Daoism and Chinese Culture by Livia KohnA long-awaited textbook that introduces the major schools, teachings, and practices of Daoism, this work presents a chronological survey that is thematically divided into four parts: Ancient Thought, Religious Communities, Spiritual Practices, and Modernity. The work offers an integrated vision of the Daoist tradition in its historical and cultural context, establishing connections with relevant information on Confucianism, Chinese Buddhism, popular religion, and political developments. It also places Daoism into a larger theoretical and comparative framework, relating it to mysticism, millenarianism, forms of religious organization, ritual, meditation, and modernity. The book makes ample use of original materials and provides references to further readings and original sources in translation. It is a powerful resource for teaching and studying alike.
ISBN: 9781931483001
Publication Date: 2005-05-01
Story of Buddhism by Donald S. LopezHow and when did the many schools of Buddhism emerge? How does the historical figure of Siddartha Guatama relate to the many teachings that are presented in his name? Did Buddhism modify the cultures to which it was introduced, or did they modify Buddhism? Leading Buddhist scholar Donald S. Lopez Jr. explores the origins of this 2,500-year-old religion and traces its major developments up to the present, focusing not only on the essential elemenmts common to all schools of Buddhism but also revealing the differences among the major traditions. Beginning with the creation and structure of the Buddhist universe, Lopez explores the life of the Buddha, the core Buddhist tenets, and the development of the monastic life and lay practices. Combining brilliant scholarship with fascinating stories -- contemporary and historical, sometimes miraculous, sometimes humorous -- this rich and absorbing volume presents a fresh and expert history of Buddhism and Buddhist life.
ISBN: 9780060099275
Publication Date: 2009-08-11
Shinto the Kami Way by Sokyo Ono; William P Woodard"An excellently rounded introduction by an eminent Shinto scholar."--Library Journal Shinto, the indigenous faith of the Japanese people, continues to fascinate and mystify both the casual visitor to Japan and the long-time resident. Relatively unknown among the religions of the world,Shinto: The Kami Way provides an enlightening window into this Japanese faith. In its general aspects Shinto is more than a religious faith. It is an amalgam of attitudes, ideas, and ways of doing things that through two millennia and more have become an integral part of the way of the Japanese people. Shinto is both a personal faith in the kami--objects of worship in Shinto and an honorific for noble, sacred spirits--and a communal way of life according to the mind of the kami. This introduction unveils Shinto's spiritual characteristics and discusses the architecture and function of Shinto shrines. Further examination of Shinto's lively festivals, worship, music, and sacred regalia illustrates Shinto's influence on all levels of Japanese life. Fifteen photographs, numerous drawings and Dr. Ono's text introduce the reader to two millennia of indigenous Japanese belief in the kami and in communal life. Chapters include: The Kami Way Shrines Worship and Festivals Political and Social Characteristics Some Spiritual Characteristics
ISBN: 9780804835572
Publication Date: 2004-04-15
The Taoist Body by Kristofer Schipper; Karen C. Duval (Translator); Norman Girardot (Foreword by)The ancient system of thought known as Taoism remains today the least well known of the world's great religions and one of the most inaccessible aspects of Chinese culture. This is in large part because Western thought clings to the notion of the separation of matter and spirit, body and soul. Taoism refuses this dualism and considers the body's perfection as essential as the soul's redemption is to Christianity. Kristofer Schipper's elegant and lucid introduction to the traditions of Taoism and the masters who transmit them will reward all those interested in China and in religions. The result of over twenty-five years of research, including eight years of fieldwork in China, Schipper's book retraces, step by step, the way that leads from Chinese shamanism and traditional village life to the physical Tending Life techniques, which in turn lead to the mysticism of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. Schipper shows the fundamental unity underlying all aspects of Taoism as Taoism considers itself to be. The social body--the community, the village, the land--corresponds in all aspects to the physical body in Taoism. In both of them the survival of humanity is decided here and now. "My destiny is within me, not in Heaven!"
ISBN: 9780520082243
Publication Date: 1994-03-19
Japanese Religious Traditions by Michiko YusaThis illuminating introduction to Japanese culture and religiosity offers a straightforward chronological narrative to Japanese religions by focusing on major Japanese religious and political figures who have profound acumen into their own living faith and describing what each thought (or taught) and did. Covers Japanese religious practices from the medieval times to present day, taking an existential and psychological approach to exploring the founders of various Japanese Buddhist sects and concentrating on what kind of questions they themselves asked about Buddhism. Describes the rise of modern Japanese nationalism in relation to “State Shinto” , explaining how it underwent ideological and political transfigurations through the times to help readers in their appraisal of the current state of Japanese society, politics, and what direction the country may be taking in the future. Also presents significant discussions on the role of women and their positions in Japanese religions, history, and society. For general readers interested in Japanese religions, world religions, and Asian culture.
Call Number: 299.56
ISBN: 9780130911643
Publication Date: 2002-03-06
The Daodejing of Laozi by Lao Tzu; Phillip J. Ivanhoe; Henri LaoziPhilip J. Ivanhoe's richly annotated translation of this classic work is accompanied by his engaging interpretation and commentary, a lucid introduction, and a Language Appendix that compares eight classic translations of the opening passage of the work and invites the reader to consider the principles upon which each was rendered.
Call Number: 299.51
ISBN: 9780872207011
Publication Date: 2003-08-01
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