Mysticism in the Zhuangzi

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Mysticism in the Zhuangzi Mysticism in the Zhuangzi A Dissertation Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Thomas John McConochie (馬常思) School of Humanities and Languages Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University of New South Wales January 2017 COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ‘I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date ……………………………………………........................... AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT ‘I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.’ Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date ……………………………………………........................... ORIGINALITY STATEMENT ‘I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.’ Signed …………………………………………….............. Date …………………………………………….............. i Abstract This dissertation proposes that the Zhuangzi contains some elements of mysticism, but not in the straightforward manner that scholars have typically suggested. A review of theories of mysticism shows that ‘mysticism’ in English-language literature covers a linguistically and culturally bound set of ideas originating in analyses of religious and philosophical traditions in Western culture. In this usage, the term refers to a wide variety of characteristics and phenomena associated with particular religious experiences. It is, therefore, problematic to study the Zhuangzi as if the text unambiguously presents a doctrine of mysticism according to the frames of reference defined in these Western studies of religion. This dissertation demonstrates that some dominant interpretations of mysticism in the Zhuangzi, which hold that mysticism is a core feature of the text, have not shown an awareness of the problematic nature of the term in its original contexts of use. This dissertation presents a more nuanced understanding of mysticism in the Zhuangzi through careful analyses of key passages of the text that contain mystical elements. i Acknowledgements Thank you to my supervisor, Associate Professor Karyn Lai (賴蘊慧). Karyn encouraged me to pursue my interest in the Zhuangzi when we met at the 2012 Australian Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy conference. During my candidature at UNSW, Karyn and I have worked closely together, not only on this PhD project, but also during my time as a postgraduate teaching fellow in 2014. Thank you for all your support, encouragement, and mentorship. Thank you to my co-supervisor, Dr. Michaelis Michael for giving me feedback on parts of this dissertation and for your encouragement. Thank you to my wife, Kristina, for your love and support. I was awarded an Australian Postgraduate Scholarship to undertake this PhD project. I thank Prof. John Makeham (ANU) and Dr. Jack Bowers (ANU) for supporting my application. ii Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................ i Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... ii Part One: The Research Background .............................................................................. 1 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................... 3 1.1. Aims .............................................................................................................. 3 1.2. Significance ................................................................................................... 3 1.3. Methodology.................................................................................................. 3 1.4. A Note on Citations of the Zhuangzi ............................................................. 5 1.5. A Note on Romanisation ............................................................................... 6 1.6. Structure of the Dissertation .......................................................................... 6 2. Mysticism .............................................................................................................. 9 2.1. Origins of the Term .............................................................................................. 9 2.1.1. Usage in the 18th Century ........................................................................ 11 2.1.2. Usage in the 19th Century ........................................................................ 28 2.2. Main Issues in the Study of Mysticism ....................................................... 30 2.2.1. Mysticism is One-and-the-Same ............................................................. 31 2.2.2. There Several Different Kinds of Mystical Experience .......................... 32 2.2.3. There is a Common Core of Mystical Experience which Mystics Variously Interpret........................................................................................................... 34 2.2.4. Mysticism and Drugs ............................................................................... 37 2.2.5. Constructivism ......................................................................................... 43 2.2.6. De-Constructionism ................................................................................. 51 2.2.7. Who can be a ‘Mystic’? ........................................................................... 53 iii 2.2.8. Radical Empiricism & New Directions for the Study of Mysticism ....... 57 2.3. Examples of Mystical Texts ........................................................................ 60 2.3.1. Revelations of Divine Love ..................................................................... 