Author: Hans-Georg Moeller
Publisher: Open Court
ISBN: 0812697502
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 188
Book Description
Hans-Georg Moeller has achieved the perfect blend with At the Center of the Circle: it is both a fascinating introduction to Daoist thought as well as an original and insightful contribution to Eastern philosophy. This book will take the place of The Tao of Pooh by Hoff. Like that book, At the Center of the Circle offers a comprehensive presentation of Daoist philosophy that is interesting and easy to follow. Two ways the present book differs from the earlier classic are (1) this one has a more rigorous philosophical grounding so teachers will not hesitate to use it in classes and (2) it takes into account the research and discoveries in the decades following the release of the Pooh book. It is written for a general readership interested in Asian thought and religions as well as for specialists in the field of comparative and Chinese philosophy. This work is unique in its focus because it offers a coherent interpretation of the general tenets of Daoist philosophy on the basis of the imagery employed in various Daoist texts and by explaining how those texts and images connect to each other and how they were actually understood by ancient Chinese philosophers. The study sheds new light on many important Daoist allegories by showing how modern translations often concealed the original wit and humor of the Chinese original, or imposed alien philosophical frameworks on them. It attempts to take away the metaphysical and Christian disguises with which Daoist philosophy has been obscured by Western interpretations in the past one hundred years. By explaining the differences between Daoism and traditional Western modes of thought, it also shows how Daoism might contribute to the present-day endeavor of overcoming of the latter. The study begins with an introductory section providing basic information on the texts of classical Daoism (Laozi, Zhuangzi), the history of Daoism, its political and religious dimensions, and the meaning of the term Dao. The first chapter of the book analyzes—often from a new perspective—Daoist images (such as water, the root, femininity) and allegories (such as the famous “Dream of the Butterfly” and the “Fishnet Allegory”) and explains their philosophical significance. The second chapter, referring to those images and allegories, outlines several philosophical concepts of Daoism including life and death, nature, art, ethics, and the body. The third chapter offers a more abstract interpretation of specific structural features of Daoist philosophy by putting emphasis on one core structure: the circle and its empty center (this is, obviously, what the title of the book refers to) and compares, or rather contrasts, it with Western (especially Christian) thought. The fourth chapter discusses the relation between Daoism and Zen (or: Chan) Buddhism and concludes with an outlook on the relevance of Daoism for contemporary philosophy.
Daoism Explained
Author: Hans-Georg Moeller
Publisher: Open Court
ISBN: 0812697502
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 188
Book Description
Hans-Georg Moeller has achieved the perfect blend with At the Center of the Circle: it is both a fascinating introduction to Daoist thought as well as an original and insightful contribution to Eastern philosophy. This book will take the place of The Tao of Pooh by Hoff. Like that book, At the Center of the Circle offers a comprehensive presentation of Daoist philosophy that is interesting and easy to follow. Two ways the present book differs from the earlier classic are (1) this one has a more rigorous philosophical grounding so teachers will not hesitate to use it in classes and (2) it takes into account the research and discoveries in the decades following the release of the Pooh book. It is written for a general readership interested in Asian thought and religions as well as for specialists in the field of comparative and Chinese philosophy. This work is unique in its focus because it offers a coherent interpretation of the general tenets of Daoist philosophy on the basis of the imagery employed in various Daoist texts and by explaining how those texts and images connect to each other and how they were actually understood by ancient Chinese philosophers. The study sheds new light on many important Daoist allegories by showing how modern translations often concealed the original wit and humor of the Chinese original, or imposed alien philosophical frameworks on them. It attempts to take away the metaphysical and Christian disguises with which Daoist philosophy has been obscured by Western interpretations in the past one hundred years. By explaining the differences between Daoism and traditional Western modes of thought, it also shows how Daoism might contribute to the present-day endeavor of overcoming of the latter. The study begins with an introductory section providing basic information on the texts of classical Daoism (Laozi, Zhuangzi), the history of Daoism, its political and religious dimensions, and the meaning of the term Dao. The first chapter of the book analyzes—often from a new perspective—Daoist images (such as water, the root, femininity) and allegories (such as the famous “Dream of the Butterfly” and the “Fishnet Allegory”) and explains their philosophical significance. The second chapter, referring to those images and allegories, outlines several philosophical concepts of Daoism including life and death, nature, art, ethics, and the body. The third chapter offers a more abstract interpretation of specific structural features of Daoist philosophy by putting emphasis on one core structure: the circle and its empty center (this is, obviously, what the title of the book refers to) and compares, or rather contrasts, it with Western (especially Christian) thought. The fourth chapter discusses the relation between Daoism and Zen (or: Chan) Buddhism and concludes with an outlook on the relevance of Daoism for contemporary philosophy.
