Taoism Books
Harvard University, Asia Center Power of Place
Book SynopsisMountains have always been integral components of China’s religious landscape. Early in Chinese history five mountains were co-opted into the imperial cult and declared sacred peaks—yue—demarcating and protecting the imperium’s boundaries. Here, Robson demonstrates the value of local and Buddho-Daoist studies in research on Chinese religion.Trade ReviewThis volume breaks new ground in the ever-growing body of scholarship on important mountains in China, and thus deserves the close attention of anyone interested in Chinese culture in general and Chinese religious history in particular. -- J. M. Hargett * Choice *
£35.66
Harvard University Press Dreaming and SelfCultivation in China 300 BCE800
Book SynopsisIn Dreaming and Self-Cultivation in China, 300 BCE–800 CE, Robert Ford Campany examines how dreaming was addressed in texts produced and circulated by practitioners of Daoist, Buddhist, Confucian, and other self-cultivational disciplines. He uncovers paradigms by which dreams are viewed and shows how they underlay diverse religious texts.
£42.46
Harvard University Press Dreaming and SelfCultivation in China 300 BCE800
Book SynopsisIn Dreaming and Self-Cultivation in China, 300 BCE800 CE, Robert Ford Campany examines how dreaming was addressed in texts produced and circulated by practitioners of Daoist, Buddhist, Confucian, and other self-cultivational disciplines. He uncovers paradigms by which dreams are viewed and shows how they underlay diverse religious texts.
£23.76
Princeton University Press The Way of Nature
Book SynopsisTrade Review"[A]n ideal introduction . . . Tsai's layout is elegant."---Chris Gavaler, PopMatters"The English translation of C. C. Tsai’s comic version of the Zhuangzi is such a special thing. . . . [this comic version] with the visual dimension that brings the reader directly into the world of the ancients, is both for the sinologist and for the lay reader alike, [is] a very enjoyable book – and that is what is should be."---Bart Dessein, Journal of the European Association for Chinese Studies
£18.00
Lexington Books Early Daoist Dietary Practices
Book SynopsisMuch as the modern Western world is concerned with diets, health, and anti-aging remedies, many early medieval Chinese Daoists also actively sought to improve their health and increase their longevity through specialized ascetic dietary practices. Focusing on a fifth-century manual of herbal-based, immortality-oriented recipesthe Lingbao Wufuxu (The Preface to the Five Lingbao Talismans of Numinous Treasure)Shawn Arthur investigates the diets, their ingredients, and their expected range of natural and supernatural benefits. Analyzing the ways that early Daoists systematically synthesized religion, Chinese medicine, and cosmological correlative logic, this study offers new understandings of important Daoist ideas regarding the body's composition and mutability, health and disease, grain avoidance (bigu) diets, the parasitic Three Worms, interacting with the spirit realm, and immortality. This work also employs a range of cross-disciplinary scientific and medical research to analyze the Trade ReviewContemporary Western society is replete with dietary advice, much of it backed by a thriving supplement industry. Nevertheless, increasing numbers of people seek inner balance using guidance from ancient traditions. Centering body movement practices, such as qigong and taiji, are widely known, but information from ancient texts on the relationship between diet and optimal health is harder to come by. This book discusses historical and cultural contexts for a selection of ancient Chinese 'recipes' utilizing various food and herbal ingredients. Arthur (Appalachian State Univ.), who specializes in Chinese religions and 'the intersection of religion, culture, medicine, and the body,' then evaluates the recipes' potential therapeutic value from a modern scientific perspective. Appendixes include lists of recipe titles, proposed health benefits, ingredients, and translations of selected recipes. A Sourcebook in Chinese Longevity, by L. Kohn (CH, Dec'12, 50-2099), also contains a substantive discussion of ancient Daoist dietary practices. Useful for researchers specializing in Daoist traditions relating to health and longevity. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers/faculty, and professionals/practitioners. * CHOICE *Shawn Arthur’s new book makes a major contribution to the study of both the medicinal and religious cultures of an early collection of recipes . . . Perhaps the most important features of Arthur’s book are the resources he provides to decipher the esoteric vocabulary and hyperbolic claims commonplace in these kinds of texts. . . .This book a useful resource for historians of religion to consult when studying the Wufuxu’s recipes or similar texts of medieval China. . . .Arthur’s contributions . . . make this a very attractive book that historians of China will find helpful to historians of medicine. The appendices, in particular, will help future scholars establish what kinds of pharmacological substances were known