DOCSLIB.ORG

Motivation and Leadership According to Lao Tzu's 3 Treasures

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Motivation and Leadership According to Lao Tzu's 3 Treasures Educational Research (ISSN: 2141-5161) Vol. 3(9) pp. 723-731, September 2012 Available online@ http://www.interesjournals.org/ER Copyright © 2012 International Research Journals Full Length Research Paper Motivation and Leadership according to Lao Tzu’s 3 Treasures Prof. Dr. Kim Cheng Patrick Low Ph.D. and Chartered Marketer, Certified MBTI Administrator and Certified Behavioral Consultant/ Universiti Brunei Darussalam; Professor of Management and Marketing/Associate, University of South Australia E-mail:[email protected] Abstract In this paper, the researcher-author relates the applications and benefits of Lao Tzu’s three greatest treasures: simplicity, patience and compassion – to motivation and leadership. This paper includes a research model, research methodology and its findings, discussions as well as an analysis with its concluding remarks. The use of the three treasures of Lao Tzu is really useful for a leader in terms of motivating oneself and one’s followers as well as those whom one leads and cares for. Here, the university don has, in most ways, turned the Chinese philosophy of Taoism into leadership and management lessons and their applications. Keywords: Simplicity, patience, compassion, love, leadership, motivation. INTRODUCTION “Gain and renown are hindrances to students of the Way; and indeed become appealing to their people or they taint our purity of heart. Uncentered, how can we followers. When leaders serve and love their people, they comprehend Tao? (Loy, 1990: Prelude xxi). Tao means really care for them, take care of their needs, and these, “the way of life” and individuals who are motivated by in turn, make their people motivated to obey, respect, pursuing money (profit) and recognition (popularity, care for and follow the leaders as well as implement what power) in life, in fact, should be advised; and should not they have been directed. be encouraged to be the way of motivation in living their The aim and purpose of the paper is thus to relate the life. On the contrary, individuals should be motivated to applications and benefits of the three treasures in relation embrace and practise the three (3) treasures of Lao Tzu’s to motivation and leadership. way of life. Here, Lao Tzu speaks of, “simplicity, patience, (and) compassion.” ( Tao De Ching , Verse 67). Literature Review These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and in thoughts, Simplicity you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, Simplicity is defined as 1. the state, quality, you accord with the way things are. or an instance of being simple. 2. It is the freedom Compassionate toward yourself, from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts: an you reconcile all beings in the world.” ( Tao De Ching , organism of great simplicity. 3. Absence of luxury, Verse 67,) pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness: a life of simplicity. 4. Freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; Low (2012; 2009) speaks of Lao Tzu’s 3 treasures and artlessness; naturalness: simplicity of manner connects them to organizational leadership and growth, (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/simplicity). Low and here in this paper, the author would relate the (2009) in his study highlighted, ‘Simplicity means without applications and relevance of the three treasures to ego. When there is no ego, one simply gets things done. motivation and leadership. In short, to apply an analogy – There is no attachment; one serves and remains like wine, leaders simply mellow with patience and age, detached. Servant leadership is practiced’. 724 Educ. Res. Patience significant part for creating a new organizational culture. In other words, leadership is regarded as an essential Patience is defined as 1. the quality of being patient, element or a core value in organizational culture. In this as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, mis- vein, leadership and organizational culture are fortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of inseparable (Low and Ang, 2012). temper, irritation, or the like. 2. It is an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay such as to have patience with Motivation a slow learner. 3. Quiet, steady perseverance; even- tempered care; diligence: to work with pat- Motivation is defined as 1. the act or an instance of ience. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/patience). motivating or providing with a reason to act in a certain Patience (or forbearing) is the state of endurance under way. 2. the state or condition of being. 3. something that difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in motivates; inducement; incentive. Motivation is derived the face of delay or provocation without acting on from human needs (desires); and motivation is made up annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting of at least three distinct components: direction, intensity forbearance when under strain, especially when faced and persistent. (Ivancevich et.al, 2008. pp. 109-111 cited with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of in Ang and Low, 2012). endurance one can take before negativity. When one is impatient, one rushes and glosses things over. One wants quick results, and this perhaps gives stress to RESEARCH MODE ourselves unnecessarily. One may also perhaps be insensitive, not paying attention to people and hurting Research Methodology their feelings. When one is impatient, one even gets angry easily (Low, 2009). The paper relies on personal observations of thirty-five Taoist practitoners (leaders and managers) and interviewing with them and their employees/followers. COMPASSION According to business researchers, sample sizes larger than 30 and smaller than 500 are appropriate for most Compassion is defined as a feeling of deep sympathy business research. Qualitative studies typically use small and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, sample sizes because of the intensive