Coming Home to the Dao — A Letter from Australia

Every so often, a letter arrives that reminds me why I write — not for praise, but for connection. The following message came from two readers in Australia after opening The Root of the Dao. It captures something I hope every reader will one day feel: that the Dao is not a distant idea to be studied, but a home to return to.

Reader Letter (unedited excerpt):

“Dear Laing,
Thank you for your kind and beautiful reply. It brought tears to our eyes and touched us deeply. We feel we have finally found someone who understands.

After reading your message, I opened the blinds to let in the morning light and felt drawn to your book The Root of the Dao. We were astonished at its depth and power. Your teachings and guidance were superb. I have read many books, but I have never seen one so filled with deep insight, clarity, and wise guidance.

This book alone, we feel, is enough to greatly help one straighten one’s way. I felt like I was holding a living Tao Te Ching. We could hardly put it down. Many lines invite deep contemplation and insight. Di found herself in deep stillness after reading.

I felt as though I had finally come home to the Dao — not in a dramatic way, but as the fulfillment of a longing, the release of long-held confusion and anxiety. We will follow your suggestions and look forward to walking this path with you.

With sincere thanks, love, and respect,
Ron and Di”

There’s a truth hidden in Ron and Di’s words: the Dao is not something we chase. It’s something that quietly reveals itself when we are ready to notice. Books can be signposts, but the stillness they describe was already theirs — the text simply cleared the way. I share their story here with gratitude, as a reminder that no matter how lost we feel, home is never far from reach.