a presentation of ... Creative Healing, LLC
Opening The Heart Of Western Medicine
The Tao of Death:
An Adaptation of the
Tao Te Ching
What if death isn’t the enemy—but a wise teacher pointing us back to the sacred?
The Tao of Death reimagines the ancient Tao Te Ching as a guide for navigating mortality, grief, and transformation.
With 81 poetic verses adapted for those facing endings of all kinds, this contemplative book invites readers to embrace impermanence with courage, softness, and grace.
Now Available as Audiobook!
What You’ll Discover:
-
How daily contemplation of death can lead to greater peace and joy in life.
-
Deep insights from a hospice physician who has stood at the intersection of life and death.
-
The enlightening parallels between the ancient verses of the Tao Te Ching and our modern views on mortality.
-
A guide to living a life filled with depth, love, gratitude, and a profound appreciation for each fleeting moment.
Who Should Read This Book:
-
Death doulas, hospice and palliative care professionals
-
Those grieving a loss or facing the end of life
-
Spiritual seekers exploring mortality with open hearts
-
Readers of the Tao Te Ching who long for a deeper lens of transformation
Companion Resources:
-
Tao of Death Companion Journal – reflection prompts for all 81 verses - Download here
-
Study Guide (coming soon) – includes meditative practices and group discussion questions
Related Podcast Episodes:
1. Wisdom of the Tao:​ Suffering and Transformation
2. Wisdom of the Tao: The Middle Path
Discussion Questions:
​
-
How does this version of the Tao Te Ching shift your understanding of death?
Which verse(s) felt most transformative or surprising to you, and why? -
The book frames death not as an end, but as a teacher and a mirror.
In what ways has death taught you something about your own life or priorities? -
“The Way includes death.”
How does this perspective change the way we might approach suffering, aging, or loss? -
Consider the theme of surrender.
What role does surrender play in spiritual growth—and how does death illuminate the necessity of letting go? -
The Tao suggests that what dissolves also returns to the Source.
What does that idea mean to you personally or spiritually? -
Reflect on your own resistance to death or endings.
How might you begin to soften that resistance—not through fear, but through love? -
Which verse do you feel drawn to revisit often?
What might it be teaching you now, in this season of your life?
Excerpt from The Tao of Death:
Verse 8
Love is the greatest lesson
according to the Way of Death.
Love, like water, is
necessary for all of life
and adaptable to any space,
perfectly filling every gap and crevice.
Death teaches you to live according to Love,
with a mind that is calm and peaceful in its depth, a heart that nourishes with kindness, and
words that flow with sincerity.
Let your love be like water that even though gentle can penetrate solid rock.
When you are not afraid of Death,
love can flow freely and smoothly with the right timing, impacting everything without really trying.
There is no need to force what is already moving.
Be like water.
Be Love.
Where to Buy:
Audiobook:
Paperback and eBook:
Frequently Asked Questions:
About The Tao of Death
​
1. What is The Tao of Death?
The Tao of Death is a contemplative reimagining of the Tao Te Ching, exploring the wisdom of death as a spiritual teacher. Using poetic adaptations of all 81 verses, it reframes the Taoist path through the lens of impermanence, surrender, and the sacredness of endings.
​
2. Do I need to be familiar with the original Tao Te Ching to read this?
No prior experience is necessary. This book is accessible to new readers while also offering a fresh perspective for those already familiar with Taoist teachings.
3. Is this a religious book?
No. The Tao of Death is spiritual but not religious. It honors Taoist philosophy, universal wisdom, and contemplative practice without requiring adherence to any specific faith tradition.
4. How can this book help someone who is grieving or facing death?
By offering poetic guidance on presence, surrender, and the cycles of life and death, the book provides comfort, clarity, and a new way of relating to loss. Many readers use it as a meditation companion during times of grief, transition, or soul-searching.
5. Is this appropriate for use in hospice or end-of-life care?
Yes. The book is designed with hospice professionals, caregivers, and those in spiritual accompaniment roles in mind. It can be read aloud, shared in support groups, or used as a gentle guide for those nearing death.
6. Are there tools for deeper study?
Yes! A Companion Journal is available with prompts for all 81 verses, and a Study Guide is in development (which will include a Lectio Divina practice). These help readers engage with the text more deeply.
7. What format is the book available in?
The Tao of Death is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats.
8. Why focus on death? Isn’t that morbid?
Not at all. Death is part of life—and facing it with awareness can deepen our presence, gratitude, and capacity to love. This book treats death as a sacred doorway to wisdom, not as a fearsome ending.