Taoism remains the only major religion whose canonical texts have not been systematically arranged and made available for study. This long-awaited work, a milestone in Chinese studies, catalogs and describes all existing texts within the Taoist canon. The result will not only make the entire range of existing Taoist texts accessible to scholars of religion, it will open up a crucial resource in the study of the history of China.
The vast literature of the Taoist canon, or Daozang, survives in a Ming Dynasty edition of some fifteen hundred different texts. Compiled under imperial auspices and completed in 1445—with a supplement added in 1607—many of the books in the Daozang concern the history, organization, and liturgy of China's indigenous religion. A large number of works deal with medicine, alchemy, and divination.
If scholars have long neglected this unique storehouse of China's religious traditions, it is largely because it was so difficult to find one's way within it. Not only was the rationale of its medieval classification system inoperable for the many new texts that later entered the Daozang, but the system itself was no longer understood by the Ming editors; hence the haphazard arrangement of the canon as it has come down to us.
This new work sets out the contents of the Daozang chronologically, allowing the reader to follow the long evolution of Taoist literature. Lavishly illustrated, the first volume ranges from antiquity through the Middle Ages, while the second spans the modern period. Within this frame, texts are grouped by theme and subject. Each one is the subject of a historical abstract that identifies the text's contents, date of origin, and author. Throughout the first two volumes, introductions outline the evolution of Taoism and its spiritual heritage. A third volume offering biographical sketches of frequently mentioned Taoists, multiple indexes, and an extensive bibliography provides critical tools for navigating this guide to one of the fundamental aspects of Chinese culture.
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Wei Wu Wei
Between the years 1958 and 1974 a series of eight books appeared attributed to the mysterious 'Wei Wu Wei'. In addition to these texts there were pieces contributed to various periodicals during the 1960's, including 'The Mountain Path', a periodical dedicated to the teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, 'The Middle Way', the U.K. Buddhist Society's journal, and 'Etre Libre', a French-language periodical published in Brussels. These works draw on a variety of sources, including Taoism, specifically the texts attributed to Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, Buddhism, especially The Heart, Diamond and Lankavatara Sutras, and Chan Buddhism as taught by Hui Neng, Huang Po, Hui Hai, etc., as well as the teachings of Padma Sambhava and Sri Ramana Maharshi, among others.
The identity of 'Wei Wu Wei' was not revealed at the time of publication for reasons outlined in the Preface to the first book 'Fingers Pointing Towards the Moon' (Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1958). This well-considered anonymity will be respected here, though a few background details may help to put the writings into context. 'Wei Wu Wei' was born in 1895 into a well-established Irish family, was raised on an estate outside Cambridge, England, and received a thorough education, including studies at Oxford University. Early in life he pursued an interest in Egyptology which culminated in the publication of two books on ancient Egyptian history and culture in 1923. This was followed by a period of involvement in the arts in Britain in the 20's and 30's as a theorist, theatrical producer, creator of radical 'dance-dramas', publisher of several related magazines and author of two related books. He was a major influence on many noted dramatists, poets and dancers of the day, including his cousin Ninette de Valois, founder of the Royal Ballet (which in fact had its origin's in his own dance troupe at the Cambridge Festival Theatre which he leased from 1926-33).
After he had apparently exhausted his interest in this field to a large extent, his thoughts turned towards philosophy and metaphysics. This led to a period of travel throughout Asia, including time spent at Sri Ramana Maharshi's ashram in Tiruvannamalai, India. In 1958, at the age of 63, he saw the first of the 'Wei Wu Wei' titles published. The next 16 years saw the appearance of seven subsequent books, including his final work under the further pseudonym 'O.O.O.' in 1974. During most of this later period he maintained a residence with his wife in Monaco. He is believed to have known, among others, Lama Anagarika Govinda, Dr. Hubert Benoit, John Blofeld, Douglas Harding, Robert Linssen, Arthur Osborne, Robert Powell and Dr. D. T. Suzuki. He died in 1986 at the age of 90.
'Wei Wu Wei's influence, while never widespread, has been profound upon many of those who knew him personally, upon those with whom he corresponded, among them British mathematician and author G. Spencer-Brown and Galen Sharp (see 'Links'), as well as upon many who have read his works, including Ramesh Balsekar.
