CompleteMartialArts.com - Mentoring: The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom

The feeling is that of being the authors personal audience with its memorable use of the "power of the narrative." In which one sees the emphasis on growing together and the journey of the relationship rather than the mechanics of the outcome. Through stories of past Chinese sages, the beauty of exploration is once again discovered. i especially enjoyed the section on Attentiveness and how "Tao mentors listen with full attentiveness, not with the ears but with their spirit and heart." (pg. 65) Its mix of rich language and ideas encourages the creation of a safe, empathic environment in which trust and enthusiasm can flourish and thrive.

It then leads to the pragmatics in the direction of sharing this valuable knowledge and IMHO, wisdom. "Rather than begin to change the world, perhaps we may need to be less ambitious, and act on the local, individual, and personal levels." (pg. 159)

The book reads like poetry, with the writing flowing as smoothly as the calligraphy, soothing the soul of the reader. Throughout, the book supports what it sets out to do - to encourage the work of good mentoring. i strongly recommend this book, not just as a quick read but as one that can be referred to many times - in our careers, our lives and our communities.

Unlike many writings on the subject, Haung and Lynch, capture the essence of the mentor. "Tao Mentoring", is a process of where both the mentor and protégé benefit. This book illustrates the flowing motion of the spiritual qualities that embody this relationship. "Tao Mentoring is a two-way circular dance that provides opportunities for us to experience both giving and receiving without limitation and fears."

The book is split into three chapters: The first chapter begins with the eight philosophical petals of Tao, each beautifully illustrated. Jing Hwa --The Golden Flower, Jing (gold)- transformation and transcendence of the individual. Hwa (flower)- the blossoming of the ultimate "thousand petaled lotus". The eight petals of Tao are: Wu Ming- The Neutralization of Duality, Tui Shou- The dance of Pushing Hands, Wu Ji- The Empty Space of Wisdom, Gu Shen- The Spirit of the Valley, Wu Dao- The Dancing Wu Ji Mentors, Wu Wei- The Movement of Tao Mentoring, Hao Jan Zi Ch'i- The Expansive Spirit, Dao Ying- The Ideal Mentoring Relationship,

The second chapter gives an overview of the Virtues of Tao Mentoring. Wang Tao- Cultivating the Virtues of Tao Mentoring, Wang- Virtue and Tao- the way. The topics include: Virtues of the Heart: "Those who follow the Tao, with truth and fulfillment in their hearts, are indeed virtuous." Virtues of the Soul: "..inspire us to attend to the intricate details and mundane realities on the path of the mentor."

The third chapter: Tashun- The Great Harmony Humble Visions for a Harmonious World The final chapter sums up the potential for applications of the "Tao Mentoring Method". The book ends with thoughts of encouraging harmony and balance, the natural order of all things. The authors bring the concepts full circle emphasizing how to "cultivate dynamic relationships in all areas of life".

This book reminds of us that there is beauty and poetry in mentoring and that it truly is an art. Through the use of Chinese and English calligraphy, the wisdom and warmth of the relationship between Huang and Lynch is richly translated onto paper for all of us to learn from. The blend of Tao wisdom from Chinese classics and modern insight and experience is what forms the new model referred to as Tao mentoring. While the book might lack the detail, analysis, or specific instruction some lust for or expect in a book related to business and mentoring, it eloquently points out that each relationship of our lives is related to the key principles of mentoring. The book then provides explanation and art for each principle. It also invites us to add our own through reflection and practice. Mentoring, The Tao of Giving and Receiving Wisdom is rich with simple and critical exploration of Tao mentoring--a mutually beneficial process of guiding and growing together.

Through art (both in calligraphy and words) the book uses wonderful stories and quotes to demonstrate key elements of Tao mentorship. Included among the key elements are: Each mentor must be a mentoree and vice versa. Trust, non-judgement and other principles related to the heart and soul are essential for effective and honest mentorship. There is joy and reward in the journey itself, it not always found in just reaching the goal.

This is a must read for anyone wanting to be mindful of effective, harmonious mentoring. The principles are universal and a welcome refresher. The art and quick, simple read also make the book a treasure to be able to revisit from time to time.

I especially liked the reference to natural elements in relation to mentoring.

"According to the Tao, the best relationships are like water; they benefit all things and do not compete with them. Water is a natural element that ultimately changes the shape of whatever touches in a satisfying, positive way."

Mentoring: The TAO of Giving and Receiving Wisdom offers a fresh approach and explanation to what sometime seems to be difficult work. It discusses the relationship between the mentor and the mentoree as a dance that is accomplished between two people in an effort to gain wisdom and knowledge. To become a good mentor one must first experience what it is like to be a good mentoree. It is apparent that the two authors have achieved and practice a level of mentor/mentoree as you read through the background and explanation of what is called the "dance".

The book starts out by describing Jing Hwa - the Golden Flower of Tao Mentoring. Here the Golden Flower and its eight petals symbolize the essence of Tao. These eight petals represent the "building blocks, or cornerstones, of the Tao mentoring philosophy".

In the second and third sections of this book, Virtues of the Heart and Virtues of the Soul, powerful Chinese characters are used to invoke emotions and meanings. I found myself staring into and analyzing each character. In Virtues of the Heart words such as emptiness, humility, self-acceptance and integrity were used to emphasize 'the personal bond between two kindred spirits in the Tao mentoring relationship'. Where as in the Virtues of the Soul ideas such as modeling, guidance, empathy and nurturance were used to "prepare us to confront the conflicts, doubts, failures, paradoxes, and adversities of life while giving us the strength to develop the self in the process".

In the last section, Tashun - Humble Visions for a Harmonious World, the authors discuss the potential affects of Tao Mentoring on the individual and potentially the world.

From the moment you pick up this book you are drawn into the subject matter. From the unfinished edges of the pages to the use of calligraphic Chinese characters throughout the book, a sense of great work and understanding is present. The concepts in this book can be used in everyday life as well as becoming a better Mentor/Mentoree. This book is to be read and experience again and again.