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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Non-Christian religions > Religions of Indic & Oriental origin > Oriental religions > Taoism
This clear and reliable introduction to Taoism (also known as
Daoism) brings a fresh dimension to a tradition that has found a
natural place in Western society. Examining Taoist sacred texts
together with current scholarship, it surveys Taoism's ancient
roots, contemporary heritage and role in daily life.
From Taoism's spiritual philosophy to its practical perspectives on
life and death, self-cultivation, morality, society, leadership and
gender, Russell Kirkland's essential guide reveals the real
contexts behind concepts such as Feng Shui and Tai Chi.
In the modern world, people are not only separated from their
environment, but also from their own bodies and minds. We can learn
to integrate all these fragments and return to our original nature.
In 'Tao, the Subtle Universal Law', Hua-Ching Ni carefully presents
the wisdom and practical methods that the ancient Chinese have
successfully used for centuries. To lead a good stable life is to
be aware of the actual conjoining of the universal subtle law with
every moment and event of our lives. The real meaning of taoist
self-discipline is to harmonize with universal law. This is almost
the total secret of a Taoist life. The value of this book lies in
the fact that it not only tells us 'why' but also 'how.'
In this book, J.J. Clarke shows us how Taoist texts, ideas and practices have been assimilated within a whole range of Western ideas and agendas. We see how Chinese thinkers such as Lao-tzu and Chuang tzu, along with practices such as Feng Shui and Tai Chi, have been used as a key Western inspiration in religion, philosophy, ethics, politics, ecology and health. The Tao of the West not only provides a fascinating introduction to Taoism, it also offers a timely insight into the history of the West's encounter with this ancient tradition, and into the issues arising from inter-cultural dialogue. Anyone interested in understanding the key influence Taoism has had on the West will welcome and embrace this book. eBook available with sample pages: 0203132343
The Zhenzheng lun (T 2112, Treatise of Revealing the Correct) is a
Chinese Buddhist apologetic treatise with a distinct anti-Daoist
stance in three juan. It is organized as a dialogue between a
Daoist, the "Venerable Obstructed by Customs" (zhisu gongzi ), and
the Buddhist "Master Revealing the Correct" (zhenzheng xiansheng )
in which the former is gradually led towards an orthodox Buddhist
understanding by the latter through the refutation of his various
arguments against Buddhism. Composed in the late 7th century, the
text was authored depending on the political interests and
strategies of Wu Zhao (624-705), who in 690 was enthroned as
Empress Wu Zetian . This study of Thomas Julch offers a richly
annotated and complete translation of the Zhenzheng lun along with
an introductory part that focuses on reconstructing the political
and propagandistic circumstances relevant to the understanding of
the Zhenzheng lun.
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Dao De Jing
(Paperback)
Lao zi, C.C. Tsai; Translated by Brian Bruya; Foreword by Pico Iyer
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R699
R570
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From bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai, a delightfully illustrated
version of the classic work of Daoist philosophy C. C. Tsai is one
of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese
classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty
languages. Here, he works his magic again with a delightful graphic
adaptation of the complete text of Laozi's Dao De Jing, the beloved
source of Daoist philosophy. Masterfully transforming Laozi's
challenging work into entertaining and enlightening episodes, Tsai
offers a uniquely fresh, relevant, and accessible version of one of
the world's most influential books. After opening with Laozi's
biography from the Shi Ji, Tsai turns the stage over to Laozi, who
patiently explains his ideas to his earnest students (and us).
Laozi describes the spontaneity of natural processes, the
paradoxical effects of ethical precepts, the limits of language,
the values of simplicity, and, above all else, how to go with the
flow. In brief episodes that tantalize and inspire, he takes us
into the subtle complexities of human existence. Ultimately, Laozi,
a master visionary, guides us to the mountaintop to reveal an
expansive view of life. A marvelous edition of a timeless classic,
this book also presents Laozi's original Chinese text in sidebars
on each page, enriching the book for readers and students of
Chinese without distracting from the English-language cartoons. The
text is skillfully translated by Brian Bruya, who also provides an
illuminating introduction.
