Product Description
You-re no idiot, of course. You know Taoism is one of the world-s oldest religions, based on simplicity and balance. However, you may not know it has important parallels with modern Western life: health, ecology, even in such pop culture icons as Luke Skywalker and The Beatles.But you don-t have to sit at the feet of a Taoist master to learn how the Taoist tradition has enlightened seekers throughout the centuries! The Complete Idiot-s Guide- to Taoism will show you exactly why Taoist principles appeal to people from every walk of life! In this Complete Idiot-s Guide-, you get:--The history of the Daode Jing, the world-s shortest core religious text, and Laozi, its mysterious author.--The teachings of Zhuangzi, the often-overlooked master sage of Taoism.--An explanation of ying-yang and what it represents.--Taoism-s relationship to Zen Buddhism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Confusing even if you are not an idiot
This book is poorly organized and confusing. The authors used way too many quotations from other sources, i.e. books, websites. In the end, I have to wonder what the authors' own take is on the subject. It doesn't have a backbone of its own, period.

vague
I just felt that after reading this book, I still knew next to nothing about taoism. the search continues...

Unduly vague
Lots of info presented here but the authors have made it too esoteric and vague.You should not have to reach and re-read to comprehend the Tao.

You are sitting in the forest against a large, old tree.A graceful yet timid deer approaches you cautiously.If you ignore it, the deer draws nearer.If you acknowledge it's presence, it moves away from you. The deer is the Tao.

I recommend "The Tao of Pooh" by B. Hoff.

not bad at all
I was expecting a complete wishy-washy new-agey mosaic of pseudo-science, pseudo-history, pseudo-scholarship; but actually the scholarship and historical information in this book were pretty darn good.

It's a good introduction to ancient Chinese philosophy, the context of Zhuangzi and Laozi. The philosophy isn't watered down too much, and fortunately (thanks no doubt to Chad Hansen's contribution) it's not mixed in with unrelated stuff from the Upanishads or anything like that.

There is a misprint on the back, "ying-yang" which must be slang for the padding surrounding one's gluteus maximus; inside the book the spelling is correct. The explanation of yin-yang is also correct and simple.

I would've wanted a lot more information on religious Taoism: information about modern movements and so on. Which deities are most commonly worshipped in Taiwan, which in Hong Kong, which in Beijing? And, how are they worshipped? I'd like information about Taoist pilgrimages, Taoist sacred places, and so on. The book doesn't touch any of that: minus one star.

Also, the bit on quantum physics could be greatly, greatly improved. Maybe they could've asked a few grad students at a physics dep't for commentary? It would have greatly helped: minus one star.

However, I just couldn't give the book 3 stars; the chapters on politics and ecology were surprisingly good, the internet links are too helpful, and as I said earlier the explanation of ancient Chinese philosophy was too good. So, maybe there's a little grade inflation here.

In sum, it's a good introduction to Taoism, and it'll prepare you to move on to deeper stuff, and help you find it.

If, like, you're already a Taoist immortal or something, this book isn't for you, and you can't really criticize it for that. I'd expect you to realize that already.

Not recommended
I have been studying taoism for about 2 1/2 years now, and while I'm no expert, there was plenty I disagreed with in this book.I felt that the authors were incorrect (at least in their explanations) about some of the key points of taoist philosophy, and one of the authors gives his own translation of the first verse of the Tao Te Ching which I also found to be off-base.The back cover also promises "in-depth" information on tai chi and the I Ching, yet the book actually only gives brief information on these subjects -- in fact, INSIDE the book it says "Here's a brief overview" -- no in-depth information.To make matters worse, the section on the I Ching contrasts the methods of eastern divination versus western divination, but the example it gives of a question in eastern divination is INCOMPATIBLE with the I Ching, suggesting an infamiliarity with it.

While the back cover was probably written by the publisher and not the authors (it even mentions "ying-yang" instead of the correct "yin-yang"), the material inside the book is what counts.But because of the faults I mentioned with the material inside, I found myself taking everything else I read in the book with a grain of salt because I was unsure of its accuracy.And while it does provide some information on the history of taoism, chinese dynasties, and taoist religion, I'm concerned that this book would mislead those new to taoism.

If you are new to taoism and would like to learn more, I recommend picking up a good translation of the Tao Te Ching and starting there."Tao Te Ching: The Definitive Translation" by Jonathan Star is my personal favorite translation because it includes a verbatim, word-for-word translation of the text.Also recommended is the translation by Brian Browne Walker. ... Read more

Product Description
Simple Taoism is designed to help the reader understand what Taoism is about and to help apply its best aspects to everyday living. Divided into three parts, the book outlines the background and development of the philosophy, illustrated with stories to bring history to life. It explains key concepts and shows ways to incorporate the insights fo Taoism into one's life through such activities as meditation, breathing exercises, and exploring the natural world.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Simple Taoism
The book came in perfect condition in a timely manner.Exactly what the sender described.Well done

Missing the point
Once you start telling people how to live, the whole idea of Tao is gone.The whole point of Tao is to live, in the constant stream of life, in the way that lets you blend with the environment.You can't tell someone how to do that.There is no guide to how each person should live their life.Tao is finding the way that works for you, and the rest of the world, in harmony on your own path, no guides.

Great Introduction!
This is a very useful book.It provides some very important knowledge of the topic of Taoism that is not always easy to find elsewhere.It reads very well and has some excellent exercises in it.The only reason that the book does not receive 5 stars is that it is sometimes hard to follow and a little bit difficult to understand.If you can get past that, this is a great companion for anyone interested in Taoism.

A good book
Simple Taoism: A Guide to Living in Balance is a simple book with simple ideas

Good Introduction to Taoism

The book is organized into three parts: 1. History of Taoism, 2. Definition of Taoist Concepts, and 3. Taoism in Practice.

The second section is easily the best, most objective and least analytic.The authors define Tao, Te, wu-wei, ying and yang, p'u and chi. Taoism *is* "simple"; it isn't easy to practice, but far too many authors tend to analyze and over-analyze while defining, which is the precise antithesis of Tao.The second section of this book takes a solid Taoist approach by simply defining the terms; you use them your Way.

The third section, Taoist Practice, represents the authors' mindset. It is how they practice Taoism -- they write about some Taoist arts but not others and don't mention that this was their writing approach. Likewise for The first section, Taoist History. It reads as well-researched but speaks only of certain elements.

