While the 1960's created a great expansion of thought in America, it
brought about a great cloaking as well. Now, those who rebel against
conformity only do so by conforming to the standard of behavior of the
rebel. What then is the difference between the rebel and the society
that they rebel against?
Daoism is seeking to be in that spot where the viewpoints merge to a
more proper reflection of reality. Being that there is only one Reality
and many viewpoints of it, our approach to reality must include the decreasing
of the conditioned behavior and attitudes that our culture places on us
as we grow and become a citizen.
In many ways, the Dao is concerned with living in a manner that allows
for the expression of Virtue independent of what is "Right" or "Wrong."
To arrive at such a state as to do the proper action in a given situation
without having to consider the "Facts" of the matter is the Virtue of the
Dao De Jing. I have found that the saying that "A fanatic is a person
who does what God would do if God knew the facts of the matter" to be a
good guide of how not to behave. To presume that we humans have the
Infinite wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Divine is ludicrous.
What we can only hope for is to respond appropriately to a situation in
a manner that is proper to the situation not to some set of tenets that
can only be a cultural reflection of Morality.
The basis of Daoism is stated in the Dao De Jing. Additional material
in defining the concepts behind this philosophy are defined by Zhuang Zi
(Chuang Tzu)
and Lie Zi (Lieh
Tzu.) Many of the books below deal with the use of words that
define what can not be described with words. A Zen Koan is an
attempt to create a scaffolding around a concept with words, then when
the concept is realized, the words fall away. The Dao must be approached
in the same manner.
Tao
Teh Ching
translated by
John C. H. Wu
|
|
A sweet book providing both the Chinese and an English
translation of where Daoism started. |
Chuang
Tzu: Inner Chapters
translated by
Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English
|
|
The companion volume to the Dao De Jing (Tao Teh Ching) above.
This translation is still considered the best for the Inner Chapters.
|
Embarking
on the Way
by
Solala Towler
|
|
A pleasant introduction to Daoism by a westerner. This book is
concerned with Daoism as a way of life - a philosophy to live by. |
The
Shambhala Guide to Taoism
by
Eva Wong
|
|
A comprehensive introduction to the history, philosophy and practice
of Daoism. A must read to place the various texts and schools of
thought in Daoism in context with each other.
|
Lieh-Tzu
by
Eva Wong
|
|
In her introduction, Eva Wong states that she had heard many of these
tails in Chinese culture in general and to find them all in one place was
very special to her. I too have heard many of these stories in other
places. It is indeed a great book to use to expand the thoughts and
concepts of Daoism. |
Wen-Tzu
translated by
Thomas Cleary
|
|
A further expansion of the Dao De Jing (Tao Teh Ching). This
book is has helped me deepen by grasp of Daoism. It is worth the
time it takes to read. Read a little at at time as with many such
books and meditate on the concepts. |
Awakening
to the Tao
translated by
Thomas Cleary
|
|
Thoughts and stories of a Daoist adapt of the eighteenth century.
Liu I-ming was instrumental in commenting on several of the Complete Reality
School classics. Several books in the Daoist cannon that I have listed
have commentaries by Liu I-ming. |
The
Eight Immortals of Taoism
translated by
Kwok Man Ho and Joanne O'Brien
|
|
Daoism has always been associated with longevity and immortality.
These stories are about the Eight Immortals who are said to guide humanity
seeking for the enlightenment of all people. |
Scholar
Warrior
by
Deng Ming-Dao
|
|
An introduction to Daoism with a martial
influence. A bit controversial as Deng's teacher is doubted to exist
by several people. One thing that this book does is layout several
Daoist concepts in very good ways. The section on Masters and Students
is very good. The sections on Qi Gong are likewise. I love
the use of the Chinese character blocks when a concept is introduced.
It allows for learning the chinese. |
Bodhisattva
of Compassion
by
John Blofeld
|
|
Guan Yin is not technically Daoist, however her purveyance throughout
Chinese culture is so strong that the concepts have influenced Daoism.
She who hears every cry brings grace to every tradition of helping. |
Taoism:
The Road to Immortality
by
John Blofeld
|
|
This book is fairly comprehensive in terms of the history of Daoism.
It is unique in terms of having comments on his visits to the hermitages
of the Daoist monks. |
Taoist
Yoga
by
Charles Luk
|
|
One of the first books on Daoist Alchemy before they were put into
a form for "Western" readers. Great Glossary. |
Lao-Tzu
by
Man-jan Cheng
|
|
Professor Cheng's discussions on the Dao De Jing. It includes
both the chinese and english. It is interesting to compare this with
the version above. Professor Cheng's studies were great indeed. |
Workbook
for the Spiritual Development of All People
by
Hua Ching Ni
|
|
Master Ni has written many books and I have a few. His background
seems to indicate a more religious flavor of Daoism than what I prefer.
However, he has many very interesting, useful and unique things.
This book has many such things that I have not seen elsewhere. One
major example is what is called "The Silent Way of Blessing." This
collection of sayings are very different and through provoking. |
A
Source Book in Chinese Philosophy
translated by
Wing-Tsit Chan
|
|
An older book that is still considered to be the best source of a broad
overview of Chinese Philosophy. There are now questions about some
of the material as new material has come to light, but still the broadest
source. |