Join renowned author David Hinton on two walks into the wild beauty and
archaeological ruins of the desert Southwest, where he maps the edges
of consciousness and our place in the Cosmos.
Walks in the desert and journeys through Ch’an (Zen) enlightenment.
Meditations on the nature of perception and on the nature of ruins.
Topographies of mind and of space-time. Poetry and prose. This
talismanic book is all of these and more.
In this poetic odyssey of nature writing that blurs the line between
observer and landscape, Hinton’s project is nothing less than to map
our place in the cosmos and awaken to our interconnectedness with the
wild spontaneity of the natural world. It is the culmination of
Hinton’s philosophical adventure, deeply informed by his nearly forty
years of translating and contemplating China’s ancient poets, Taoist
sages, and Ch’an masters. Like Henry David Thoreau and other great
literary walkers, Hinton joins philosophical meditations with a keen
eye for the slightest of nature’s details. In following these walks, we
journey into wondrous and even ecstatic clarities about the nature of
mind and existence itself.
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The Art of War
(Paperback)
Sun Tzu; Contributions by Mint Editions
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R122
R113
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The Art of War is the collection of leadership and military
strategies composed by the esteemed Chinese general, Sun Tzu.
Divided into 13 distinct chapters, each category gives clarity and
voice to varying subjects pertaining to the intricacies of war and
wartime strategy. Having inspired generations of readers,The Art of
War continues to be perceived as a kind of spiritual lighthouse for
all those seeking sage leadership advice. Though Sun Tzu's
expertise was considered to be professing wartime strategy, the
principals enumerated within the text extend far beyond the
logistics of a battlefield. Having lived during the Warring States
Period, Sun Tzu understood conflict and political strife. Sun Tzu,
using the culmination of decades worth of knowledge inspired
generations of leaders with his words. His insight was not wasted
on the bloodshed of lives lost in battle, yet it was composed into
beautifully succinct proverbs and adages that make up the whole of
The Art of War. Perhaps his most well-known axiom is, "Know the
enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles with
no danger of defeat." With proverbs as popular as the one above,
the entirety of his work is composed of this level of insight. As
pertinent as it was when it was written over 2,000 year ago, The
Art of War is a true work of philosophical mastery. With
eye-catching new covers and a professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of The Art of War is both modern and readable.
In ancient China, a revered Taoist sage named Zhuangzi told many
parables. In Existential Psychology and the Way of the Tao, a
selection of these parables will be featured. Following each
parable, an eminent existential psychologist will share a personal
and scholarly reflection on the meaning and relevance of the
parable for psychotherapy and contemporary life. The major tenets
of Zhuangzi's philosophy are featured. Taoist concepts of
emptiness, stillness, Wu Wei (i.e. intentional non-intentionality),
epistemology, dreams and the nature of reality, character building
in the midst of pain, meaning and the centrality of relationships,
authenticity, self-care, the freedom that can come from one's
willingness to confront death, spiritual freedom, and gradations of
therapeutic care are topics highlighted in this book.
Zhenwu, or the Perfected Warrior, is one of the few Chinese Deities
that can rightfully claim a countrywide devotion. Religious
specialists, lay devotees, the state machine, and the cultural
industry all participated, both collaboratively and competitively,
in the evolution of this devotional movement. This book centres on
the development and transformation of the godhead of Zhenwu, as
well as the devotional movement focused on him. Organised
chronologically on the development of the Zhenwu worship in Daoist
rituals, state religion, and popular practices, it looks at the
changes in the way Zhenwu was perceived, and the historical context
in which those changes took place. The author investigates the
complicated means by which various social and political groups
contested with each other in appropriating cultural-religious
symbols. The question at the core of the book is how, in a given
historical context, human agents and social institutions shape the
religious world to which they profess devotion. The work offers a
holistic approach to religion in a period of Chinese history when
central, local, official, clerical and popular power are constantly
negotiating and reshaping established values.
