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In this highly anticipated sequel to Ping: A Frog
in Search of a New Pond, author Stuart Avery Gold
lets us share in another exciting journey of awakening.
After Ping the frog dedicated himself to the search for
an intentional life (under the tutelage of the Yoda-like
master known only as Owl), life in the small ponds went
on much as it had done for eons. All the pond dwellers
heard rumors of Ping’s legendary adventures, so they
were naturally excited when Ping paid a visit to their
little world.
Despite their enjoyment of the incredible stories,
however, not all the pond dwellers are ready to accept
the truths that Ping has to tell. Toad the Elder, the
biggest frog in a little pond, is particularly
antagonistic when Ping declares that the Great Ocean is
far bigger than the pond. Toad refuses to let this bold
and irreverent pronouncement shatter his belief that
everything and everywhere is contained within his
familiar body of water.
Ping understands that each creature must gain
understanding in his or her own time. He responds by
saying, “The journey begins with you,” before hopping
away again into the big, wide world.
Ping’s leaving is a relief to Toad and the other
stuck-in-the-mud pond dwellers, but the truth of Ping’s
message takes root in the minds of young frogs Daikon
and Hodo. Just like Ping did in his youth, Daikon and
Hodo overcome their fear of the unknown to go in search
of greater meaning. This time Ping is the teacher,
leading the youngsters on a journey to the Great Ocean
as well as on their journey of self-discovery.
In the tradition of Jonathan Livingston Seagull and
Dr. Phil, Stuart Avery Gold has created the holy
scripture of a comprehensive religion. It would seem
that every word of spiritual counsel has been included
in the Ping series. This could have been a recipe for
banality, but Gold’s light-hearted voice and wry sense
of humor turn a compilation of common expressions into
joyful and enlightening entertainment.
As we travel with Daikon and Hodo, sharing their
bewilderment and occasional aha! moments, The Way of
Ping: Journey to the Great Ocean reminds us of our
own human search for that Something More. Once again,
Gold’s words give inspiration and courage to all those
willing to take the leap toward a “Way [that] does not
ask us to be what we are not, but to be more fully what
we are.”
Originally published on Curled Up
With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Deborah Adams,
2009
The Way of Ping: Journey to the Great Ocean
Published by Newmarket Press
January 2009
hardcover / 96 pages
ISBN-10: 1557048207
ISBN-13: 978-1557048202
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