Exploration of Song and Yuan Taoist Studies -- A Series of Essays on Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist Thought

Author: Zhang Weiwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: This book argues that the purpose of Taoist I Ching studies is primarily to address the weakness of Taoist philosophy's emphasis on metaphysics, opening up a practical path for Taoism to connect human affairs with the Dao of Heaven. Unlike Confucian I Ching studies, which focus on political and social ethical discussions, Taoist I Ching studies emphasize research on natural and cosmic principles, as well as the unity of humans and nature with the Dao. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, Taoist I Ching studies combined with internal alchemy, giving rise to three main academic forms. Among these, Taoist internal alchemy primarily takes the individual as its foundation, seeking to personally experience and understand the principles of the Dao to find concrete methods and paths for individuals to connect with and harmonize with the Dao. Taoist I Ching diagram studies explore the principles of the Dao primarily through diagrams, providing theoretical guidance for Taoist internal alchemy practices. Taoist I Ching-Lao studies, on the other hand, combine the theoretical framework of this study, using a method of integrating theory and application to bridge the connection between heaven and humanity, the Dao, and the instrumental, as well as the upper and lower realms. Although these three theoretical forms have different focuses, they collectively form a complete and era-specific Taoist I Ching thought system centered on the practice of Taoist internal alchemy.