Reviews: The Tao Te Ching Journal,
A Path to Inner Quiet

The Tao Te Ching Journal serves as a contemplative companion for those exploring Taoist wisdom, inner quiet, and self-acceptance through writing and reflection. These early reviews, sent in shortly after the first orders shipped, offer heartfelt insights into how the journal supports personal practice and deepens one's spiritual journey.

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Before saying anything else, your journal arrived today. It is incredibly beautiful.  I would like to share the address for ordering with a few fellow practitioners.  With deep admiration and gratitude, I bow to you.
- Hõetsu Busshin, Soto Zen Priest

Recently I purchased "A Path to Inner Quiet - The Tao Te Ching Journal", as a gift for a friend.  I would like to buy another copy, for another friend.  You have posted in your blog that certain books are out of print, and that you are re-organizing your life in some way; shifting priorities... Is "A Path to Inner Quiet - The Tao Te Ching Journal" still available?  The book is very beautiful.  That applies to your art, the selections of original poetry, as well as your reflections.  Your writing is accessible and coherent.

Thank you, Evan Siegel

Reply

Thanks Evan. Yes, in print and available. The first printing sold out quickly but we've now better anticipated demand and have set up a printing schedule so that we shouldn't run out again.

I’m discontinuing almost all books and art not related to this journal and future planned journals.

Thank you for your interest and support of this work.
- Rod

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I received my copy of the Tao Te Ching journal yesterday and I was just overwhelmed by how beautiful it is! You have been creating such amazing work with artistic beauty and depth that really shows your years of learning, experience and journeying (both internal and external). Your ability to share this with others is really a gift. Thank you.
     Also, in a recent post/email you asked for those of us who had followed your work, how it might have helped or affected us. For me, it was not so much that your work helped me through one particular rough patch, but rather that it helped me through many because it made me not feel alone. I have always been creative and searching for meaning but grew up in a community that was not. I don’t mean this as an insult to them, but I was just different in this way and for the longest time I felt like I was alone in this, and that maybe there was something wrong with me. My tastes in music, and interest in art, my craving for travel to remote places didn’t seem to be shared by my peers (southeastern Ohio) for the longest time. My discovery of Buddhism and then later, your artwork helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in these things. And that sure was a wonderful comfort that helped me carry on and thrive.
     Many years later I was at a concert in Pittsburgh watching the performance of an Icelandic band that I loved called Sigur Ros, and there were about two thousand people there. Amidst the lovely, artistic music I looked around again and realized that I wasn’t alone. We may be strange breeds among the mainstream, but I wouldn’t change it. I am comfortable now among solitude, nature and creative people who are truly trying to be their authentic selves. Your work and art over the years has helped stabilize this feeling of self-acceptance in me, Rod. And for that I thank you. It has meant so much to me. I will follow you and your art until the end my friend. It is beautiful. Keep going strong good Brother!
     - Jerry Rea Ellis

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Reading the Tao Te Ching Journal has me contemplating certain passages and deepening my Taoist journey. It is a beautiful book.  
- Roger Bass

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Exceptional. Choices, layout and planning- all well done.
- The Rev. Jane F. Ellis 

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Rod, I just got my Zen Journal it is so beautiful, I am thrilled I can’t wait to just sit with it tomorrow morning and enter its pages. 
     - K.A.

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I opened the box, saw the journal and caught my breath.  The cover alone began to speak to me; then as I began to view your art, then the verses, your reflections and great questions, I couldn’t put it down.  This April Ist I turned 91, but there’s no stopping going deeper within, your beautiful journal carries me further as I continue to explore what’s still hidden  to bring forth and be discovered.   As I continue facilitating a women’s spiritual support group and also a dream group, I’ll share the paintings and wisdom in the journal.   With appreciation and a warm heart, the journal is truly a gift!
- Ruth

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The journal has arrived here in Vermont, and it is spectacular.  It arrived at a moment when I was looking for a new direction in my own journaling practice, and as I have begun the stream is promising indeed.   The words and images work so beautifully together.   Congratulations.
- Dean Spencer

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I ordered two Tao Te Ching Journals and wanted to let you know that they arrived in absolutely perfect condition. I am still reading the introduction, but that did not stop me from turning page after page to see which paintings you included and your writings and those of the ancient monks.

I see the need of these journals to keep our collective conscience open and clear; to bring moral thought to daily living and actions; and to find companionship with your monks and solace in your paintings. This journal is truly a work of love and creative genius.

I gave a friend the second book. I had not told her about you and your art. I showed her the beautiful paintings, poems and your commentary. I know this book is one to savor slowly and in one’s own way. I showed her that this was a journal, and that she could write her thoughts or inspirations and explore some of the questions you ask. My friend is somewhat lost at the moment, struggling with many things in her life and I am hoping that this journal may be the way for her to open her mind and heart to possibilities and to perhaps discover the gifts she has and the gift she is to the world. I know the gift of this wonderfully inspiring journal may take a long time to work on her, but I have great faith in your skills in producing this masterpiece of brilliance and promise.

Bravo, Rod!
     - Louise Crossgrove

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The Tao Te Ching Journal is amazing. It is a work of art, inspiring and a treasure. Thank you for the quality of your work and the opportunity to have your creations in my hands as I move forward in my striving to improve my meditation and life experience. I am grateful to choose two more of your previous works today.
- Marla

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Hi Rod, Loved your new book!  Inspirational, beautiful, a real treasure!
- Jeannie Lindheim

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It looks great & the quality is over the top beautiful. You do amazing work.

     - Chuck Mauter

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Order the hardcover layflat journal here. $67. Shipping $3.99
Members ship free.

Order the PDF of the Tao Te Ching Journal here. ($9.99)