Daoism book

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Hi -

In Barnes and Noble, I found a book in the bargain section that might be of interest. It's a relatively new (2002) translation of Tao Te Ching by Ralph Alan Dale. The book has beautiful illustrations and helpful commentary on the poems in the text. I can't really judge the quality of the translation, but it would make a great addition to your classroom for students to page through. In particular, I really like how the photographs/illustrations seem to be in keeping with the meaning of the text. Hardback for $12.95. ISBN-13: 978-0-7607-4998-2

- Cathy Atwell[Edit by="catwell on Mar 9, 9:46:37 AM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Shortly after I graduated college, more years ago than I like to ponder, I became fascinated with a writer named Alan Watts. He wrote many books examining Daoism, Buddism and other Eastern philosophies and disciplines from a Western POV (he was an English ex-patriot living in Sausalito, outside of San Francisco). He also recorded a series of lectures that can occasionally be heard on "hipper" NPR stations late at night (he was worshipped by leftists and seved as a kind of bridge between beatniks and hippies).

He approached his subject with a provocative, irreverent sense of humor, but his basic premises can be best understood by reflecting on one his most authoritative titles: "Psychotherapy, East and West." Essentially, he felt that Western religion (meaning Christianity) actually created fear and anxiety, which necessitated the invention of psychotherapy to alleviate it. But he felt that Eastern religion actually served the purpose of alleviating anxiety, and so he compared it to Western psychotherapy.

What his books amount to is an attempt to describe the mysteries, anamolies and ironies (like "one hand clapping") of Eastern philosophy on Western terms, in most cases humorously. I'm sorry now that I never asked about him during our classes, as I wonder if he's considered a "legitimate" scholar. As I peruse some of his books, I find that I still find him provocative and stimulating as well as funny -- a pretty good combination, I believe, in anyone's book -- and would recommend that you take a glance at some of his work.

[Anonymous]

To C. Atwell: Thanks for the resource TAO TE CHING. Anything about Asian poetry will help me. Also, you gave me an idea. I shop at a lot of used book stores and flea markets where I have seen books on modern and old Asian culture. I either glance at them or nonchalantly browse through them. From now on I'll look at them more seriously, probably buy them, and consider them a significant source to share.

[Anonymous]

Some of the beliefs held by the ancient religion of Daoism sound very unusual, and even a bit backwards, but who am I to judge?! Some of my misunderstandings might have to do with the translations from Chinese to American or perhaps one needs to study the religion in depth to really understand it. [Edit by="mdipaola on Jul 22, 7:08:55 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I looked up the book the Tao Te Ching and was quite interesting. The message I got was that people must listen, give up on expecting others to view things the way they do or from their perspective and only when we let go of our expectations of others do we find the truth, respect or love for others.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agree with rgordon that Alan Watts is a real treasure in terms of Daoism and Zen Buddhism. A freind recently turned me on to tapes of Alan Watts presenting on various topics. They were recorded in 1973 and are a collection entitled Mahayana Buddhism. They could possible be used within the classroom but are certainly of interest to anyone following "the middle way".

[Anonymous]

This is certainly a topic that I would love to read more about...along with most of the topics we discussed in our seminar! As a sixth and seventh grade history teacher, I teach the beginnings of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism (as well as the foundations of other belief systems), but I know that there is so much I don't know about the progression of these thought patterns. I do not have a deep enough understanding of them to have the discussions I'd love to have...

However, what I'd like to share is my admiration for the concept of combining some of the ideas of a variety of belief systems and philosophies, something that has occurred throughout Chinese history. Too often throughout history (especially European history), it seems, people have allowed ONE philosophy, understanding, belief system, or religion to dictate morals and even formation of government. I believe that studying the changes and combinations of belief systems throughout the history of China (and even other Asian cultures) would be fascinating...

[Anonymous]

This thread has sparked my interest in Daoism once more, so I went back to review my notes from our class on the Chinese Belief Systems.

While reading the writings about Daoism (especially in the Anthology of Chinese Literature book) as well as during that class, I wrote a few ideas about some of the themes that seemed to be present in the belief system. Maybe "themes" is not the best term for them...perhaps repetitive ideas makes more sense? I don't know...either way, it a collection of ideas that seemed to appear in a lot of the writings about or involving Daoism.

Yellow and black- I noticed it especially while reading poetry, but I will have to review the works to expand on this. It must connect with the ideas of Yin and Yang

Things that are vulgar (including the world, competition, ambition, greed...)

Alcohol- especially wine- some of this seems to be the idea of celebration of life and nature, while some seems to be an escape...

Depression- sadness, being alone or lonely- could it be tied to alcoholism??

Music- especially the lute, but playing and listening to music seems to be encouraged

I know this is a strange list and ranting....any ideas?

[Anonymous]

I have got to agree with your viewpoint on this matter. Too often we tend to allow our differences to divide us in society. One of the huge differences that often divides people, is organized religion or philosophical belief systems.

I really enjoyed looking at all 4 Chinese Philisophical systems for the first session in San Fernando. I was assigned to Daoism and I found some things that were appealing in that system. But as I prepared for our debate, I found that I could take bit and pieces from the other systems that were very valuable.

I think that the world should take a more holistic approach to religion, politics, philosophy, etc...

[Anonymous]

Now that I have finished this course, it is time for some light reading. Are you familiar with these two?

The Tao of Pooh Copyright 1982

The Te of Piglet Copyright 1992

Both are written by Benjamin Hoff and are probably at you local secondhand bookstore.

They were written to introduce Doaism to the American public. And perhaps to cash in on American's love of Winnie the Pooh.

[Author]

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