Product Description
In this deeply learned work, Toshihiko Izutsu compares the metaphysical and mystical thought-systems of Sufism and Taoism and discovers that, although historically unrelated, the two share features and patterns which prove fruitful for a transhistorical dialogue. His original and suggestive approach opens new doors in the study of comparative philosophy and mysticism.
Izutsu begins with Ibn 'Arabi, analyzing and isolating the major ontological concepts of this most challenging of Islamic thinkers. Then, in the second part of the book, Izutsu turns his attention to an analysis of parallel concepts of two great Taoist thinkers, Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu. Only after laying bare the fundamental structure of each world view does Izutsu embark, in the final section of the book, upon a comparative analysis. Only thus, he argues, can he be sure to avoid easy and superficial comparisons. Izutsu maintains that both the Sufi and Taoist world views are based on two pivots--the Absolute Man and the Perfect Man--with a whole system of oncological thought being developed between these two pivots. Izutsudiscusses similarities in these ontological systems and advances the hypothesis that certain patterns of mystical and metaphysical thought may be shared even by systems with no apparent historical connection.
This second edition of Sufism and Taoism is the first published in the United States. The original edition, published in English and in Japan, was prized by the few English-speaking scholars who knew of it as a model in the field of comparative philosophy. Making available in English much new material on both sides of its comparison, Sufism and Taoism richly fulfills Izutsu's motivating desire "to open a new vista in the domain of comparative philosophy." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

well worth the price
An invaluable resource for Sufis, Daoists, and anybody interested in mysticism and philosophy. Well written and profound.

Prompt Delivery
I do not appreciate Amazon's aggressive marketing and their inquiry to my life and purchasing habits or requirements.

A practical help
This is an excellent book for those who are looking for historical background and structure for their experiences of, as Al-Qudat Hamadani calls it, the "domain of the supra-sensible order of things."Exploring both Sufism and Taoism, Izutsu reveals his qualifications of scholarship, language, and personal experience.Although there is repetition, one realizes before long that this is his way of emphasizing certain aspects and making sure their importance has been registered, much like a good teacher would.

Of particular value is his extensive explanation of dual and non-dual thinking found in Toward a Philosophy of Zen Buddhism and Creation and the Timeless Order of Things.For this reason I would recommend reading those books first.His explanation of what happens when a person experiences the "existential transition to an entirely different plane of consciousness from that of sensation and rational thinking", is a very useful and convincing analysis.

His work toward developing a comprehensive philosophy originating in the "school of the unity of existence" provides the reader with much help with their own understanding of this domain.I would recommend his books to anyone of any religion who views existence with the utmost seriousness.

A good book to read
This is a good book in comparing Moslem mysticism with that of Taoism. The author seem to have a good understanding of the topic. After reading some other popular book showing a kinship between modern physics and easternphilosophies by some over excited writers, one has to be careful drawingtoo much conclusions on these type of comparative studies even if it isdone by a skillful writer.

A step towards meta-historical dialogue
An excellent comparative analysis of the ideas of Ibn Arabi and Lao Tzu. Izutsu very clearly and sytematically presents the underlying metaphysical concepts which serve as the substrate for IA's and LT's respectiveworld-views. Relying on Qashani, a classical Ibn Arabi interpretor, toexpound IA's otherwiseelliptical and obscure theosophy, the authorsuceeds in simplifying IA's difficult and mind-boggling ontology which hasriddled Muslim scholars for centuries. By bringing to light the profoundsimilarites between IA's and LT's doctrines, some interesting questions areraised which probably can't be answered exclusively by historicalscholarship. ... Read more

Product Description
Lao Tzu was the father of Taoism. In his Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu outlined the basic concept of Tao. Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu were Lao Tzu's most important followers who expounded and expanded the basic principles set forth by Lao Tzu. Together, the sayings of these three sages, which make up this volume, are the foundations for the philosophy of Tao.

