The world has a source: the world’s mother. Distributed by Harvard University Press, forthcoming in 2001).īecause they do not exist for themselves. Girardot, James Miller, and Xiaogan Liu (Cambridge, Mass.: Center for the Study of World Religions, Harvard Divinity School. “What Ecological Themes are Found in Daoist Texts?” Daoism and Ecology: Ways within a Cosmic Landscape, edited by Norman J. James Miller, Richard Wang, and Ned Davis. Although no single text can capture the intention of an entire tradition, the passages below provide viewers with some understanding of the interconnection of religion and ecology in the Daoist tradition.

James Miller, Richard Wang, and Ned Davis * argue that this ecological consciousness is present in Daoist texts through three dominant themes: 1) the role of humanity in cosmic ecology, 2) the spiritual ecology of the bodies’ inner landscape, and 3) the problem of human transcendence over nature. Passages from two of the most foundational texts, the Daode jing and the Zhuangzi, represent a strong connection between religious orientation and ecological consciousness. Contemporary Daoist practices utilizes a small fraction of the original textual resources (many of which are cited below) as well as many unpublished texts that have been handed down privately from master to initiate. Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), this timeless classic is sure to appeal to anyone interested in Chinese religion and culture.Dating from 1444, the Daoist canon contains 1,476 titles. Central to these is the belief that only by understanding Tao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can man achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death.Ĭhuang Tzu: Basic Writings includes the seven “inner chapters,” which form the heart of the book, three of the “outer chapters,” and one of the “miscellaneous chapters.” Watson also provides an introduction, placing the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought.

Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth, in the book that bears his name, the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. And Burton Watson’s lucid and beautiful translation has been loved by generations of readers.Ĭhuang Tzu (369?-286? B.C.) was a leading philosopher representing the Taoist strain in Chinese thought. The basic writings of Chuang Tzu have been savored by Chinese readers for over two thousand years.

Chuang tzu basic writings