among medieval adepts. * Asian Medicine: Tradition and Modernity *Diet is and always has been an important component of Daoist beliefs and practices and its links to human health and longevity are a topic of widespread contemporary medical and social interest. The author keeps both of these perspectives in view. . . .His findings are wound up by a useful appendix that includes a list of ingredients and a considerable number of recipes in English translation. . . .The author moves into the wider sphere of dietary practice by looking into grain avoidance regimens and their evaluation by contemporary Chinese and Western practitioners. He arrives at certain conclusions in regard to the contemporary significance of medieval Chinese dietary suggestions. Fasting and the vegetal and herbal substances sesame, asparagus root, rehmannia, and pine still play a role. * Religious Studies Review *Early Daoist Dietary Practices: Examining Ways to Health and Longevity makes a significant contribution to our understanding of medieval Daoist practice, to our appreciation of the concerns of Chinese religious practitioners, as well as to our awareness of food- and health-related practices both historically and today. It provides pertinent arguments, analyses, and insights on all levels—translation, presentation, historical placement, and comparative evaluation—moving from one strong point to the next. It is a must read for anyone interested in Chinese religion and Daoism. -- Livia Kohn, Professor of Religion, Boston UniversityShawn Arthur's study of a classical Chinese dietary text explains how Daoists tried to eat their way to immortality and beyond. The Wufuxu, or Explanation of the Five talismans, provides over sixty recipes for long life, perfect health and supernatural powers. What makes this book stand out, however, is that the author has also interviewed Chinese Daoist monks about their dietary practices, and theorized Daoist dietary regimens from the perspectives of contemporary medicine, medical anthropology and evolutionary psychology. By employing a range of theoretical frameworks to ask radical questions about diet, religion and the body, the author breathes new life into a classic text and revitalizes the field of Daoist Studies. -- James Miller, Queen's University, CanadaTable of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: The Wufuxu’s Recipe Structure and Content Chapter 3: Dietary Regimens: From Herbs to Qi Chapter 4: Healing and Improving the Physical Body Chapter 5 : Beyond Physical Health: The Wufuxu’s Extraordinary Claims Chapter 6: Daoist Grain Avoidance Today Chapter 7: The Wufuxu’s Ingredients and Fasting Chapter 8: Analyzing Dietary Ideals and Practices Chapter 9: Conclusion
£91.80
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Lao Tzus Tao Te Ching
Book Synopsis
£17.09
State University Press of New York (SUNY) Heaven and Earth in Early Han Thought Chapters
Book SynopsisThe Huainanzi has in recent years been recognized by scholars as one of the seminal works of Chinese thought at the beginning of the imperial era, a summary of the full flowering of early Taoist philosophy. This book presents a study of three key chapters of the Huainanzi, The Treatise on the Patterns of Heaven, The Treatise on Topography, and The Treatise on the Seasonal Rules, which collectively comprise the most comprehensive extant statement of cosmological thinking in the early Han period.Major presents, for the first time, full English translations of these treatises. He supplements the translations with detailed commentaries that clarify the sometimes arcane language of the text and presents a fascinating picture of the ancient Chinese view of how the world was formed and sustained, and of the role of humans in the cosmos.
£24.93
State University Press of New York (SUNY) The Tao Encounters the West Explorations in
Book Synopsis
£22.96
State University Press of New York (SUNY) The Penumbra Unbound The NeoTaoist Philosophy of
Book SynopsisExplores the work of Guo Xiang, a Neo-Taoist thinker who developed a radical philosophy of freedom and spontaneity.The Penumbra Unbound is the first English language book-length study of the Neo-Taoist thinker Guo Xiang (d. 312 C.E.), commentator on the classic Taoist text, the Zhuangzi. The author explores Guo''s philosophy of freedom and spontaneity, explains its coherence and importance, and shows its influence on later Chinese philosophy, particularly Chan Buddhism. The implications of his thought on freedom versus determinism are also considered in comparison to several positions advanced in the history of Western philosophy, notably those of Spinoza, Kant, Schopenhauer, Fichte, and Hegel. Guo''s thought reinterprets the classical pronouncements about the Tao so that it in no way signifies any kind of metaphysical absolute underlying appearances, but rather means literally nothing. This absence of anything beyond appearances is the first premise in Guo''s development of a theory of radical freedom, one in which all phenomenal things are self-so, creating and transforming themselves without depending on any justification beyond their own temporary being.