Publisher: Open Court
ISBN: 0812697502
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 188
Book Description
Hans-Georg Moeller has achieved the perfect blend with At the Center of the Circle: it is both a fascinating introduction to Daoist thought as well as an original and insightful contribution to Eastern philosophy. This book will take the place of The Tao of Pooh by Hoff. Like that book, At the Center of the Circle offers a comprehensive presentation of Daoist philosophy that is interesting and easy to follow. Two ways the present book differs from the earlier classic are (1) this one has a more rigorous philosophical grounding so teachers will not hesitate to use it in classes and (2) it takes into account the research and discoveries in the decades following the release of the Pooh book. It is written for a general readership interested in Asian thought and religions as well as for specialists in the field of comparative and Chinese philosophy. This work is unique in its focus because it offers a coherent interpretation of the general tenets of Daoist philosophy on the basis of the imagery employed in various Daoist texts and by explaining how those texts and images connect to each other and how they were actually understood by ancient Chinese philosophers. The study sheds new light on many important Daoist allegories by showing how modern translations often concealed the original wit and humor of the Chinese original, or imposed alien philosophical frameworks on them. It attempts to take away the metaphysical and Christian disguises with which Daoist philosophy has been obscured by Western interpretations in the past one hundred years. By explaining the differences between Daoism and traditional Western modes of thought, it also shows how Daoism might contribute to the present-day endeavor of overcoming of the latter. The study begins with an introductory section providing basic information on the texts of classical Daoism (Laozi, Zhuangzi), the history of Daoism, its political and religious dimensions, and the meaning of the term Dao. The first chapter of the book analyzes—often from a new perspective—Daoist images (such as water, the root, femininity) and allegories (such as the famous “Dream of the Butterfly” and the “Fishnet Allegory”) and explains their philosophical significance. The second chapter, referring to those images and allegories, outlines several philosophical concepts of Daoism including life and death, nature, art, ethics, and the body. The third chapter offers a more abstract interpretation of specific structural features of Daoist philosophy by putting emphasis on one core structure: the circle and its empty center (this is, obviously, what the title of the book refers to) and compares, or rather contrasts, it with Western (especially Christian) thought. The fourth chapter discusses the relation between Daoism and Zen (or: Chan) Buddhism and concludes with an outlook on the relevance of Daoism for contemporary philosophy.
The Way of Nature
Author: Zhuangzi
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691179743
Category : Comics & Graphic Novels
Languages : en
Pages : 253
Book Description
"The Way of Nature brings together all of Tsai's beguiling cartoon illustrations of the Zhuangzi, which takes its name from its author. The result is a uniquely accessible and entertaining adaptation of a pillar of classical Daoism, which has deeply influenced Chinese poetry, landscape painting, martial arts, and Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Irreverent and inspiring, The Way of Nature presents the memorable characters, fables, and thought experiments of Zhuangzi like no other edition, challenging readers to dig beneath conventional assumptions about self, society, and nature, and pointing to a more natural way of life. Through practical insights and far-reaching arguments, Zhuangzi shows why returning to the spontaneity of nature is the only sane response to a world of conflict."--Provided by publisher
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 0691179743
Category : Comics & Graphic Novels
Languages : en
Pages : 253
Book Description
"The Way of Nature brings together all of Tsai's beguiling cartoon illustrations of the Zhuangzi, which takes its name from its author. The result is a uniquely accessible and entertaining adaptation of a pillar of classical Daoism, which has deeply influenced Chinese poetry, landscape painting, martial arts, and Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Irreverent and inspiring, The Way of Nature presents the memorable characters, fables, and thought experiments of Zhuangzi like no other edition, challenging readers to dig beneath conventional assumptions about self, society, and nature, and pointing to a more natural way of life. Through practical insights and far-reaching arguments, Zhuangzi shows why returning to the spontaneity of nature is the only sane response to a world of conflict."--Provided by publisher
Tao Te Ching
Author: Laozi
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
Lao-tzu and the Tao-te-ching
Author: Livia Kohn
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791436004
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 348
Book Description
Examines the traditional and modern Western interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, and its author, Lao-tzu.
Publisher: SUNY Press
ISBN: 9780791436004
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 348
Book Description
Examines the traditional and modern Western interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, and its author, Lao-tzu.
