-
Effortless Living
- Wu-Wei and the Spontaneous State of Natural Harmony
- Narrated by: Jason Gregory
- Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Philosophy
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $17.00
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Daoist Nei Gong
- The Philosophical Art of Change (Daoist Nei Gong)
- By: Cindy Engel - foreword, Damo Mitchell
- Narrated by: Andrew Hunt
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This audiobook provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests.
-
-
great decision!
- By Charles Woods on 10-30-21
By: Cindy Engel - foreword, and others
-
Trying Not to Try
- The Art and Science of Spontaneity
- By: Edward Slingerland
- Narrated by: Marc Cashman
- Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A deeply original exploration of the power of spontaneity - an ancient Chinese ideal that cognitive scientists are only now beginning to understand - and why it is so essential to our well-being. Why is it always hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a politician who seems wooden or a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? In all of these cases, striving seems to backfire.
-
-
Another X-Ray Through the Crystal of Being Human
- By Amazon Customer on 03-08-15
-
Living Tao
- Timeless Principles for Everyday Enlightenment
- By: Ilchi Lee
- Narrated by: Andrew Start
- Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tao has been built into the foundation of East Asian culture for millennia, and many books have been written to explain it. But Tao cannot fully be explained in words; it can only felt and experienced. Tao is something you live, day by day, moment by moment. It's the omnipresent oneness beyond ephemeral phenomena that expresses itself in everything.
-
-
Applicable to Life
- By Andrew Miyasato on 04-05-18
By: Ilchi Lee
-
Being Taoist
- Wisdom for Living a Balanced Life
- By: Eva Wong
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taoist living rests on four pillars: the public, the domestic, the private, and the spirit lives. Not only do Taoists strive to live these four aspects fully and in a balanced way, they also believe there is an outlook and an art to each of them. Eva Wong uses the teachings of Taoist masters themselves to explain the essential concepts. She then gives voice to these texts - simplifying them, removing barriers to understanding, and making them completely accessible and relevant to the modern reader.
-
-
Magnificent!
- By Pizzo on 01-25-17
By: Eva Wong
-
The Way of Chuang Tzu (Second Edition)
- By: Thomas Merton
- Narrated by: Greg Chun
- Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Working from existing translations, Thomas Merton composed a series of his own versions of the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of Chinese philosophers. Chuang Tzu, who wrote in the fourth and third centuries BC, is the chief authentic historical spokesperson for Taoism and its founder, Lao Tzu (a legendary character known largely through Chuang Tzu’s writings).
-
-
Way of Merton -- Chuang Tzu, not so much
- By Philo on 01-11-20
By: Thomas Merton
-
Living Untethered
- Beyond the Human Predicament
- By: Michael A. Singer
- Narrated by: Michael A. Singer
- Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When our sense of wholeness depends on things or people outside ourselves—whether it's a coveted job, a new house, a lavish vacation, or even a new relationship—sooner or later we're bound to feel unsatisfied. But how do we embark on this inner journey? Living Untethered is the book to reach for. It provides clear guidance for moving beyond the thoughts, feelings, and habits that keep you stuck—so you can heal the pain of the past and let your spirit soar. It's time to stop struggling and start experiencing.
-
-
This book is a beautiful gift to humanity
- By Tom on 05-11-22
-
Daoist Nei Gong
- The Philosophical Art of Change (Daoist Nei Gong)
- By: Cindy Engel - foreword, Damo Mitchell
- Narrated by: Andrew Hunt
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This audiobook provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests.
-
-
great decision!
- By Charles Woods on 10-30-21
By: Cindy Engel - foreword, and others
-
Trying Not to Try
- The Art and Science of Spontaneity
- By: Edward Slingerland
- Narrated by: Marc Cashman
- Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A deeply original exploration of the power of spontaneity - an ancient Chinese ideal that cognitive scientists are only now beginning to understand - and why it is so essential to our well-being. Why is it always hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a politician who seems wooden or a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? In all of these cases, striving seems to backfire.
