Synopses & Reviews
The Chuang-tzu is the second major text of the Taoist
tradition. It was compiled in the third century BCE and
follows in the footsteps of the best known and oldest
of all Taoist texts, the Tao-te-ching (Book of the Tao
and Its Power). Representing the philosophy of its
main author, Chuang Chou, along with several other
early Taoist strands, the text has been a literary delight
and a spiritual inspiration to spiritual seekers for over
two thousand years.
Using parable, anecdote, allegory and paradox, the
Chuang-tzu presents the central message of what was
to become the Taoist school: a reverence for the Tao
the Way of the natural world and the belief that
you are not truly virtuous until you are free from the
burden of circumstance, personal attachments, tradition
and the desire to reform the world. In this special
SkyLight Illuminations edition, leading Taoist scholar
Livia Kohn draws on key selections from this timeless
text to elucidate foundational Taoist beliefs and practices.
She provides insightful, accessible commentary
that highlights the Chuang-tzu's call to reject artificially
imposed boundaries and distinctions, and illustrates
how you can live a more balanced, authentic and
joyful life at ease in perfect happiness by following
Taoist principles.
Synopsis
The timeless wisdom of this classic Taoist text can become a companion on your own spiritual journey.
The Chuang-tzu is the second major text of the Taoist tradition. It was compiled in the third century BCE and follows the lead of the best-known and oldest of all Taoist texts, the Tao-te-ching (Book of the Tao and Its Potency). Representing the philosophy of its main author, Chuang Chou, along with several other early Taoist strands, the text has inspired spiritual seekers for over two thousand years.
Using parable, anecdote, allegory and paradox, the Chuang-tzu presents the central message of what was to become the Taoist school: a reverence for the Tao--the "Way" of the natural world--and the belief that you are not truly virtuous until you are free from the burden of circumstance, personal attachments, tradition and the desire to reform the world. In this special SkyLight Illuminations edition, leading Taoist scholar Livia Kohn, PhD, provides a fresh, modern translation of key selections from this timeless text to open up classic Taoist beliefs and practices. She provides insightful, accessible commentary that highlights the Chuang-tzu's call to reject artificially imposed boundaries and distinctions, and illustrates how you can live a more balanced, authentic and joyful life--at ease in perfect happiness--by following Taoist principles.
Synopsis
A fresh, modern translation of key selections from this timeless text opens up classic Taoist beliefs and practices with insightful commentary that highlights how you can live a more balanced, authentic and joyful life by following Taoist principles.