The problematic part is that book is written as though all concepts presented are in equal measure the essence of--and necessary to--Taoism,with no mention of elements left out. I bought this for a friend who was interested in the basics of Taoism, and I picked it up to see what I'd be giving him. I ended up reading it; it's very short and fast and I liked it a lot.I thought highly of it.Then when I gave it to him I found that I wanted to explain which elements could be appropriate or not for him, or what he doesn't need to take as "fact" of Taoism as it's presented here.

I've considered Taoism indespensible in my life for over a decade and while this book is quite a good introduction, it has a somewhat one-sided view that's presented as universal, which makes this a good primer course but requires supplemental information. It's unfortunate because the material is good -- if only they would have written that the third chapter, for example, is about the ways *they* practice: e.g., martial art is one of the Toaist arts, much detail is given to it while other Taoist arts go unmentioned. As a first book about Taoism it might be difficult to differentiate between their thoughts and others'.

Overall: Good book. The 2nd section section is worth the price of admission, easily, for its simple definitions of typically over-described concepts. But parts one and three should be taken as the less objective of the three sections. ... Read more

Product Description
Taoist inner alchemy is a collection of theories and practices for transforming the mind and refining the self. The Inner Teachings of Taoism includes a classic of Chinese alchemy known asFour Hundred Words on the Gold Elixir. Written in the eleventh century by a founder of the Complete Reality School, this text is accompanied by the lucid commentary of the nineteenth-century adept Lui I-ming. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Cleary text become more Confusian and Buddhist than Taoist
What is wisdom, what is Tao, is not [easily] named.The fundamental challenge with this book is the very intellectual orientation provided in this translation by Thomas Cleary.

The inner alchemy of the Tao is reached through mystical realization.My concerns with this book is that it is overly wordy and abstract thought-oriented.Abstraction being something that prevents you from experiencing reality.If you are into wordy books then you might like this but it is not beginner material.

Chang Po-Tuan was a Confusian who was also exposed to Chan (Zen) Buddhism.He sought out the esoteric side of Eastern thought after being unable to pass the civil servant examinations.He supposedly was taught by Li Ts'ao who was trained by Chung-li Ch'uan and Lu Tung-Pin.So Chang's thought is influenced very much by the Southern School of Taoism.Chang's presentation seems to be a blending of Confusian, Chan Buddhist, and Taoist thought.At it's core the text by Chang Po-Taun makes up very little of this book.

The futher explanation of Changs text is by Liu I-Ming.But keeping everything straight is difficult as the words of Clearly comprise the core of this book.It's almost false advertising to claim this is a book conveying the teaching of Chang.

The majority of the verbose rub of this book is coming from Thomas Cleary, who is not always known for his clarity, and certainly not for brevity.(In fact, the beginner to Eastern thought would do well to stay clear of Cleary.)It is Part 2 of this book, perhaps entirely of Cleary's authorship where the book digresses into diagrams and becomes unhinged from Chang Po-Tauns original works.

Taoism is about mystical, neo-shamanic alchemical experience.There is no feeling of integration with the Tao in this book.There is lots of detail about relationships of this or that theoretical concept.In other words there is not the clarity or the freedom that you usually encounter with being in relationship with the Tao.The totality of this book presents a view of walking the path of the Tao that is unforgiving and fraught with danger.The need for constant vigilance to be kept from danger (hence the need to memorize the arcane processes).This is not the Tao that Lao Tzu is talking about.

For the beginner the better places to start are Eva Wong (Tao of Health).There are also a number of QiGong works that are woven with Taoism such as Spiritual Qi Gong by David Twicken.There are also a number of good selections from Mantak Chia.

If you are looking for good QiGong to get started with then see Chunyi Linn and Spring Forest QiGong.

Keep it real.There is no mirror on which to collect dust.

A must read for any who read books on the tao and are left confused
I am fairly new to the Tao, or after reading this book i think it would be more appropriate to say that i have long forgot this thing they are forced to label as the "Tao".As i was reading this book i felt as if it was written for me.Before i randomly purchased this book i had read books on Taoism,i was left feeling very murky.Never knowing if i took away anything of benefit.My mind was centered on material elements of alchemy.Reading about all these wonderful elixirs of immortality and the elements of refinement wondering how i would find water and fire within myself to purify the lead and mercury that were "hiding" somewhere in my body.

If you had any feelings like i did, questions about how to find these "magical" items to become and immortal, or if you ever thought of immortality in a physical sense then this book is definitely for you.It is not something that will make you a Taoist master overnight and possibly not ever.But it will allow you to start focusing on what Lead and mercury truly are and how to refine you own vitality energy and spirit.I view this book as an arrow to help you find your way back to the correct path of nature.I cannot say that i have shed the perceptions of our physical world, but at least now i can eliminate one more false path which would have ended in a life long search for something that doesn't exist anywhere other than inside of myself.

This book has taught me a very important lesson.I need to stop lying to myself and accept what is as it comes.I hold the key buried somewhere deep inside of my conditioned mind just waiting for a chance reveal itself to me if i would only let it.Thank you.

alchemy review
One of the best books written on taoist alchemy you will ever find. If you are a serious practitioner i think this book is a must have. Genuinely puts to rest the age old ideas people have that there is some mystical pill for immortality. Very well written and translated. Great read for anyone interested in the deeper meanings of taoist alchemy or willing to give the tao a try.

a wonderful book.
it is difficult to get lost along the way when you have a book like this in your possession. i've given away a couple copies as gifts. i've recommended this book to several people. this book is sold in taoist temples throughout china. buy this book! a great handbook for taoists everywhere, and people everywhere.

Taoist Alchemy
This is a great taoist alchemy treatise. The root text by Chang Po Tuan is presented along with enlightening commentaries. It has helped me understanding the "Secret of the Golden Flower" translated by Richard Wilhelm and introduced by C.G. Jung and revealed the meaning of so many symbols of taoist alchemy.
Not a very easy reading but it's worth the effort. ... Read more

Product Description
Compiled by a seventh-generation master of the Northern Branch of the Complete Reality School of Taoism known as the Preserver of Truth, this extraordinary collection of teachings and commentaries illuminates the many profound mysteries of inner alchemy in the Taoist tradition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not exactly "Practical"
This is an ancient text. In a modern context the term "practical" is laughable. That said, it's a classic text, so there you go.