Trying Not to Try
Author: Edward Slingerland
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0770437621
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 304
Book Description
A deeply original exploration of the power of spontaneity—an ancient Chinese ideal that cognitive scientists are only now beginning to understand—and why it is so essential to our well-being Why is it always hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a politician who seems wooden or a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? In all of these cases, striving seems to backfire. In Trying Not To Try, Edward Slingerland explains why we find spontaneity so elusive, and shows how early Chinese thought points the way to happier, more authentic lives. We’ve long been told that the way to achieve our goals is through careful reasoning and conscious effort. But recent research suggests that many aspects of a satisfying life, like happiness and spontaneity, are best pursued indirectly. The early Chinese philosophers knew this, and they wrote extensively about an effortless way of being in the world, which they called wu-wei (ooo-way). They believed it was the source of all success in life, and they developed various strategies for getting it and hanging on to it. With clarity and wit, Slingerland introduces us to these thinkers and the marvelous characters in their texts, from the butcher whose blade glides effortlessly through an ox to the wood carver who sees his sculpture simply emerge from a solid block. Slingerland uncovers a direct line from wu-wei to the Force in Star Wars, explains why wu-wei is more powerful than flow, and tells us what it all means for getting a date. He also shows how new research reveals what’s happening in the brain when we’re in a state of wu-wei—why it makes us happy and effective and trustworthy, and how it might have even made civilization possible. Through stories of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motorcycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can live more fulfilling lives. Trying Not To Try is mind-expanding and deeply pleasurable, the perfect antidote to our striving modern culture.
Publisher: Crown
ISBN: 0770437621
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 304
Book Description
A deeply original exploration of the power of spontaneity—an ancient Chinese ideal that cognitive scientists are only now beginning to understand—and why it is so essential to our well-being Why is it always hard to fall asleep the night before an important meeting? Or be charming and relaxed on a first date? What is it about a politician who seems wooden or a comedian whose jokes fall flat or an athlete who chokes? In all of these cases, striving seems to backfire. In Trying Not To Try, Edward Slingerland explains why we find spontaneity so elusive, and shows how early Chinese thought points the way to happier, more authentic lives. We’ve long been told that the way to achieve our goals is through careful reasoning and conscious effort. But recent research suggests that many aspects of a satisfying life, like happiness and spontaneity, are best pursued indirectly. The early Chinese philosophers knew this, and they wrote extensively about an effortless way of being in the world, which they called wu-wei (ooo-way). They believed it was the source of all success in life, and they developed various strategies for getting it and hanging on to it. With clarity and wit, Slingerland introduces us to these thinkers and the marvelous characters in their texts, from the butcher whose blade glides effortlessly through an ox to the wood carver who sees his sculpture simply emerge from a solid block. Slingerland uncovers a direct line from wu-wei to the Force in Star Wars, explains why wu-wei is more powerful than flow, and tells us what it all means for getting a date. He also shows how new research reveals what’s happening in the brain when we’re in a state of wu-wei—why it makes us happy and effective and trustworthy, and how it might have even made civilization possible. Through stories of mythical creatures and drunken cart riders, jazz musicians and Japanese motorcycle gangs, Slingerland effortlessly blends Eastern thought and cutting-edge science to show us how we can live more fulfilling lives. Trying Not To Try is mind-expanding and deeply pleasurable, the perfect antidote to our striving modern culture.
The Philosophy of the Daodejing
Author: Hans-Georg Moeller
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231510101
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
For centuries, the ancient Chinese philosophical text the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) has fascinated and frustrated its readers. While it offers a wealth of rich philosophical insights concerning the cultivation of one's body and attaining one's proper place within nature and the cosmos, its teachings and structure can be enigmatic and obscure. Hans-Georg Moeller presents a clear and coherent description and analysis of this vaguely understood Chinese classic. He explores the recurring images and ideas that shape the work and offers a variety of useful approaches to understanding and appreciating this canonical text. Moeller expounds on the core philosophical issues addressed in the Daodejing, clarifying such crucial concepts as Yin and Yang and Dao and De. He explains its teachings on a variety of subjects, including sexuality, ethics, desire, cosmology, human nature, the emotions, time, death, and the death penalty. The Daodejing also offers a distinctive ideal of social order and political leadership and presents a philosophy of war and peace. An illuminating exploration, The Daodejing is an interesting foil to the philosophical outlook of Western humanism and contains surprising parallels between its teachings and nontraditional contemporary philosophies.