61 2.3.2. The Story of My Heart............................................................................. 63 2.4. Conclusions ................................................................................................. 64 Part Two: Analysis of Interpretations of Mysticism in the Zhuangzi ........................... 67 3. Introductions to Chinese Philosophy ................................................................... 69 3.1. Three Ways of Thought in Ancient China ................................................... 69 3.1.1. Taoist Yoga: Nanguo Ziqi as a Zhuangzi-Daoist-Mystic ........................ 70 3.2. China in Antiquity ....................................................................................... 73 3.2.1. Via Purgativa ........................................................................................... 76 3.2.2. A Systematic Method of Mysticism from Laozi to Zhuangzi ................. 77 3.3. A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy........................................................ 80 3.4. The World of Thought in Ancient China ..................................................... 84 3.4.1. Explaining the Mysticism of Mind Fasting in More Detail ..................... 89 3.5. Disputers of the Tao .................................................................................... 91 3.6. ‘Two Notes on the Translation of the Taoist Classics’ ................................ 94 3.6.1. Mind-Fasting; The Gui and the Shen Lodge Within Me ......................... 95 3.7. An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy....................................................... 97 3.8. Introduction to Chinese Philosophy .......................................................... 101 3.9. Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy ........................................... 104 3.10. Conclusions ............................................................................................... 108 4. Introductions to Daoism .................................................................................... 110 4.1. Taoist Meditation ....................................................................................... 110 iv 4.2. Taoism:
Recommended publications
  • The Concept of the Manifestation of God in Chinese Symbolism
    55 Resumé The Concept of L’approche herméneutique du présent ar- ticle intègre une interprétation transcul- the Manifestation turelle des symboles et des métaphores, of God in Chinese qui permet de faire une « fusion des horizons » entre les civilisations fondées Symbolism: An sur des patrimoines culturels différents. L’idée selon laquelle des symboles appar- Inter-civilizational emment incompatibles peuvent avoir une signification sous-jacente commune per- Hermeneutic Study met d’établir des liens entre des visions du monde et des perspectives générale- ment perçues comme incommensurables, AMROLLAH HEMMAT en l’occurrence entre le concept bahá’í de la Manifestation de Dieu et les concepts Abstract philosophiques et religieux chinois corre- spondants. L’auteur démontre que certains This article’s hermeneutic approach ac- éléments de la tradition chinoise trouvent commodates transcultural interpretation une résonnance profonde dans le concept of symbols and metaphors, providing for bahá’í de la Manifestation de Dieu. a “fusion of horizons” between civiliza- tions with different cultural heritage. The Resumen idea that seemingly incompatible symbols El enfoque hermenéutico de este artículo can be allusions to a common underly- acomoda la interpretación transcultural ing meaning makes it possible to develop de símbolos y metáforas, proveyendo una connections between worldviews and per- “fusión de horizontes” entre civilizaciones spectives commonly considered incom- con diferente patrimonio cultural. La idea mensurable, in our case between
    [Show full text]
  • 1 the 4 Discourses of the Dao: Zhuangzi Meets Lacan Shunyamurti
    The 4 Discourses of the Dao: Zhuangzi Meets Lacan Shunyamurti speaks: So tonight, let’s explore more deeply: how does a Taoist sage deal with the end of the world? And how does one relate to those who are either in denial or wanting to resist or trying to prematurely bring about a new age before the end of this one? The Taoist understands the order of things and what must be eliminated and cleansed before a new creation can take place, but that must happen microcosmically within the sage’s mind and heart. So in Song 5, that was sung very beautifully by the Daughters of Nothingness, Lao Tzu says: “For the Tao to function fully, both heaven and earth must separate from duality.” This is a very subtle point: heaven and earth seem to be two, but they’re not, they’re only one. So we have to understand the difference between a distinction and a duality. In the same way we can see two sides of a coin as actually being one: nirvana, samsara—heaven and earth—must be realized as a single whole. The sage doesn’t simply leave the world and enter into the transcendent Nothingness and have nothing to do with the samsara, but acts in the samsara, seeing it as nirvana, realizing its perfection, and not being fooled by the apparent events that are occurring in the simulation, but understanding their true significance. So heaven and earth are indifferent to each other because each is nondifferent from the One. The transcendent One is also the immanent One, but that One from which the world and the transcendent derive is present in each.