£22.30
State University of New York Press The Teachings and Practices of the Early Quanzhen
Book SynopsisExplores the religion developed by the Quanzhen Taoists, who sought to cultivate the mind not only through seated meditation, but also throughout the daily activities of life.Stephen Eskildsen''s book offers an in-depth study of the beliefs and practices of the Quanzhen (Complete Realization) School of Taoism, the predominant school of monastic Taoism in China. The Quanzhen School was founded in the latter half of the twelfth century by the eccentric holy man Wan Zhe (1113?1170), whose work was continued by his famous disciples commonly known as the Seven Realized Ones. This study draws upon surviving texts to examine the Quanzhen masters'' approaches to mental discipline, intense asceticism, cultivation of health and longevity, mystical experience, supernormal powers, death and dying, charity and evangelism, and ritual. From these primary sources, Eskildsen provides a clear understanding of the nature of Quanzhen Taoism and reveals its core emphasis to be the cultivation of clarity and purity of mind that occurs not only through seated meditation, but also throughout the daily activities of life.
£22.96
Stanford University Press Lao Tzu and Taoism
Book SynopsisThis volume summarizes the history, doctrine, and practices of an ancient Chinese religion based on the harmonious interaction of Yin and Yang.Table of ContentsCONTENTS II III IV
£19.79
Stanford University Press Chinese Magical Medicine Asian Religions Culture
Book SynopsisThis work argues that the most profound and far-reaching effects of Buddhism on Chinese culture occurred at the level of practice, specifically in religious rituals designed to cure people of disease, demonic possession, and bad luck.Trade Review"Strickmann unearths the history, literature, and fundamental assumptions of Buddhist and Taoist religious rituals and offers a wealth of astute social and literary commentary. He combines the highest standards of philological and historical scholarship with an eye for the spiritually bizarre, the socially telling, and the psychologically gripping detail—all in a style that is elegant, entertaining, well-organized, and always accessible."—Stephen F. Teiser, Princeton University"Strickmann's love for his subject shines through in his sprightly and witty writing; his work also demonstrates impeccable scholarly authority."—J.W. Dippmann, Central Washington University"This fascinating book, amassing a wealth of scholarship on Daoism and Tantric Buddhism, expands our vision and draws attention to numerous important topics in the study of East Asian religions."—Daoist Studies"This thought-provoking book is an important contribution to the study of medicine and religion in medieval China... that looks critically at the mutual influences and intersections of Taoist and Buddhist practices..."—Journal of American Academy of Religion"As a guide to the jungle of curious elements in Chinese and Japanese medieval cultures, Chinese Magical Medicine is a highly fascinating study."—History of ReligionsTable of ContentsPreface 1. Disease and Taoist law 2. Demonology and epidemiology 3. The literature of spells 4. Ensigillation: a Buddho-Taoist technique of exorcism 5. The genealogy of possession 6. Tantrists, foxes and shamans.
£26.99
Tuttle Publishing The Way of the Champion
Book SynopsisTrade Review"In his book, The Way of the Champion, Jerry Lynch is right on target. he presents specific, practical lessons for mental toughness, leadership and winning like a champion, not only in sports but for the bigger game of life as well." --Coach Dean Smith, University of North Carolina men's basketball, National Champions"I count Jerry Lynch as a friend who has given me encouragement and information to make a difference in helping myself and athletes reach their potential." --Phil Jackson, coach of three-time World Champion Los Angeles Lakers"We believe in Dr. Lynch's approach in this book. It is brilliant in its simplicity and rich in content. The principles in this book have definitely helped us to win five national championships." --Coach Bob Hansen, University of California, Santa Cruz
£14.24
Tuttle Publishing Coaching with Heart Taoist Wisdom to Inspire
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Over the years, I have had the opportunity to stay informed by Jerry Lynch, information that makes a difference in helping me and my athletes reach our potential. Our minds and hearts are in harmony. We both agree that it's about the spirit of the endeavor that creates the meaning in Athletics. You will learn the why and how from Jerry's latest book, Coaching with Heart." --Phil Jackson, Eleven-time NBA World Champion coach of the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Lakers"Having played for several incredibly dynamic coaches during my career, I embrace Jerry Lynch's message in Coaching with Heart, a book about inspiration not just in sports but in life, family, goals and desires. My favorite coaches were the ones who understood Jerry's ideals and strove to connect with me on a human level. That's what this book is all about." --Steve Kerr, Five-time NBA World Champion with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs"My success in Lacrosse and in life has been directly and positively influenced by the books, wisdom and work of Dr. Jerry Lynch. His new book, Coaching with Heart presents powerful strategies to help open all of our hearts as well as those of your athletes. This is a must-read…the REAL deal." --Cindy Timchal, Head Lacrosse Coach, US Naval Academy
£14.24
Penguin Random House LLC Taoism The Parting of the Way
£19.26
Scarecrow Press The A to Z of Taoism
Book SynopsisTaoism, 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.Trade Review...will find its way into any library where Daoism is seriously and keenly studied. * s, Vol. 21, No. 4 (2007) *Canadian scholar of religious and Far Eastern studies Pas (1929-2000) begins with a chronology of Taoism and an introduction setting it in the context of Chinese history and other religious traditions. Then he presents over 270 articles on people, movements, works, concepts, and other aspects. * Reference and Research Book News *Table of ContentsPart 1 Preface Part 2 Note on Spelling Part 3 Abbreviations Part 4 Table of Chinese Dynasties Part 5 Chronology of Taoist History Part 6 Introduction Part 7 The Dictionary Part 8 Bibliography Part 9 Appendix: Centers of Taoist Study and Practice Today Part 10 About the Author
£37.80
LUP - University of Georgia Press The Inward Morning A Philosophical Exploration in Journal Form
Book SynopsisThis text blends East and West, nature and culture, the personal and the universal.
