ABSTRACT

In this book, J.J. Clarke shows us how Taoist texts, ideas, and practices have been assimilated within a whole range of Western ideas and agendas. We see how Chinese thinkers such as Lao-tzu and Chuang tzu, along with practices such as Feng Shui and Tai Chi, have been used as a key Western inspiration in religion, philosophy, ethics, politics, ecology and health.
The Tao of the West not only provides a fascinating introduction to Taoism, it also offers a timely insight into the history of the West's encounter with this ancient tradition, and into the issues arising from inter-cultural dialogue. Anyone interested in understanding the key influence Taoism has had on the West will welcome and embrace this book.

chapter 2|21 pages

‘THE MEANING IS NOT THE MEANING’

On the nature of Daoism

chapter 3|26 pages

‘CRAMPED SCHOLARS’

Western interpretations of Daoism

chapter 4|27 pages

‘THE GREAT CLOD’

Daoist natural philosophy

chapter 5|27 pages

‘GOING RAMBLING WITHOUT DESTINATION’

Moral explorations

chapter 6|23 pages

‘THE TRANSFORMATION OF THINGS’

The alchemy of life, sex and health

chapter 7|26 pages

‘THE WAY IS INCOMMUNICABLE’

Transcendence

chapter 8|28 pages

‘THE TWITTER OF BIRDS’

Philosophical themes

chapter 9|18 pages

‘JOURNEY TO THE WEST’

By way of concluding