Digging Your Own Well: Daoism as a Practical Philosophy

Digging Your Own Well: Daoism as a Practical Philosophy PDF Author: Bill Hulet
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 0993839533
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
Ever called yourself "spiritual, but not religious"?, ever read the Tao Te Ching?, interested in martial arts?, want to live in harmony with nature?, or, do you think that something is fundamentally wrong with our civilization?---this might be the book for you. "Digging Your Own Well" is the result of a 30 year effort of integrating the ancient Chinese wisdom philosophy of Daoism with modern life. No New Age "wooo", just practical suggestions about how to make sense of the 21st century.

Digging Your Own Well: Daoism as a Practical Philosophy

Digging Your Own Well: Daoism as a Practical Philosophy PDF Author: Bill Hulet
Publisher: Lulu.com
ISBN: 0993839533
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 100

Get Book Here

Book Description
Ever called yourself "spiritual, but not religious"?, ever read the Tao Te Ching?, interested in martial arts?, want to live in harmony with nature?, or, do you think that something is fundamentally wrong with our civilization?---this might be the book for you. "Digging Your Own Well" is the result of a 30 year effort of integrating the ancient Chinese wisdom philosophy of Daoism with modern life. No New Age "wooo", just practical suggestions about how to make sense of the 21st century.

Taoism

Taoism PDF Author: Eva Wong
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1590308824
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 281

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

Wu Wei - The Tao of Non-Doing

Wu Wei - The Tao of Non-Doing PDF Author: Andrew Townsend
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Wu Wei - The Tao of Non-Doing explores the Taoist principle of wu wei, or non-doing, along with the related practice of wei wu wei, or effortless action. The goal of this book is to present, as clearly and as simply as possible, the various ways in which you can incorporate the principle of wu wei into your own life in order to accomplish your personal goals more efficiently and effectively as well as to enhance every aspect of the precious gift that is your life. As you will discover through reading the material presented in this book, the principle - or better yet, the practice - of wu wei is both diverse and comprehensive in its varied interpretations and applications. While it would be possible to address the principle of wu wei and its applications independently of any broader philosophical platform, it is conducive to the understanding of wu wei to place this principle within the context of Taoist philosophy. For this reason, this book includes a brief introduction to Taoism in order to acquaint the reader with several of the most salient concepts and principles of Taoist philosophy, especially as these concepts and principles relate to the practices of non-doing and effortless action. Accordingly, the chapters one and two address the concepts of Taoist cosmology, Taoist metaphysics, Tai Chi theory, and Taoist psychology. Chapter three investigates the relationships between the principle of wu wei, the concept of yu wu (being and non-being), and the duality of emptiness and fullness. The material in this book is not just theoretical, however. Chapter four explores how to integrate the non-doing of wu wei into everyday life. Chapter five presents strategies for embracing wei wu wei, or effortless action, from a practical perspective in order to incorporate effortless action into your daily life. Chapter six introduces the practice of "tranquil sitting," which is a form of meditation in which the meditator essentially does nothing, merely sitting quietly and observing the nature of the mind. Chapter seven explains how to stand still and do nothing through the practice of zhan zhuang. Chapter eight investigates how the practice of mindfulness can enhance your efforts to incorporate the principle of wu wei into your daily life. Chapter nine explores the non-doing of silence, not only during seated and standing meditation but also when engaging in activity. Chapter ten addresses the subject of abstinence, which is another form of wu wei, or non-doing. Chapter eleven explores a particular form of abstinence, the practice of fasting. Lastly, chapter twelve discusses how to incorporate the principle of wei wu wei into the practice of tai chi chuan (taijiquan).

Clouds Over Qingcheng Mountain

Clouds Over Qingcheng Mountain PDF Author: Wang Yun
Publisher: Singing Dragon
ISBN: 1787755215
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 226

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Book Description
Immersing the mind with the concepts of the Daoist path of health and immortality, Clouds over Qingcheng Mountain invokes the sacred birthplace of one of China's mystical mountains that has stimulated both mind and body for generations. Whilst the first volume, Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain, invited the reader to travel across time and through the history of China and Daoism, Clouds over Qingcheng Mountain is more focused in the book's purpose. Wang Yun places special focus on relaxation and the breath through five sets of foundational yet all-encompassing practices, such as posting, to deepen both themes. He offers tales from his life and journey, along with accessible tools to strengthen both body and qi. Bridging the gap between practical experience and philosophical background, Clouds over Qingcheng Mountain simplifies the complex practices of Daoism handed down by generations of accomplished Masters, and gifts the reader with its most valuable aspects for a modern world.

