The Shambhala guide to Taoism

by Eva Wong

Paperback, 1997

Publication

Imprint: Boston : Shambhala, c1997. Edition: First edition. Responsibility: Eva Wong. OCLC Number: 34543606. Physical: Text : 1 volume : x, 268 pages : illustrations, map ; 23 cm Features: Includes appendix, bibliography, index.

Call number

GT-D / Wong

Barcode

BK-05838

ISBN

9781570621697

CSS Library Notes

Sects/Lineage: Taoism : Daoism .

Description: A complete guide to the history, philosphy and practice of an ancient Chinese spiritual tradition.

Table of Contents: 1. Shamanic origins (3000-800 BCE) --
2. The classical period (700-220 BCE) --
3. The transformation of Taoism from philosophy into organized religion (20 BCE-600 CE) --
4. The rise of mystical taoism (300-600 CE) --
5. The development of alchemical Taoism (200-1200 CE) --
6. The synthesis of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism (1000 CE-present) --
7. Magical Taoism: the way of power --
8. Divinational Taoism: the way of seeing --
9. Ceremonial Taoism: the way of devotion --
10. Internal-Alchemical Taoism: The way of transformation --
11. Action and Karma Taoism: the way of right action --
12. Meditation --
13. Techniques for cultivating the body --
14. Rites of purification, ceremony, and talismanic magic --
App. 1. Dynasties of China --
App. 2. Map of China --
App. 3. Bibliography of Further Readings.

Location: COLLECTION: Teachings & Practices -- AREA: Great Traditions -- SECTION: Daoism / Filing name: Wong

Topics: In TinyCat -- See "Tags" above for our libraries topic areas. See "Subjects" below for LCSH (Library of Congress Subject Headings) (note you can tour our library via Tags or LCSH, but LCHS are not available for all items in our holdings).

FY2007 /

Physical description

x, 268 p.; 23 cm

Description

This guide 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 the reader a feel for what it means to practice Taoism today. The book is divided into three parts: 1. "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. 2. "Systems of Taoism" explores magical sects, divination practices, devotional ceremonies, internal alchemy, and the way of right action. 3. "Taoist Practices" discusses meditation, techniques of cultivating the body, and rites of purification, ceremony, and talismanic magic. A comprehensive bibliography for further study completes this valuable reference work.… (more)

Language

Original language

English

User reviews

LibraryThing member aulsmith
I really wanted to like this book. It covers the entire history of Taoism from its Shamanistic origins to present-day synthesis. I have really had trouble reading other books on Taoism that deal with more than classical philosophical Taoism, because so many of the later forms seem to have no
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connection to the classical texts. Unfortunately, after several tries, I had to give up. I don't know if I'm still lacking some crucial information that made this so hard to understand or if it's the writing. I ended up skimming a couple of chapters of interest and passing it on.
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LibraryThing member awesame
The book is a rather formal, precise introduction to the core history, traditions, and ideas of Taoism. It avoids trying to convince the reader of any truths, which is polite, but the book ends up a bit of a dry read. You must be interested in learning in the textbook style to enjoy this book.

Rating

(14 ratings; 3.2)
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