu, but it is easier to grasp. Living the Tao can be simple & fun & it require the kind of striving seen in "Come Laugh With Me."

I'm going to get straight to the point and deal with the negatives first:I suppose the problem with reading a journal is that after a while it can seem perhaps not self-indulgent exactly but a little self-interested; it is full of the author's reflections on the Taoist practices mentioned in the book introduction and how they develop over time - I would have liked to have read more about his thoughts on running the Qigong group, there's hardly any detail regarding the priests/priestesses of his American Dragon Gate lineage, how they develop, the challenges of helping new and experienced practitioners alike.The second 'issue' (though this is minor) is the book lacks humour so I find myself wanting to laugh with the author but am not given the opportunity. Because of its introspection it is quite a serious read.I think the people who will enjoy this most are those wanting to read something more than the Tao Te Ching as Rinaldini does bring in a number of lesser known scriptures and compares them against Christian ones such as the Cloud of Unknowing. If the reader likes to intellectualise his or her Taoism then you will enjoy this.Taoism is an odd subject to write about and doesn't lend itself to over-procrastination; if you take away Inner-alchemy, magic, and the advice given to Emperors of the time - which aren't addressed here, you have a very simple practice that could be written about in only a few pages...this being a journal is like peering through a key-hole into someone's thoughts, someone who has spent much of his life reflecting on his Taoist practice. What you get here, is commitment, thoughts that will help you reflect more deeply...if this is what you want.

For the modern era and very informative.

I bought this expecting it was a practice journal, but it's actually his auto-bio in a journal format. It might have been good but he assumes the reader knows everything he's talking about so I found it too hard to follow and uninteresting. We don't need to know how many wall squats you do every day...or what you ate?