Jasper Thorne Island Audio has narrated 2 audiobooks on Listento.it by 2 authors. The most-rated is The Tao Te Ching 201: Deeper Meanings, Simplified.
Albert Einstein, Zen Master
Summary
Albert Einstein was a Zen master? I think so, and I aim to prove it. In this work, I outline the top 54 sayings uttered by “Uncle Albert” that, in my opinion, show his views of reality to be very similar to those of some of the greatest Zen masters to have ever lived, past, and present. Ranging from funny to contemplative to serious, these quotes outline my belief that through his unique understanding of the universe, Einstein seems to have developed an appreciation for the forces of the natural world that are congruent with the philosophical ideals held by Zen and Taoism masters through the ages. Though Einstein considered himself non-religious (because he dismissed the idea of a personalized God), he nevertheless developed, through his work, an appreciation and even an admiration for the intelligence that animates the living world - an intelligence whose essence he felt to be far beyond the sphere of human comprehension. For this reason, he famously claimed to be “a deeply religious nonbeliever”, and felt his viewpoint to be a “somewhat new kind of religion”. Though Einstein's non-personalized beliefs were definitely new compared to Western concepts of religion, they fit right in with well-established Eastern concepts from Zen, Taoism, Buddhism, and even Hinduism. Through this work, I hope to point out a fairly different approach to spiritual appreciation than what most of us are used to; an approach I believe to be every bit as valid as the Western, personalized-god variety. At the very least, I hope this work will serve as a simple introduction to the eye-opening contributions of Eastern philosophical thought. “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” (Albert Einstein)
©2020 Matthew Barnes (P)2020 Matthew Barnes
The Tao Te Ching 201: Deeper Meanings, Simplified
Summary
Deeper meanings of the Tao Te Ching made simple. In 81 brief, truly nondenominational chapters, the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu outlines the pitfalls of being alive while also offering us a path to successful navigation. According to Lao Tzu, the root problem of humanity is that we attempt to swim against the tides of life instead of aligning our efforts with its own. As a result, we struggle needlessly. Work in tune with the universe, not against it, and the struggle ends, says Lao Tzu. This approach is both practical and spiritual, for in following Lao Tzu’s advice, a person’s life can not only become simpler and easier, but it can also become a path to higher knowledge. Find and enter the intelligence in charge of the flow of life and spirit becomes evident in even the most mundane of activities. This is my second translation of the Tao Te Ching. The first (Tao Te Ching 101) was written as a beginner’s guide for a friend who grew up in a strict religious household where denominations, religions, and philosophies other than the family’s own were not allowed. This translation goes a bit deeper. Notice that great works such as this one have many depths to their meanings. In fact, the meanings found in the verses of works such as the Tao Te Ching tend to change depending on the circumstances of the individual reading them. Join me and see where these verses find you now. "It is here, now, staring you right in the face. You can find it whenever you’re ready." (Lao Tzu) Scroll up and buy the audiobook today.
©2020 Matthew Barnes (P)2020 Matthew Barnes