nature of such accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering studies (Cavana et al, 2001: 279; Sekaran, 2000: 296 – 7 (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/compassion). and Roscoe, 1975). The sample size of thirty-five was Low (2009) highlighted, ‘Compassion and love is a decided because of various aspects including costs, time powerful influencing tool, and helps win many a heart’. accessibility and limited personal resources. The qualitative research interview seeks to describe the meanings of central themes in the life world of the Leadership subjects. The main task in interviewing is to understand the meaning of what the interviewees say (Kvale,1996). Leadership can be defined as the process of influencing Interviews are particularly useful for getting the story others to facilitate the attainment of organizational behind a respondent’s experiences. The interviewer can relevant goals and this definition is applicable to both pursue in-depth information around the topic. Interviews formal and informal leadership position in order to exert may be useful as follow-up to certain respondents to leadership behavior. (Ivancevich et al., 2008). Literature questionnaires such as to further investigate their articles written on leadership styles have shown that responses (McNamara, 1999). This interview method is effective leaders must be pro-active; must be able to helpful since it enables much qualitative data to be accept change; leading and managing change (Low, collected from the interviewees. To get more information 2010a; 2010b and 2010). and data from the various interviewees, open questions Leadership is the driving force of organizations, were deployed (Cavana, Delahaye and Sekaran, 2001); playing a crucial role in every profit or nonprofit they were worded as follows: organization, society, and nation. Leaders’ capability and 1. What do you think of the Lao Tzu’s 3 treasures? behavior may embody strong ethical values in What do being simple, being patient and being organizational culture; they change organizational compassionate mean to you? structures by exercising their influence over 2. How do the three treasures help you in leading your organizations; they create organizational culture; and life? Or in leading and managing business? they take the initiative for the alteration of organizations. 3. Why do you embrace and practise Lao Tzu’s three In practice, leadership is not only a core factor for treasures? executing administration for management, but also a 4. How or in what ways in which you are motivated or Low 725 Table 1. A Research Model on Lao Tzu’s Three Treasures in Terms of Leading and Motivation inspired by the Lau Tzu’s three treasures? even move the immortals. Debasing the Way, not even 5. What do you like about Lao Tzu’s three treasures? heaven forgives us .” (Loy, 1990: Prelude xxi). 6. What attracts you to the Lao Tzu’s three treasures? “A truly great man never puts away the simplicity of a child .” (Chinese proverb) FINDINGS Being simple is good. Simplicity is also a characteristic The remarks and statements made by each respondent feature of nature. In Taoism, in life, simple things of was captured and recorded immediately during the nature can be appreciated. Obtaining joy is not in terms interview so as to avoid or minimise memory lapse and of owning (many) things or possessing the riches of the data loss. After each interview, the authors clarified with world. Truly, one can simply enjoy or appreciate nature’s the interviewees those statements which were not gift, the sight and beauty of a rose, a case of the universe clearand needed further explanation. In this respect, in a flower; or an eternity in catching glimpses of a there were many occasions that repetitive interviews sunrise or a sunset. Truly one who knows how to savor were carried out for one interviewee at different day, time the joys of living will understand the true meaning of life and venue. This is the way the authors established the and of the Tao. verification and the validity of the statements/remarks Simplicity helps and can, in fact, motivate. The best made by the interviewees.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Three Treasures® and Women's Treasure®
    The Three Treasures® and Women’s Treasure® A handbook of the formulae created and adapted from Traditional Chinese Medicine CREATED BY GIOVANNI MACIOCIA® Su Wen Press www.three-treasures.com Giovanni Maciocia® is an acupuncturist and medical herbalist who has been practising since 1973. He studied acupuncture at the International College of Oriental Medicine in England and at the Nanjing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. A respected author and lecturer, he has skilfully adapted the traditional disciplines of Chinese medicine and greatly increased its profile in the West. Students and patients in Europe and America have benefited from his knowledge and clinical experience. The Three Treasures, Women’s Treasure and Little Treasures are the culmination of his wide research and practice. Giovanni Maciocia® is also the author of eight other books which have contributed greatly to the diffusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the West: ● Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine (1987), rev. (1995) ● The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (1989), rev. (2005) ● The Practice of Chinese Medicine (1994), rev. (2007) ● Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Chinese Medicine (1998) ● Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine (2003) ● The Channels of Acupuncture (2006) ● The Psyche in Chinese Medicine (2009) ● Clinical Pearls (2014) Published by Su Wen Press Southwood, Grosvenor Road, Godalming, GU7 1NZ Copyright ©1995-2019 by Giovanni Maciocia All rights reserved, including translation. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic or mechanical, recording or duplication in any information or storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publishers, and may not be photocopied or otherwise reproduced even within the terms of any licence issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd.
