Foreword by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
#1 New Release on Amazon
“When faced with difficulties, we should look at the problem from multiple dimensions and not from one angle alone. In this book, Jack Rasmussen shares his personal experience and explores ways to look at life positively. I hope readers find it helpful.” —His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
“Jack Rasmussen recounts his own discovery of the ancient concept of yin and yang, and he opens the way to a vast philosophy. His personal story is supported by thorough research, and he asks us to consider the most crucial personal and social issues of our times. Yin Yang: The Elusive Symbol That Explains the World fulfills an exciting journey. Along the way, we can discover yin and yang in our own lives.” —Deng Ming-Dao, Author of 365 Tao, The Lunar Tao, Scholar Warrior, and Chronicles of Tao
Yin Yang focuses on the yin-yang symbol’s prominence in cultures worldwide and its immersive history. Religious leaders, meditation guides, award-winning authors, psychedelic therapists, and business executives provide in-depth conversations about the vital importance of healthy duality within our lives and how to bring mindfulness, spirituality, and harmony into effective leadership.
Rasmussen is known for making complex topics digestible for his readers. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from psychology and religion to piece together a guide to understanding the beauty of the yin-yang symbol and how it relates to us all.
Today, we all need to develop feelings of self-love. We sometimes lose our identity in a world filled with stress, mental illness, and fear. A new way forward means embracing all of who we are: the dark and the light, the feminine and the masculine, and the rest and action within our authentic personas. It means accepting the yin-yang inside of us and expressing it to the multi- layered, double-sided world outside us. Rasmussen’s empowering personal journey of reaching a lifestyle of mindfulness and equanimity is reflected in the hypothesis of his honest writing: To be human is not just to be aware of the duality within and around oneself but to embrace it, accept it, and use it to reach the ultimate version of yourself.
Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Rasmussen takes a complex idea and successfully simplifies it. The author, who grapples with anxiety and perfectionism early in life, shares the benefits of having discovered not only faith but also a sense of calm and tranquility. He portrays his idea of true education while also describing the history and meaning behind the Yin Yang symbol for all readers to understand.
Prose: Rasmussen’s tone is soothing and easy to follow despite the weighty topic. The author maintains a positive outlook but remains authentic and honest, speaking volumes while remaining concise. Rasmussen’s focus on the writing stands so powerfully on its own, that the insets of pictures and a bonus section of the book may strike readers as unnecessary.
Originality: This work stands apart from other titles focused on spirituality and meditation through its added focus on social issues, relationships, and work/life balance. His deep dive into the Yin Yang symbology and its real-life applications is both compelling and inspiring.
Character/Execution: Rasmussen ultimately delivers an empathetic, well-informed guide to achieving balance and peace, and reclaiming hope in trying times.
Date Submitted: October 25, 2023
“In an age where educators and school leaders are consumed with the superficial task of scoring better on standardized tests, Yin Ying is a breath of fresh air. True education is the liberation of the mind, body, and soul, and this book provides an insightful blueprint for achieving true personal success. I would highly recommend this book to any educator who considers themselves to be more than test prep coordinators.”
“I admire Jack’s drive for self-improvement.”
“Yin Yang: The Elusive Symbol That Explains the World by Jack Rasmussen is an outstanding book meant to help the reader make sense of the world and understand that balance is a gift you can give yourself once you allow space for it to thrive in your life. Exhaustion, anger, and anxiety will diminish as you balance your time and consciously set out to become more grounded and live with a meditative state of mind. Using his skilled art of storytelling to captivate the reader, Rasmussen is willing to be vulnerable in order to teach lessons of mindfulness and convey effective ways to find peace in today’s fast-paced world. Embrace the author’s sound advice and use it to understand how to bring Yin Yang into your daily life.”
“Few authors can tackle such a profound concept with sophistication and versatility. Rasmussen has done both. Great read!”
“Jack Rasmussen recounts his own discovery of the ancient concept of yin and yang, and he opens the way to a vast philosophy. His personal story is supported by thorough research, and he asks us to consider the most crucial personal and social issues of our times. Yin Yang: The Elusive Symbol That Explains the World fulfills an exciting journey. Along the way, we can discover yin and yang in our own lives.”
