A leading scholar feng shui master presents the great depth and diversity of Taoist philosophy, practices, and history in this accessible manual to the oft-misunderstood spiritual tradition.Millions of readers have come to the philosophy of Taoism thanks to the classics Tao Te Ching and the I Ching, or through the practices of t'ai chi and feng-shui, but the Tao is less known for its unique traditions of meditation, physical training, magical practice, and internal alchemy.Eva Wong, a leading Taoist practitioner and translator, provides a solid introduction to the Way. All of Taoism’s most important texts, figures, and events are covered, as well as its extraordinarily rich history and remarkable variety of practice. Sections include:• The History of Taoism traces the development of the tradition from the shamans of prehistoric China through the classical period (including the teachings of the famous sage Lao-tzu), the beginnings of Taoism as a religion, the rise of mystical and alchemical Taoism, and the synthesis of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.• Systems of Taoism explores magical sects, divination practices, devotional ceremonies, internal alchemy, and the way of right action.• Taoist Practices discusses meditation, techniques of cultivating the body, and rites of purification, ceremony, and talismanic magic.This roadmap to the spiritual landscape of Taoism not only introduces the important events in the history of Taoism, the sages who wrote the Taoist texts, and the various schools of Taoist thinking, but also gives readers a feel for what it means to practice Taoism today. A comprehensive bibliography for further study completes this valuable reference work.

Taoism for Beginners is a practical guide to applying the key notions, concepts and beliefs underlying Taoism's various branches and schools.Authors C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the holistic pathway to a life more in balance.This book offers readers: A clear explanation of what Taoism is and how to apply its most salient tenets and teachings to your daily life Simple exercises to enable you to lead a calmer and more mindful, connected life—taking in a range of practices that include meditation, breathing, chi kung and tai chi chuan An exploration of the origins and background of Taoism, including the various sects and schools of thought An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and the powerful way of De (the cradle of power, virtue and life)This new edition has been updated by the author to include the connections between Taoism and mindfulness and meditation, as well as ritualized practices to heighten mind-body connection in order to control chi (energy). Taoist principles and concepts have guided people on the path to harmony, wholeness, balance and greater well-being for millennia. This beginning resource makes an ancient religion, its practices and history accessible for a twenty-first century reader.

Ancient practices for modern lives―the perfect taste of TaoismBegin your journey of spiritual exploration and deepen your connection to the earth. Taoism for Beginners is your easy-to-understand guide to a rich, spiritual tradition that originated in ancient China and offers a new holistic perspective.Discover the core principles and traditions of Taoism with straightforward language and simple exercises you can do anywhere. Adopting aspects of Taoism into your everyday life can bring you into peace and harmony with yourself and the world around you―a practice that's more vital than ever in our busy modern-day lives.Taoism for Beginners helps you: Feel better and feel more―Build your own Taoist practice that can help you relax, de-stress, and feel more at ease in your life. Learn history and tradition―Meet Taoism's founder, Lao Tzu, and learn the basic history of Taoism practice for the past 2500 years. This book and beyond―Deepen your practice (if you wish) with included resources for further reading and study.Explore the depth and breadth of Taoism in a clear format that you can apply to everything you do.

The Tao is the way of man's cooperation with the natural course of the natural world. Alan Watts takes the reader through the history of Tao and its interpretations by key thinkers such as Lao-Tzu, author of the Tao Te Ching. Alan Watts goes on to demonstrate how the ancient and timeless Chinese wisdom of Tao promotes the idea of following a life lived according to the natural world and goes against our goal-oriented ideas by allowing time to quiet our minds and observe the world rather than imposing ourselves on it. By taking in some of the lessons of Tao, we can change our attitude to the way we live.Drawing on ancient and modern sources, Watts treats the Chinese philosophy of Tao in much the same way as he did Zen Buddhism in his classic The Way of Zen. Alan Watts is the best guide to the spirit of the Tao for a western readership. Including an introduction to the Chinese culture that is the foundation of the Tao, this is one of Alan Watts' best-loved works.

Discover the captivating blend of ancient Eastern and Western philosophies in "Philosophy in the Modern World." If you're seeking an intense, academic exploration that promises to transform your life, this may not be the book for you. However, if you're interested in a delightful journey through the relevance of these philosophies in today's world, then keep reading.In this engaging book, the author seamlessly weaves together two profound philosophies that represent the rich cultures of the East and West. But hold on tight! Alongside insightful discussions, you'll also encounter a delightful assortment of movie quotes, classic rock song recommendations, and hilarious anecdotes that will leave you with a positive outlook or, at the very least, a good laugh.The author, though not an accredited philosopher, brings a wealth of life experiences to the table. With over 40 years of studying and teaching martial arts and a decade of college-level history instruction, they have observed and absorbed wisdom throughout their 64-year journey. Having navigated numerous careers, family life, and personal hardships, they share their valuable insights and lessons learned along the way.While the author invites you to embark on this philosophical adventure, it's essential to note that this book does not aim to challenge your religion, worldview, or personal beliefs. Instead, it encourages you to be a seeker of truth, tailored to your own life's path. As you explore the perspectives of both Stoicism and Taoism, you'll come to understand that truth is subjective, especially when it comes to navigating the stresses of our modern existence.So sit back, relax, and perhaps pour yourself a drink or light up a cigar if that's your preference. Join the author on this thought-provoking exploration, where the wisdom of ancient philosophies meets the challenges of the 21st century. "Philosophy in the Modern World" offers a unique perspective that will inspire you to find your own truth and embrace a fulfilling life in today's fast-paced society.