£29.77
University of Hawai'i Press Understanding Reality A Taoist Alchemical Classic
Book SynopsisOne of the basic classics of Taoist spiritual alchemy as practiced in the Complete Reality (Ch'uan-chen) school of Taoism.
£16.96
University of Hawai'i Press Blue Dragon White Tiger Taoist Rites of Passage Asian Spirituality Taoist Studies
Book SynopsisA view of Chinese religion from the Taoist perspective, which is based on the hypothesis that all Chinese rites of passage are structured by Yin-Yang cosmology. The rituals of marriage, birthing, initiation and burial and all major annual festivals are described.
£21.80
University of Hawai'i Press Entry into the Inconceivable Introduction to HuaYen Buddhism An Introduction to HuaYen Buddhism
£22.75
University of Hawai'i Press A Companion to Angus CGrahams Chuang Tzu The
Book SynopsisAngus C. Graham's most significant work is his corpus of publications on Taoism. This text gathers together Graham's writing on the textual criticism and philosophy of the Chuang Tzu. Harold Roth presnts an edited version of Graham's notes along with other essays, philosophy and translation.
£15.16
University of Hawai'i Press Buddhism and Taoism Fact to Face Scripture Ritual
Book SynopsisDrawing on a far-reaching investigation of canonical texts, together with manuscript sources from Dunhuang and the monastic libraries of Japan, Christine Mollier demonstrates the competition and complementarity of the two great Chinese religions in their quest to address personal and collective fears of diverse ills.Trade ReviewIn Buddhism and Taoism Face to Face, Christine Mollier undertakes five detailed case studies, each one illuminating a different dimension of the ritual, iconographic, and scriptural interactions of Buddhists and Taoists in medieval China. Mollier does not simply assert that these traditions influenced one another; she reveals in breathtaking detail the wide array of techniques used by Buddhists and Taoists as they appropriated and transformed the texts and icons of their rivals.... Mollier's work in this volume is brilliant. She deftly navigates through manuscripts, canonical texts, archaeological remains, and art-historical evidence.... Buddhism and Taoism Face to Face is an exhilarating display of Sinological erudition." - H-Buddhism"This book exemplifies the best sort of work being done on Chinese religions today. Christine Mollier expertly draws not only on published canonical sources but also on manuscript and visual material, as well as worldwide modern scholarship, to give us the most sophisticated book-length study yet produced on the textual relations between the Buddhist and Taoist traditions. She pushes past the tired, vague, and rather innocent-sounding trope of ‘influence’ to pinpoint much more complex―and fascinating―processes of textual repackaging, hybridization, adaptation, appropriation, reframing, pirating, remodeling, and transposing. Throughout, the urgent concerns of medieval Chinese people―life, health, protection, salvation―are sensitively and elegantly evoked. Anyone interested in Chinese religions, in the ways in which religious texts are formed, and in cross-religious interactions should want to read this book." ―Robert Ford Campany, University of Southern California"Since the inception of Taoism and the transplantation of Buddhism in China in the first few centuries of the common era, proponents of Taoism and Buddhism have engaged in shrill debate and sly mimesis. In the 1950s modern scholars began to insist that the two ‘higher’ religions of China could not be understood except in relation to each other. With Buddhism and Taoism Face to Face, Christine Mollier advances the debate and effectively proposes new methods, new sources, and new conclusions. Mollier demonstrates that mutual self-fashioning in the history of religion ought best be understood through the sustained study of the concrete and practical aspects of religious life. Utilizing a dazzling array of sources―including medieval manuscripts, liturgies, canonical texts, statues, and hagiography―this eloquent intervention sets the standard for many decades to come. Her book alerts us to the existence and sophistication of a third tradition, one plying the shifting boundaries between Taoism and Buddhism." ―Stephen F. Teiser, Princeton University