The translations of the works of these ancient Chinese sages by Lionel and Herbert Giles are very highly regarded and considered by many to be the definitive English translations. Lionel's translation of The Sayings of Lao Tzu (1905), taken from the Tao Te Ching and logically re-ordered, is remarkable for its clarity of expression, particularly given the complexity of the subject. Herbert's translation of The Sayings of Chuang Tzu, presented here, with an introduction by Lionel, was originally published as Musings of a Chinese Mystic (1906). Lionel's translation of The Sayings of Lieh Tzu was originally published as The Book of Lieh Tzu, or Teachings in Taoism (1912).

Individually the works of these Chinese sages are classics. Together, they are a master resource of the history of Tao.

This special Kindle edition contains a linked table of contents to each major section of this volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good collection
Although there are some typographical errors, this is a good collection of important Tao sages, and their teachings.

Mind Blowing!
I read the Tao Te Ching over a decade ago, and to be quite honest, I wasn't all that impressed. It seemed like a really long poem, and I had trouble understanding why something seemingly so simple had been attributed so much wisdom. It certainly wasn't a situation where I read both parts of the Tao Te Ching, and suddenly said "Aha! I understand."

Recommended by a friend, I experienced something completely different in this newly-compiled Taoism companion. This book contains the teachings of the founders of Taoism. It isn't presented in poetic rhymed verses, it's beauty lies in the simple retelling of wisdom learned through life experience and deep meditation. These teachings have survived the centuries, because they are true. Reading this, I had my "Aha!" moment.

I can't stress strongly enough... if you are a true Student of Tao, or even of the truth, don't give up on learning the teachings of Laozi by simply reading what has become the Tao Te Ching. Follow the path where it leads, learn the lessons it has to teach, and pass on what you have learned to those you cherish the most.

I purchased this Kindle edition, having been burned a few times on books without covers or tables of contents, but everything is where it should be. Also, I experimented with the text to speech technology, and listening to the story of Chuang Tzu recounting his dream of becoming a butterfly is truly mesmerizing and uplifting.

Better Than The Tao Te Ching
This book on Tao really presents a significantly more thorough presentation of the Books of Chuang Tzu, Lieh Tzu, and Laozi. The translation by Herbert Giles, the pioneer of the Wade-Giles Romanization system for the transliteration of Chinese, and his son, Lionel Giles (the translator of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War") is simply the finest that has been produced. Though other versions of the Tao have been elevated to liquid poetry, they lose the meaning behind the teachings. For a scholarly look at the philosophy of Tao, I highly recommend this edition.

A Unique Approach
Unlike the countless "translations" of the Tao Te Ching, this represents a rather loose (but accurate) translation, ordered by topic, not by chapter of the TTC. So don't look at this as a version of the Tao Te Ching; it is rather a collection of knowledge from the Tao Te Ching.What you loose in poetry & flow is made up for in accessibility.

The other writings -- Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu, are good to have as they are generally under-read.Some very interesting applications of the Tao Te Ching knowledge from followers of Lao Tzu.

Overall, this could be a nice introduction to Taoist philosophy OR a new perspective for those who are very familiar with the Tao Te Ching -- plus the Chuang Tzu and Lieh Tzu writings.Very glad I made this purchase.

Great Historical Overview

This book contains all the essential elements of philosophy of the founder of Taoism, Lao Tzu, as expressed in the "Tao Te Ching" as well as the important interpretations and explanations of The Tao by his two most important disciples, Chuang Tzu and Lee Tzu.It contains all of the important sayings and parables that form the basis for Taoism from these three Great Sages.

The translations from the Chinese texts by Lionel and Herbert Giles of these classic foundations of Tao are both scholarly and sensitive.The comprehension of ancient Chinese by this father/son team is obviously profound.Unlike other translators, their English is also impeccable - simple, clear and precise. Their introductions and discussions to the sections by the three Great Sages of Tao provide insights into the philosophy and culture of ancient China that are unparalleled.

If you are looking to develop an understanding of the underlying principles of Tao, this is probably the best source available in the English language. As you read this fine volume, you will frequently find yourself saying: "Ah - I see." This book is really extraordinary.It has my highest recommendation.

