– Analyzes "Dark Learning" and neo-Daoist thinkers such as Wang Bi, Guo Xiang, and the Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove .
In an age of superficial online summaries and mystical appropriations of Daoism, the stands as a beacon of scholarly integrity. It is a demanding book, but its rewards are immense. For the first time, English-language readers have access to a single volume that maps the entire philosophical terrain of Daoism—from the cryptic verses of the Laozi to the cosmological speculations of the Huainanzi to the metaphysical refinements of Wang Bi.
No longer ignoring the post-Zhuangzi development, the final section traces Daoist philosophy into the medieval and late imperial periods. Chapters explore the philosophical dimensions of the Liezi , the Huainanzi (a Han dynasty compendium of Daoist cosmology), and the emergence of Daoist religious movements like the Celestial Masters (Tianshi Dao) and The Way of Great Peace (Taiping Dao). – Analyzes "Dark Learning" and neo-Daoist thinkers such
: Investigating early Daoist connections to astronomy, mathematics, and medicine (theories of qi ) . Academic Significance
The is the definitive handbook for anyone serious about the journey into the mysterious Way. It succeeds brilliantly in its mission to be a companion—not a substitute for reading the Zhuangzi or Daodejing , but a wise, patient, and profoundly knowledgeable friend who walks beside you, whispering context, raising critical questions, and reminding you that the finger pointing at the moon is not the moon itself. For the first time, English-language readers have access
: Analyzes the Xuanxue "Dark Learning" movement, featuring thinkers like Wang Bi and Guo Xiang.
Let’s address a common fear: Is this book too academic? The answer is nuanced. This is not a beach read. It presupposes familiarity with basic philosophical terms (epistemology, metaphysics, ethics). However, it is eminently readable. Unlike journal articles stuffed with jargon, the Companion chapters are written as pedagogical essays. They open with clear theses, proceed logically, and conclude with summaries. If you have read and loved Burton Watson’s translations of the Zhuangzi and want to go deeper—to understand why Zhuangzi questions language or how his skepticism works—this is the next step. – Explores authorship
– Explores authorship, dating debates, and key concepts like (the Way), (non-action), and (naturalness). Part II: The Zhuangzi
Exploring the Depths of the Dao Companions to Chinese Philosophy Series