-
-
Another X-Ray Through the Crystal of Being Human
- By Amazon Customer on 03-08-15
-
Living Tao
- Timeless Principles for Everyday Enlightenment
- By: Ilchi Lee
- Narrated by: Andrew Start
- Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tao has been built into the foundation of East Asian culture for millennia, and many books have been written to explain it. But Tao cannot fully be explained in words; it can only felt and experienced. Tao is something you live, day by day, moment by moment. It's the omnipresent oneness beyond ephemeral phenomena that expresses itself in everything.
-
-
Applicable to Life
- By Andrew Miyasato on 04-05-18
By: Ilchi Lee
-
Being Taoist
- Wisdom for Living a Balanced Life
- By: Eva Wong
- Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
- Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taoist living rests on four pillars: the public, the domestic, the private, and the spirit lives. Not only do Taoists strive to live these four aspects fully and in a balanced way, they also believe there is an outlook and an art to each of them. Eva Wong uses the teachings of Taoist masters themselves to explain the essential concepts. She then gives voice to these texts - simplifying them, removing barriers to understanding, and making them completely accessible and relevant to the modern reader.
-
-
Magnificent!
- By Pizzo on 01-25-17
By: Eva Wong
-
The Way of Chuang Tzu (Second Edition)
- By: Thomas Merton
- Narrated by: Greg Chun
- Length: 2 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Working from existing translations, Thomas Merton composed a series of his own versions of the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of Chinese philosophers. Chuang Tzu, who wrote in the fourth and third centuries BC, is the chief authentic historical spokesperson for Taoism and its founder, Lao Tzu (a legendary character known largely through Chuang Tzu’s writings).
-
-
Way of Merton -- Chuang Tzu, not so much
- By Philo on 01-11-20
By: Thomas Merton
-
Living Untethered
- Beyond the Human Predicament
- By: Michael A. Singer
- Narrated by: Michael A. Singer
- Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When our sense of wholeness depends on things or people outside ourselves—whether it's a coveted job, a new house, a lavish vacation, or even a new relationship—sooner or later we're bound to feel unsatisfied. But how do we embark on this inner journey? Living Untethered is the book to reach for. It provides clear guidance for moving beyond the thoughts, feelings, and habits that keep you stuck—so you can heal the pain of the past and let your spirit soar. It's time to stop struggling and start experiencing.
-
-
This book is a beautiful gift to humanity
- By Tom on 05-11-22
-
2 Disciplines: Stoicism and Taoism Bundle
- Think Like a Roman and Chinese Emperor. The Beginner´s Guide for Happiness, Resilience, Mental Toughness, Tao Te Ching, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
- By: Stephan Watts, Alan Mitchell
- Narrated by: Kevin Wagner
- Length: 3 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Even if you’re stressed, unhappy, or highly anxious in everyday life and have tried fixing it before with books, videos, or even a therapist, don’t worry. You’re not alone and this guide can help you like it helped many others. While most other philosophy books will only cover basics and not go into the underlying human mechanics that actually make you tick and feel what you feel right now, this book actually helps you to get under your own skin and systematically create the habits and tools to create lasting change from the inside-out.
-
-
Extended Definition
- By Thomas Priddy on 04-04-21
By: Stephan Watts, and others
-
Tao Te Ching
- A New English Version
- By: Stephen Mitchell, Lao Tzu
- Narrated by: Stephen Mitchell
- Length: 1 hr and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 81 brief chapters, Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, as well as a serene and generous spirit. It teaches us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao: the basic principle of the universe.
-
-
Please warn before ad!