It is apparent from his writings that 'Wei Wu Wei' had studied in some depth both Eastern and Western philosophy and metaphysics, as well as the more esoteric teachings of all the great religions. It can also be understood from the writings that he regarded himself as merely one of many seeking so-called 'liberation', the works themselves being seen in part as a record of this quest.
The attitude adopted towards the writings is perhaps best indicated by the following quote from an introductory note to 'Open Secret' (Hong Kong University Press, 1965):
'The writer of these lines has nothing whatsoever to teach anyone; his words are just his contribution to our common discussion of what must inevitably be for us the most important subject which could be discussed by sentient beings.'
The identity of 'Wei Wu Wei' was not revealed at the time of publication for reasons outlined in the Preface to the first book 'Fingers Pointing Towards the Moon' (Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1958). This well-considered anonymity will be respected here, though a few background details may help to put the writings into context. 'Wei Wu Wei' was born in 1895 into a well-established Irish family, was raised on an estate outside Cambridge, England, and received a thorough education, including studies at Oxford University. Early in life he pursued an interest in Egyptology which culminated in the publication of two books on ancient Egyptian history and culture in 1923. This was followed by a period of involvement in the arts in Britain in the 20's and 30's as a theorist, theatrical producer, creator of radical 'dance-dramas', publisher of several related magazines and author of two related books. He was a major influence on many noted dramatists, poets and dancers of the day, including his cousin Ninette de Valois, founder of the Royal Ballet (which in fact had its origin's in his own dance troupe at the Cambridge Festival Theatre which he leased from 1926-33).
After he had apparently exhausted his interest in this field to a large extent, his thoughts turned towards philosophy and metaphysics. This led to a period of travel throughout Asia, including time spent at Sri Ramana Maharshi's ashram in Tiruvannamalai, India. In 1958, at the age of 63, he saw the first of the 'Wei Wu Wei' titles published. The next 16 years saw the appearance of seven subsequent books, including his final work under the further pseudonym 'O.O.O.' in 1974. During most of this later period he maintained a residence with his wife in Monaco. He is believed to have known, among others, Lama Anagarika Govinda, Dr. Hubert Benoit, John Blofeld, Douglas Harding, Robert Linssen, Arthur Osborne, Robert Powell and Dr. D. T. Suzuki. He died in 1986 at the age of 90.
'Wei Wu Wei's influence, while never widespread, has been profound upon many of those who knew him personally, upon those with whom he corresponded, among them British mathematician and author G. Spencer-Brown and Galen Sharp (see 'Links'), as well as upon many who have read his works, including Ramesh Balsekar.
It is apparent from his writings that 'Wei Wu Wei' had studied in some depth both Eastern and Western philosophy and metaphysics, as well as the more esoteric teachings of all the great religions. It can also be understood from the writings that he regarded himself as merely one of many seeking so-called 'liberation', the works themselves being seen in part as a record of this quest.
The attitude adopted towards the writings is perhaps best indicated by the following quote from an introductory note to 'Open Secret' (Hong Kong University Press, 1965):
'The writer of these lines has nothing whatsoever to teach anyone; his words are just his contribution to our common discussion of what must inevitably be for us the most important subject which could be discussed by sentient beings.'
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Mindfulness for Beginners
Reclaiming the Present Moment--and Your Life
An Invitation to the Practice of Mindfulness
We may long for wholeness, suggests Jon Kabat-Zinn, but the truth is that it is already here and already ours. The practice of mindfulness holds the possibility of not just a fleeting sense of contentment, but a true embracing of a deeper unity that envelops and permeates our lives. With Mindfulness for Beginners you are invited to learn how to transform your relationship to the way you think, feel, love, work, and play—and thereby awaken to and embody more completely who you really are.
Here, the teacher, scientist, and clinician who first demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness within mainstream Western medicine offers a book that you can use in three unique ways: as a collection of reflections and practices to be opened and explored at random; as an illuminating and engaging start-to-finish read; or as an unfolding “lesson- a-day” primer on mindfulness practice.