Cant understan a word
This book is useless for the novice.The author's writing is so convoluted I was unable to understand any thing he is trying to say.I am amazed it received 5 star reviews - who are those reviewers?

A Most Concise Illumination of The Tao
I'll keep this short - like the book itself.Thomas Cleary is a master translator of eastern religious and philosophical texts.His academic skill is complemented by a deep understanding of the practices described in his translations.He gets to the original intent.Practical Taoism is worth reading for the introduction alone.Never have I found a more concise and practical description of observations, functions and practices regarding the Tao then I have here.If you want a solid introduction to Taoism and how it can benefit your life, this is a good place to start.

The Search
I found my search for meaning not in the dogma of organized religion but in the pursuit of truth as revealed by nature itself.

another classic rendered for our sake
I found this collection of translations to be very helpful.I read Cleary's books from a student's perspective and not from a Taoist scholar'sperspective.The insights gleaned from this book are priceless.It is agreat wonder how our present age and society has fallen into such a moraldecline even though these scriptures have been around since man's earlydays.Read and apply.These teachings may seem cryptic but they turn intotruths once they are applied to our lives. ... Read more

Product 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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Sloppy and dated
For a while, Shambhala filled a role by offering accessible works on Taoism (and other topics) to a general audience. But this role has been compromised by the disdain it shows for the ideas underlying serious academic work. Yes, academic studies can be boring and footnote are a drag, but the idea behind them is to empower the reader to make his or her own decisions by showing them clearly the source material--i.e. I made statement X and then tell you on the basis of what information I've just made that statement by listing it in a footnote. This is the fundament of the modern scientific method and it underlies all serious approaches to describing the world. There are clever, creative ways of getting around this (endnotes, or by writing the source into the material) but the overall principle is the same: readers can judge for themselves.

Eva Wong's book largely disregards this. She rarely tells her readers where her material came from or acknowledge the fact that her views conflict with other scholars' views. She writes on topics like Inner Alchemy (Neidan) as if she had been conferred the Truth and that other reputatble people's differing takes are not worth considering. It's basically a very simple and simplistic version of Taoism.

Another, more basic issue is the book is dated because it doesn't reflect huge advances we have in understanding the great body of Taoist teachings, the Taoist Canon, which Kristofer Schipper and Franciscus Verellen have described. She also seems completely unaware of the huge growth of Taoist studies in mainland China.

For those interested in learning about Taoism, I'd suggest James Miller's Daoism: A Beginner's Guide. It's not perfect but has many fewer flaws. Another book that describes Taoism from a practitioner's point of view is Kristofer Schipper's "The Taoist Body". Schipper is one of the deans of Taoism studies but also an ordained Taoist priest and he describes how Taoist priests operate in one Taiwanese community. For a short one-volume history, Isabelle Robinet's "Taoism: Growth of a Religion" is excellent and easy to read. It only goes to the year 1500 but covers most of the main movements.

An Excellent Overview of Taoism
I've casually studied Taoist philosophy and arts for years now.Eva Wong is amongst the best authors on the subject I have encountered.I would recomend any of her books (given interest in the particular subject).This overview is both detailed and entertaining.It reviews Taoist history back into prehistory, and up unto today.Wong covers Taoist practices of the past and the present with the sincerity of an active practitioner, yet with a level headed, down-to-earth approach that can be appreciated by modern day, western cultured people.The book deals lucidly with very mystical, magickal & mythical subjects, but unlike many other authors, Wong neither gets overly esoteric nor scholastic, but rather remains well balanced, presenting such in a very straight forward way.I would highly recomend this book for anyone who is interested in learning about Taoism in any of its many diverse aspects.

Wonderful Historical Reference
This book is a valuable historical reference for Taoism. You are presented with historical figures of Taoism and their influence on the system as a shamanic practice, a philosophy, and a religion. The information is greatly detailed, and further sources of reference are provided by the author. This for me, is a big plus, since I tend to cross reference what I read quite a bit.

If you are interested in researching Taoism, it's rich, vast history, it's various forms and traditions, you will find this text a great source of knowlege.

This book put the pieces together for me
I was looking for a book that would make sense of the long history of practices and teachings of Taoism.Eva Wong's book was just what I needed. It's exactly what the title states, its a "Guide". Those reviewers who are looking for more complete teachings from this book I think missed the point.Wong has translated many other books that give the inner and outer teachings, as have many other authors (Cleary, Kohn, Wiles, etc). The purpose of Guide to Taoism is to put in perspective all the different paths and practices that would fall under Taoism.Beginning from pre-historic history to the present, Wong takes you through a basic history of China's Taoist traditions, which has so many twists and turns, it's not easy to grasp in just one reading.I appreciate the effort Wong has made to make things as clear as possible.I enjoyed her matter of fact, no non-sense writing.I didn't think it was dry at all.I enjoyed reading it cover to cover and took many notes. At the end of each chapter she gives lists of authors to read, so I have ended up with quite a libray of Taoist literature, thanks to her great suggestions.For someone who is just starting out on the Taoist path, a book like this is a helpful place to begin.

Excellent Book!
This is a fun and very enducational book! Well warth the money, and fun to read. It teaches a lot of the history and different sect of Taoism From the time of pre-man to present China. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Does not investigate Taoism's growth or Philosophical vs. Religious Taoism
The first thing to understand is that the book was originally written in French and most of Robinet's works are not available in English. I am not sure whether the translator caused problems in the layout of the text, or just Robinet's organization/thesis was poor to begin with, though I'd like to believe it was a poor translation.

This work lacks a cohesive purpose and never really gets into what Taoism is all about and certainly says nothing about its growth as a religion. If you knew nothing about Taoism going into this reading, you would be absolutely lost. The writing assumes you have substantial knowledge and explains very little along the lines of its references.

As it stands, it's useful to a person extremely well versed in this religion, Chinese tradition/medicine in general and also someone who knows the five-agent theory along with the I Ching. If you do not have this knowledge, steer clear of this rambling and sophomoric listing of other references (there are reference notes on almost half the pages).

Robinet's book here is touted on the back cover as investigating what the difference is between Philosophical and Religious Taoism, something it never truly does - that was the most glaringdefect I found in this work. I purchased it to get into that division, which I have always been interested in. This work simply lists out most Taoist texts, the time they were written and by whom.

