Daoism: A Beginner's Guide

by James Miller

Overview

From T’ai Chi to the Ming Dynasty, this is an engrossing guide to the elusive Chinese tradition of Daoism.

Spanning the centuries and crossing the globe, this engaging introduction covers everything Daoist, from the religion of the ancients to 21st century T’ai Chi and meditation. Complete with a timeline of Daoist history and a full glossary, Daoism: A Beginner's Guide will prove invaluable not only to students, but also to general readers who wish to learn more about the origins and nature of a profound tradition, and about its role and relevance in our fast-moving 21st century existence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781780740157
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	02/01/2008
Series:	Beginner's Guides
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	604,449
File size:	906 KB

About the Author

James Miller is Associate Professor of Chinese Religions at Queen's University, Canada. He is the editor of Chinese Religions in Contemporary Societies, and has studied and worked extensively in the Far East.
James Miller has published two highly acclaimed novels, Lost Boys and Sunshine State. He teaches English literature and creative writing at Kingston University.

Table of Contents

Historical Introduction; Proto Daoism; Classical Daoism; Contemporary Daoism; Identity: Daoism as Chinese religion; Daoism as lineages of transmission; Daoism as universal path; Way; Power; Communication; Body; Qi: The breath of life; Correlation, synchronicity and resonance; Longevity practices; Transcendent bodies; Power: Daoism millenarianism; Daoist messianism; Daoism in contemporary China; Negotiating with destiny; Light: The development of Shangqing Daoism; Light practices; Contemporary visualization practices; Alchemy: Alchemy and the quest for immortality; Laboratory alchemy; Internal alchemy; The Way of Complete Perfection: Transformation; Text; The religious origins and functions of Daoist texts; Transformations of meaning in Daoist texts; Nature: Natural space as sacred space; Marvellous nature; Caverns and texts; A Daoist aesthetic of spontaneity; Glossary of Chinese Terms; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Just the introductory text we have been waiting for - thoroughly up-to-date, admirably well written, and with an intelligent, and freshly different, thematic organization." N.J. Girardot - University Distinguish Professor, Lehigh University

From the Publisher

"Just the introductory text we have been waiting for – thoroughly up-to-date, admirably well written, and with an intelligent, and freshly different, thematic organization."

Lehigh University N.J. Girardot - University Distinguish Professor