The Way of the World: Readings in Chinese Philosophy

by Thomas Cleary (Translator)

Overview

The dynamic relationship between the individual and society has been a central concern of Taoism from its ancient beginnings—which is perhaps why certain Taoist classics, like Sun Tzu’s Art of War, are so often consulted these days for leadership advice. This anthology presents a wide range of texts revealing the processes of integrating personal spirituality with social responsibility central to Taoist tradition across the centuries and throughout the schools. There are a wealth of approaches to life in the world presented here, but at the heart of each is an understanding that even a mystic must be socially responsible and that self-cultivation is primary preparation for anyone called to lead.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780834823150
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	12/01/2009
Series:	Shambhala Publications
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	569 KB

About the Author

Thomas Cleary holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University and a JD from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. He is the translator of over fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and Arabic.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 Inner Work from Guanzi 13

2 Mental Arts I from Guanzi 24

3 Mental Arts II from Guanzi 31

4 Purifying The Mind from Guanzi 34

5 Interpreting Lao Han Fei 44

6 Taking Lessons from Lao Han Fei 61

7 The Fisherman and the Woodcutter Shao Yong 71

8 The Man of Deer Gate: A Letter from Retirement Pi Rixiu 76

9 Huang Shi's Silk Text Zhang Shangying 78

10 Wenshi's Classic on Reality Officer Xi 84