    [Show full text]
  • The Daoist Tradition Also Available from Bloomsbury
    The Daoist Tradition Also available from Bloomsbury Chinese Religion, Xinzhong Yao and Yanxia Zhao Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexed, Yong Huang The Daoist Tradition An Introduction LOUIS KOMJATHY Bloomsbury Academic An imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 50 Bedford Square 175 Fifth Avenue London New York WC1B 3DP NY 10010 UK USA www.bloomsbury.com First published 2013 © Louis Komjathy, 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. Louis Komjathy has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work. No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization acting on or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by Bloomsbury Academic or the author. Permissions Cover: Kate Townsend Ch. 10: Chart 10: Livia Kohn Ch. 11: Chart 11: Harold Roth Ch. 13: Fig. 20: Michael Saso Ch. 15: Fig. 22: Wu’s Healing Art Ch. 16: Fig. 25: British Taoist Association British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. ISBN: 9781472508942 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Komjathy, Louis, 1971- The Daoist tradition : an introduction / Louis Komjathy. pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-4411-1669-7 (hardback) -- ISBN 978-1-4411-6873-3 (pbk.) -- ISBN 978-1-4411-9645-3 (epub) 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Book of Lieh-Tzu / Translated by A
    ft , I ' * * < The B 2 I it* o f Lieh- i - I /\ Classic of Tao i > *• A Translated by A. C. GRAHAM . t The Book o f Lieh-tzu A Classic o f the Tao translated by A. C. GRAHAM Columbia University Press New York Columbia University Press Morningside Edition 1990 Columbia University Press New York Copyright © 1960, 1990 by A. C. Graham Preface to the Morningside Edition copyright © 1990 by Columbia University Press Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Lieh-tzu, 4th cent. B.C. [Lieh-tzu. English] The book of Lieh-tzu / translated by A. C. Graham, p cm.—(Translations from the Oriental classics) Translation of: Lieh-tzu. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-231-07236-8 ISBN 0-231-07237-6 (pbk.) I Graham, A. C. (Angus Charles) II. Title. III. Series. BL1900.L482E5 1990 181'.114-dc2o 89-24°35 CIP All rights reserved Casebound editions of Columbia University Press books are printed on permanent and durable acid-free paper. Printed in the United States of America c 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 p 10 9 8 Translations from the Asian Classics EDITORIAL BOARD Wm. Theodore de Bury, Chair Paul Anderer Irene Bloom Donald Keene George A. Saliba Haruo Shirane David D. W. Wang Burton Watson Contents Preface to the Morningside Edition xi Preface xvii Dramatis Personae xviii—xix Introduction i HEAVEN'S GIFTS 14 2 THE YELLOW EMPEROR 32 3 KING MU OF CHOU 58 4 CONFUCIUS 74 5 THE QUESTIONS OF T'ANG 92 6 ENDEAVOUR AND DESTINY 118 7 YANG CHU 135 8 EXPLAINING CONJUNCTIONS t58 Short Reading List 182 Textual Notes 183 i x Preface to the Morningside Edition A significant change since this book was first published in 196o is that we have learned to see philosophical Taoism in a new historical perspective.
    [Show full text]
  • The Empty Vessel 1 Step Into the Tao with Dr
    The Journal of Daoist Philosophy and Practice Spring 2013 $5.95 U.S. Canada $6.95 Food Cures and Diets The Spiritual Warrior Daoist Nature Meditation The Empty Vessel 1 Step into the Tao with Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha World-Renowned Master Healer and Divine, Tao and Da Tao Channel Tao is The Way. Tao is the source of all universes. Tao is the universal principles and laws. – Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha Tao Song & Tao Dance Certification Retreat June 20–26 • In person or via webcast Toronto, ON, Canada Tao I and Tao II Retreat November 9–14 • In person or via webcast YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado Everyone is Welcome! Tao III & Tao IV Retreat November15–21 • In person or via webcast YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado 10-year Tao Training Program participants only New York Times Bestsellers! MD in China and certified doctor of TCM and acupuncture in China and Canada Grandmaster of ancient arts including tai chi, qi gong, kung fu, I Ching and feng shui Sole holder of the 4,300-year-old sacred Taoist lineage of Peng Zu More than an invitation ... a sacred calling! Institute of Soul Healing & Enlightenment™ 888.3396815 • DrSha.com • Facebook.com/DrAndMasterSha • Twitter.com/ZhiGangSha • DivineHealingHands.com 2 Spring 2013 The Empty Vessel 3 The Empty Vessel 3 Contents Spring 2013 Volume 20 Number 3 Features 8 Daoist Nature Meditation by Solala Towler 10 Food Cures and Diets by Livia Kohn Our cover: Lotus Reflection by Paul Heussenstamm 17 The Spiritual Warrior by Robert D.