... Read more

Product Description
This title shows that, just as the Qabalah is linked to magical practices, so too is the I Ching. It explains the cultural tools of Eastern magical traditions, provides basic rituals, and discusses the gods, ritual instruments, and magical workings involved. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Red Dragon, Yellow Horse
This is not a traditional commentary on Taoism. The title should make that clear enough. It's a book about common practices of meditation, magic, concentration, and ritual that run through Taoist practice, ritual shamanism, and what we might simply term general Asian magical practice(i.e., things that have a "magical" flavor to us nowadays, but back then were probably lumped into everyday ritual, healing, alchemy, meditation, etc.) All of these systems have common elements and have influenced each other greatly. It also obviously focuses on the I-Ching as a tool of illumination and awakening rather than a simple divinatory oracle we might consult to find out whether to buy chicken or beef for dinner tonight. This is not the main focus of this text however, and it spends more time outlining the very unique, interesting, and useful practices employed by Taoist alchemists, Onmyojin, and other masters of old.

If you want endless commentary on the I-Ching, don't buy this book. If you want some sort of manual about the root practices of Taoist masters via indigenous Asian shamanism, don't buy this book. If you're seeking to change your own pathwork by adding uniqueness, craft, style, and to employuseful tools and techniques to awaken or change your perception, buy and devour this book. I have read no other text that got me thinking so far outside the box of my normal work. Most of the methods and techniques outlined in the text will not necessarily be new to, say, Western magicians, but the difference is in the details; we certainly banish in Western magic, and we certainly invoke godforms or angels or relevant beings for banishment and protection, but it never occurred to me to actually become the god himself and chain and slay my own demons while in the throes of his obsession; we certainly form symbols and sigils in Wesetern magic, but it never occurred to me to draw them in nontoxic ink on edible rice paper and consume them in a ritual act of becoming one with the energy of said sigil.

This book is about the practical application of magical techniques and how to apply them to personal pathwork. It includes information about the ritual sword, central to Asian cultural mindset and somewhat similar to the ritual wand in Western magic, the creation talismans, the ritual fan, a unique form of banishing, the setting up of stone warriors for protection, the use of the Kuji-in and Kuji-kiri, and much, much more. It is a rich synthesis of these cultures' spiritual practices and a highly recommended addition to the library of any student of esoterism.

To all the aformentioned reviewers
I have not read this book but the aforementioned complaints make no sense to me.
Ninjutsu and Taoism(which is a form of shamanism) Started in Tibet/China.
While being seperate paths, they originated of one source thus I can see connections just from my own research.

Just a comment
I haven't read the book but I am about to buy it so this isn't a review it's just a comment on the other reviews.

I don't know exactly how the writing linked Taoism and Ninjutsu as I haven't read the book. I just wanted to say this isn't the first time I have heard of this.

It was in one of either of these two books I can't remember which (I would bet on the first):

Mind Manipulation
The Ninja - Steven Hayes

They discuss the development of alot of the psychoogical aspects from the Taoist 5 elements and there was a reference to some "5 element ninjas." There was even a Japanese word for them.

I remember this clearly coz at the time I was doing XIng Yi Luihe a Taoist art with the 5 elements at its heart. Also the 5 element ninja idea sounded cool.

I am not concluding anything...just offering a bit of info in passing.

PS. My rating was just to try and not mess up the rating by others.

Thelemic Taoism? .....interesting but not accurate.
If you're into Thelema, Aliester Crowley, The Golden Dawn, OTO, or similar topics, this may be a book for you. If, on the other hand, you want I book on Taoism, I would recommend any other but this one.

With the core topic about Taoism and the I ching, the author has wrapped them in a veil of Neo-Paganism and other-Asian practices. This book reads as a compilation of texts that others have previously written, with introductions into chapters quoting Aliester Crowley's text. If you are into Eastern philosophy and thinking, you'll easily discern that this book is not written with the type of focus or commitment to preserve that Asian flavor (some Asian practices blended with neo-pagan practices and presented as western thought).