    [Show full text]
  • A Confucian Defense of Shame: Morality, Self-Cultivation, and the Dangers of Shamelessness
    religions Article Article Article A ConfucianA Confucian Defense Defense of Shame: of Shame: Morality, Morality, Self-Cultivation, Self-Cultivation, A Confucian Defense of Shame: Morality, Self-Cultivation, and theand Dangers the Dangers of Shamelessness of Shamelessness and the Dangers of Shamelessness Mark BerksonMark Berkson Mark Berkson Department of Religion,Department Hamline of Religion, University, Hamline St. Paul, University, MN 55104, St. USA;Paul, [email protected] 55104, USA; [email protected] Department of Religion, Hamline University, St. Paul, MN 55104, USA; [email protected] Abstract: ManyAbstract: philosophers Many and philosophers scholars in and the scholars West have in the a negative West have view a negative of shame. view In muchof shame. In much of Abstract: Many philosophers and scholars in the West have a negative view of shame.of post-classical In much ofpost-classical Western ethical Western thought, ethical shame thought, is compared shame is negativelycompared negatively with guilt, with as shame guilt, isas shame is asso- post-classical Western ethical thought, shame is compared negatively with guilt, asassociated shame is asso- withciated the “outer”, with the how “outer”, one appears how one before appears others before (and othe thusrs is (and merely thus a is matter merely of a “face”), matter of “face”), and ciated with the “outer”, how one appears before others (and thus is merely a matterand of “face”), guilt is and associatedguilt is associated with the “inner”with the realm “inner” of therealm conscience of the conscience and soul. and Anthropologists soul. Anthropologists and and philoso- guilt is associated with the “inner” realm of the conscience and soul.
    [Show full text]
  • The Alchemical Body in Daoism
    The Alchemical Body in Daoism FABRIZIO PREGADIO Abstract This paper surveys some of the main features of the view of the human body in Daoist internal alchemy (neidan 內丹). The first sections discuss three different terms that refer to the body; cosmological, political, theological, natural, and al- chemical metaphors used to describe it; and the use of the body as a support for the system of correspondences that tie the human being to the cosmos. On this background, the development of internal alchemy closely relates to the earlier Daoist meditation practices on the inner gods. The figure of the Red Child (the innermost deity of the human being), in particular, bears close analogies to the “embryo” that alchemists generate through their practices. The final sections are concerned with the two main alchemical charts of the human body and with the use of the Buddhist concept of “dharma-body,” which some masters describe as the true immortal body. It is virtually impossible to distinguish the Daoist understanding of the body from its understanding of the human being, and this point consti- tutes on its own a central aspect of the Daoist way of seeing. For a Daoist, knowledge of the anatomic forms and the physiological workings of the body, or any of its parts and organs, is virtually irrelevant. The physical body performs another function: it serves to support different sets of metaphors that express the relation of the whole person to the Dao, the ultimate principle to which the person owes its existence. These metaphors may be cosmological (the body as a microcosm), political (the body as an administrative system), theological (the body as the residence of inner gods), natural (the body as a “landscape”), and alchemical (the body as a laboratory for compounding the elixir), to name the most important ones.