It also spends the majority of the text going into shamanistic ritual in useless detail. Meaning, it does not clearly explain what was practiced, but lists out a rough procedure that was followed by adherents of Taoist related beliefs. It's also obvious that Robinet holds some disdain for both the religious aspect and its past followers, as there is a general negative overtone to the book regarding most older Taoist practices.

If this book had contained timelines and charts to clarify the inordinate amount of dates and works, I may have given it two stars. It also references diagrams that were not included in the translation and makes the almost unforgivable mistake twice in the text of mixing Yin and Yang concepts up (probably bad translation issues, but still questionable). It does have a great explanation of Yin and Yang in the beginning and also of the concept of Hun and Po soul division.

Here's who would benefit from this book: a serious scholar who owns many works on Taoism and lacks a general knowledge of when texts were written and an overall high level understanding of older Taoist rituals. Others will find much more value in almost any other work on Taoism, for founding history and a good background of Taoism's early development go with Elements of Taoism (Martin Palmer).

A key text on Taoism
A highly recommendable scholarly discussion of the origin and development of Taoism up to the 14th century CE. I have long been frustrated by the popular distinction between 'philosophical' and 'religious' Taoism, sincesuch a distinction could in principle be made of any religion. The dangeris that what westerners like they call 'philosophical' and what they don'tlike they label 'religious'and then dispense with. The idea that somemetaphysical 'essence' of Taoism deserves to be taken seriously, while therituals and practice of Taoism do not is fundamentally bad scholarship.Fortunately then, Robinet challenges the popular view head on by claimingand showing that 'religious' Taoism is simply the practice of'philosophical' Taoism. One without the other is senseless. This is animportant work, but for a general introduction to Taoism for the interestedbeginner I would also recommend Martin Palmer's 'The Elements of Taoism'.Palmer sems to be aware of and in sympathy with Robinet's position.

A must for serious students of Chinese religious history
This is simply an excellent volume, a solid overview of one thousand years of Daoism from THE expert on the Shangqing school of southern Daoism (4th-5th c.AD).The bibliography alone makes this book worth it, bothextensive and broken down by period. I'm just finishing up a master'sconcerning Ge Hong's "Baopuzi" and I'm about to start a Ph.D.project on the "Huainanzi," and I must say that even though I'veread many excellent texts on Daoism, Robinet's provides some excellentdefining concepts as well as a good introduction to many of the strengthsof French scholarship in my field. ... Read more

Product Description
One of the West's few ordained Taoist priests introduces you to this ancient philosophy for effortless living on Taoism: Essential Teachings of the Way and Its Power. In easy-to-follow language, Ken Cohen reveals Lao Tzu's vast spiritual legacy, including: origins, philosophy, and religion; keys to ethical living, inner silence, and simplicity; Taoist meditations, prayers, and rituals, plus teachings on diet, poetry, feng shui, dream yoga; and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Taoism
Great product even for those that are not beginners in Taoism.Ken gives a great and inspiring course.Strongly recommended and remeber that patience in learning is a must.This is something that I listen to often and enjoyed while commuting.

Great Overview Of Taoism!!!
I have found the CD Program "Toaisim" by Ken Cohen to be a very good overview, of Toaism, it was easy to understand the fundamental's, and it provides a great look into Taoisim.
I also own Ken Cohen's "The Way of Giqong Training Program", the "Taosim" course is a great compliment to it also.

Wayne Thiltgen, Tulsa, Ok

Wonderful introduction to many aspects of Taoism
This is a great overview of Taoism, wonderfully illustrating its origins, history, and modern practice. It is focused very much on encouraging an experience of the Tao rather than dry academic material. The academic material presented is done so as to enhance the experience of the Tao. He does a great job of presenting the seemingly arcane and complicated topics in digestible, bite-size chunks - even divination! It seems the author's specialities are feng shui and qi-gong. While other topics get a little bit of time, these two get a lot. I appreciated the author's inclusion of meditation exercises, but these things don't translate well to what I consider is the most common use of the audio CD: listening while driving. That said, I was impressed at his emphasis on cultivating tao and fostering an understanding of qi as relevant to all of the subtopics presented. I would recommend this CD/book to any friend interested in learning the basics of Taoism.

Intelligible, Practical Presentation of Non-Western Thought
Ken Cohen, like his friend and mentor Alan Watts, is not only a clear, strong writer; but also an inspiring lecturer/teacher.

Taoism is a 4 1/2 hr. course covering Taoism as religion, as philosophy, its influence on thearts and science of China, and how it connects and contrasts with othersystems of thought, both Chinese and Western.

This course is presented ona practical basis with the goal of improving the quality of one's life andhealth.This is demonstrated right from the start with Ken Cohen's carefulenunciation of Chinese words.Because of the relational nature of Taoistthinking, some areas could be difficult or even strange, except for theexcellence of the presentation.

An unusual section is given on Chinese(Taoist) poetry.This type of poetry strives to express directly anexperience from Nature, the experience being more important than clevernesswith words.The principles are illustrated using Ken Cohen's owntranslations of classical poerty.Then he invites the listener to"cap" a poem by adding a line to one he provides.Finally thelistener is encouraged to try alternating lines with friends, the poemsfinishing themselves.

Feng Shui (geomancy) is presented through therelational "5 element" scheme.But it is also pointed out thatthe Earth can be considered to have "meridians" and by usingstanding meditation, one can relate the body's meridians to those of theEarth.

Not only for Feng Shui, but also for the other areas of Taoistthought, Ken Cohen emphasizes the bottom line is harmony, balance andsense.Anecotes drawn from a lifetime of study are included to helpdemonstate important ideas.

Excellent introduction to Taoism
These tapes cover Taoist philosophy perfectly. Ken Cohen is the best at explaining Taoism in an interesting way. If you want to learn Taoist meditations and Feng Shuei you will like it alot. ... 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
A religion with roots stretching back nearly five thousand years, Taoism combines elements of folklore, occult sciences, cosmology, yoga, meditation, poetry, and exalted mysticism. Mysterious and charmingly poetic, it is a living remnant of a way of life which has almost vanished from the world.