The material presented herein is spread to thin and over to great of subject matter to have any solid foundation as a book on Taoism. Simply, the material presented is inaccurate.

The exercises he gives within this books pages are Shamanic at best (not Asian or Taoist) and a lot of detail is left out about these things he has decided to include.

The mis-use of mudras and associated practices demonstrates this sort of hodge podge approach, as does the using the "Assuming the form of Fudo" for everything....... Fudo is Japanese Buddhism, Taoism is Chinese Taoism. Also, Fudo's attributes are mis-represented in this text as is the symbolism that is associated with him (for example, his sword in this text is not drawn with the symbolic Vajra handle, nor is the definition of the weighted rope, held by Fudo, accurate). The "Diamond Thunderbolt" Mudra (which is Japanese Buddhist) is mis-used, and, the specific practices associated with its use are not included. I could go on.

If you are looking for good books on Taoism, please refer to books written by an actual Taoist Priest. I would recommend:
Taoism and the rite of cosmic renewal by Michael Saso
Blue Dragon White Tiger by Michael Saso

...... and interestingly, Fudo isn't mentioned in these text, nor is Aliester Crowley. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Dated Yet Worth While
With a preface which expresses some rather dated views in light of more recent research (i.e. citing Lao Tzu as the founder of Taoism,) as well as some rather dated translation of the original texts(again in light or recent research,) this book is still a worth-while read for scholarly and the curious.

The text contains an early translation of the Tao Te Ching originating from a 1891 Oxford text book of the same title, using the Wade-Giles romanization. The commentary is given from a scholarly Christian perspective, but given the book's source, that is to be expected.

The texts presented, are the Tao Te Ching, and select writings of Cheng-Tzu. While there are better translations available in this day and age, this is still a useful historical resource for a newcomer to Taoism.

A Compendium of Resources
This is one of two volumes: the other bears the same title and is also published by Dover (available through Amazon.com). There are many texts in these two books which are of use to the student of Taoism. There is littlesense in buying one volume without the other, since the writings ofChuang-Tzu are spread across the two volumes. These are excellenttranslations from the end of the 19th century, with copious notes. Part ofan original series published by Oxford, called "The Sacred Books ofthe East". James Legge translated all of the Chinese classics in sixvolumes of the fifty volume series. Dover have published some of the moreuseful and popuar volumes. If you want to preview it, any major citylibrary should have a copy of the whole set. These two volumes are a hugelyrewarding investment for anyone inserested in learning about Taoism. Theonly downside is that here and there Legge expresses in the notes a certainhesitance to accept the full great wisdom of the texts (he himself was aCatholic missionary in China).

Taoism is a philosophy (and religion,even today) which has application for anyone who seeks to better theirability to cope with today's difficult environment. These translations arefrom this perspective not outdated at all.

A Compendium of Resources
This is one of two volumes: the other bears the same title and is also published by Dover (available through Amazon.com). There are many texts in these two books which are of use to the student of Taoism. There is littlesense in buying one volume without the other, since the writings ofChuang-Tzu are spread across the two volumes. These are excellenttranslations from the end of the 19th century, with copious notes. Part ofan original series published by Oxford, called "The Sacred Books ofthe East". James Legge translated all of the Chinese classics in sixvolumes of the fifty volume series. Dover have published some of the moreuseful and popuar volumes. If you want to preview it, any major citylibrary should have a copy of the whole set. These two volumes are a hugelyrewarding investment for anyone inserested in learning about Taoism. Theonly downside is that here and there Legge expresses in the notes a certainhesitance to accept the full great wisdom of the texts (he himself was aCatholic missionary in China).