Daoism Explained

Daoism Explained PDF Author: Hans-Georg Moeller
Publisher: Open Court
ISBN: 0812697502
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 188

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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.

How to Live a Good Life

How to Live a Good Life PDF Author: Massimo Pigliucci
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0525566155
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 322

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Book Description
A collection of essays by fifteen philosophers presenting a thoughtful, introductory guide to choosing a philosophy for living an examined and meaningful life. Socrates famously said "the unexamined life is not worth living," but what does it mean to truly live philosophically? This thought-provoking, wide-ranging collection brings together essays by fifteen leading philosophers reflecting on what it means to live according to a philosophy of life. From Eastern philosophies (Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism) and classical Western philosophies (such as Aristotelianism and Stoicism), to the four major religions, as well as contemporary philosophies (such as existentialism and effective altruism), each contributor offers a lively, personal account of how they find meaning in the practice of their chosen philosophical tradition. Together, the pieces in How to Live a Good Life provide not only a beginner's guide to choosing a life philosophy but also a timely portrait of what it means to live an examined life in the twenty-first century. A VINTAGE ORIGINAL

Returning from Qingcheng Mountain

Returning from Qingcheng Mountain PDF Author: Wang Yun
Publisher: Singing Dragon
ISBN: 1787758974
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 370

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Book Description
Functioning as both a dense manual, a detailed roadmap, and an edifying tale of spiritual maturity, this third installment in Wang Yun's best-selling series brings you rare and authentic Daoism, straight from the culture that gave birth to it. With clear instruction and dozens of illustrated and filmed exercises, you can begin or strengthen your spiritual practice, boost your immune system, and find deep peace of mind, all right from the comfort of your home. Lofty Daoist philosophy and its practical applications are made easy to grasp and apply through Wang Yun's effort to translate the old teachings on how to apply the mindset and skills of Daoist meditation, alchemy and qigong to all affairs of life. To this end, Returning from Qingcheng Mountain spins a blend of rare tales from Daoist lore, straightforward explanations of ways to shape the body and mind, and inspiring stories from Wang Yun's own practice path. To 'remain natural in all things' is the tenet that pervades every page, an eternal invitation toward being at ease, no matter the circumstances. By doing so, one returns to the world out there and handles mundane matters with poise and efficiency, transforming all the challenges and joys and relationships of daily life into a practice, a meditation, and a chance to grow and develop one's spirit, and by token, the body.

Daoist Nei Gong

Daoist Nei Gong PDF Author: Damo Mitchell
Publisher: Singing Dragon
ISBN: 0857010336
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 242

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Book Description
Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This book provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process, and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests. The methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice which has until now been reserved for 'inner-door' students is described, and the book contains an entire set of Qigong exercises accompanied by instructional photographs and drawings. This book will be of interest to all practitioners of Qi Gong, martial arts and meditation, and will be a rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern philosophy.

The Philosophy of the Daodejing

The Philosophy of the Daodejing PDF Author: Hans-Georg Moeller
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 023113679X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 186

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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.

Roaming Free Inside the Cage

Roaming Free Inside the Cage PDF Author: William M. Schafer Ph. D.
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1440188629
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
We are born with our hearts and arms open wide-trusting, confident, and brimming with vibrant life energy. Over time, though, the challenges of life constrain that flow, leaving us unbalanced. We often find ourselves stuck in inertia, exhausted by overdoing, or strained and preoccupied with trying to control everything. Roaming Free Inside the Cage will help you identify your unique pattern of imbalance and reclaim your inborn freedom so that you can move forward with clarity of vision, confidence in your own power, and composure in the face of life's adversities. "There is much to digest and absorb here, principles and practices, history, symbolism, and poetic expression. This work requires only the caution that, as in much that is written about the Enneagram, we are dealing with subjective internal experience rather than objective external measurement. This is a book on experience of, rather than knowledge about. Come to it with a willingness to use the principles of optimal learning, be receptive and grounded in order to open your heart and mind with curiosity, and have the expectation of benefit. Then you will indeed benefit greatly from this fundamental, deep and penetrating work on the Enneagram and the Dao." -David Daniels, M.D., September 2009, Clinical Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford Medical School