“Another well-conceived contribution to the mindfulness literature. Jack Rasmussen’s book Yin Yang reminds us that [the practice of] mindfulness offers [us] a fulcrum for achieving a balance between the active and passive, constructive and letting go (flow) aspects of our daily existence.”
“Yin Yang is a charming and helpful book. Rasmussen is open about himself, writes in an easy and engaging manner, and provides integrated wisdom beyond his years about a complex and important topic.”
“Jack tackles complexity with beauty and relatability, uncovering how duality can shape greatness in us all.”
“Jack delves deeper into the power of a universal symbol, shedding light and offering purposeful hope for a world sometimes filled with doubt and darkness.”
“I found Yin Yang to be a truly fascinating book. I read it at a time when I, like so many others, was experiencing burnout. This book is the perfect antidote to the problem. I especially enjoyed learning about Jack’s own very personal experiences. I was particularly moved and inspired by his vulnerability in sharing past struggles. I would thoroughly recommend Yin Yang. It is a book that everyone needs to read in this extremely chaotic and complex modern world in which we all live today.”
“In Yin Yang: The Elusive Symbol That Explains the World, Jack leaves no stone unturned as he shares his understanding of the various ways in which the dual nature of life presents itself in our world. As one who grew up in the West and then traveled to the East to immerse himself in a culture with a rich history of contemplation, Jack offers diverse perspectives and philosophies in which we can each find a source of knowledge that resonates with us deeply and across many areas. Covering topics such as mindset, leadership, relationships, entertainment, and business, he makes a compelling case for a deeper understanding of how we are best served by intentionally engaging with life while transparently sharing his own stories. What I love about Jack’s book is his exploration of the cyclical nature of life, first inspired by the Yin Yang and all that it symbolizes about duality, balance, and ebb and flow. I had a moment of clarity when the dots connected; the Yin Yang is the perfect representation of my lifelong fascination with its themes.”
“Jack brings an accessible, didactic, simple, and, at the same time, profound approach to concepts that may transform our lives, giving more meaning to our daily routines, and he does this from a fantastic first-person experience. I recommend reading.”
“The world has been chaotic and will still be so for many years. But from the perspective of a Taoist philosopher, everything is nothing but yin and yang. The formula of happiness or good resolution for everything is yin yang balance. Rasmussen, with his book, all the more strengthens such a point!”
“Yin Yang: The Elusive Symbol That Explains the World by Jack Rasmussen is an enlightening exploration of balance and consciousness. Rasmussen’s dedication to comprehending the yin-yang symbol, inspired by his experiences in Taiwan, reveals the profound interplay between light and dark, action and rest, and spirituality and mindfulness. His vibrant storytelling transports readers to the dynamic streets of Taipei, reflecting the essence of yin and yang. What distinguishes this book is Rasmussen’s emphasis on mindfulness, a potent tool in today’s stress-laden world. His conversations with spiritual leaders such as Sadhguru and Bawa Jain enrich his quest for self-awareness and happiness. This book is essential reading for those in search of a more purposeful life. Rasmussen’s ability to unite spirituality, mindfulness, and practical wisdom makes “Yin Yang” indispensable for leaders, coaches, scholars, and anyone embarking on the journey to a balanced and gratifying life. It serves as a reminder that balance is not merely a destination but an ongoing voyage, with Rasmussen’s insights illuminating the path ahead.”
“In Yin Yang, Jack Rasmussen helps us unravel how to navigate our chaotic lives. His writing about complex ideas is relatable. This book will help us move forward into a better future. Yin Yang is about duality, balance, and understanding how to live a centered life. It’s an enticing and accessible look at how we can live our best lives.”
“‘If you have a little spiritual knowledge, you should share it. This is the best type of charity.’ This [sentiment] is a teaching from my guru. In sharing these teachings, Jack Rasmussen is helping to dispel a little of the darkness of ignorance.”
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