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 0231510101
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 185
Book Description
For centuries, the ancient Chinese philosophical text the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) has fascinated and frustrated its readers. While it offers a wealth of rich philosophical insights concerning the cultivation of one's body and attaining one's proper place within nature and the cosmos, its teachings and structure can be enigmatic and obscure. Hans-Georg Moeller presents a clear and coherent description and analysis of this vaguely understood Chinese classic. He explores the recurring images and ideas that shape the work and offers a variety of useful approaches to understanding and appreciating this canonical text. Moeller expounds on the core philosophical issues addressed in the Daodejing, clarifying such crucial concepts as Yin and Yang and Dao and De. He explains its teachings on a variety of subjects, including sexuality, ethics, desire, cosmology, human nature, the emotions, time, death, and the death penalty. The Daodejing also offers a distinctive ideal of social order and political leadership and presents a philosophy of war and peace. An illuminating exploration, The Daodejing is an interesting foil to the philosophical outlook of Western humanism and contains surprising parallels between its teachings and nontraditional contemporary philosophies.
The Tao of Pooh
Author: Benjamin Hoff
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780416195118
Category : Children's stories, English
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780416195118
Category : Children's stories, English
Languages : en
Pages : 158
Book Description
Daodejing
Author: Laozi
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191607258
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224
Book Description
'Of ways you may speak, but not the Perennial Way; By names you may name, but not the Perennial Name.' The best-loved of all the classical books of China and the most universally popular, the Daodejing or Classic of the Way and Life-Force is a work that defies definition. It encapsulates the main tenets of Daoism, and upholds a way of being as well as a philosophy and a religion. The dominant image is of the Way, the mysterious path through the whole cosmos modelled on the great Silver River or Milky Way that traverses the heavens. A life-giving stream, the Way gives rise to all things and holds them in her motherly embrace. It enables the individual, and society as a whole, to harmonize the disparate demands of daily life and achieve a more profound level of understanding. This new translation draws on the latest archaeological finds and brings out the word play and poetry of the original. Simple commentary accompanies the text, and the introduction provides further historical and interpretative context. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191607258
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224
Book Description
'Of ways you may speak, but not the Perennial Way; By names you may name, but not the Perennial Name.' The best-loved of all the classical books of China and the most universally popular, the Daodejing or Classic of the Way and Life-Force is a work that defies definition. It encapsulates the main tenets of Daoism, and upholds a way of being as well as a philosophy and a religion. The dominant image is of the Way, the mysterious path through the whole cosmos modelled on the great Silver River or Milky Way that traverses the heavens. A life-giving stream, the Way gives rise to all things and holds them in her motherly embrace. It enables the individual, and society as a whole, to harmonize the disparate demands of daily life and achieve a more profound level of understanding. This new translation draws on the latest archaeological finds and brings out the word play and poetry of the original. Simple commentary accompanies the text, and the introduction provides further historical and interpretative context. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Philosophers of the Warring States: A Sourcebook in Chinese Philosophy
Author:
Publisher: Broadview Press
ISBN: 1460405641
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
Philosophers of the Warring States is an anthology of new translations of essential readings from the classic texts of early Chinese philosophy, informed by the latest scholarship. It includes the Analects of Confucius, Meng Zi (Mencius), Xun Zi, Mo Zi, Lao Zi (Dao De Jing), Zhuang Zi, and Han Fei Zi, as well as short chapters on the Da Xue and the Zhong Yong. Pedagogically organized, this book offers philosophically sophisticated annotations and commentaries as well as an extensive glossary explaining key philosophical concepts in detail. The translations aim to be true to the originals yet accessible, with the goal of opening up these rich and subtle philosophical texts to modern readers without prior training in Chinese thought.
Publisher: Broadview Press
ISBN: 1460405641
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 450
Book Description
Philosophers of the Warring States is an anthology of new translations of essential readings from the classic texts of early Chinese philosophy, informed by the latest scholarship. It includes the Analects of Confucius, Meng Zi (Mencius), Xun Zi, Mo Zi, Lao Zi (Dao De Jing), Zhuang Zi, and Han Fei Zi, as well as short chapters on the Da Xue and the Zhong Yong. Pedagogically organized, this book offers philosophically sophisticated annotations and commentaries as well as an extensive glossary explaining key philosophical concepts in detail. The translations aim to be true to the originals yet accessible, with the goal of opening up these rich and subtle philosophical texts to modern readers without prior training in Chinese thought.
Taoism and the Arts of China
Author: Stephen Little
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520227859
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 422
Book Description
A celebration of Taoist art traces the influence of philosophy on the visual arts in China.
Publisher: Univ of California Press
ISBN: 9780520227859
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 422
Book Description
A celebration of Taoist art traces the influence of philosophy on the visual arts in China.