- By Linda Cotton on 03-21-17
By: Stephen Mitchell, and others
-
Tao Te Ching
- The Essential Translation of the Ancient Chinese Book of the Tao
- By: John Minford - translator, Lao Tzu
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
- Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The most translated book in the world after the Bible, the Tao Te Ching, or “Book of the Tao,” is a guide to cultivating a life of peace, serenity, and compassion. Through aphorisms and parable, it leads readers toward the Tao, or the “Way”: harmony with the life force of the universe. Traditionally attributed to Lao-tzu, a Chinese philosopher thought to have been a contemporary of Confucius, it is the essential text of Taoism, one of the three major religions of ancient China.
-
-
Part history, part geneology.
- By Todd S Cutler on 04-01-19
By: John Minford - translator, and others
-
Chuang Tsu
- Inner Chapters, A Companion Volume to Tao Te Ching
- By: Gia Fu Feng, Jane English
- Narrated by: Chungliang Al Huang
- Length: 2 hrs and 47 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brilliant, mystical, pragmatic and witty, some have called Chuang Tsu the world's first anarchist. Even 2,000 years after his death, this provocative Taoist text remains in the forefront of ancient Chinese philosophical study. A companion to the Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tsu: Inner Chapters is a spiritual classic in its own right and a source book second only to the Tao Te Ching in importance in the Taoist canon. The sublime prose serves as a profound and paradoxical commentary to the Tao Te Ching.
-
-
Supreme audiobook!
- By Sean on 06-03-14
By: Gia Fu Feng, and others
-
365 Tao
- Daily Meditations
- By: Ming-Dao Deng
- Narrated by: Amanda Carlin
- Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Place the word Tao into your heart. Use no other words. The Tao is constantly moving, the path that all life and the whole universe takes. There is nothing that is not part of it - harmonious living is to know and to move with the Tao - it is a way of life, the natural order of things, a force that flows through all life.
-
-
Essential wisdom
- By Paul on 08-23-15
By: Ming-Dao Deng
-
Wisdom Is Bliss
- Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life
- By: Robert Thurman
- Narrated by: Robert Thurman
- Length: 6 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Robert Thurman, the preeminent scholar and interpreter of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy for the modern world, leads us on a joyful exploration into the nature of reality through Buddha's threefold curriculum of "super-education".
-
-
enjoyed and appreciated this book very much.
- By Anonymous User on 08-22-21
By: Robert Thurman
-
Aion
- Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self
- By: C. G. Jung
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Aion is one of the major works of C.G. Jung's later years. The title comes from the Greek word for aeon or age and refers to the age of Christianity, for, in Aion, Jung is concerned with the collective psychic development that the Christian era represents. How did it come about when it did? What psychic change did it represent? In exploring these questions, Jung (1875-1961) draws upon Christian symbolism and, in particular, the figure of Christ as a case study in the archetype of the Self.
-
-
Aion is a abstract opus worth undertaking with David Rintoul
- By BGZ on 03-30-22
By: C. G. Jung
-
Out of Your Mind
- By: Alan Watts
- Narrated by: Alan Watts
- Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With Out of Your Mind: Essential Listening from the Alan Watts Audio Archives, you are invited to immerse yourself in 12 of this legendary thinker's pinnacle teaching sessions about how to break through the limits of the rational mind and begin expanding your awareness and appreciation for the Great Game unfolding all around us.
-
-
Another great book
- By Eugene on 10-28-16
By: Alan Watts
-
The Tao of Pooh
- By: Benjamin Hoff
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Author Benjamin Hoff shows that the philosophy of Winnie-the-Pooh is amazingly consistent with the principles of Taoism and demonstrates how you can use these principles in your daily life. Is there such thing as a Western Taoist? Benjamin Hoff says there is, and this Taoist's favorite food is honey.
-
-
Wonderful
- By Robert on 01-09-14
By: Benjamin Hoff
-
The Tao of Happiness
- Stories from Chuang Tzu for Your Spiritual Journey
- By: Derek Lin
- Narrated by: Sean Pratt
- Length: 2 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you have not encountered Chuang Tzu before, prepare yourself for a treat. He was the sage who stood apart from all others in Chinese history. He was a unique presence, a great mind like no one before or since. Chuang Tzu quickly distinguished himself and became well known for his deep understanding and sense of humor. His mastery was such that he could explain the Tao with simple stories, and his humor was such that he could see the joy in ordinary things.
