Download or read book Digging Your Own Well Daoism as a Practical Philosophy written by Bill Hulet and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2016-11-04 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Wu Wei The Tao of Non Doing written by Andrew Townsend and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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).

Download or read book Returning from Qingcheng Mountain written by Wang Yun and published by Singing Dragon. This book was released on 2021-09-21 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Taoism written by Eva Wong and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2011-03-08 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Clouds Over Qingcheng Mountain written by Wang Yun and published by Singing Dragon. This book was released on 2020-09-21 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Daoism Explained written by Hans-Georg Moeller and published by Open Court. This book was released on 2011-04-15 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book How to Live a Good Life written by Massimo Pigliucci and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2020-01-07 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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

Download or read book Daoist Nei Gong written by Damo Mitchell and published by Singing Dragon. This book was released on 2011-08-15 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book The Philosophy of the Daodejing written by Hans-Georg Moeller and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Being Taoist written by and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2015-03-03 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A beautifully clear and accessible explanation of how to live a Taoist life—with an overview of Taoist philosophy—by a renowned Taoist master Taoism isn’t a spiritual extracurricular activity, it’s an integral practice for living all of life to the fullest. Taoist living rests on four pillars—the public, the domestic, the private, and the spirit lives. Not only do Taoists strive to live these four aspects fully and in a balanced way, they also believe there is an outlook and an art to each of them. Here, modern Taoist adept Eva Wong is your guide to living well according to the wisdom of this ancient system. Drawing from ancient Taoist texts, she explains in simple terms the Taoist masters’ approach to the four aspects of life, asking readers to reflect on the balance of their own lives and demonstrating how that balance is the secret infusing your life with health, harmony, and deep satisfaction. ​

Download or read book The Tao written by Laozi and published by . This book was released on 2023-12-27 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Embark on a transformative journey through the pages of "The Tao," a profound exploration of the ancient Chinese philosophy that has captivated minds for centuries. In this illuminating book, the timeless wisdom of Taoism is unveiled, offering readers a guide to living in harmony with the natural order of the universe. At its core, "The Tao" delves into the teachings of Lao Tzu, the legendary sage whose insights laid the foundation for Taoism. The book navigates the intricate concepts of Tao, or "The Way," and its intrinsic principles of balance, simplicity, and the interconnectedness of all things. Drawing on poetic prose and timeless parables, the author guides readers through the art of embracing life's ebb and flow, finding peace in the present moment, and cultivating a deep understanding of the self. Through each chapter, readers will discover the practical applications of Taoist philosophy in modern life, offering insights into navigating challenges, fostering inner tranquility, and fostering authentic connections with others. "The Tao" invites readers to reflect on their own journey, encouraging a mindful exploration of personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of Taoism or a newcomer to its teachings, this book serves as a profound companion on the quest for wisdom and enlightenment. With its accessible language and profound insights, "The Tao" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a more balanced and harmonious life in the midst of the complexities of the modern world. Immerse yourself in the ageless wisdom of Tao and unlock the secrets to a life filled with purpose, serenity, and authentic fulfillment.

Download or read book Lieh tzu written by and published by Shambhala Publications. This book was released on 2001-12-11 with total page 285 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A renowned Taoist scholar offers a conversational and modern-day translation of Lieh-tzu's masterwork, one of the most important texts in Taoism Lieh-tzu is a collection of stories and philosophical musings of a sage of the same name who lived around the fourth century BCE. Lieh-tzu's teachings range from the origin and purpose of life, the Taoist view of reality, and the nature of enlightenment to the training of the body and mind, communication, and the importance of personal freedom. This distinctive translation presents Lieh-tzu as a friendly, intimate companion speaking directly to the reader in a contemporary voice about matters relevant to our everyday lives.

Download or read book An Introduction to Daoist Philosophies written by Steve Coutinho and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2013-11-05 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Steve Coutinho explores in detail the fundamental concepts of Daoist thought as represented in three early texts: the Laozi, the Zhuangzi, and the Liezi. Readers interested in philosophy yet unfamiliar with Daoism will gain a comprehensive understanding of these works from this analysis, and readers fascinated by ancient China who also wish to grasp its philosophical foundations will appreciate the clarity and depth of Coutinho’s explanations. Coutinho writes a volume for all readers, whether or not they have a background in philosophy or Chinese studies. A work of comparative philosophy, this volume also integrates the concepts and methods of contemporary philosophical discourse into a discussion of early Chinese thought. The resulting dialogue relates ancient Chinese thought to contemporary philosophical issues and uses modern Western ideas and approaches to throw new interpretive light on classical texts. Rather than function as historical curiosities, these works act as living philosophies in conversation with contemporary thought and experience. Coutinho respects the multiplicity of Daoist philosophies while also revealing a distinctive philosophical sensibility, and he provides clear explanations of these complex texts without resorting to oversimplification.

