Overview

Gives an introduction to Daoism. This work 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. It also traces its development and encounters with Buddhism, and its expression in art and literature.

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9781845116385

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Littlejohn organizes his introduction around the central metaphor of a spreading kudzu vine, whose roots, trunk, stalks, branches, and leaves grow beneath, in, around, and over the vast and complex terrain of Chinese culture. He does a marvellous job exploring the origins, developments, and transformations of Daoism by guiding readers through canonical texts, across historical contexts, and around expressions of Daoism in fine art, popular symbols, literature, ritual, and other forms of material culture. The result is a masterful and comprehensive introduction to this protean, venerable, and vital tradition that will engage and enlighten novices and experts alike and delight anyone interested in Chinese religion, philosophy, or culture. --Philip J. Ivanhoe, Reader-Professor of Philosophy, City University of Hong Kong<p> A marvellously detailed and highly readable history of Daoist religion and culture. The book also presents a wealth of information on how Daoism has shaped Chinese philosophy, politics and art throughout the centuries. A must-read for anyone who wants a fuller appreciation of Chinese history, and highly recommended for introductory classes on Chinese religions. --James Miller, Associate Professor of Chinese Religions, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada

<p> Littlejohn organizes his introduction around the central metaphor of a spreading kudzu vine, whose roots, trunk, stalks, branches, and leaves grow beneath, in, around, and over the vast and complex terrain of Chinese culture. He does a marvellous job exploring the origins, developments, and transformations of Daoism by guiding readers through canonical texts, across historical contexts, and around expressions of Daoism in fine art, popular symbols, literature, ritual, and other forms of material culture. The result is a masterful and comprehensive introduction to this protean, venerable, and vital tradition that will engage and enlighten novices and experts alike and delight anyone interested in Chinese religion, philosophy, or culture. --Philip J. Ivanhoe, Reader-Professor of Philosophy, City University of Hong Kong<p> A marvellously detailed and highly readable history of Daoist religion and culture.&nbsp;The book also presents a wealth of information on how Daoism has shaped Chi

<p> Littlejohn organizes his introduction around the central metaphor of a spreading kudzu vine, whose roots, trunk, stalks, branches, and leaves grow beneath, in, around, and over the vast and complex terrain of Chinese culture. He does a marvellous job exploring the origins, developments, and transformations of Daoism by guiding readers through canonical texts, across historical contexts, and around expressions of Daoism in fine art, popular symbols, literature, ritual, and other forms of material culture. The result is a masterful and comprehensive introduction to this protean, venerable, and vital tradition that will engage and enlighten novices and experts alike and delight anyone interested in Chinese religion, philosophy, or culture. --Philip J. Ivanhoe, Reader-Professor of Philosophy, City University of Hong Kong<p> A marvellously detailed and highly readable history of Daoist religion and culture. The book also presents a wealth of information on how Daoism has shaped Chinese philosophy, politics and art throughout the centuries. A must-read for anyone who wants a fuller appreciation of Chinese history, and highly recommended for introductory classes on Chinese religions. --James Miller, Associate Professor of Chinese Religions, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada

Author Information

Ronnie L. Littlejohn is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Asian Studies at Belmont University, Nashville. He is the author of many articles in the field of Chinese and comparative philosophy, and also of a collection of essays on the Daoist classic 'Liezi', as well as previous works on ethics and theology.

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