-
-
Still learning after many listens
- By Nick Painter on 03-28-22
By: Derek Lin
-
You're It!
- On Hiding, Seeking, and Being Found
- By: Alan Watts
- Narrated by: Alan Watts
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Life is the ultimate game of hide and seek... and the good news is that you're it! With the combination of playful irreverence and penetrating insight that made him a legend in Western philosophy, Alan Watts investigates the surprisingly liberating concept of "the universe as play" found at the heart of Hinduism, Zen, and other wisdom traditions.
-
-
All the Watts you'll ever need
- By Rich S. on 12-02-11
By: Alan Watts
-
Taoism for Beginners: Understand and Apply Core Taoist Principles and Practices
- By: Jane Rivers
- Narrated by: Sam Logsdon
- Length: 5 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Taoism is a major world religion that started long ago in China. And many believe that it began in the 6th century B.C. with the philosopher Lao Tzu. Understanding the way of the Tao (also pronounced "Dao") is really a matter of journeying through the core of oneself as an inner perception of beingness. This may seem tricky at first, but with proper guidance, that journey of self-revelation will be the most effortless achievement in your life. That is precisely what this audiobook is offering you.
-
-
Good list for further reading
- By Terry A. Harding on 02-25-21
By: Jane Rivers
Publisher's Summary
A guide for achieving an enlightened mind through the art of non-doing.
- Details meditation practices, focused on stillness of the mind, along with Patanjali’s yoga methods to maintain a consciousness referred to as "being in the zone"
- Builds on Taoist, Confucian, and Hindu principles along with scientific findings to support wu-wei - the art of non-doing, non-forcing - as a way of life
- Explains how wu-wei practitioners cultivate intelligent spontaneity and effortless action to allow the natural harmony of the cosmos to prevail
The practice of non-doing, non-forcing is an essential aspect of Taoism known as wu-wei. Attributed to the great sage Lao-tzu, the philosophy of wu-wei teaches you how to develop a natural state of consciousness not bound by thought or preconceived limitations. Experienced by the greatest artists, athletes, musicians, and writers, this heightened state of consciousness, referred to as "being in the zone", is where intelligent spontaneity and effortless action flourish via a practice rooted in permitting the natural harmony of the cosmos to prevail.
Merging Taoist philosophy, Hindu principles, and Confucianism along with scientific findings, Jason Gregory outlines the practice of wu-wei as a vehicle to realize our innate freedom, revealing that when we release our ego and allow life to unfold as it will, we align ourselves more closely with our goals and cultivate skill and mastery along the way. Equating "being in the zone" with a stillness of the mind, Gregory shares meditation practices coupled with yoga exercises from Patanjali that allow you to approach life with a mastery of acceptance, releasing deluded beliefs of how to achieve success that make your mind "sticky" and poised for conflict. The author shows how practicing wu-wei paradoxically empowers you to accomplish all that you desire by having no intention to do so, as well as allowing you to become receptive to nature’s blueprint for expressing beauty.
Revealing wisdom utilized by renowned sages, artists, and athletes who have adapted "being in the zone" as a way of life, the author shows that wu-wei can yield a renewed sense of trust in many aspects of your daily life, making each day more effortless. As an avid wu-wei practitioner, he provides keen insight on how you, too, can experience the beauty of achieving an enlightened, effortless mind while reveling in the process of life’s unfolding.
