E-Book Overview
Containing 118 stunning color illustrations, this beautiful book provides an introduction to Taoism, one of the great religious and philosophical movements in Chinese thought. Incorporating selections from J.C. Coopers writings, it explores the concept of the Tao (Way), the symbolism of Yin-Yang, and the thought of the leading Taoist sages. Also included are sections on Taoist art, the symbolism of plants and animals, the Taoist garden, and the relationship of Taoism with Buddhism and Hinduism.
E-Book Content
This beautifully illustrated edited edition of Jean Campbell Cooper’s writings introduces the reader to the history and development of Taoism, one of the great religious and philosophical movements in Chinese thought. It explores the concept of the Tao (Way), the symbolism of Yin-Yang, and the philosophy of the leading Taoist sages. Containing 118 stunning color illustrations, it also addresses Taoist art, the symbolism of plants and animals, the Taoist garden, and the relationship of Taoism with Buddhism and Hinduism. Jean C. Cooper Eastern Religions / Taoism An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism The Wisdom of the Sages “J.C. Cooper’s work stands head and shoulders above all recent introductions to Taoism. [She] combines a thorough scholarly grasp with an intimate sympathy with her subject.... The author’s exposition is as lucid as her understanding. She does not seek to convert and her exposition is of value to anyone ... who is interested in the way of the spirit.” —D.F. Pocock, Emeritus Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Sussex “The overall essence and eloquence of Taoism can be concisely found in [the writings of] Jean C. Cooper.” —Allen R. Utke, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh JEAN C. COOPER was born in 1905 in Northern China, where she spent much of her childhood. She attended school in both China and England, and studied Philosophy at St. Andrew’s University. She lectured on Comparative Religion, Philosophy, and Symbolism, wrote several books and articles on Taoism, and was a regular contributor to the journal Studies in Comparative Religion. She died in 1999. An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism “Of the ‘Three Religions’ of China, Taoism is the least known in the West, and Cooper’s lucid exposition of this religion richly satisfies a pressing need. In addition to the text there are more than one hundred illustrations—many of them in color—of surpassingly beautiful examples of Taoist art. This is an important work. It is highly recommended.” —William Stoddart, author of Remembering in a World of Forgetting Jean C. Cooper World Wisdom World Wisdom $ 24.95 US Foreword by William Stoddart Edited by Joseph A. Fitzgerald World Wisdom The Library of Perennial Philosophy The Library of Perennial Philosophy is dedicated to the exposition of the timeless Truth underlying the diverse religions. This Truth, often referred to as the Sophia Perennis—or Perennial Wisdom—finds its expression in the revealed Scriptures as well as the writings of the great sages and the artistic creations of the traditional worlds. An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism: The Wisdom of the Sages appears as one of our selections in the Treasures of the World’s Religions series. Treasures of the World’s Religions Series This series of anthologies presents scriptures and the writings of the great spiritual authorities of the past on fundamental themes. Some titles are devoted to a single spiritual tradition, while others have a unifying topic that touches upon traditions from both the East and West, such as prayer and virtue. Some titles have a companion volume within the Perennial Philosophy series. An Illustrated Introduction to Taoism: The Wisdom of the Sages Jean C. Cooper<