Beginning and advanced meditators alike will discover in these pages a valuable distillation of the key attitudes and essential practices that Jon Kabat-Zinn has found most useful with his students, including:
The prescription for living a more mindful life seems simple enough: return your awareness again and again to whatever is going on. But if you’ve tried it, you know that here is where all the questions and challenges really begin. Mindfulness for Beginners provides welcome answers, insights, and instruction to help us make that shift, moment by moment, into a more spacious, clear, reliable, and loving connection with ourselves and the world.
Includes a complete CD with five guided mindfulness meditations by Jon Kabat-Zinn, selected from the audio program that inspired this book.
An Invitation to the Practice of Mindfulness
We may long for wholeness, suggests Jon Kabat-Zinn, but the truth is that it is already here and already ours. The practice of mindfulness holds the possibility of not just a fleeting sense of contentment, but a true embracing of a deeper unity that envelops and permeates our lives. With Mindfulness for Beginners you are invited to learn how to transform your relationship to the way you think, feel, love, work, and play—and thereby awaken to and embody more completely who you really are.
Here, the teacher, scientist, and clinician who first demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness within mainstream Western medicine offers a book that you can use in three unique ways: as a collection of reflections and practices to be opened and explored at random; as an illuminating and engaging start-to-finish read; or as an unfolding “lesson- a-day” primer on mindfulness practice.
Beginning and advanced meditators alike will discover in these pages a valuable distillation of the key attitudes and essential practices that Jon Kabat-Zinn has found most useful with his students, including:
- Why heartfulness is synonymous with true mindfulness
- The value of coming back toour bodies and to our senses over and over again
- How our thoughts “self-liberate” whentouched by awareness
- Moving beyond our “story” into direct experience
- Stabilizing our attention and presence amidst daily activities
- The three poisons that causesuffering—and their antidotes
- How mindfulness heals, even after the fact
- Reclaiming our wholeness, and more.
The prescription for living a more mindful life seems simple enough: return your awareness again and again to whatever is going on. But if you’ve tried it, you know that here is where all the questions and challenges really begin. Mindfulness for Beginners provides welcome answers, insights, and instruction to help us make that shift, moment by moment, into a more spacious, clear, reliable, and loving connection with ourselves and the world.
Includes a complete CD with five guided mindfulness meditations by Jon Kabat-Zinn, selected from the audio program that inspired this book.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Author, Teacher and Spiritual Master Jed McKenna tells it like it's never been told before. A true American original, Jed succeeds where countless others have failed by reducing this highest of attainments — Spiritual Enlightenment — to the simplest of terms.
Effectively demystifying the mystical, Jed astonishes the reader not by adding to the world's collected spiritual wisdom, but by taking the spirituality out of spiritual enlightenment. Never before has this elusive topic been treated in so engaging and accessible a manner.
A masterpiece of illuminative writing, Spiritual Enlightenment is mandatory reading for anyone following a spiritual path. Part exposé and part how-to manual, this is the first book to explain why failure seems to be the rule in the search for enlightenment — and how the rule can be broken.
Says Jed:
The truth is that enlightenment is neither remote nor unattainable.
It is closer than your skin and more immediate than your next breath.
If we wonder why so few seem able to find that which can never be lost,
we might recall the child who was looking in the light for a coin he dropped
in the dark because "the light is better over here".
Mankind has spent ages looking in the light for a coin that awaits us not in light and not in dark, but beyond all opposites. That is the message of this book: Spiritual enlightenment, pure and simple.