£17.56
University of Hawai'i Press Demonic Warfare Daoism Territorial Networks and
Book SynopsisRevealing the fundamental continuities that exist between vernacular fiction and exorcist, martial rituals in the vernacular language, Mark Meulenbeld argues that a specific type of Daoist exorcism helped shape vernacular novels in the late Ming dynasty (13681644). Focusing on the once famous novel Fengshen yanyi (Canonization of the Gods), the author maps out the general ritual structure and divine protagonists that it borrows from much older systems of Daoist exorcism. By exploring how the novel reflects the specific concerns of communities associated with Fengshen yanyi and its ideology, Meulenbeld is able to reconstruct the cultural sphere in which Daoist exorcist rituals informed late imperial novels. He first looks at temple networks and their religious festivals. Organized by local communities forterritorial protection, these networks featured martial narratives about the powerful and heroic deeds of the gods. He then shows that it is by means of dramatic practiceslike ritual,
£45.60
Quest Books,U.S. Meditation A Practical Study
Book Synopsis
£6.90
Penguin Random House LLC Book of the Heart Embracing the Tao
£11.65
Shambhala Cultivating Stillness Taoist Manual for
Book SynopsisA 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.
£16.99
Shambhala Publications Inc WenTzu Understanding the Mysteries Shambhala
Book SynopsisLao-tzu, the legendary sage of ancient China, is traditionally considered to be the author of the Tao Te Ching, one of the most popular classics of world literature. Now Lao-tzu's further teachings on the Tao, or Way, are presented here in the first English translation of the Chinese text known as the Wen-tzu. Although previously ignored by Western scholars, the Wen-tzu has long been revered by the Chinese as one of the great classics of ancient Taoism. In it, Lao-tzu shows that the cultivation of simplicity and spontaneity is essential to both the enlightened individual and the wise leader. This timeless work will appeal to a broad audience of contemporary readers who have come to consider Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching a classic on the art of living.
£20.80
Hays (Nicolas) Ltd ,U.S. Finding the Way A Tao for Downtoearth People
Book Synopsis
£11.39
The University of Michigan Press God of the Dao
Book Synopsis
£27.61
Inner Traditions Bear and Company Taoist Astral Healing
£24.65
Sophia Perennis et Universalis The Great Triad
£17.67
SevenStar Communications,U.S. Quest of Soul Quest of Soul Esoteric Teachings of
Book Synopsis
£9.99
SevenStar Communications,U.S. The TIME IS NOW FOR A BETTER LIFE AND A BETTER
Book Synopsis
£9.50
SevenStar Communications,U.S. Spring Thunder Awakening the Hibernating Power of
Book Synopsis
£10.99
Quantum Institute, Inc Hearts on Fire The Tao of Meditation
Book Synopsis
£12.99
Taichi Center Tao the Way of God
£13.96
Scorpio Moon Publishing Tao Te Ching
£7.18
Prohyptikon Publishing Inc Dao De Jing or the Tao Te Ching
£8.05
FriesenPress Sun Tzus Original Art of War
£12.41
Channel V Books Getting Right with Tao
£10.78
Golden Elixir Press Awakening to Reality
£15.00
Golden Elixir Press Foundations of Internal Alchemy The Taoist Practice of Neidan
£15.68
Golden Elixir Press Commentary on the Mirror for Compounding the Medicine A FourteenthCentury Work on Taoist Internal Alchemy Masters Volume 1
£13.00
Ketna Publishing The Great Path The Ancient Wisdom and
Book Synopsis
£11.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Laozis Dao De Jing
Book Synopsis
£13.49
St Martin's Press The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu
Book SynopsisAn enduring translation of a timeless work, now in a new edition.
£11.39
WW Norton & Co Daodejing
Book SynopsisA transformative new edition of Taoism's central text that overturns its reputation for calming, gnomic wisdom, revealing instead a work of philosophical dynamite
£19.79
Abrams The Eternal Tao Te Ching
Book Synopsis
£17.09