Taoism is a philosophy (and religion,even today) which has application for anyone who seeks to better theirability to cope with today's difficult environment. These translations arefrom this perspective not outdated at all. ... Read more

Product Description
28 legends and fables featuring the Eight Immortals--an illuminating study of popular Chinese religious beliefs with special appeal for readers of the Tao Te Ching and Joseph Campbell's works on myth. To this day, the Eight Immortals are among the most popular figures in Chinese art, and their cult has affected every aspect of Chinese culture. Line drawings throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Introducing Daoism
This text is a very introductory view of Daoism. That being said it is largely comprehensive although not everything is said explictly. In this way this is less of a text book and more of an aggregation/summation of commentary and history of Daoism, which works quite well given the subject

Lots of Great Info!
If you're interested in information on the eight immortals, you'll have to look long and hard to find more information than packed into this slim volume.Think of the immortals as being cultural figures as well known and diverse as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy (or, for Thomas the Tank engine fans, as different as Thomas, Gordon and Henry), and you'll have a sense of the role the eight immortals play in Chinese culture.

Also, the introduction has the best discussion I've seen of the difference between philisophical taoism (which is the form best known in the West) and religious or mystical taoism.

Highly recommended if you're interested in the eight immortals and/or learning more about mystical taoism.

The eight immortals celebrate diversity
The eight immortals of Chinese myth are detailed here. There are several group tales along with some folktales focusing on each of the individual immortals. The eight immortals are of special appeal to modern audiences asthey embody diverse aspects of society, then and now. There is a warriorimmortal, a student immortal, a crippled immortal and an androgynousimmortal ("sometimes male, sometimes female)who seems to me to be alittle gay! There is also a woman immortal, and while only one woman out ofeight, it was still a statement at the time to have her included in thegroup. There are a lot of stories of the eight included here that you areunlikely to find elsewhere, and Martin Palmer provides some background forthe setting of the stores in his introduction that helps the reader betterunderstand them in context. My only complaint is I would have liked moreabout their evolution as a group over the centuries. Overall a good readfor people interested in Chinese folklore and positive representations ofdiversity in legends. ... Read more

