The Daode jing ("Book of the Dao and Its Virtue") is an essential work in both traditional Chinese culture and world philosophy. The oldest text of philosophical Daoism, and widely venerated among religious Daoist practitioners, it was composed around the middle of the 4th century BCE. Ascribed to a thinker named Laozi, a contemporary of Confucius, the work is based on a set of aphorisms designed to help local lords improve their techniques of government. The most translated book after the Bible, the Daode jing appears in numerous variants and remains highly relevant in the modern world. This guide provides an overview of the text, presenting its historical unfolding, its major concepts, and its contemporary use. It also gives some indication of its essence by citing relevant passages and linking them to the religious practices of traditional Daoism.
Product Details
ISBN-13: 9780190689827
Media Type: Paperback
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Date: 10-23-2019
Pages: 288
Product Dimensions: 8.20(w) x 5.50(h) x 0.70(d)
Series: Guides to Sacred Texts
About the Author
Livia Kohn, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita of Religion and East Asian Studies at Boston University. The author or editor of over 40 books, she now lives in Florida, serves as the executive editor of the Journal of Daoist Studies, and runs various workshops and conferences.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
PART I: THE TEXT
Chapter 1: Times and Authorship The Axial Age The Warring States Confucianism Yin-Yang Cosmology Laozi The Laozi Legend Divinization
Chapter 2: Textual Development Language Texts in Tombs Guodian Mawangdui Heshang gong Standardization Wang Bi
Chapter 3: General Principles Dao Cosmic Unfolding Natural Dynamics Self-Being Virtue Images and Metaphors
Chapter 4: Social Application Nonaction Social Reality Sufficiency Humility and Simplicity Clarity and Stillness Sagehood
PART II: TRADITIONAL EXPANSIONS
Chapter 5: Communities and Politics Primitivism Self-Cultivation Longevity Techniques Inward Training The Jixia Academy Syncretism and Huang-Lao Masters of Methods
Chapter 6: Devotional Activation Early Recitation The Celestial Masters Immortality Meditation Ritual Veneration Ordination Integrated Practice
Chapter 7: Commentary Exegeses The Nature of Commentaries Ideal Rulership Personal Self-Cultivation Original Nonbeing Western Ascension Mystical Attainment
Chapter 8: Later Developments Twofold Mystery Imperial Attention Song Huizong Internal Alchemy Daode jing Readings Clarity and Stillness The Qingjing jing
PART III: MODERN RECEPTION
Chapter 9: China Today Religious Veneration Academic Study Intellectual Engagement Politics and Education Ecology Cognitive Therapy Self-Help
Chapter 10: In the World Eastern Transmission Early Western Reception Seeing Dao Philosophical Adaptation Popular Understanding Multiple Readings
Chapter 11: English Translations Types of Translations Literal Translations Historical Scholarship Philosophical Readings Poetic Versions Social Applications Self-Help Manuals Whimsical Renditions
Chapter 12: Western Adaptations Daoist Leadership Doing Business Ecology The Tao of . . . Literary Allegories Songs of Dao