In this comprehensive study, John Blofeld explains the fundamental concepts of Taoism, tells many stories of ancient masters, and provides incisive reflections on Taoist verse. He writes in a colorful and unique way about his visits to Taoist hermitages in China and his interchanges with contemporary masters. Taoist yoga, a little known aspect of Taoist practice, is also discussed in detail. This book captures the spirit of the Tao, communicating the serenity and timeless wisdom of this tradition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

To die and not to perish - Immortality!
While I must agree with Lao-tzu that the Tao in words is not the real Tao, I hardly believe one could find a better introduction to Taoism, in all, than we have here.This book is a treasure, a gift, meant to be savored, and read with the care and sensitivity which thankfully produced it. As noted, Blofeld is a wonderful writer, a sedulous scholar, a first-hand observer, and a gifted story-teller.

Dogmatising a No-Dogma Perspective of Taoism
Obviously written in 1976, this book had been published originally in 1978. I have read the print of 2000. If you have ordered this version, make sure you haven't got a misprint: In my book, the last chapter is missing, instead the end of another book was included. Accordingly, this review is based on the first 9 chapters only.

I do not know the next best thing about Taoism. I am interested in mysticism in all branches of religion, as mysticism is virtually identical, no matter where you look. The title suggested mystic content, and indeed, it gets included. Yet, not as extensively as I had hoped. Of course, there are other reasons to read this book. Obviously, the author himself wasn't that much interested in mysticism or intended his book to be more general about Taoism, i.e. for a broader readership. Besides somewhat more blunt words of mysticism in the beginning and the end, in between, you have to know mysticism already to catch some hints. I am not even sure, the author meant these as hints or wether he wrote them "accidentally", while describing Taoism. (Occasionally, he writes that he isn't sure himself wether he interpreted everything as intended by the Tao masters.) These "mystic hints" include indirect references to the non-existence of the separation of genders, no dualism, butoneness, no individual existence and no death.

Yet, when he writes about immortality, he takes that issue rather "literally", in the sense of longevity, with some Tao masters supposedly having lived some 130-160 years. Mystics know, of course that this is NOT meant with immortality. Additionally, on first glance such a life as advertized appears to be rather dull. Imagine 160 years of no sex, no spices in your food, no emotions, no tear running laughter, etc. In 2006, the Scandinavians made a film sounding similar to this: "The Bothersome Man". Paradise to some, it appears like hell to the protagonist. I say: As death does not exist to mystics, it is irrelevant, how long the individual body functions, i.e. it isn't necessary to deprive oneself from all the joy of living in a body in order to live "longer". I catch, what the author and the Taoist teachings are getting at. Yet, these guidelines aren't necessarily meant to be under-taken by all levels of believers/mystics. And as European mystic Master Eckhart once said, we aren't meant to be in a state of completely lived oneness with God 100% of the individual's lifetime. Just don't forget that automatic state while you are living.

There's a special point in this book about not having sex, especially spilling a certain male fluid. Though the author is rather describing some Tao approaches to that, it seems that he is agreeing. Spilling the seed isn't viewed as evil, but life-shortening. (Which again should be irrelevant to a mystic.) "When the oil is used up, the light goes out!" Nice adage, though it doesn't work: A lamp isn't reproducing it's oil by itself and the oil doesn't go dead/unusable in some 5 days, when not used and isn't reabsorbed by the lamp after that, if not used. This is rather another meme pool of misguided religious sex hostility (all religions are linked). Proof of that is the author's notion that all of the abstinence talk would apply to women as sick. He doesn't know from any Taoist text, but naturally assumes as much. So it isn't about some loss of life fluid after all, but dusty morals "explained" via superstitions/lacking knowledge.

The author's personal quest about a branch of Buddhism, the Bodhisattva of Compassion: The Mystical Tradition of Kuan Yin (Shambhala Dragon Editions) was more lively and accessibly written, yet, if you are interested in Taoism in a general way, this is probably a good start.

A beautiful view
This book presents a beautiful view of the Taoist landscape.There is more original writing than translation of other sources in this book and Blofeld writes very well.It is almost as though he were of the very tradition of Taoist alchemy to which he alludes - culling, refining and transmuting materials of the Tao to produce a pill or an elixir it may do us well to sample.

A Road Less Traveled
This was one of the first books I read on Taoism which described the Taoist life as it actually was lived. Although a scholarly work at heart, like all of Blofeld'd books, it never ceases to delight with wonderfulanecdotes and descriptions. Blofeld has a gift for taking what seems attimes to be dry, esoteric stuff, breathing life into it and making itshine. ... Read more

Product Description
Taoism and the Arts of China brings together a remarkable collection of art from one of China's most ancient and influential traditions. Produced to accompany the first major exhibition ever organized on the Taoist philosophy and religion, this opulent book includes more than 150 works of art from as early as the late Zhou dynasty (fifth-third century b.c.) to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Many of these works are paintings that show the breathtaking range of style and subject that makes the Taoist heritage so rich. Sculpture, calligraphy, rare books, textiles, and ritual objects are also represented. Like the exhibition, the book is organized thematically. It begins with the sage Laozi (to whom the Daode Jing is attributed), and moves on to explore the birth of religious Taoism and the interaction between Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. A wealth of subjects are covered: the gods of the Taoist pantheon, ritual, the boundaries and intersections between Taoism and popular religion, Taoist Immortals and Realized Beings, the role of alchemy, sacred landscape and its significance, and Taoist temples and their architecture.Taoism and the Arts of China includes an engaging series of introductory essays by scholars with a deep understanding of their subjects. Among the topics discussed are a historical introduction to Taoism, archaeological evidence for early Taoist art, and a general introduction to the functions of art in religious Taoism. Lavishly illustrated with over 150 color images, this volume affords a sweeping view of an artistic terrain that until now has received too little exposure in the West. Its publication constitutes a major advance in Western understanding of this important tradition. Amazon.com Review
Taoism and the Arts of China, the catalog for a blockbuster show in Chicago, represents an explosion of recent research into Taoism, China's most important indigenous religion and one of the world's oldest mystical traditions. Western scholars and Chinese intellectuals have tended to regard Taoism as folk religion, colored by magic and superstition, yet it is based on a sophisticated philosophy dating back 2,500 years to the teachings of Laozi. Taoism has no supreme being, though gods and goddesses were invented to put a recognizable face on the infinite Void of the Tao ("the Way"). Matter and energy are regarded as interchangeable (as in modern physics).