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'In Islam,' Guénon wrote, 'tradition is of a double essence: religious and metaphysical. The religious side of the doctrine, which is most outward and is within reach of everyone, can be qualified quite precisely as exoteric, and the metaphysical, which constitutes its deeper meaning and, furthermore, is regarded as the doctrine of the elite, as esoteric. This distinction indeed conserves its proper meaning, since these are two faces of one and the same doctrine.'Asked what he thought of esoteric teaching, the great Sufi master al-Hallaj responded: 'Of which do you wish to speak, the true or the false (batin al-batil aw batin al-Haqq)? If it is a question of true esoterism, the exoterism (shari'ah) is its exterior aspect and whoever follows it truly discovers its interior aspect, which is none other than the knowledge of Allah (ma'rifah bi'llah); as for false esoterism, its exterior and interior aspects are both equally horrible and detestable. Therefore hold yourself aloof from it.'It is fitting to add that for Guénon, esoterism is always and everywhere the same, whatever name is given it according to the variety and diversity of countries and traditions. If true knowledge of ultimate Reality is the final object of esoteric inquiry, the methods utilized, although often analogous, are not necessarily identical; they may vary just as languages or individuals vary. 'The diversity of methods,' Guénon wrote, 'corresponds to the very diversity of individual natures for which they were made; there is a multiplicity of ways all leading to a unique goal.' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Guénon on Sufism and Taoism
First published in 1973 as "Aperçus sur l'ésoterisme islamique et le taoisme" (Gallimard, Paris), this book is a posthumous collection of articles that Guénon (who died in 1951) wrote for various french journals. As such, there is no overiding theme to the book as one finds in the works of Guénon that were conceived as books in the first place. However, as Guénon says on several occasions, his "sole interest" being the universal and timeless metaphysic or "wisdom" that lies at the heart of every tradition, and which he calls the "Primordial Tradition", the diverse articles of this collection hang together like the beads of a necklace, of which the cord is metaphysical truth. One may use this analogy, indeed, to describe the ensemble of Guénon's work, which are partly characterised by their lack of "development", as if they were all conceived at the same moment and simply written out over the years; and this because true ideas, as Guénon reminds us, do not change or "develop" but remain as they are in the timeless "present".
Eight of the articles presented in this collection are devoted to the islamic tradition, in particular to various aspects of islamic esoterism or "Tasawwuf", the arabic term for what is popularly called "Sufism" in the West and which literally means "initiation". Subjects covered in these articles include: the relationship between the exoteric and esoteric dimensions of Islam, which Guénon shows to be inseperable and reciprocal; the doctrine of Unity (at-Tawhid); the notion of "spiritual poverty" (al-Faqr); the Spirit (ar-Ruh); the angelogy of the arabic alphabet; the islamic science of hand-reading; and the influence of the islamic civilization on the West.
After these comes an essay on the important difference between the religious doctrine, or dogma, of "creation" and the metaphysical doctrine of "manifestation", which Guénon shows to be two ways of expressing the same fundamental truth, namely, the absolute dependence of all created or manifested things upon the divine and supreme Principle.
The final chapter deals with the Chinese tradition in which the exoteric and esoteric domains are represented by Confucianism and Taoism respectively. Commenting on the more or less complete destruction of the former under the communist regime, Guénon reminds us that, while Confucianism, as the exterior aspect of the Chinese tradition, may disappear, Taoism, being the interior aspect of the tradition, never will, for it is in essence beyond all contingencies like the Truth itself.
The islamic articles give a precise and masterful summary of what constitutes, essentially, islamic esoterism and are obviously written by someone who, while recognising the truth in all traditional forms, nevertheless had a personal attachment to one form in particular, namely Islam. As such, this book will serve as a refreshing antidote to the "pseudo-Sufi" literature that is now circulating in the modern world, the productions of individuals who call themselves "Sufi" without, however, having any fidelity to the Islamic tradition. But Sufism, or better, Tasawwuf, as Guénon shows, is the internal dimension of Islam, with initiatic chains that go back all the way to the Prophet Muhammed himself. "Sufism," writes Guénon, "is arab like the Qu'ran itself, in which it has it's direct principles".
In short, without adherence to Islam, Guénon is saying, there is no real Tasawwuf, hence no real spirituality. After reading this book, one will be left in no doubt of this and one will have a much deeper understanding of what, essentially, constitutes Islamic esoterism and, with that, a deeper understanding of what constitutes esoterism in general. ... Read more

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An introduction to Taoism - the ancient Chinese religion and way of life, tracing its shamanic and historical roots, and examining the lives of major figures such as Lao Tzu and Chang Tao Ling. Includes extracts from significant Taoist texts and meditation exercises. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Tao is older than Taoism
It is not an exaggeration to call this book the best introduction to Taoism, but then the key word is "Taoism" and not "Tao." There is a real difference between the formal religion and its accompanying folk tradition and in philosophical Taoism. Indeed, Lao Tzu was not a Taoist. He did not see himself as the founder of a religion. When it comes right down to it, the term "Tao" had been in use for centuries, if not millennia, before the Tao Te Ching was compiled.

What I found especially satisfying was the connection that is shown between Shamanism (the actual, primordial Siberian Shamanism) and Taoism. You see, the fundamental core essence of Shamanism is belief in two worlds that exist side by side. The spirit world affects our own lesser, material world- and an intermediary is needed to maintain harmony and balance between them. That is also the heart of Taoism- a harmonious union between heaven and earth. Only, in official Taoism, the emperor served as intermediary. Yet the goal of Taoist sage is essentially shamanistic- to obtain union and harmony with the highest, deepest, hidden currents of the universe. When this was achieved, one was in a state of wu-wei, where one's own will and the will of heaven were one and indistinguishable.

The other aspects of traditional Taoism are covered- the moral code, the formal liturgy, the quest for immortality and alchemical path, as well as associated later beliefs in magic and exorcisms. The stories of the great sages and immortals are here. So are the foundation myths of the Three August Ones and the Five August Emperors. The various teachers, schools, and canons that developed over the years are briefly outlined. What jumped out at me was the fact that the original, philosophical core of Taoism should not be confused with the formal religion and folk beliefs that sprang up afterwards.