    [Show full text]
  • Downloaded from Brill.Com09/28/2021 09:41:18AM Via Free Access 102 M
    Asian Medicine 7 (2012) 101–127 brill.com/asme Palpable Access to the Divine: Daoist Medieval Massage, Visualisation and Internal Sensation1 Michael Stanley-Baker Abstract This paper examines convergent discourses of cure, health and transcendence in fourth century Daoist scriptures. The therapeutic massages, inner awareness and visualisation practices described here are from a collection of revelations which became the founding documents for Shangqing (Upper Clarity) Daoism, one of the most influential sects of its time. Although formal theories organised these practices so that salvation superseded curing, in practice they were used together. This blending was achieved through a series of textual features and synæsthesic practices intended to address existential and bodily crises simultaneously. This paper shows how therapeutic inter- ests were fundamental to soteriology, and how salvation informed therapy, thus drawing atten- tion to the entanglements of religion and medicine in early medieval China. Keywords Massage, synæsthesia, visualisation, Daoism, body gods, soteriology The primary sources for this paper are the scriptures of the Shangqing 上清 (Upper Clarity), an early Daoist school which rose to prominence as the fam- ily religion of the imperial family. The soteriological goal was to join an elite class of divine being in the Shangqing heaven, the Perfected (zhen 真), who were superior to Transcendents (xianren 仙). Their teachings emerged at a watershed point in the development of Daoism, the indigenous religion of 1 I am grateful for the insightful criticisms and comments on draughts of this paper from Robert Campany, Jennifer Cash, Charles Chase, Terry Kleeman, Vivienne Lo, Johnathan Pettit, Pierce Salguero, and Nathan Sivin.
    [Show full text]
  • Zhuangzi, Mysticism, and the Rejection of Distinctions
    SINO-PLATONIC PAPERS Number 100 February, 2000 Zhuangzi, Mysticism, and the Rejection of Distinctions by Wayne Alt Victor H. Mair, Editor Sino-Platonic Papers Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305 USA [email protected] www.sino-platonic.org SINO-PLATONIC PAPERS FOUNDED 1986 Editor-in-Chief VICTOR H. MAIR Associate Editors PAULA ROBERTS MARK SWOFFORD ISSN 2157-9679 (print) 2157-9687 (online) SINO-PLATONIC PAPERS is an occasional series dedicated to making available to specialists and the interested public the results of research that, because of its unconventional or controversial nature, might otherwise go unpublished. The editor-in-chief actively encourages younger, not yet well established, scholars and independent authors to submit manuscripts for consideration. Contributions in any of the major scholarly languages of the world, including romanized modern standard Mandarin (MSM) and Japanese, are acceptable. In special circumstances, papers written in one of the Sinitic topolects (fangyan) may be considered for publication. Although the chief focus of Sino-Platonic Papers is on the intercultural relations of China with other peoples, challenging and creative studies on a wide variety of philological subjects will be entertained. This series is not the place for safe, sober, and stodgy presentations. Sino- Platonic Papers prefers lively work that, while taking reasonable risks to advance the field, capitalizes on brilliant new insights into the development of civilization. Submissions are regularly sent out to be refereed, and extensive editorial suggestions for revision may be offered. Sino-Platonic Papers emphasizes substance over form. We do, however, strongly recommend that prospective authors consult our style guidelines at www.sino-platonic.org/stylesheet.doc.
    [Show full text]
  • “Daoism and Confucianism” In: Liu X. (Eds) Dao Companion to Daoist Philosophy
    Lai Karyn. (2015) “Daoism and Confucianism” In: Liu X. (eds) Dao Companion to Daoist Philosophy. Dao Companions to Chinese Philosophy, vol 6. Springer, Dordrecht, pp. 489-511. This is the post-print version. The definitive version is to be found at: https://link-springer- com.wwwproxy1.library.unsw.edu.au/chapter/10.1007/978-90- 481-2927-0_21 This chapter relies on a distinction between Confucianism and Daoism made during the Han dynasty (漢朝: 206 BCE–220 CE) and further perpetuated in Chinese intellectual history. It examines the connections between pre-Qin (秦朝: 221– 206 BCE) Daoist and Confucian philosophies, focusing on their differences as well as similarities. While it has been traditionally accepted that there are many tensions, and even antagonism, between concepts and approaches in Daoist and Confucian thought, the discussion here also focuses on the historical linkages and philosophical continuities that at times blur the distinction between the two. The primary comparison here will be conducted at three levels: the individual within its environment, the socio-political world, and the cultivation of the self. These three levels of analysis are organized in three sections, from the more inclusive to the more specific. However, the sections are only theoretical divisions, since both Daoist and Confucian philosophies emphasize a concept of selfhood that focuses on an individual’s relationships with others, within a larger natural and cosmic environment. To more fully understand these comparisons, it is important also to examine the intellectual climate within which interactions between so- called Daoism and Confucianism took place. These details, including information gleaned from relatively recently discovered texts, are not merely tangential to our understanding of both philosophies.
