Introducing Daoism

by Kohn; Livia

• ISBN13: 9780415439978
• ISBN10: 0415439973
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-11-19
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Daoism is one of the major religious traditions of the East, but in the past has not been as well known as Buddhism and Hinduism. With the increased interest in Eastern religions, and alternative spiritual traditions, interest in Daoism is increasing. Introducing Daoismis a lively and accessible introduction to this fascinating religion. Introducing Daoismpresents Daoism'¬"s key concepts and major practices in an integrated historical survey. From Daoism'¬"s origins in antiquity, through the Tang, Ming, and Quing dynasties, and into the present day, Livia Kohn explores Daoism'¬"s movements and schools, including: Daoist philosophy, the organized religion, and Daoist health practices. Each chapter introduces the main historical events of the period, the leading figures in Daoism, and Daoist scriptures and practices, as well as covering a wealth of fascinating topics such as Chinese cosmology, Daoist understanding of the body, rituals and doctrine, meditation, mythology, and poetry. Livia Kohn examines the connections between the defining concepts, history, and practices of Daoism, and key issues in Asian and Western comparative religions, making this the essential text for students studying Daoism on World Religions courses. Illustrated throughout, the book also includes text boxes, summary charts, a glossary which includes Chinese characters, and a list of further reading to aid students'¬" understanding and revision. The accompanying website for this book can be found at www.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415439978.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations
Dynastic chart
Map of China
Background to Daoism	p. 1
Foundations	p. 17
The Dao that can't be told	p. 19
At ease in perfect happiness	p. 39
From health to immortality	p. 52
Cosmos, gods, and governance	p. 66
Development	p. 83
Major schools of the middle ages	p. 85
Ethics and community	p. 100
Creation and the pantheon	p. 116
Religious practices	p. 132
Modernity	p. 151
Modern Daoism	p. 153
Reaching for the Dao	p. 171
Daoism in China today	p. 188
Western adaptations	p. 205
Reflections	p. 221
The nature and study of Daoism	p. 223
Chronology of Daoist history	p. 238
The Daoist canon	p. 246
Glossary	p. 251
Index	p. 271
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