The A to Z of Taoism (The A to Z Guide Series Book 13)

Taoism, the set of philosophical teachings and religious practices rooted in the understanding of the Chinese character Tao, or "The Way," was founded by the Chinese philosopher Laozi in the 6th Century BCE, whose work, the __Tao Te Ching__ (__The Book of the Way and its Virtue__) laid the philosophical foundation for the religion's beliefs. This volume starts, as it should, with a detailed chronology of Taoism and its relationship both to China and other teachings. The introduction inserts it further in this basic context. Then the dictionary section, consisting of several hundred cross-referenced entries, provides a more detailed treatment of significant persons, nonpersons (gods and demons), concepts, practices, rituals, scriptures, and schools. The bibliography suggests further reading. "As the least known of China's "Three Teachings"--The others being Buddhism and Confucianism - Taoism serves as a supplement and a corrective, as it has often done in the past. For this reason, it is enjoying ever greater appreciation around the world, especially in the West. Implicit and intuitive, the "Way" cannot be explained directly, but it can be intimated - as is done in this book." "The A to Z of Taoism starts with a detailed chronology of Taoism and its relationship to both China and other teachings, while the introduction expands on these ideas. The dictionary contains several hundred entries and provides a more detailed treatment of significant people, gods and demons, concepts, practices, rituals, scriptures, and schools. A comprehensive bibliography suggests further reading."--Jacket