An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies

An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies

Author: Steve Coutinho

Publisher: Columbia University Press

Published: 2013-11-05

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 0231143389

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Steve Coutinho explores in detail the fundamental concepts of Daoist thought as represented in three early texts: the Laozi, the Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Readers interested in philosophy yet unfamiliar with Daoism will gain a comprehensive understanding of these works from this analysis, and readers fascinated by ancient China who also wish to grasp its philosophical foundations will appreciate the clarity and depth of Coutinho’s explanations. Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear explanations of these complex texts without resorting to oversimplification.


Book Synopsis An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies by : Steve Coutinho

Download or read book An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies written by Steve Coutinho and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2013-11-05 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Steve Coutinho explores in detail the fundamental concepts of Daoist thought as represented in three early texts: the Laozi, the Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Readers interested in philosophy yet unfamiliar with Daoism will gain a comprehensive understanding of these works from this analysis, and readers fascinated by ancient China who also wish to grasp its philosophical foundations will appreciate the clarity and depth of Coutinho’s explanations. Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear explanations of these complex texts without resorting to oversimplification.

An Introduction to Daoist Thought

An Introduction to Daoist Thought

Author: Eske Møllgaard

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2007-08-07

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 1134097484

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There is increasing interest in Daoism in the West, where Laozi [Lao Tzu] is well-known. This book offers a comprehensive introduction to Zhuangzi, the most brilliant but overlooked Daoist thinker in ancient China First book in English to introduce this important Daoist thinker Offers succinct accounts of ancient Chinese schools of thought (Confucians, Mohist logicians, Sophists, and so on) that competed with the Daoists Compares Zhuangzi’s thought to Western philosophy and suggests striking similarities as well as decisive differences China’s significance in the world is increasing and today it is indispensable to understand Chinese culture. Daoist views of language and ethics are crucial to the Chinese tradition, but have generally be overlooked in the West Of interest to scholars of East Asian Studies, East Asian Religion and Philosophy


Book Synopsis An Introduction to Daoist Thought by : Eske Møllgaard

Download or read book An Introduction to Daoist Thought written by Eske Møllgaard and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2007-08-07 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is increasing interest in Daoism in the West, where Laozi [Lao Tzu] is well-known. This book offers a comprehensive introduction to Zhuangzi, the most brilliant but overlooked Daoist thinker in ancient China First book in English to introduce this important Daoist thinker Offers succinct accounts of ancient Chinese schools of thought (Confucians, Mohist logicians, Sophists, and so on) that competed with the Daoists Compares Zhuangzi’s thought to Western philosophy and suggests striking similarities as well as decisive differences China’s significance in the world is increasing and today it is indispensable to understand Chinese culture. Daoist views of language and ethics are crucial to the Chinese tradition, but have generally be overlooked in the West Of interest to scholars of East Asian Studies, East Asian Religion and Philosophy

An Introduction to Daoist Thought

An Introduction to Daoist Thought

Author: Eske Møllgaard

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2007-08-07

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 1134097476

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This is the first work available in English which addresses Zhuangzi’s thought as a whole. It presents an interpretation of the Zhuangzi, a book in thirty-three chapters that is the most important collection of Daoist texts in early China. The author introduces a complex reading that shows the unity of Zhuangzi’s thought, in particular in his views of action, language, and ethics. By addressing methodological questions that arise in reading Zhuangzi, a hermeneutics is developed which makes understanding Zhuangzi’s religious thought possible. A theoretical contribution to comparative philosophy and the cross-cultural study of religious traditions, the book serves as an introduction to Daoism for graduate students in religion, philosophy, and East Asian Studies.


Book Synopsis An Introduction to Daoist Thought by : Eske Møllgaard

Download or read book An Introduction to Daoist Thought written by Eske Møllgaard and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2007-08-07 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first work available in English which addresses Zhuangzi’s thought as a whole. It presents an interpretation of the Zhuangzi, a book in thirty-three chapters that is the most important collection of Daoist texts in early China. The author introduces a complex reading that shows the unity of Zhuangzi’s thought, in particular in his views of action, language, and ethics. By addressing methodological questions that arise in reading Zhuangzi, a hermeneutics is developed which makes understanding Zhuangzi’s religious thought possible. A theoretical contribution to comparative philosophy and the cross-cultural study of religious traditions, the book serves as an introduction to Daoism for graduate students in religion, philosophy, and East Asian Studies.