Download or read book Dao and Daoist Ideas for Scientists Humanists and Practitioners written by E. Yueh-Ting Lee and published by Nova Science Publishers. This book was released on 2019 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "In this new collection of previously unpublished papers, Daoism is a philosophy, and it is presented not exclusively as a religion but as a practical way of life related to all aspects of human beings and the natural environment. Since its origins in China thousands of years ago, Daoism has meant harmony with nature and other human beings. Its principles may be applied successfully by those with any or no religion who seek a world of greater understanding, harmony, and peace. Addressed to a broad audience ranging from newcomers to seasoned professionals, this book introduces the concepts of Dao, Daoism, and its pioneering philosophers (e.g., Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Liezi). The book describes the importance of Dao and Daoist ideas for scientists, humanists, and practitioners while offering practical steps and guidance for our lives today. Like the familiar taiji (also known as tai chi) symbol associated with Daoism, this book is divided into two complementary sections. The first explores how Dao and Daoist ideas are related to science, humanities, and the arts. The second part focuses on Daoist practices and applications. The essays, written by experts in their fields of study, address a number of topics, including the Dao of sciences (e.g., statistics) and arts, similarities between natural Dao and Darwin's evolutionary science, and Daoist contribution to sciences and technology. Other subjects include the growing interest in Daoist ideas in the West, Daoist cognitive science and the yin-yang dialectical mind, Daoism's relationship to peace psychology and ecology psychology (via self-observation and self-understanding), and Zhuangzhou's aesthetic view on the naturalness of things (i.e., the most beautiful entities are those that are naturally created by the Dao). In addition to these theoretical explorations, the book offers abundant practical applications of Daoist ideas to our lives and work. Practical guidance is offered in applying Daoist principles to physical and mental health, meditation and dantian cultivation, classroom learning, and diversity management. Clear-cut directions offer insight into applying Daoist ideas to leadership training, clinical therapy, and administration. The book provides readers with the universal applicability of Daoist principles and the benefit of living in harmony with nature, Dao, and others. This book is unique in its appeal to a wide range of readers. On the one hand, it provides an introduction for those with minimal knowledge of Daoism. On the other hand, sophisticated Daoist scholars, researchers, or practitioners may also be enriched and enlightened by its presentation of recent research findings, scholarly discussions, and hands-on applications. Years in the making, this book project represents a milestone of achievement for its writers and editors. Nova Science Publishers is pleased to offer readers this long-overdue compendium of Daoist wisdom, from basic information to tools for transformation in the 21st century. Happy reading!"--

Download or read book Daoism written by Ronnie L. Littlejohn and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2009-03-16 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'The way that can be told is not the eternal Way; the name that can be named is not the eternal Name.' So begins the first verse of the mysterious "Dao De Jing", foundation text of the ancient Chinese religion of Daoism. Often attributed to semi-mythical sage Laozi, the origins of this enigmatic document - which probably came into being in the third century BCE - are actually unknown. But the tenets of Daoism laid down in the "Dao De Jing", and in later texts like the "Yi Jing" (or "Book of Changes"), continue to exert considerable fascination, particularly in the West, where in recent years they have been popularised by writers such as the novelist Ursula K LeGuin.In this fresh and engaging introduction to Daoism, Ronnie L Littlejohn discusses the central facets of a tradition which can sometimes seem as elusive as the slippery notion of 'Dao' itself. The author shows that fundamental to Daoism is the notion of 'Wu-wei', or non-action: a paradoxical idea emphasising alignment of the self with the harmony of the universe, a universe in continual flux and change. This flux is expressed by the famous symbol of Dao, the 'taiji' representing yin and yang eternally correlating in the form of a harmonious circle. Exploring the great subtleties of this ancient religion, Littlejohn traces its development and encounters with Buddhism; its expression in art and literature; its fight for survival during the Cultural Revolution; and its manifestations in modern-day China and beyond.

Download or read book The Humanist Spirit of Daoism written by Guying Chen and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2018-02-12 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Humanist Spirit of Daoism, Chen Guying presents a concise overview of his understanding of the meaning and significance of Daoist philosophy. Chen is a leading contemporary Chinese thinker and spokesperson for a new Daoist approach to existential and socio-political issues. He was born in mainland China in 1935, but after having resettled to Taiwan, he received his education there and was a student activist in the 1960s. He became famous in the Chinese-speaking world with his writings on Nietzsche, Laozi and Zhuangzi. At present he is a Professor at Peking University. This volume collects representative essays from the past 25 years which not only outline Chen’s interpretation of Daoism as a deeply humanist way of thinking and living, but also show how he employs this philosophy in a critique of totalitarianism and neo-imperialism.

Download or read book Every Day Tao written by Leonard Willoughby and published by Weiser Books. This book was released on 2003-11-01 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Filled with hard-won personal observations and practical, tested exercises for following The Way, Every Day Tao lives somewhere between the Tao of this and that, so popular lately (good advice, maybe, but is it Taoism?) and the more traditional teachings of writers steeped in academic study and Eastern culture. Leonard Willoughby comes to the Tao as a Western seeker, looking for both a spiritual practice and a method of living. In this book, he frankly recounts his own struggles--with life and with the Tao. He offers a plenitude of suggestions both for understanding and following the Way and for becoming a fully-integrated personality. After his initiation into the Jade Purity School of Tao, Willoughby's teacher suggested that he write a book on philosophical teachings of this particular school--for Western seekers like himself. You might say this book answers the question: If Tao is the Way, where are we going? In Part One, the author explains the Way, Tao, in simple terms for western minds. In Part Two, Te, or Virtue, he gives readers the advice, stories, and skills they need for the journey. How to give up negativity, perceive reality, practice self-forgiveness and self love. Plus advice about celibacy and sexuality, and more. In Part Three--Sam Ching--Three Realms of Being--the book culminates in the answer--we're going home to our True Selves.