    [Show full text]
  • RD 071 937 SO 005 072 AUTHOR Payne, Judy Reeder TITLE Introduction to Eastern Philosophy, :Jocial Studies: 6414.23
    DOCIDIENT RESUME RD 071 937 SO 005 072 AUTHOR Payne, Judy Reeder TITLE Introduction to Eastern Philosophy, :Jocial Studies: 6414.23. INSTITUTION Dade County Public Schools, Miami, Fla. PUB DATE 71 NOTE 39p.; An Authorized course of instruction for the Quinmester Program EDRS PRICE MF -S0.65 HC -93.29 DESCRIPTORS Activity Units; Asian Studies; Behay.aral Objectives; Chinese Culture; Curriculum Guides; Grade 10; Grade 11; Grade 12; *Non Western Civilization; *Philosophy; *Religion; Resource Units; Secondary Grades; *Social Studies Units; Values IDENTIFIERS Flcrida; *Quinmester Program ABSTRACT Major Eastern philosophies and/or religions col sisting of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism are investigated by 10th through 12th grade students in this general social studies quinmester course. Since Eastern philosophical ideas are already influencing students, this course aims to guide students in a universal search for values and beliefs about the meaning of life. Through suggested activity learning, the five major religions are compared and contrasted for their differences, similarities, and .are examined for their influences upon Non Western and Western civilizations. Lastly, students trace contemporary ideas to Eastern philosophies. The course is arranged, as are other quinmester courses, with sections on broad goals, course content, activities, and materials. (SJM) AUTHORIZED COURSE OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE Uo Vlige1/45) 0 O Spcial Studies : INTRODUCTION TO EASTERNPHILOSOPHY 64111.23 6448.69 DIVISION OF INSTRUCTION1971 ED 071937 SOCIAL STUDIES INTRODUCTION TO EASTERN PHILOSOPHY zwoom5,13,0-mmmMZ17,MmMgg25.±:1"21'zmy., -omc 6448.696414.23 mmzocon>owao5zar4o--4m-5).35o5mt7zom74oviSollAmstwoz.3:14mm_pm..'mo mzsimmZ .momoo5,7,09c JUDY REEDERby PAYNE CmzQrfi7!!400z0m'10'.00m:;CS-,.740Olapm zMrsg;,T,m, for the 517,ZE5c00,m2.00'T23-DOM OM 2..I DadeDivision CountyMiami, 1971of PublicFloridaInstruction Schools DADE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Chinese Philosophical Traditions Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism (+Buddhism in China)
    Primary Sources: Chinese Philosophical Traditions Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism (+Buddhism in China) Confucianism: Confucius (c. 551 - 479 BCE) has been one of the most important thinkers in Chinese culture. Confucius redirected Chinese philosophy toward establishing the correct moral behavior of people within society. Significantly, Confucian thought was founded on the oldest and most respected traditions of Chinese society. Confucius himself claimed that he did nothing new, but in reality he fundamentally changed the direction of Chinese thought. Selections from the Analects (5th Century B.C.E.) On Filial Piety Mang I asked what filial piety is. The Master said, "It is being obedient." Soon after, as Fan Chi was driving him, the Master told him "Mang asked me what filial piety is, and I answer him 'being obedient.'" Fan Chi asked, "What exactly did you mean?" The Master replied, "That parents, when alive, should be served according to ritual; that, when dead, they should be buried according to ritual; and that they should be sacrificed to according to ritual." On Goodness The Master said, "A youth, when at home, should behave well toward his parents, and when abroad, respectfully to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all, and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after doing those things, he should study the polite arts." Zhonggong asked about perfect virtue. The Master said, "When abroad, behave to everyone as if you were receiving an important guest; treat people as if you were assisting at a great sacrifice; do not do to others as you would not wish done to yourself.