"An elegant and comprehensive critical edition of the Dao De Jing."
KIRKUS Review This book examines one of the world's most enduring
and influential literary works through the timeless art of qigong.
In his words, Lao Tzu (or Laozi), author of the Dao De Jing,
embodies qigong principles, advocating the cultivation of mind and
body. Only when we know qigong can we know Lao Tzu-and only when we
know Lao Tzu can we know the Dao De Jing. Lao Tzu's writing has
been read, translated, and discussed around the globe. It deals
with principles that transcend time and culture. That is why this
ancient text has been reimagined countless times in books on
business, relationships, and parenting-but never with a focus on
the art of qigong. This makes the Dao De Jing: A Qigong
Interpretation unique and indispensible. Many chapters in the Dao
De Jing purely talk about qigong, especially the practices of
regulating the body, breathing, mind, qi, and spirit. Dr. Yang, a
renowned author, scholar, and martial artist, devoted decades to
researching and writing this book. He interprets and analyzes the
81 chapters of the Dao De Jing. His commentary will bring new
insight, inspiration, and depth to your understanding of Lao Tzu's
words-and to your qigong practice. This book includes The complete
Dao De Jing in English and its original Chinese text Dr. Yang,
Jwing-Ming's commentary and analysis of each chapter Numerous
illustrations and diagrams The Dao De Jing: A Qigong Interpretation
is not a book of instruction. It is about the Way-the path before
us, in qigong and in life, where what you achieve comes through
your own understanding.
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Taoism
(Hardcover)
Russell Kirkland
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R34,811
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These fifty-nine pioneering articles by scholars from around the
world (17 women / 22 men) showcase recent advances in Taoist
Studies. Instead of upholding conventional paradigms, these
innovative studies expand our very concepts of Taoism by probing
social and historical dimensions unimagined by twentieth-century
minds. Overturning virtually all customary premises, they
demonstrate Taoist activities by centuries of emperors, officials,
literati, and women; Taoist involvement in medicine, the sciences,
and the very origins of printing; Taoist art, architecture, music;
even Taoists as healthcare providers. Rather than decaying in
late-imperial or modern China, Taoism has continued to evolve and
reach new audiences (for instance marketing age-old
self-cultivation practices to educated men and women in today's
urban settings). A critical Introduction by Russell Kirkland
(author of Taoism: The Enduring Tradition and co-editor of
Routledge Studies in Taoism) analyzes the Present Generation
compared to earlier scholars. This collection offers today's
freshest, most stimulating insights into Taoism's durability and
rich diversity. It is an essential work of reference and is
destined to be valued by scholars and advanced students as a vital
research tool.
Taoism, the set of philosophical teachings and religious practices
rooted in the understanding of the Chinese character Tao, or "The
Way," was founded by the Chinese philosopher Laozi in the 6th
Century BCE, whose work, the Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way and
its Virtue) laid the philosophical foundation for the religion's
beliefs. This volume starts, as it should, with a detailed
chronology of Taoism and its relationship both to China and other
teachings. The introduction inserts it further in this basic
context. Then the dictionary section, consisting of several hundred
cross-referenced entries, provides a more detailed treatment of
significant persons, nonpersons (gods and demons), concepts,
practices, rituals, scriptures, and schools. The bibliography
suggests further reading.
The Daoist canon is the definitive fifteenth century compilation of
texts concerning ritual, alchemical and meditation practices within
Daoist religion. Many of these texts are undated and anonymous, so
dating them is essential for a clear understanding of the
development of Chinese alchemy, and the place of these texts in
history. Ho Peng Yoke's Explorations in Daoism brings together an
extraordinary compendium of data on alchemical knowledge in China,
describing the methods used for dating important alchemical texts
in the Daoist canon, and reconstructing and translating a number of
alchemical texts that exist only in fragments scattered throughout
the Daoist canon, pharmacopoeia and other compendia. This book
provides a clear guide for students and scholars about the methods
required for dating and reconstituting texts using techniques that
can be applied to other areas of traditional Chinese culture also.