A brilliant, beautifully presented translation of the Taoist ‘way of integrity’—Lao Tzu’s classic text and sublimely spiritual teachings on how to live with goodness and integrity.Taosim affirms that each human being is a reflection of the whole universe—a microcosm within the macrocosm—and that all of us live under the same cosmic laws of the Tao. The Taoist follows the path of non-action (Wu Wei), flowing with the constantly changing stream of life, and trying to live in universal harmony and balance.The easily assimilated aphorisms in this great book are a continuous source of spiritual guidance and nourishment, and its insights on statesmanship are practical guides for our own time. Ralph Alan Dale’s brilliant translation uniquely captures, as never before, the essential meaning of this profound text, and makes it entirely relevant to today’s readers.

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. Izutsu discusses 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."

These two volumes contain the complete James Legge translation of the sacred writings of the great mystical religion that for millennia has counterbalanced the official Confucianism of the Chinese state. Together with the Confucian canon, these writings have been avidly studied by generations of Chinese scholars and literary men and their place in the formation of Chinese civilization is central.First published as volume xxxix and xl of Max Müller's Sacred Books of the East series, these volumes contain the complete texts of the Tao Te Ching attributed to Lao Tzü; the writings of Chuang Tzü; and several shorter works; the T'ai Shang or Tractate of Actions and Their Retributions, the Ch'ing Chang Ching or Classic of Purity, the Yin Fu Ching of Classic of the Harmony of the Seen and Unseen, the Yü Shu Ching or Classic of the Pivot of jade, and the Hsia Yung Ching or Classic of the Directory for a Day. Many of these lesser documents are to be found in translation only in this collection.Professor Legge, who held the chair in Chinese language and literature at Oxford for 20 years, introduces the collection with a discussion of differences among Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, the authorship of the Tao Te Ching, the real meaning of Tao in Chinese thought, and other backgrounds.Orientalists and students of religion have long recognized this collection as indispensable. But laymen will find that the Tao Te Ching is not only profound but provocative and stimulating and that the parables and tales in the work of Chuang Tzü are delightful reading.

A rich, poetic, and socially relevant version of the great spiritual-philosophical classic of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching—from a legendary literary iconMost people know Ursula K. Le Guin for her extraordinary science fiction and fantasy. Fewer know just how pervasive Taoist themes are to so much of her work. And in Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching, we are treated to Le Guin’s unique take on Taoist philosophy’s founding classic.Le Guin presents Lao Tzu’s time-honored and astonishingly powerful philosophy like never before. Drawing on a lifetime of contemplation and including extensive personal commentary throughout, she offers an unparalleled window into the text’s awe-inspiring, immediately relatable teachings and their inestimable value for our troubled world.Jargon-free but still faithful to the poetic beauty of the original work, Le Guin’s unique translation is sure to be welcomed by longtime readers of the Tao Te Ching as well as those discovering the text for the first time.

Most people think of the Tao Te Ching as a book on philosophy or a treatise on leadership. Yet there is a little-known treasure hidden within the familiar passages of Lao Tzu’s work: step-by-step practical guidance for the spiritual journey. With Practicing the Tao Te Ching, renowned teacher Solala Towler reveals a new facet to this spiritual classic, offering accessible instructions paired with each of the 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching."Tao is a way of deep reflection and learning from nature, considered the highest teacher," writes Towler. "It teaches us to follow the energy flows within the heavens, the earth, and our own bodies." With lucid instruction and deep insight, he guides you through meditations, movement and breathing practices, subtle energy exercises, and inner reflections―all to help you to embody Taoist wisdom in every aspect of your life.

A principal part of the Taoist canon for many centuries, this Lao-Tzu classic is an essential overview of the Taoist practice of internal alchemy, or qigongEquanimity, good health, peace of mind, and long life are the goals of the ancient Taoist tradition known as “internal alchemy,” of which Cultivating Stillness is a key text. Written between the second and fifth centuries, the book is attributed to T’ai Shang Lao-chun—the legendary figure more widely known as Lao-Tzu, author of the Tao-te Ching. The accompanying commentary, written in the nineteenth century by Shui-ch’ing Tzu, explains the alchemical symbolism of the text and the methods for cultivating internal stillness of body and mind.A key text in the Taoist canon, Cultivating Stillness is still the first book studied by Taoist initiates today.