    [Show full text]
  • The Sayings of Lao Tzu - Tr
    Translated by Lionel Giles The Sayings of Lao Tzu - tr. Giles v. 10.12, www.philaletheians.co.uk, 21 September 2017 Page 1 of 29 THE SAYINGS OF LAO TZU CONTENTS Contents Editorial Note 3 Introduction by the Translator 4 Tao in Its Transcendental Aspect, and in Its Physical Manifestation 9 Tao as a Moral Principle, or “Virtue” 12 The Doctrine of Inaction 15 Lowliness and Humility 17 Government 19 War 22 Paradoxes 23 Miscellaneous Sayings and Precepts 25 Lao Tzu on Himself 29 The Sayings of Lao Tzu - tr. Giles v. 10.12, www.philaletheians.co.uk, 21 September 2017 Page 2 of 29 THE SAYINGS OF LAO TZU EDITORIAL NOTE The Wisdom of the East Series, Ed. J.L. Cranmer-Byng London: John Murray, 1905 Editorial Note The object of the editor of this series is a very definite one. He desires above all things that, in their humble way, these books shall be the ambassadors of goodwill and understanding between East and West, the old world of Thought, and the new of Action. He is confident that a deeper knowledge of the great ideals and lofty philoso- phy of Oriental thought may help to a revival of that true spirit of Charity which nei- ther despises nor fears the nations of another creed and colour. J.L. CRANMER-BYNG 50 Albemarle Street London, W.1 The Sayings of Lao Tzu - tr. Giles v. 10.12, www.philaletheians.co.uk, 21 September 2017 Page 3 of 29 LIVING THE LIFE SERIES INTRODUCTION TO THE SAYINGS OF LAO TZU Introduction by the Translator ITH RARE MODESTY AND INTELLIGENT SELF-APPRECIATION, Confucius described himself as “a transmitter, not a maker, one who loved and be- W lieved in the ancients.” This judicious estimate fairly sums up the position of China’s most prominent teacher.
    [Show full text]
  • In Search of the Tao in Taoism: New Questions of Unity and Multiplicity
    Santa Clara University Scholar Commons Religious Studies College of Arts & Sciences 11-1993 In Search of the Tao in Taoism: New Questions of Unity and Multiplicity Catherine M. Bell Santa Clara University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/rel_stud Part of the Religion Commons Recommended Citation Bell, C. M. (1993). In Search of the Tao in Taoism: New Questions of Unity and Multiplicity. History of Religions, 33(2), 187–201. https://doi.org/10.1086/463363 Copyright © 1984 The University of Chicago Press. Reprinted with permission. https://doi.org/10.1086/463363 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the College of Arts & Sciences at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Religious Studies by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. REVIEW ARTICLE IN SEARCH OF THE TAO IN TAOISM: NEW QUESTIONS OF UNITY AND MULTIPLICITY Histoire du taoisme des origines au XIVe siecle. By ISABELLE ROBINET. Paris: Les ltditions du Cerf, 1991. Pp. 274. 147 F. Taoist Mystical Philosophy: The Scripture of Western Ascension. By LIVIA KOHN. Albany, N.Y.: SUNY Press, 1991. Pp. 345+xvi. $59.50 (cloth); $19.95 (paper). "Dans le Mystere, il est un autre Mystere", dit Lao zi, maintes fois cite par les maitres qui ajoutent: "Dans le souffle il est un autre Souffle", "Dans le corps il est un autre corps." Plus on extrait l'int6rieur de l'interieur, plus on obtient un ele- ment "pur", "reel." [ISABELLE ROBINET] Lao-tzu's sense of the mystery within the mystery, or the theory of a truer reality within the real that was elaborated by later Taoists, is an idea not all that far removed from the analytical quest to identify an essential unity under- lying some tantalizing set of diverse phenomena.
    [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]