Author Archives: Derek Lin

Question: Derek, in your commentaries you seem quite certain about the meaning of the passages, but isn’t the Tao supposed to be mysterious and unknowable? Is it not true that the ancient sages embraced uncertainty and ambiguity to allow for Continue reading Clarity→

Question: Derek, next month I am expected to lead a group discussion on a spiritual topic of my choice. I thought maybe I can use your books for that, but I’ve never done anything like it before. Can you give Continue reading How to Lead a Tao Discussion→

Question: Derek, I am currently reading Sun Tzu, and I am wondering how it is connected to the Tao. I think the title “The Art of War” may be an important clue, because the Tao is all about the art Continue reading Sun Tzu→

Question: Derek, the Tao is all-encompassing, so even the extremes are included within the whole, including all the negative things in life. So is it wrong for somebody to defend their own hurtful actions as being a legitimate part of Continue reading The Negative Aspects of Life→

Question: Derek, I have a friend who is always late. He studies the Tao and says he is only following his nature. For him, rushing to be on time is going against the flow and completely unnecessary. I have a Continue reading Tardiness and the Tao→

Question: Derek, the topic of homosexuality came up the other day as I was discussing the Tao with a group of people. One person said that since homosexual people could not have children naturally, they were against the natural order Continue reading Question on Homosexuality→