Taoism for Beginners: A Guide to Balanced Living

by C. Alexander Simpkins, Annellen Simpkins

Overview

Taoism for Beginners is a practical guide to applying the key notions, concepts and beliefs underlying Taoism's various branches and schools.

Authors C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins tap into their years of training and study in meditation, martial arts and Eastern philosophy to provide readers with a comprehensive introduction to the spiritual tenets and attainments that mark the holistic pathway to a life more in balance.

This book offers readers:

• A clear explanation of what Taoism is and how to apply its most salient tenets and teachings to your daily life
• Simple exercises to enable you to lead a calmer and more mindful, connected life—taking in a range of practices that include meditation, breathing, chi kung and tai chi chuan
• An exploration of the origins and background of Taoism, including the various sects and schools of thought
• An informative discussion of key Taoist concepts, including wu-wei (nonaction), yin and yang, and the powerful way of De (the cradle of power, virtue and life)

This new edition has been updated by the author to include the connections between Taoism and mindfulness and meditation, as well as ritualized practices to heighten mind-body connection in order to control chi (energy). Taoist principles and concepts have guided people on the path to harmony, wholeness, balance and greater well-being for millennia. This beginning resource makes an ancient religion, its practices and history accessible for a twenty-first century reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780804852685
Publisher:	Tuttle Publishing
Publication date:	01/19/2021
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Drs. C. Alexander and Annellen Simpkins have been involved with Eastern philosophy for over thirty years. They were first introduced to these ideas through the practice of martial arts which they began in the 1960s, and their interest continued to deepen over time. As psychologists they have specialized in studies of the mind as well as hypnosis. They are authors of numerous books on Eastern philosophy including a series on meditation: Principles of Meditation, Living Meditation and Meditation from Thought to Action, a historical and practical book on Zen entitled Zen Around the World, and the Simple series on different Eastern philosophies: Simple Zen, Simple Taoism, Simple Confucianism, Simple Buddhism, and Simple Tibetan Buddhism. Dr. Simpkins lives in San Diego.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Part I Taoism In Time

1 Origins and Background 11

2 Lao-Tzu: Illuminating the Classic Way 17

3 Chuang-Tzu: Tales of Tao 22

4 Lieh-Tzu and Yang-Chu: Traveling the Path 29

5 Neo-Taoists: Feelings and Thoughts Evolve 35

6 Later Developments Toward Health and Long Life 40

Part II Taoist Themes

7 The Tao: Mystery Comes First 52

8 Yin and Yang: To Be Is to be Related 57

9 Nature's Essence Revealed 62

10 Wu-Wei: To Yield Is to Conquer 67

11 Simplifying the Journey: The Way to Te 73

Part III Living Taoism

12 Meditation: Deep Calm, Vital Energy 84

13 Chi Rung: Enhancing Well-being 92

14 Healing: Finding Harmony 103

15 Martial Arts: Sources of Strategy 115

16 Creative Arts: Expressing Tao 127

17 Being Whole: Returning to the Way to Find Balance 137

Conclusion 147

Timeline 147

Taoism, Tai Chi and Mindfulness Resources 155