    [Show full text]
  • The Three Treasures Andrew Taylor
    Qi Cultivation The Three Treasures Andrew Taylor Chinese cosmology is defined by the three treasures of Jing (精), Qi (氣) and Shen (神). They have informed its rich culture, my- thology, medicine and even everyday life for centuries. Andy introduces these three piv- otal energies in a concise way that helps us relate to them. 茶氣 s you get to know more health to be based on three special body form and substance and con- A of Chinese culture, with substances or energies, known as nects us to our ancestral past through its many rich traditions, the “Three Treasures”, or “san bao” the genetic code. Of the Three Trea- beliefs, and practices, you discover (三寶); Jing (精), Qi (氣) and Shen sures, it’s the one most closely related that the principles on which it’s all (神). These energies may be trans- to our physical body, manifesting as founded upon are not at all separate, lated as “essence”, “vital energy” and semen in men and helping to create but derive from the same root phi- “spirit-mind”, though they cannot marrow in our bones. losophy. The calligrapher and martial be fully understood solely by English In the Chinese medicinal arts masters’ movements both origi- equivalents. Let’s dive into these con- paradigm, Jing is classified into two nate from the center, or dan tien; the cepts, which date back to Lao Tzu types: Our genetic code, given to farmer and fortune teller both use the and the Yellow Emperor… us by our mother and father, and lunar calendar to predict a harvest or further back our ancestors’ ances- an auspicious date for a wedding; tors, is known as Pre-Heaven Jing and the soup at dinner and medicine The Tao gives birth to One.
    [Show full text]
  • THE TREATMENT of DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS with the Three Treasures® Remedies
    ‘Traditional created by Formulae for the ® Modern World’ THE TREATMENT OF DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS with the Three Treasures® Remedies FEELING OF DISTENSION, OPPRESSION, FULLNESS, STUFFINESS A feeling of DISTENSION (zhang 胀) indicates stagnation of Qi. This type of sensation will be seldom referred to as ‘distension’ by Western patients: more often than not patients will call it a feeling of ‘bloating’, ‘bursting’, ‘being blown-up’, etc. A feeling of distension is both subjective and objective. The patient feel bloated subjectively, and distension is also objective in that it can be seen and palpated. On palpation it feel like an over-inflated balloon, it resists on palpation and ‘rebounds’. Functional abdominal bloating Few studies adequately separate bloating from IBS and other functional disorders, most of the IBS patients report this symptom but it occurs in about 10-30% of individuals in community-based surveys, usually with a female predominance. A feeling of distension indicates Qi stagnation: it is the cardinal symptom of Qi stagnation which usually affects the Liver. Remember, however, that it affects also other organs: in the context of digestive disorders, it affects the Stomach, Intestines and Spleen. Note that Qi stagnation does not always derive from anger (whether Colon image repressed or not) but it may derive from worry, shame and guilt. - Liver-Qi stagnation: abdominal and/or epigastric bloating, related to emotional state. Pulse all Wiry or Wiry on left. - Stomach-Qi stagnation: epigastric bloating, not much related to emotional state. Alleviated by burping. Pulse Wiry on right Guan. Wiry Weak - Spleen-Qi stagnation: lower abdominal bloating, loose stools.