Daoism

Daoism

Author: Ronnie L. Littlejohn

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2009-03-16

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 0857738178

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'The way that can be told is not the eternal Way; the name that can be named is not the eternal Name.' So begins the first verse of the mysterious "Dao De Jing", foundation text of the ancient Chinese religion of Daoism. Often attributed to semi-mythical sage Laozi, the origins of this enigmatic document - which probably came into being in the third century BCE - are actually unknown. But the tenets of Daoism laid down in the "Dao De Jing", and in later texts like the "Yi Jing" (or "Book of Changes"), continue to exert considerable fascination, particularly in the West, where in recent years they have been popularized by writers such as the novelist Ursula K LeGuin. In this fresh and engaging introduction to Daoism, Ronnie L Littlejohn discusses the central facets of a tradition which can sometimes seem as elusive as the slippery notion of 'Dao' itself. The author shows that fundamental to Daoism is the notion of 'Wu-wei', or non-action: a paradoxical idea emphasizing alignment of the self with the harmony of the universe, a universe in continual flux and change. This flux is expressed by the famous symbol of Dao, the 'taiji' representing yin and yang eternally correlating in the form of a harmonious circle. Exploring the great subtleties of this ancient religion, Littlejohn traces its development and encounters with Buddhism; its expression in art and literature; its fight for survival during the Cultural Revolution; and its manifestations in modern-day China and beyond.


Book Synopsis Daoism by : Ronnie L. Littlejohn

Download or read book Daoism written by Ronnie L. Littlejohn and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2009-03-16 with total page 305 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'The way that can be told is not the eternal Way; the name that can be named is not the eternal Name.' So begins the first verse of the mysterious "Dao De Jing", foundation text of the ancient Chinese religion of Daoism. Often attributed to semi-mythical sage Laozi, the origins of this enigmatic document - which probably came into being in the third century BCE - are actually unknown. But the tenets of Daoism laid down in the "Dao De Jing", and in later texts like the "Yi Jing" (or "Book of Changes"), continue to exert considerable fascination, particularly in the West, where in recent years they have been popularized by writers such as the novelist Ursula K LeGuin. In this fresh and engaging introduction to Daoism, Ronnie L Littlejohn discusses the central facets of a tradition which can sometimes seem as elusive as the slippery notion of 'Dao' itself. The author shows that fundamental to Daoism is the notion of 'Wu-wei', or non-action: a paradoxical idea emphasizing alignment of the self with the harmony of the universe, a universe in continual flux and change. This flux is expressed by the famous symbol of Dao, the 'taiji' representing yin and yang eternally correlating in the form of a harmonious circle. Exploring the great subtleties of this ancient religion, Littlejohn traces its development and encounters with Buddhism; its expression in art and literature; its fight for survival during the Cultural Revolution; and its manifestations in modern-day China and beyond.

Daoism in China

Daoism in China

Author: Yi'e Wang

Publisher: 五洲传播出版社

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 9787508505985

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This book provides a systemic introduction of Daoism in China. Subjects includes the spirituality in early China, establishment and lineage of the celestial masters, Daoist deities, temples, and sacred places, the influence of Daoism in culture and customs. With black and white photographs, including shrines, temples, and deities.


Book Synopsis Daoism in China by : Yi'e Wang

Download or read book Daoism in China written by Yi'e Wang and published by 五洲传播出版社. This book was released on 2004 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a systemic introduction of Daoism in China. Subjects includes the spirituality in early China, establishment and lineage of the celestial masters, Daoist deities, temples, and sacred places, the influence of Daoism in culture and customs. With black and white photographs, including shrines, temples, and deities.

An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy

An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy

Author: Karyn Lai

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-03-30

Total Pages: 377

ISBN-13: 1316841855

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This second edition of An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy presents a comprehensive introduction to key ideas and arguments in early Chinese philosophy. Written in clear, accessible language, it explores philosophical traditions including Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism and Chinese Buddhism, and how they have shaped Chinese thought. Drawing on the key classical texts as well as up-to-date scholarship, the discussions range across ethics, metaphysics and epistemology, while also bringing out distinctive elements in Chinese philosophy that fall between the gaps in these disciplinary divisions, hence challenging some prevailing assumptions of Western philosophy. Topics include human nature, selfhood and agency; emotions and behaviour; the place of language in the world; knowledge and action; and social and political responsibility. This second edition incorporates new ideas and approaches from some recently excavated texts that change the landscape of Chinese intellectual history.


Book Synopsis An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy by : Karyn Lai

Download or read book An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy written by Karyn Lai and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2017-03-30 with total page 377 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This second edition of An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy presents a comprehensive introduction to key ideas and arguments in early Chinese philosophy. Written in clear, accessible language, it explores philosophical traditions including Confucianism, Daoism, Mohism, Legalism and Chinese Buddhism, and how they have shaped Chinese thought. Drawing on the key classical texts as well as up-to-date scholarship, the discussions range across ethics, metaphysics and epistemology, while also bringing out distinctive elements in Chinese philosophy that fall between the gaps in these disciplinary divisions, hence challenging some prevailing assumptions of Western philosophy. Topics include human nature, selfhood and agency; emotions and behaviour; the place of language in the world; knowledge and action; and social and political responsibility. This second edition incorporates new ideas and approaches from some recently excavated texts that change the landscape of Chinese intellectual history.