Reviews:
Absolutely marvelous, splendid, perfect book! May it destroy the ignorance of seeking and plunge the world into real finding, which is now! – Shri Acharya
I have given many copies of Damnedest to friends. This book changed my life. – N. Prescott
It takes a true master to take a topic that has been studied since humans could communicate and describe it in simplicity.– Heather Froeschl BookReview.com
Finally, some sense in the world of Spirituality. Jed McKenna tells it straight. He separates the hype and confusion about enlightenment and tells it like it is. He answers questions and maps out the journey. His logic and plain talk releases one from the shackles of organized religion and fuzzy-wuzzy gurus. He makes the path so clear it make me uncomfortable at times. I am unaccumstomed to such honesty in this arena with no hidden agenda. It's even fun to read with laughs mixed in with the ah-ha's. It's hard to put down. What a relief!. – C. Harris
Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing by author, teacher, and spiritual master Jed McKenna presents the quest for enlightenment in plain, simple, accessible, understandable terms. Brief, almost vignette-style, chapters explore the deeper meaning behind common conundrums of life, as well as the search for meaning and understanding in a complex world. Filled with a deep appreciation for life, thought, and love, and ideal for truth-seeking readers of all education levels and backgrounds,Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing is very highly recommended. – Midwest Book Review
A good teacher gently nudges us towards the right questions and then encourages us to find our own answers. And that's exactly what Jed McKenna does inSpiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing. An engaging, witty, and insightful read that will, no doubt, leave many wondering if they haven't been wasting a lot of precious time. A welcome diversion from the more usual, well-worn paths! – Debbie Ann Brett One Spirit Project
Jed McKenna’s book is a light-hearted and extremely readable jaunt into a serious subject that is filled with wit and wisdom and gentle guidance. That he makes it all seem so painless is a welcome treat. His humor is extremely welcome – and unexpected. Anyone searching for a ‘higher order’ of living would do well to read this book and put everything, including the search for ‘spiritual enlightenment’ in its proper perspective. – Denise M. Clark Denise’s Pieces Book Reviews
Clearly a modern masterpiece that may be the only spiritual book you will ever need. If you are a truth seeker, buy this book. – D. Shamanik
Do books have the capacity to enlighten? Jed McKenna would be the first to deny that assumption. And yet he has written a book that has all the potential to make you believe on the contrary. – Martin Frischknecht, Editor-in-chief SPUREN Magazine, Switzerland
In spite of his laid-back, nice-guy demeanor, McKenna is uncompromising. He will challenge the assumptions of some readers, and he will raise the ire of others, but he will not be easily dismissed. He has written an important book, one of the best I've read about enlightenment. Through wisdom and beauty, as well as candor and humor, it embodies the enlightened teacher and his message. It will set many on the path to awakening. – Dennis L. Trunk, 3rd Millenium Gateway
Jed's straightforward approach takes the mysticism out of Enlightenment and puts it in the hands of everyday western seekers. Written like "a week in the life" of an Enlightened Master, the book doesn't so much teach as it gives you the ground work to search out the answers for yourself. It helps tear away the false illusions of your life and points you in the direction of finding the truth. Mr. McKenna's writing style conveys a wonderful sense of humor, is excellent at building anticipation, delivers with impact, and exhibits his calm compassion for the individuals that have found their way to his "Accidental Ashram" in Iowa. – Alan Stiles, Waking Souls Spiritual Resource Center
Author Jed McKenna may be one of the few truly enlightened individuals on this planet. This delightful, potent and evocative book will take you from believing, to doubt and disillusionment, and back to belief again in a most unexpected way. Millions and millions of dollars have been made selling spiritual enlightenment. Do yourself a favor, make your final purchase of enlightened material and buy this book. It may be the last money you will spend in your pursuit. Bravo Jed McKenna, at last the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God! "Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing" is an excellent wake-up call. – Shirley Roe Allbook Reviews
I gave this book 5 Stars because it breaks so much new ground and smashes so many illusions. – Amazon.com Reviewer
There are no words to describe how awesome this book is! – Amazon.com Reviewer
Effectively demystifying the mystical, Jed astonishes the reader not by adding to the world's collected spiritual wisdom, but by taking the spirituality out of spiritual enlightenment. Never before has this elusive topic been treated in so engaging and accessible a manner.
A masterpiece of illuminative writing, Spiritual Enlightenment is mandatory reading for anyone following a spiritual path. Part exposé and part how-to manual, this is the first book to explain why failure seems to be the rule in the search for enlightenment — and how the rule can be broken.
Says Jed:
The truth is that enlightenment is neither remote nor unattainable.
It is closer than your skin and more immediate than your next breath.
If we wonder why so few seem able to find that which can never be lost,
we might recall the child who was looking in the light for a coin he dropped
in the dark because "the light is better over here".