Critic Reviews
"Immersing yourself in the origins and underpinnings of this ancient way of thinking and being will definitely help usher you into the Intuition Age with its interconnected, holographic perception. This book is brimming over with gems and overall wisdom. It’s a comprehensive weaving of many threads that makes for a fascinating - and useful - read." (Penney Peirce, author of Leap of Perception and Frequency)
"In the West, people say, 'where there’s a will there’s a way,' by imposing your will over nature. More often than not this backfires. In ancient China, the wise ones discovered that the best way is wu-wei, 'doing nothing,' and thereby getting everything done by letting nature take its course. In this book you’ll learn how that’s not-done." (Daniel Reid, author of The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity and The Tao of Detox)
"In Effortless Living, Jason Gregory explains in clear and simple terms the Taoist concept of wu-wei and reintroduces a model of contemplation much needed in the world today. He describes how wu-wei (literally 'not forcing' or 'allowing') can facilitate communion with the Tao - the timeless flow from which everything else we perceive is but a reflection. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I learned so much from it. My humble thanks to Jason Gregory for facilitating my own understanding of the Tao and, in doing so, allowing me to apprehend the inner silence and to listen to its wordless wisdom." (Anthony Peake, author of The Infinite Mindfield and Opening the Doors of Perception)
What listeners say about Effortless Living
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dan R.
- 11-22-19
Best read on Taoism since ...
Jason Gregory's book has to be among the best writing on Taoism since the Tao te Ching. As soon as I finished, I had to immediately start over again so I could stop and ruminate.. during my first reading I couldn't stop myself, continuing to the end of the book. I am a Taoist, and have read many versions of the Tao te Ching and found Effortless Living very satisfying. The author also has a documentary on Taoism that's out now. Also on YouTube, he has many great videos. Thank you Jason for this precious book of wisdom.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Arvind
- 10-13-19
The principles in this book work like magic..
Last week I was in the midst of a super busy day, had a project with deadlines close etc and was under stress. I was waiting for a deliverable from someone, and was getting impatient. I turned to listening to this audio book in my car and soon after I felt a huge burden lift off from my shoulders and I finally understood what it felt like to truly "let go and surrender". Soon after that things started flowing and everything was working out by themselves without me "doing" anything. That's only one example. Wu Wei really is magic, and this book holds the key to unlocking it. Thank you for this!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alex
- 02-19-22
Masterpiece
One of the most important books of this century so much needed in today's culture dominated by greed and irrational strive for excess
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Steven
- 11-20-21
Narrator
An Australian Dialect goes against the Way. It would be much more pleasurable to hear and understand with Simon Vance or Steven Mitchell.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- LP
- 01-15-21
A good introduction into The way of wu wei
As a religious studies student I found this book to be interesting after having listened to it all in 2 days this book is exactly what it sounds to be an introduction and that’s it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- dongarcez
- 11-09-20
Great book
Great narration, very captivating, love everything about it. I also learned great stuff. Thanks for sharing!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ge Hanzhi
- 05-01-21
Someone Is Passionate
I didn't finish it. It is an unfortunate combination of proselytising and vaccuity. I should have bought a book on gardening or cookery, the authors probably would 'know' more about wuwei. It might be your cup of tea, but not for me.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 01-02-21
Not worth you time
A thoroughly modern take on Taoism; a book for anyone wanting to do what the hell they like, and justify it with a few Taoist buzz words. Lacking in originality, authenticity and practicality; full of sweeping generations. My teenage self might have loved it, my adult self definitely doesn’t.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sean M.
- 12-28-21
A good read. Philosophical but not practical.
Although the wisdom in this book is quite deep, it fails to go into depth on the techniques used on how to live aligned with the universe. It simply mentions to practise breath meditation and Vipassana (insight) meditation (which is correct) but does not expand any further on these techniques. I would advise reading Ajahn Brahm - Mindfulness, Bliss and Beyond which actually details step by step on how to practise breath meditation.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Shanelle Shaw
- 02-01-21
Effortless Living
Jason wrote of many of my own questions and shined a light on the beauty of Wu-Wei. I'm very thankful to have read this book.