Of course, the fact that there has been no emperor, no true mediator, on the Altar of Heaven for a century now makes one wonder about the chaos and confusion of our modern world. It was a basic tenet of formal Taoism that if the Mandate of Heaven was not working, then it could not be Heaven's fault- the emperor must not be harmony of the Tao- or an imposter entirely.

I myself await the return of a true Son of Heaven.

The best short introduction to Taoism
This is the best short introduction to Taoism currently available for the general reader. It has the great strength of considering Taoism as it is actually practiced in China, rather than constructing a fantasy version,based on what westerners might like Taoism to be about. Palmer is wellqualified to discuss the ins and outs of the Taoist quest for immortalityand the rites of cosmic renewal, having long been a scholar of Chineselanguage and religions. After reading Palmer's book, readers will feel moreable to cope with the also excellent but more difficult 'Taoism, Growth ofa Religion', by Isabelle Robinet, or perhaps J.J. Clarke's 'The Tao of theWest'. At any rate, they'll certainly know their Lao Tzu from their ChuangTzu! ... Read more

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Taoism has never been a unified religion, but has rather consisted of numerous teachings based on various revelations. Therefore, different branches of Taoism often have very distinct beliefs. Nevertheless, there are certain core beliefs that nearly all the schools share.

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This excellent essay was originally prepared at the request of Denis Twitchett, editor of the Cambridge History of China, in anticipation of publication in the second volume of that work to be devoted to the T'ang dynasty (618-907). While that project was experiencing delays, the essay became widely circulated among those interested in the history of Taoism, and has subsequently been published independently. The work sheds light on Taoism, China's great indigenous religion (if we see Confucianism as ethics and Buddhism as imported) during this vibrant and glorious period of Chinese history; without these insights, we can have only limited understanding of an important aspect of China's social, political, and of course, religious life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Creativity, Taoism and Heidegger
I used to see Professor Chang doing Tai Chi Chuan very late at night on his front lawn in Manoa Valley (Honolulu), as he lived a few doors from the Friends (Quakers) meeting house. I took a number of his seminars, and still marvel at his thesis that the key to understanding Heidegger is to view his writings as fundamentally Taoist in nature. He was deeply erudite and a rather august personality in class. A fellow student in Professor Chang's graduate seminar on Taoism had the chutzpah to turn in a one-page paper; Professor Chang gathered himself up and stated in his heavily accented English that "even Lao Tzu managed to write 5,000 characters." I received a B, as I recall, perhaps because I went for a psychological rather than an ontological interpretation of Taoism. He always encouraged his students to study the Chinese language as an avenue of understanding Taoism's key concepts, and he would write outold-style characters (not the simplified ones) on the chalkboard with rapid strokes, while I dutifully tried to copy the characters.

This book is not an easy read, but there is much to ponder here on the Taoists' understanding of creativity and silence, emptiness, or the Void. It deepens any understanding of the Tao Te Ching and Chuang Tzu's Inner Chapters. ... Read more

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Containing 118 stunning color illustrations, this beautiful book provides an introduction to Taoism, one of the great religious and philosophical movements in Chinese thought. Incorporating selections from J.C. Cooper's writings, it explores the concept of the Tao (Way), the symbolism of Yin-Yang, and the thought of the leading Taoist sages. Also included are sections on Taoist art, the symbolism of plants and animals, the Taoist garden, and the relationship of Taoism with Buddhism and Hinduism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A top pick for any new age library!
An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism: The Wisdom of the Sages provides a powerful introduction to Taoism combining scholarship with a lovely illustrated edition introducing readers to the history and development of Taoism. Its exploration of Taoist sages and philosophy includes a survey of Taoist art and makes for a top pick for any new age library!
... Read more

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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.

