On: “A Daoist Practice Journal (1)…”

A book reflection on: “A Daoist Practice Journal: Come Laugh With Me”, by Michael Rinaldini

Read: 7/23/2019
Topics: Daoism, Daoist practice
Recommend? Yes
For: Those studying/exploring Daoist history

Reading this wonderful journal was so compelling that I went back through a second time upon officially starting my Daoist studies. I believe the best way to reflect on my reaction to the work is to note some of my favorite quotes/passages, and why I chose them:

From the Introduction: “I had turned my back on the materialism of the world and even though I was still part of the world, my spirit yearned for the free and easy wanderings of the Daoist immortals…”

About two years ago, after attending a spiritual (though not Daoist) silent retreat for five days, I came back knowing in my heart that it was no longer going to be enough to turn my own back on materialism… my heart was desperate for the simple freedom of nature, silence and opportunities for contemplation.

From Nov. 19, 1995: “These core principles are: simplicity, spontaneity and effortlessness. One needs to be in harmony with the Dao, and have a great trust in the mysteries of the universe.”

From Apr. 18, 2009, the entire section of the Daoist Longmen history of circle walking was fascinating. I admit, I am eager to learn more about Qigong, and this practice in particular. I was also curious what mantras they may have recited while walking.

From Aug. 24, 2011: “By ‘sitting in oblivion’ (159) the adept is going profoundly deep into the internal process of refining jing, qi and shen. …the only attainment is that of merging with the Dao.”

One of the elements I most treasure about Daoism is the simple direction that can lead to deep and complex universal understanding/unity. It has a single, clear goal on this unpretentious (yet certainly not necessarily easy) path. Knowing that Zuowang is a vehicle for this means that its worth cannot be overstated.

From Aug. 25, 2011: “Are you following a path, which leads to a selfless, non-
conceptual, transformative experience of the Dao?” An excellent question to reflect on continuously.

From Nov. 2012: “What does it mean to be a Daoist?” I read this entire month’s entries repeatedly. There was so much to glean, from the basic goal of Daoist practice, to a description of core practice, which I found so helpful.

There was just so much in this journal I highlighted, so much food for thought. To summarize my reaction or experience of reading this: it was incredibly helpful and educational. There are many translations of the Daodejing, and many books on practicing its virtues and wisdom. But nothing I had read has ever given such a thorough, understandable perspective on cultivating a Daoist practice, day to day. It is precisely what I was hoping to find!