    [Show full text]
  • The Treatment of Menopausal Problems with the Woman's
    The Treatment of Menopausal Problems with the Woman’s Treasure Remedies Giovanni Maciocia WELCOME! PLEASE WAIT, THE WEBINAR WILL START AT 6 pm UK time (7 pm Europe time) Thank you for attending this webinar with Giovanni. Giovanni also has several online CEU courses available, make sure you take this opportunity to visit his website after attending the webinar to see all of the resources he has to offer. www.maciociaonline.com www.three-treasures.com www.giovanni-maciocia.com www.maciociaonline.blogspot.com http://maciociaonlinespanish.blogspot.com (en Español) http://www.facebook.com/three.treasures http://www.facebook.com/pages/GIOVANNI-MACIOCIA-MEDICINA- CHINA/136705379697654?v=wall (en Español) http://twitter.com/#!/@gmaciocia The red arrow expands and hides the control panel. Keep panel expanded for the webinar. This button enlarges panel to full screen (not advised) Click this button to “raise your hand” to attract the lecturer’s or panelist’s attention You are muted for this webinar. Lecturer may unmute you for questions as time allows. This is the Questions panel: if it is not expanded, expand it by clicking on the plus sign. Questions are seen by lecturer only, not by other participants This link is to check your audio setup. If you want to leave the webinar click on the “X” in the top right-hand corner of panel. MENOPAUSAL PROBLEMS “Menopause” indicates the complete or permanent cessation of menstruation: an interval of 6-12 months is usually necessary to establish the diagnosis. “Climacteric” indicates the phase in a woman’s life during which she makes the transition from a reproductive to a non-reproductive stage: this transition is a period of declining ovarian function which usually spans 2-5 years around the menopause.
    [Show full text]
  • The Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice
    The Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice Summer 2015 $5.95 U.S. $6.95 Canada The Five Fold Essence of Tea The Story of the Tao Te Ching The Functions of Essence, Breath and Spirit The Empty Vessel Interview: with Master Yang Hai and more! The Empty Vessel A Book to Guide the Way DAOIST NEI GONG The Philosophical Art of Change Damo Mitchell For the first time in the English language, this book describes the philosophy and practice of Nei Gong. The author explains the philosophy which underpins this practice, and the methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice, is described. The book also contains a set of Qigong exercises, accompanied by instructional illustrations. $24.95 978-1-84819-065-8 PAPERBACK THE FOUR THE FOUR DRAGONS DIGNITIES Clearing the Meridians and The Spiritual Practice of Awakening the Spine in Walking, Standing, Sitting, and Nei Gong Lying Down Damo Mitchell Cain Carroll $29.95 $24.95 978-1-84819-226-3 978-1-84819-216-4 PAPERBACK PAPERBACK CHA DAO DAOIST The Way of Tea, MEDITATION Tea as a Way of Life The Purification of the Heart Solala Towler Method of Meditation and Discourse on Sitting and $17.95 Forgetting (Zuò Wàng Lùn) by 978-1-84819-032-0 Si Ma Cheng Zhen PAPERBACK Translated by Wu Jyh Cherng $49.95 978-1-84819-211-9 PAPERBACK WWW.SINGINGDRAGON.COM A Book to Guide the Way Step Into the Tao DAOIST NEI GONG with Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha New York Times Best Selling Author, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine The Philosophical Art of Change Damo Mitchell Tao is The Way of all life.
    [Show full text]
  • Tao: the Three Treasures, Vol 3
    Tao: The Three Treasures, Vol 3 Talks on Fragments from Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching Talks given from 11/08/75 am to 20/08/75 am English Discourse series 10 Chapters Year published: Originally the "Three Treasures" series was published as two volumes, later republished as four volumes. Tao: The Three Treasures, Vol 3 Chapter #1 Chapter title: Pursuit of Knowledge 11 August 1975 am in Buddha Hall Archive code: 7508110 ShortTitle: TREAS301 Audio: Yes Video: No Length: 79 mins LAO TZU SAYS: WITHOUT STEPPING OUTSIDE ONE'S DOORS ONE CAN KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD. WITHOUT LOOKING OUT OF ONE'S WINDOWS ONE CAN SEE THE TAO OF HEAVEN. THE FURTHER ONE PURSUES KNOWLEDGE THE LESS ONE KNOWS. THEREFORE THE SAGE KNOWS WITHOUT RUNNING ABOUT UNDERSTANDS WITHOUT SEEING, ACCOMPLISHES WITHOUT DOING. Religion is not knowledge, it is knowing. Knowledge is of the mind, knowing is of the being, and the difference and the distance, is tremendously vast. The difference is not only quantitative, it is also qualitative. Knowledge and knowing -- they are as different as heaven and hell, earth and the sky, so the first thing to understand is the difference between knowledge and knowing. Knowledge is never of the present, it is always of the past. The moment you say you know it is already a dead thing, it has already left its marks on the memory, it is like dust clinging to you. You have already moved away from that. Knowing is always immediate, knowing is here and now. You cannot say anything about it, you can only be it.
