Tales of the Great Dharma King

De: Yogi Theo Mann

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Adventurer. Engineer. Product Designer. Ideator. Spiritualist. King of “…Ness”? Great Dharma King? Yogi Theo Mann led a fascinating life. A life interrupted and ultimately cut short by a brain tumor. Before he left this world, he left us with this eclectic collection of stories inspired by his life.You probably won’t find the meaning of life after reading this book, but we bet you’ll find some ideas to ponder, while at the same time laughing along with Theo when he does something unexpected and wincing when he does something that might be a little too risky.

Author’s Description: Stories from product design, dreams, and mystical experiences. Read how Steve Jobs called me an arrogant a-hole while he simultaneously mobilized one third of his company to create my design. Hear how I became fully enlightened, but had to start over at the beginning. These are some of my favorite stories.

Reedsy Discovery Review:
Loved it! 😍

"A great work of stories inspired by the real life adventures of Yogi Theo Mann".

"Yogi Theo Mann's posthumous collection of stories offers a glimpse into a life marked by a rich tapestry of roles – adventurer, engineer, product designer, ideator, spiritualist, and even a self-styled king of “…Ness.” The narrative is both a celebration of diversity and a contemplation of mortality, as Mann's life is prematurely curtailed by a brain tumor.

The storytelling traverses realms from product design to dreams and mystical experiences, creating a mosaic that defies conventional categorization. The author invites readers into encounters with luminaries like Steve Jobs, revealing both admiration and friction. The portrayal of Jobs labeling Mann as an "arrogant a-hole" adds a touch of authenticity, showcasing the complex interplay between creative minds in the world of design.

Mann's journey towards enlightenment, though cut short, introduces a poignant element, emphasizing the impermanence of life and the need for continuous self-discovery. The juxtaposition of laughter and wincing moments reflects the duality inherent in the human experience – moments of unexpected joy interwoven with the discomfort of risk-taking.

The eclectic nature of the stories challenges readers to contemplate the broader significance of life, though the author acknowledges that a definitive answer may elude them. Instead, the collection prompts reflection, encouraging readers to ponder the profound ideas embedded within the anecdotes.

In essence, Yogi Theo Mann's posthumous offering serves as a testament to the complexity of human existence, exploring the intersections of creativity, spirituality, and mortality. The book provides a unique lens through which readers can engage with life's multifaceted journey, finding resonance in the shared laughter and vulnerability that define the human experience.

The book seems to be a great treasure of knowledge, findings, and the answer to the much anticipated questions that were difficult to attain before. Reading the book was a wonderful experience, I hope the readers will love to read it too."

Reviewed by: Maryam Qureshi, Reedsy Discovery

About the Author: Yogi Theo Mann was born Theodore J. Gillmann in Los Angeles, California in 1967. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a graduate degree in product design from Stanford University. He worked in product design for several years before going on a spiritual adventure that took him to India and Thailand. It was in Thailand where he learned he had a brain tumor. After three brain tumor operations that left him disfigured, almost deaf, and with motor skill impairment, he died in Los Angeles in April, 2023. He wrote his book, Tales of the Great Dharma King, in the months just before he passed away, by dictating it into his phone.