To represent the art inspired by Taoism over the millennia, the Art Institute of Chicago brought together 151 ritual implements, paintings, sculptures, and documents from 50 national museums, temples, and private collections worldwide. These objects are divided into three sections in the catalog and used to illustrate Taoism's philosophical origins; its organization and ceremonies; and its development into popular religion. Lively captions explain the significance of each item; for example, a 2,000-year-old stone panel showing the supposedly historical meeting of Confucius and Laozi, after which an awed Confucius described Laozi as a dragon (a symbol of the Tao). Essays by five leading scholars place religious Taoism in the context of Chinese art and history--a complex task, lucidly handled. This is a landmark study. With popular Taoism rebounding in modern China, Taoism and the Arts of China presents truly pioneering scholarship, expanding our appreciation of a once unfashionable area of research. --John Stevenson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A scholarly and informative historical artwork survey
Enhanced with 190 color illustrations and 50 b/w photographs, Asian art expert Stephen Little's Taoism And The Arts Of China is an impressive, erudite compendium of art from one of China's most ancient and influential philosophical and religious traditions. This scholarly and informative historical artwork survey begins with the Zhou dynasty (fifth to third century B.C.E.) down to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). With insightful essays by Kristofer Shipper, Wu Hung, Patricia Ebrey, and Nancy Steinhardt, Taoism And The Arts Of China is a core addition to any personal, academic, or community library art history, Asian Studies, or Taoism reference collection. This superbly presented art history is also available in hardcover (0-520-22784-0).

The Magical Art of the Tao
The book Taoism and the Arts of China was compiled to accompany the first major exhibit of Taoist art, which I saw at the Art Institute of Chicago. These centuries-old works are astonishing. I couldn't get enough of the exhibit, and now I can't get enough of the book. Considerable scholarship went into both.

The curators begin with the sage Laozi and his cognition of an unmanifest source of creation, which is called the Tao, or "way." As the collection progresses, the viewer sees the universal principle of the Tao enter the weave of Chinese culture. The teaching becomes visibly more elaborate and eventually the Way becomes a religion, acquiring deities, priests, rituals, and magic elixirs. Like an alchemist in reverse, the cycle of time takes a transcendent reality and turns it into the denser element of doctrine, right before our very eyes.

Some say the artists that served Taoism mixed potent elixirs into the paints they used. Whether or not this is true, I couldn't stop looking at their work. I wish the printed page could capture the exquisite detail, color and charisma of the originals. Still, Taoism and the Arts of China achieves its purpose. I showed the book to friends at a dinner party. They huddled over it a while, then resolved to drive off that very night to reach Chicago by morning, the last day of the exhibit. It was the right idea. This art should not be missed. ... Read more

Product Description
Taoism and the Arts of China brings together a remarkable collection of art from one of China's most ancient and influential traditions. Produced to accompany the first major exhibition ever organized on the Taoist philosophy and religion, this opulent book includes more than 150 works of art from as early as the late Zhou dynasty (fifth-third century b.c.) to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Many of these works are paintings that show the breathtaking range of style and subject that makes the Taoist heritage so rich. Sculpture, calligraphy, rare books, textiles, and ritual objects are also represented. Like the exhibition, the book is organized thematically. It begins with the sage Laozi (to whom the Daode Jing is attributed), and moves on to explore the birth of religious Taoism and the interaction between Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. A wealth of subjects are covered: the gods of the Taoist pantheon, ritual, the boundaries and intersections between Taoism and popular religion, Taoist Immortals and Realized Beings, the role of alchemy, sacred landscape and its significance, and Taoist temples and their architecture.Taoism and the Arts of China includes an engaging series of introductory essays by scholars with a deep understanding of their subjects. Among the topics discussed are a historical introduction to Taoism, archaeological evidence for early Taoist art, and a general introduction to the functions of art in religious Taoism. Lavishly illustrated with over 150 color images, this volume affords a sweeping view of an artistic terrain that until now has received too little exposure in the West. Its publication constitutes a major advance in Western understanding of this important tradition. Amazon.com Review
Taoism and the Arts of China, the catalog for a blockbuster show in Chicago, represents an explosion of recent research into Taoism, China's most important indigenous religion and one of the world's oldest mystical traditions. Western scholars and Chinese intellectuals have tended to regard Taoism as folk religion, colored by magic and superstition, yet it is based on a sophisticated philosophy dating back 2,500 years to the teachings of Laozi. Taoism has no supreme being, though gods and goddesses were invented to put a recognizable face on the infinite Void of the Tao ("the Way"). Matter and energy are regarded as interchangeable (as in modern physics).

To represent the art inspired by Taoism over the millennia, the Art Institute of Chicago brought together 151 ritual implements, paintings, sculptures, and documents from 50 national museums, temples, and private collections worldwide. These objects are divided into three sections in the catalog and used to illustrate Taoism's philosophical origins; its organization and ceremonies; and its development into popular religion. Lively captions explain the significance of each item; for example, a 2,000-year-old stone panel showing the supposedly historical meeting of Confucius and Laozi, after which an awed Confucius described Laozi as a dragon (a symbol of the Tao). Essays by five leading scholars place religious Taoism in the context of Chinese art and history--a complex task, lucidly handled. This is a landmark study. With popular Taoism rebounding in modern China, Taoism and the Arts of China presents truly pioneering scholarship, expanding our appreciation of a once unfashionable area of research. --John Stevenson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A scholarly and informative historical artwork survey
Enhanced with 190 color illustrations and 50 b/w photographs, Asian art expert Stephen Little's Taoism And The Arts Of China is an impressive, erudite compendium of art from one of China's most ancient and influential philosophical and religious traditions. This scholarly and informative historical artwork survey begins with the Zhou dynasty (fifth to third century B.C.E.) down to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). With insightful essays by Kristofer Shipper, Wu Hung, Patricia Ebrey, and Nancy Steinhardt, Taoism And The Arts Of China is a core addition to any personal, academic, or community library art history, Asian Studies, or Taoism reference collection. This superbly presented art history is also available in hardcover (0-520-22784-0).

The Magical Art of the Tao
The book Taoism and the Arts of China was compiled to accompany the first major exhibit of Taoist art, which I saw at the Art Institute of Chicago. These centuries-old works are astonishing. I couldn't get enough of the exhibit, and now I can't get enough of the book. Considerable scholarship went into both.