    [Show full text]
  • Paratextuality, Materiality, and Corporeality in Medieval Chinese Religions Talismans (Fu) and Diagrams (Tu)
    DOMINIC STEAVU Paratextuality, Materiality, and Corporeality in Medieval Chinese Religions Talismans (fu) and Diagrams (tu) ABSTRACT In medieval China, talismans (fu) and sacred diagrams (tu)wereubiquitouselementsinreligious texts. Since they were composed of divine illegible esoteric patterns, meaning was not produced by the markings talismans and diagrams bore; it was, rather, displaced onto the objects themselves, whether they were two-dimensionally represented in scriptures and ritual manuals or externalized and materialized onto physical supports. In this respect, the objecthood and palpable materiality of talismans and diagrams made them shorthand tokens for direct access to the supernatural. Drawing on emblematic yet understudied scriptures of medieval Daoism and esoteric Buddhist, the present study considers talismans and diagrams as paratextual objects, bringing to light the fact that they not only passively frame the reading of a text but in many instances also constitute the primary and determining level of “text” that is read. In this way, sources in which talismans and diagrams featured prominently were approached first and foremost through their material aspects, namely paratexts. What is more, the talismans and diagrams that appeared in texts were often meant to be externalized and materialized, in some cases onto the bodies of adepts or visualized in their mind’s eye, thereby conflating paratextuality, materiality, and corporeality. In a pair of striking examples, practitioners are instructed to embody and become actual ritual objects, blurring the boundaries between text, object, and body in one single divine locus. KEYWORDS Daoism, Buddhism, Paratexts, Materiality, Corporeality, Embodiment, China, Talismans, Diagrams, Authority INTRODUCTION In the context of medieval China, revealed talismans (fu 符) and diagrams (tu 圖)are synonymous with Daoism.
    [Show full text]
  • Emptiness and Coherence: Part 1
    Copyright: Michael Robbins, M.A., L.M.H.C Published in the Empty Vessel, Summer Issue 2021 Emptiness and Coherence: Part 1 Integrating Emptiness with the Three Treasures of Love, Wisdom and Vitality Michael Robbins, M.A., L.M.H.C. [email protected], website: michaelrobbinstherapy.com We join the spokes together in a wheel But it is the center hole that makes the wagon move. We shape the clay into a pot, But it is the emptiness inside That holds whatever we want. We hammer wood for a house, But it is the inner space that makes it livable. We work with being, But non-being is what we use. Tao Te Ching, Chapter 11 Emptiness emerges when the mud in our consciousness has finally settled and all that is left is clarity. It is a great stillness. There are no words that can express it. This space of absolute absence becomes apparent when we dissolve the conditional mind and totally relax the armor and tension in our bodies. It is unmoving, contentless, timeless. It has no qualities and yet it contains all qualities in potential. It is the mysterious silence out of which emerged the first sound. This first sound to emerge out of silence, or the first movement to emerge from stillness, is a profound mystery. Scientifically we might correlate it with the Big Bang. As soon as there is movement, there is duality. There is something that is moving and a space that it is moving through. As soon as there are two, the dynamism that gives birth to all things begins.
    [Show full text]
  • Three-Treasures-Catalog.Pdf
    Giovanni Maciocia® is an acupuncturist and medical herbalist who has been practising since 1973. He studied acupuncture at the International College of Oriental Medicine in England and at the Nanjing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. A respected author and lecturer, he has skilfully adapted the traditional disciplines of Chinese medicine and greatly increased its profile in the West. Students and patients in Europe and America have benefited from his knowledge and clinical experience. The Three Treasures, Women’s Treasure and Little Treasures are the culmination of his wide research and practice. Giovanni Maciocia® is also the author of eight other books which have contributed greatly to the diffusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the West: ● Tongue Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine (1987), rev. (1995) ● The Foundations of Chinese Medicine (1989), rev. (2005) ● The Practice of Chinese Medicine (1994), rev. (2007) ● Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Chinese Medicine (1998) ● Diagnosis in Chinese Medicine (2003) ● The Channels of Acupuncture (2006) ● The Psyche in Chinese Medicine (2009) ● Clinical Pearls (2014) Published by Su Wen Press Southwood, Grosvenor Road, Godalming, GU7 1NZ Copyright ©1995-2019 by Giovanni Maciocia All rights reserved, including translation. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic or mechanical, recording or duplication in any information or storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publishers, and may not be photocopied or otherwise
    [Show full text]