Something To Ponder
reflections from Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching is one of the great spiritual classics of all time. The elegance and clarity of the ancient Chinese poet and master, Lao Tzu, has stood the test of time. According to legend, the master was a contemporary of the reformer Confucius. In order to develop a smooth and harmonious society Confucius formulated rules and regulations that governed just about every aspect of life; in the process he destroyed spontaneity and freedom.

To find peace and quiet Lao Tzu left China and climbed into the mountains, eventually arriving at a pass where he came upon the cabin of the "keeper of the pass." The keeper of the pass invited him to rest awhile before continuing on his way. The keeper either knew Lao Tzu or recognized the master in conversation. Upon finding out that Lao Tzu was leaving China he asked the master to write down his understanding as to how life works. The result became known as the Tao Te Ching, or Way of life.

Something To Ponder, is a highly accessible contemporary version of this great spiritual classic. The words of the Chinese master first penned twenty five hundred years ago are as applicable to contemporary life and society as when they first appeared.

There is a definition found in both science and philosophy, which states that "truth is self-evident", that is, we simply recognize it as being so. With the understanding of the obvious, the priceless gem of peace, both personal and social, lies revealed and accessible to all.

Advaita Gems Publishing,
6505 Rennie Road Courtenay, BC V9J 1V1 Canada.
190 pages.
To purchase this book please visit Advaita Gems Publishing On-line Store

And, for those living in the Comox Valley:

Colin's books can be found at:

• Magnolia Gallery (250-336-2000) Cumberland

  Kate, the owner of Magnolia Gallery, has read the books and can perhaps introduce you to them.

• Second Page (250-338-1144) Courtenay

  And, Second Page, what a gem it is, this little bookstore filled with stories, knowledge, information and wisdom. It is here where Craig introduces the books of local writers to the local public.

• Regenesis Holistic Resources (250-339-1003)

  Regenesis is owned and operated by Mary and Glen Fidler.

Thank you Kate, Craig, Mary and Glen Fidler for your kindness and generosity, what a pleasure!

Reviews are welcome. Write your review and submit it in the comments of the email form at Contact us

Reviews

Like the happy, peaceful murmur of a stream, the wisdom and truth found in the verses of Colin Mallard's Something To Ponder, cascade effortlessly and ever so gently into our hearts, there to remain in the silence of direct understanding. Articulating the way with ease, poise, serenity and complete assurance, Colin's own profound understanding and creative quietism shine forth on every page. If you yearn after peace, this is the book to read, perhaps one page at a time, so as to savor the blessings served verse after verse.

Madhukar B. Thompson
Author of the The Odyssey of Enlightenment, rare interviews with enlightened masters

At a time when my life was very hectic I received a copy of Something to Ponder. It brought me feelings of peace and calmness and enabled me to face new challenges on my journey through life. One of my favorite passages is, "used but never emptied." I believe that the "well of infinite possibilities" can see us through any situation. This is a book to be kept close at hand and, read over and over again.

Roberta Nelson
Black Creek, BC, Canada.

Colin Mallard writes: "True words are not necessarily eloquent, eloquent words are not necessarily true." My words may not be eloquent, but they are my truth concerning Something To Ponder. Colin has recreated Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching in such a clear and gentle way. His words settle one into a quiet, simple and peaceful place. Reading from this book is a wonderful way to begin my daily devotions. Thank you Colin, for your inspiration.

Beverley Worbets RN, BA, CHTP/I
Courtenay, BC. Canada.

Have we lost our senses. I watched a mother accept the flag of her country in exchange for the death of her son killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq. She said, "I'm proud, my son died a hero." As a veteran of the Second World War I could only shake my head at the insanity of it and wonder how it had come to this. I was reminded of Lao Tzu's statement, "After the slaughter of men, how can anyone rejoice?" In this little book, Something To Ponder, Lao Tzu's pearls of wisdom provide both peace and outrage. Peace that comes with the dawn of understanding and outrage that we consider the death of young soldiers and suicide bombers as being somehow normal, something to be proud of.

Owen Philip Humphreys
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

Something To Ponder, flows through the mind like water, immersing one in the ocean of the Tao. Unlike many translations of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, this modern perspective removes many of the awkward barriers to it, thereby allowing the poetic concepts to, "explain the unexplainable." Then, one is able to "grasp that which cannot be grasped.

AVANH artist
Comox Valley, BC, Canada.

Prior to major surgery I became very anxious, nervous and sometimes quite agitated. Nothing seemed to ease my state of mind. On one of those nights I picked up, Something To Ponder. Within a few minutes of reading I could feel a deep peacefulness flowing through me from my head to my toes. My body became perfectly calm. As I read on the peacefulness seemed to envelope me. After surgery whenever I read I felt as if a healing energy had touched me.

Whenever I read this book it is not like reading it, it is as if it is talking to me. It talks as if I am the only one it cares about. Its words flow with warmth, and comfort me. And this happens even though I don't yet understand a lot of what is being said.

If you are ever a guest in my home you may read it to your hearts content but it doesn't leave with you. One never knows when it may be time to listen to a friend talk again. This is a book that even after reading, you will never be finished with.

Shirley Sanvido
Courtenay, BC. Canada

For me the most insightful suggestions for living have come from The Way of Life, by Lao Tzu. This new volume, based on the passages of the original book, and written by Dr. Mallard is a gem. Dr. Mallard has the essence of it. He has gone beyond the literal and given access to what is useful. These thoughts from a Chinese thinker 2500 years ago are as valid as they have ever been and now readily accessible in this new book.

Lawrie Milne, Tai Chi Instructor.
Deep Bay, BC, Canada.