Shen Zong and Taoism

Author: Nan Huaijin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: This book presents a systematic exposition of the essence, origins, practices, and influence of Zen Buddhism and Taoism through thematic research. It is divided into two parts. The first part, "Zen Buddhism and Buddhism," provides an in-depth discussion on the historical background of Buddhism's emergence, the fundamental doctrines of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, the lineage of Zen Buddhism, the life and contributions of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, who laid the foundation for later Zen thought, Zen Buddhist discourses, cases, paradoxes, and (striking and shouting) techniques, methods of Zen practice, the relationship between Zen and Neo-Confucianism, the influence of Zen on Tang poetry, Song lyrics, Yuan qu (quatrains), and Ming-Qing novels, as well as the renowned temple system. The second part, "Taoism and Taoism," offers insightful analysis on the origins of hermits and alchemists, the divisions of practices such as cultivating the spirit, breathing exercises, ingesting elixirs, and rituals, the philosophy of Laozi and Zhuangzi, the cultural traditions of Qi and Yan, the theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, immortal alchemy, the formation and evolution of Taoism, and the contributions of Taoism and Taoism to ancient natural sciences such as astronomy, mathematics, geomancy (feng shui), physics, chemistry, and medicine.