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The two classics of Chinese philosophy.Together, they form the basic texts of Taoism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

nice to have both texts together
There are lots of translations of the Tao te Ching available -- some of them good and some of them not good (the translation in this book is a classic one by James Legge -- it's not THE best, but is certainly much better than most).The best part about this book, though, is that it also includes the complete text of the Chuang Tzu (in the classic translation by Herbert Giles), a much-lesser-available text that also played a major part in the history of Chinese Taoism.Taken together, these two texts provide a very good view of Taoism, in far more depth and detail than one would get with the Tao te Ching alone.It's nice to have both of these classic texts available together in one volume. ... Read more

Product Description
Taoism for Know-It-Alls is a reference guide to help readers understand Chinese philosophical and religious concepts and traditions known as Taoism (or Daoism). These traditions were a major influence in East Asia for over two thousand years and focuses on Wu Wei, which translates to 'non-action', spontaneity, humanism, as well as emptiness. This publication focuses on beliefs, principls, tao, spirituality and ethics related to the practice fo Taoism. Taoism for Know-It-Alls is highly recommended for those who are interested in learning more about Taoism and its related concepts. ... Read more

Product Description
Completing Distinctions develops a new way of thinking about the connection between problems and solutions for family and systems therapists. The author suggests that addiction and other social and ecological dilemmas stem from the belief that distinctions such as hate and love, sickness and health, or problem and solution are irreconcilable oppositions. Flemons shows how such separations can be completed so that genuine healing can occur in individuals, families, organizations, and ecologies. Written in a playful style, the book includes short client-therapist dialogues that illustrate the author's approach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A bold creative approach
I saw the only review so far was a poor one and this prompted me to speak up for an interesting and thoughtful book - not to balance out the other reviewer, but simply add another plain opinion.
Not often have I read such a rich confluence of ideas as in Flemons' book.I found myself constantly being engaged with the text, scribbling notes, ideas, and disagreements in the margins.It's like taking Goethe/Goodwin's worldviews and growing them with gestalt, taoism, Gregory Bateson, Laws of Form (G. Spencer-Brown) and poetry.The ideas are liquid and though there are many tributaries and turbulent flows, I found it to be clear.Definitely outside the box, as it were!

Didn't understand it
This seemed like the kind of thing I would like from the title, but I could not understand it. If I could understand it I might give a better review.

I don't think my lack of understanding is entirely my fault. I'm capable of understanding much - college graduate and all that.

Perhaps this one of those things that can be understood, but for which I am not prepared to understand.

Perhaps you would like to have a go. Good luck. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Read this book-- its a thriller!!!
This book told me about the two opposites of yin and yang, the tao te ching, the Toaist New Year, quotes from the Tao te ching, Weddings and funerals in the taoist religion, and the origin of taoism-- the legend of Huang Di, a chinese emperor who dared to live life with the secret to life, starting from his 19th year of rule, and ending with his final death at 99th year of rule. If you are intwerested in the religion Taoism i would read this book if Iwas you because it helped me with my religion paper. This really should help you no matter the age, dize or shape, this book is good for anyone who needs to research more!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The teachings of Taoism, China's great wisdom tradition, apply to every aspect of life, from the physical to the spiritual—and include instruction on everything from lifestyle (a life of simplicity and moderation is best) to the work of inner alchemy that is said to lead to longevity and immortality.

Here, Eva Wong presents and explains three classic texts on understanding the Tao in the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of the body that provide an excellent overview of the three traditional levels of the Taoist teachings—Outer, Inner, and Secret. The Outer teachings are concerned with understanding the Tao as manifested in nature and society. They are easily accessible to the layperson and consist of the Taoist philosophy of nature and humanity, advice on daily living, and a brief introduction to the beginning stages of Taoist meditation. The Inner teachings familiarize the practitioner with the energetic structure of the human body and introduce methods of stilling the mind and cultivating internal energy for health and longevity. The Secret teachings describe the highest level of internal-alchemical transformations within the body and mind for attaining immortality. ... Read more