The curators begin with the sage Laozi and his cognition of an unmanifest source of creation, which is called the Tao, or "way." As the collection progresses, the viewer sees the universal principle of the Tao enter the weave of Chinese culture. The teaching becomes visibly more elaborate and eventually the Way becomes a religion, acquiring deities, priests, rituals, and magic elixirs. Like an alchemist in reverse, the cycle of time takes a transcendent reality and turns it into the denser element of doctrine, right before our very eyes.

Some say the artists that served Taoism mixed potent elixirs into the paints they used. Whether or not this is true, I couldn't stop looking at their work. I wish the printed page could capture the exquisite detail, color and charisma of the originals. Still, Taoism and the Arts of China achieves its purpose. I showed the book to friends at a dinner party. They huddled over it a while, then resolved to drive off that very night to reach Chicago by morning, the last day of the exhibit. It was the right idea. This art should not be missed. ... 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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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
Christine Mollier reveals in this volume previously unexplored dimensions of the interaction between Buddhism and Taoism in medieval China. While scholars of Chinese religions have long recognized the mutual influences linking the two traditions, Mollier here brings to light their intense contest for hegemony in the domains of scripture and ritual. Drawing on a far-reaching investigation of canonical texts, together with manuscript sources from Dunhuang and the monastic libraries of Japan - many of them studied here for the first time - she demonstrates the competition and complementarity of the two great Chinese religions in their quest to address personal and collective fears of diverse ills, including sorcery, famine, and untimely death. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Useful for Laypersons as well as the religious or scholarly
Mollier surveys a few of the 40,000-odd manuscripts found in a sealed chamber at Dunhuang, with a particular eye to the relations between Taoism and Buddhism.

Against a background of interfaith rivalry (in which Taoists could depict Lao-tzu reincarnating as Buddha to convert the foreigners, whilst Buddhists had Lao-tzu as Buddha's disciple) she unpicks some interesting stuff about similar doctrines appearing in the texts of the two different faiths. Buddhist longevity sutras turn out to have stolen their texts wholesale from Taoist originals; Taoism in return modelled an entire deity upon a Buddhist bodhisattva.

There is much local colour for anyone who has an interest in this kind of thing -- descriptions of witchcraft practices (watch out for 'gu'!) and use of the Big Dipper, etc., revealing morsels of practice and belief. Whole texts are translated; the scholarship is very able and at times wry.

Good scholarly work
Very good scholarly work on the re-examination of ancient traditions

One comment: Some scriptures, e.g. Sutra for Pacifying Houses and Sutra of Incantations of the Eight Yang, probably have earlier Taoist versions. It's more likely the Buddhist versions were adapted from lost Taoist versions, since concepts like "Pacifying Houses" and "Yang" (as in "Yin-Yang") have much longer history in Taoist traditions. ... Read more

Product Description
This concise and reliable introduction to Taoism brings a fresh dimension to a tradition that has found a natural place in Western societies.Combining Taoist sacred texts with current scholarship, it surveys Taoism's ancient roots, contemporary heritage and role in daily life.
From Taoism's spiritual philosophy to its practical perspectives on life and death, self-cultivation, morality, society, leadership and gender, Russell Kirkland's essential guide reveals the real contexts behind concepts such as Feng Shui and Tai Chi. Written for those seeking a genuine introduction to an often misrepresented tradition, it highlights Taoism's key elements and explains its early origins and modern transformations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Treasure and tool
In modern world only few learners of Taoism are blessed with a real teacher.The rest of us have to get by books, articles and similar sources. Unfortunately we quickly learn that there is a huge, stinky sewage of books by "experts" among which we are to seek for rare pearls.

This book is not only one of such pearls, it also teaches to deal with the sewage, to distinguish real scholarship from New Age "interpretations".

Yes, it is not an easy read because it is written more like research article, but if you are interested in essence of Taoist beliefs and philosophy this book absolutely worth the time you'll spend to read it.

But if you really believe that LeGuin is a Taoist then do not bother with this book.

Criticism of Taoist Scholarship
I bought this book because it had great reviews and it's hard to find good material on the practices and texts of Taoism beyond the level of Tao of Pooh and Taoism for Dummies. But upon reading this torture of a text I found the other reviewers must have had different interests than mine, for what I've found in the book is a state-of-the-union address on Taoist scholarship (mainly how 19th and 20th century translators have not taken into consideration this or that text or aspect of Chinese history) but as to a rigorous explanation of the different practices and beliefs of Taoists there is not much to go on in this book. The author seems more interested in showing off his scholarship of Chinese thought and presenting what Taoism IS NOT than of telling us what those texts he so profusely cites say about what Taoism IS.

Real Taoism
I have been trying for awhile to find accurate treatments of Taoism from actual scholars (not hacks who know nothing of Chinese history, religion, culture, or language - but have no problem filling the shelves at Barnes and Noble with fatuous fluff).This is an excellent book that not only covers the origins and development of Taoism from the perspective of the "Taoists" themselves (not from the perspective of Westerners who received most of their knowledge from often adversarial Confucians), but it even has an excellent section on "Cultivating the Tao" for those who are interested in putting Taoist traditions into practice.

Great exerpt:

"In the 20th Century West, Taoist practice was deeply misunderstood my narcissistic pseudo-Taoists, who falsely imagined that 'following the Tao' requires no more than 'going with the flow' or 'just being spontaneous.'To the contrary, Taoist practice traditionally rested upon self-discipline as 'the foundation that sets up the basic framework of mind and body in which alone the hard work of the path can be accomplished."(p. 202)

Check the references for other excellent sources on Taoism.

(Please remember that this is an academic source, so don't think you are going to read the "Tao of Poo" and then give the book a bad review when you see the big words.If you want something dumbed down, look elsewhere.)