Mankind has spent ages looking in the light for a coin that awaits us not in light and not in dark, but beyond all opposites. That is the message of this book: Spiritual enlightenment, pure and simple.
Reviews:
Absolutely marvelous, splendid, perfect book! May it destroy the ignorance of seeking and plunge the world into real finding, which is now! – Shri Acharya
I have given many copies of Damnedest to friends. This book changed my life. – N. Prescott
It takes a true master to take a topic that has been studied since humans could communicate and describe it in simplicity.– Heather Froeschl BookReview.com
Finally, some sense in the world of Spirituality. Jed McKenna tells it straight. He separates the hype and confusion about enlightenment and tells it like it is. He answers questions and maps out the journey. His logic and plain talk releases one from the shackles of organized religion and fuzzy-wuzzy gurus. He makes the path so clear it make me uncomfortable at times. I am unaccumstomed to such honesty in this arena with no hidden agenda. It's even fun to read with laughs mixed in with the ah-ha's. It's hard to put down. What a relief!. – C. Harris
Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing by author, teacher, and spiritual master Jed McKenna presents the quest for enlightenment in plain, simple, accessible, understandable terms. Brief, almost vignette-style, chapters explore the deeper meaning behind common conundrums of life, as well as the search for meaning and understanding in a complex world. Filled with a deep appreciation for life, thought, and love, and ideal for truth-seeking readers of all education levels and backgrounds,Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing is very highly recommended. – Midwest Book Review
A good teacher gently nudges us towards the right questions and then encourages us to find our own answers. And that's exactly what Jed McKenna does inSpiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing. An engaging, witty, and insightful read that will, no doubt, leave many wondering if they haven't been wasting a lot of precious time. A welcome diversion from the more usual, well-worn paths! – Debbie Ann Brett One Spirit Project
Jed McKenna’s book is a light-hearted and extremely readable jaunt into a serious subject that is filled with wit and wisdom and gentle guidance. That he makes it all seem so painless is a welcome treat. His humor is extremely welcome – and unexpected. Anyone searching for a ‘higher order’ of living would do well to read this book and put everything, including the search for ‘spiritual enlightenment’ in its proper perspective. – Denise M. Clark Denise’s Pieces Book Reviews
Clearly a modern masterpiece that may be the only spiritual book you will ever need. If you are a truth seeker, buy this book. – D. Shamanik
Do books have the capacity to enlighten? Jed McKenna would be the first to deny that assumption. And yet he has written a book that has all the potential to make you believe on the contrary. – Martin Frischknecht, Editor-in-chief SPUREN Magazine, Switzerland
In spite of his laid-back, nice-guy demeanor, McKenna is uncompromising. He will challenge the assumptions of some readers, and he will raise the ire of others, but he will not be easily dismissed. He has written an important book, one of the best I've read about enlightenment. Through wisdom and beauty, as well as candor and humor, it embodies the enlightened teacher and his message. It will set many on the path to awakening. – Dennis L. Trunk, 3rd Millenium Gateway
Jed's straightforward approach takes the mysticism out of Enlightenment and puts it in the hands of everyday western seekers. Written like "a week in the life" of an Enlightened Master, the book doesn't so much teach as it gives you the ground work to search out the answers for yourself. It helps tear away the false illusions of your life and points you in the direction of finding the truth. Mr. McKenna's writing style conveys a wonderful sense of humor, is excellent at building anticipation, delivers with impact, and exhibits his calm compassion for the individuals that have found their way to his "Accidental Ashram" in Iowa. – Alan Stiles, Waking Souls Spiritual Resource Center
Author Jed McKenna may be one of the few truly enlightened individuals on this planet. This delightful, potent and evocative book will take you from believing, to doubt and disillusionment, and back to belief again in a most unexpected way. Millions and millions of dollars have been made selling spiritual enlightenment. Do yourself a favor, make your final purchase of enlightened material and buy this book. It may be the last money you will spend in your pursuit. Bravo Jed McKenna, at last the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God! "Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing" is an excellent wake-up call. – Shirley Roe Allbook Reviews
I gave this book 5 Stars because it breaks so much new ground and smashes so many illusions. – Amazon.com Reviewer
There are no words to describe how awesome this book is! – Amazon.com Reviewer
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