As such, this book will appeal to those interested in Chinese
alchemy, the history of science, Daoism and Chinese history.
The Routledge Encyclopedia of Taoism provides comprehensive
coverage of Taoist religion, thought and history, reflecting the
current state of Taoist scholarship. It contains hundreds of
entries authored by an international body of experts which cover
areas such as schools and traditions, texts, persons and sacred
sites. Terms are given in their original characters, transliterated
and translated. The encyclopedia is thoroughly cross-referenced and
indexed, and also includes a chronology and bibliography. It is
invaluable for students and scholars in the fields of religious
studies, philosophy and religion, and Asian history and culture.
Tranquil Sitting is the Taoist Master Yin Shi Zi's practical guide
and inspirational testament to the healing power and spiritual
benefits of meditation and Chinese medical Qigong. The book
explores the theory and physiological aspects of meditation and
offers practical instruction in traditional meditation techniques.
It also documents Yin Shi Zi's personal experiences with
meditation, his own self-healing which he attributes to his Taoist
practice, and his initiation into the Tibetan tantric practice of
opening the crown of the head. Thus giving the reader an idea of
the long-term process of meditation practice and the deep healing
that can result from it. Faithfully translated from the Chinese,
this is an influential text that belongs on the bookshelves of
everyone with an interest in Taoist practice and meditation.
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The Way of Nature
(Paperback)
Zhuang zi; Illustrated by C.C. Tsai; Translated by Brian Bruya; Foreword by Edward Slingerland
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R639
R582
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A delightfully illustrated selection of the great Daoist writings
of Zhuangzi by bestselling cartoonist C. C. Tsai C. C. Tsai is one
of Asia's most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese
classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty
languages. This volume presents Tsai's delightful graphic
adaptation of the profound and humorous Daoist writings of
Zhuangzi, some of the most popular and influential in the history
of Asian philosophy and culture. The Way of Nature brings together
all of Tsai's beguiling cartoon illustrations of the Zhuangzi,
which takes its name from its author. The result is a uniquely
accessible and entertaining adaptation of a pillar of classical
Daoism, which has deeply influenced Chinese poetry, landscape
painting, martial arts, and Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Irreverent and
inspiring, The Way of Nature presents the memorable characters,
fables, and thought experiments of Zhuangzi like no other edition,
challenging readers to dig beneath conventional assumptions about
self, society, and nature, and pointing to a more natural way of
life. Through practical insights and far-reaching arguments,
Zhuangzi shows why returning to the spontaneity of nature is the
only sane response to a world of conflict. A marvelous introduction
to a timeless classic, this book also features an illuminating
foreword by Edward Slingerland. In addition, Zhuangzi's original
Chinese text is artfully presented in narrow sidebars on each page,
enriching the book for readers and students of Chinese without
distracting from the self-contained English-language cartoons. The
text is skillfully translated by Brian Bruya, who also provides an
introduction.
The Daode jing ("Book of the Dao and Its Virtue") is an essential
work in both traditional Chinese culture and world philosophy. The
oldest text of philosophical Daoism, and widely venerated among
religious Daoist practitioners, it was composed around the middle
of the 4th century BCE. Ascribed to a thinker named Laozi, a
contemporary of Confucius, the work is based on a set of aphorisms
designed to help local lords improve their techniques of
government. The most translated book after the Bible, the Daode
jing appears in numerous variants and remains highly relevant in
the modern world. This guide provides an overview of the text,
presenting its historical unfolding, its major concepts, and its
contemporary use. It also gives some indication of its essence by
citing relevant passages and linking them to the religious
practices of traditional Daoism.
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