Taoism - a fresh viewpoint
Prof Kirkland wrote this highly readable research work on Taoism.He traced the history of this tradition in the ancient land how it influenced to and impacted by Confucianism and Buddhism.He offered a fresh perspective, quite different from the Western orthodox viewpoint

Without missionary selling and promoting, Taoism offered more than philosophy in the land of Western Civilization - wealth but in discontentment, strong but insecure.As a Taoist, Prof Kirkland gave this book to the general public on the understanding of the mystery of Tao in the way to spiritual happiness and freedom.
... Read more

Product Description
'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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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
Taoist studies have progressed beyond any expectation during the past decades. A number of important studies in different languages have investigated topics virtually unknown only a few years earlier, while others have surveyed for the first time textual, doctrinal and ritual corpora. These works have greatly increased our knowledge of Taoism, and have opened new paths to research. This volume builds on these works.
Both the content and format of this reference make it an extremely useful tool for scholars and students, who will be able easily to access historical, terminological and bibliographical information on a great number of subjects related to Taoism. The book reflects the current state of Taoist scholarship and contributes to further progress in this and related fields. It provides an accurate overview of Taoist history, thought, and religion through a wide selection of topics. Entries are cross-referenced and provided with bibliographical data. No work of this kind is available in a western language. 1750 entries arranged in alphabetical order will cover schools, texts, historical characters, divinities, practices, techniques, places, temples and important terms. The entries and the bibliography include Chinese and Japanese characters. The book includes a chronology of Taoism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I did not have the same problem
I did not have the same problem as the other reviewer.The item information clearly says "2 Volume Set" on this page, and when it arrived today, it came as two shrink-wrapped volumes.

The entries are lucid and authoritative, written by some of the best scholars in Taoist studies today, but I find that occasionally the contributors are unaware of developments outside their field.The entry on Guangcheng zi, for example, should have discussed the Warring-States manuscript "Rongcheng zi" (now housed in the Shanghai Museum) and its possible relevance.

Amazon stupidly thinks that selling only volume one is good enough.
BEWARE GETTING RIPPED OFF when you buy this title. I had to go thru enormous hassle and return this book. Amazon advertises it misleadingly. The book title on the webpage has no words about "vol. 1" or "2 vols."The picture supplied by a customer (it seems) shows a "Vol. One" but hell, that is just a picture of one of the books. It doesn't mean "You ain't gonna get volume two." For the approx. $250 price, one should be supplied BOTH VOLS., not just vol. 1, which I rec'd and which has only 700 pp.The publisher lists the exact same title, but declares it as a 2-vol. set.Amazon later told me that they do not carry a vol. 2. Without vol. 2, the title is worthless. Better to buy it for $300 from the publisher. ... Read more

Product Description
This fascinating volume provides a concise, illustrated introduction to five of the great religious traditions of the world--Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Buddhism, one of the world's great religious traditions, attracts millions of modern-day followers. Hinduism, one of the most ancient of all belief systems, is increasingly well known in the West through expatriate Indian communities. Taoism has been an important influence on Western thinking, especially through the impact of the Tao Te Ching. Confucianism, less metaphysical in its principles, emphasizes family values and the role of the individual within the state. And Shinto, distinctively Japanese in character, is the most animistic of the great religions, based on a belief in numerous individual spirits. The contributors explore a great variety of topics within these religions, including: the life of the Buddha; karma and rebirth; inspiring teachers and gurus; the life of Confucius; sacred Taoist texts; the epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata; holy landscapes, shrines, and festivals; enlightenment; and--for all the faiths--the spiritual and ethical teachings, art and architecture, sacred writings, ritual and ceremony, and death and the afterlife. Also included are extracts from or summaries of historical texts, with author commentaries that explain the significance of each piece and place in its full context. Authoritative and accessible, Eastern Religions provides a gateway for all those in the West who wish to move one step closer to the spirit of the East. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Global Religions - lack of essence
The book gives for each of the religions; Hinduism, Buddism, Taoism, Confucianism and Shinto a good structure into main sections; Origins and history, aspects of the divine, sacred texts, ethical priciples, sacred space, death and afterlife and Society and religion. However within each section there is numereous detailed references to names, places, dates and texts.I miss an overview of each section of what is of importance and what has less significanse. Inserting for each section a missing link- an overview pinpoininting esseentials would make the book an recommendable textbook.

great
I was extremely happy they expeditited this item for a low fee. Book was in good condition

nice :3
Concise information, nice (and lots of) pictures, and NEVER boring! I really enjoyed using this book for my Eastern Humanities class. It was not at all what I had expected: it was not hard to understand, it was not boring, and it did assume that I already knew everything there was to know about Eastern religions.

So, all-in-all, I would recommend this book... even if you're not taking an Eastern religion class! It really clarifies a lot of myths and misconceptions about Eastern religions.

an unusual introductory text
This Oxford publication seems best suited for a comparative world religion course.I found it in search of material for a unit on comparative world religion in my Sociology of Religion course, and I have used it several times now.I wish there was something comparable on Western Religions!EASTERN RELIGIONS is unorthodox in that it has the glossy pages and color photos typically found in a large-format textbook, but instead is in a 5" X 7.5" handbook format.It is 550 pages long, but with plenty of great photos, including reproductions of artwork, the actual text is nowhere near that long.

The organization of the sections is both the strength and the weakness.Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Shinto are covered, and for each there is a section on 1) Origins and Historical Development, 2) Aspects of the Divine, 3) Sacred Texts, 4) Sacred Persons, 5) Ethical Principles, 6) Sacred Space, 7) Sacred Time, 8) Death and the Afterlife, and 9) Society and Religion.

The strength of this approach, from a sociological standpoint, is that religious practices receive as much attention as religious doctrines and beliefs.For instance, Dipavali, the Necklace (or Festival) of Lights, which was recently celebrated, is covered in the Sacred Time sub-section of the Hinduism section.For instance Laozi, fabled author of the Tao te Ching, is worshipped as a god by Taoists in China, which I'm sure is news to many in the West who read the Tao te Ching as philosophy and are informed that Laozi may never have existed as a singular historical person at all.The reader learns of the Three Teachings tradition of China, which combines Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.Here's where the strength becomes a weakness, though -- the China expert has to write the Taoism and Confucianism sections separately, and so while some of the material overlaps (for instance qi, yin and yang), it remains unclear exactly how they are (or were) combined in the everyday life of the Chinese people, let alone how they combine with Buddhism which has a separate author altogether.And the Chinese "popular religion" is mentioned as well, but never explained at all, because it doesn't fit the framework.

Credit where credit is due:the Hinduism section is written by Vasudha Narayanan, Professor of Religion at the University of Florida, the Buddhism section is written by Malcolm David Eckel, Associate Professor of Religion at Boston University, the Shinto section is written by C. Scott Littleton, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Occidental College in Los Angeles, and the sections on Taoism and Confucianism are written by Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, Assistant Professor (of what the book jacket does not say) at Wittenberg University in Ohio. ... Read more