Dao Companion to Daoist Philosophy

Dao Companion to Daoist Philosophy

Author: Xiaogan Liu

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2014-10-27

Total Pages: 559

ISBN-13: 9048129273

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This is the first comprehensive companion to the study of Daoism as a philosophical tradition. It provides a general overview of Daoist philosophy in various thinkers and texts from 6th century BCE to 5th century CE and reflects the latest academic developments in the field. It discusses theoretical and philosophical issues based on rigorous textual and historical investigations and examinations, reflecting both the ancient scholarship and modern approaches and methodologies. The themes include debates on the origin of the Daoism, the authorship and dating of the Laozi, the authorship and classification of chapters in the Zhuangzi, the themes and philosophical arguments in the Laozi and Zhuangzi, their transformations and developments in Pre-Qin, Han, and Wei-Jin periods, by Huang-Lao school, Heguanzi, Wenzi, Huainanzi, Wang Bi, Guo Xiang, and Worthies in bamboo grove, among others. Each chapter is written by expert(s) and specialist(s) on the topic discussed.


Book Synopsis Dao Companion to Daoist Philosophy by : Xiaogan Liu

Download or read book Dao Companion to Daoist Philosophy written by Xiaogan Liu and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-10-27 with total page 559 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first comprehensive companion to the study of Daoism as a philosophical tradition. It provides a general overview of Daoist philosophy in various thinkers and texts from 6th century BCE to 5th century CE and reflects the latest academic developments in the field. It discusses theoretical and philosophical issues based on rigorous textual and historical investigations and examinations, reflecting both the ancient scholarship and modern approaches and methodologies. The themes include debates on the origin of the Daoism, the authorship and dating of the Laozi, the authorship and classification of chapters in the Zhuangzi, the themes and philosophical arguments in the Laozi and Zhuangzi, their transformations and developments in Pre-Qin, Han, and Wei-Jin periods, by Huang-Lao school, Heguanzi, Wenzi, Huainanzi, Wang Bi, Guo Xiang, and Worthies in bamboo grove, among others. Each chapter is written by expert(s) and specialist(s) on the topic discussed.

Introducing Daoism

Introducing Daoism

Author: Livia Kohn

Publisher: JBE Online Books

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 0980163323

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Book Synopsis Introducing Daoism by : Livia Kohn

Download or read book Introducing Daoism written by Livia Kohn and published by JBE Online Books. This book was released on 2009 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Riding the Wind with Liezi

Riding the Wind with Liezi

Author: Ronnie Littlejohn

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2012-01-02

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 143843457X

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The Liezi is the forgotten classic of Daoism. Along with the Laozi (Daodejing) and the Zhuangzi, it's been considered a Daoist masterwork since the mid-eighth century, yet unlike those well-read works, the Liezi is little known and receives scant scholarly attention. Nevertheless, the Liezi is an important text that sheds valuable light on the early history of Daoism, particularly the formative period of sectarian Daoism. We do not know exactly what shape the original text took, but what remains is replete with fantastic characters, whimsical tales, paradoxical aphorisms, and philosophically sophisticated reflection on the nature of the world and humanity's place within it. Ultimately, the Liezi sees the world as one of change and indeterminacy. Arguing for the Liezi's historical, philosophical, and literary significance, the contributors to this volume offer a fresh look at this text, using contemporary approaches and providing novel insights. The volume is unique in its attention to both philosophical and religious perspectives.


Book Synopsis Riding the Wind with Liezi by : Ronnie Littlejohn

Download or read book Riding the Wind with Liezi written by Ronnie Littlejohn and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2012-01-02 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Liezi is the forgotten classic of Daoism. Along with the Laozi (Daodejing) and the Zhuangzi, it's been considered a Daoist masterwork since the mid-eighth century, yet unlike those well-read works, the Liezi is little known and receives scant scholarly attention. Nevertheless, the Liezi is an important text that sheds valuable light on the early history of Daoism, particularly the formative period of sectarian Daoism. We do not know exactly what shape the original text took, but what remains is replete with fantastic characters, whimsical tales, paradoxical aphorisms, and philosophically sophisticated reflection on the nature of the world and humanity's place within it. Ultimately, the Liezi sees the world as one of change and indeterminacy. Arguing for the Liezi's historical, philosophical, and literary significance, the contributors to this volume offer a fresh look at this text, using contemporary approaches and providing novel insights. The volume is unique in its attention to both philosophical and religious perspectives.

Daoist Nei Gong

Daoist Nei Gong

Author: Damo Mitchell

Publisher: Singing Dragon

Published: 2011-08-15

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 9780857010339

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Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This book provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process, and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests. The methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice which has until now been reserved for 'inner-door' students is described, and the book contains an entire set of Qigong exercises accompanied by instructional photographs and drawings. This book will be of interest to all practitioners of Qi Gong, martial arts and meditation, and will be a rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern philosophy.


Book Synopsis Daoist Nei Gong by : Damo Mitchell

Download or read book Daoist Nei Gong written by Damo Mitchell and published by Singing Dragon. This book was released on 2011-08-15 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This book provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process, and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests. The methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice which has until now been reserved for 'inner-door' students is described, and the book contains an entire set of Qigong exercises accompanied by instructional photographs and drawings. This book will be of interest to all practitioners of Qi Gong, martial arts and meditation, and will be a rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern philosophy.