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The Elements of Taoism

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This is the best short introduction to Taoism currently available for the general reader. It has the great strength of considering Taoism as it is actually practiced in China, rather than constructing a fantasy version, based on what westerners might like Taoism to be about. Palmer is well qualified to discuss the ins and outs of the Taoist quest for immortality and the rites of cosmic renewal, having long been a scholar of Chinese language and religions. After reading Palmer's book, readers will feel more able to cope with the also excellent but more difficult 'Taoism, Growth of a Religion', by Isabelle Robinet, or perhaps J.J. Clarke's 'The Tao of the West'. At any rate, they'll certainly know their Lao Tzu from their Chuang Tzu!

It is not an exaggeration to call this book the best introduction to Taoism, but then the key word is "Taoism" and not "Tao." There is a real difference between the formal religion and its accompanying folk tradition and in philosophical Taoism. Indeed, Lao Tzu was not a Taoist. He did not see himself as the founder of a religion. When it comes right down to it, the term "Tao" had been in use for centuries, if not millennia, before the Tao Te Ching was compiled.

What I found especially satisfying was the connection that is shown between Shamanism (the actual, primordial Siberian Shamanism) and Taoism. You see, the fundamental core essence of Shamanism is belief in two worlds that exist side by side. The spirit world affects our own lesser, material world- and an intermediary is needed to maintain harmony and balance between them. That is also the heart of Taoism- a harmonious union between heaven and earth. Only, in official Taoism, the emperor served as intermediary. Yet the goal of Taoist sage is essentially shamanistic- to obtain union and harmony with the highest, deepest, hidden currents of the universe. When this was achieved, one was in a state of wu-wei, where one's own will and the will of heaven were one and indistinguishable.

The other aspects of traditional Taoism are covered- the moral code, the formal liturgy, the quest for immortality and alchemical path, as well as associated later beliefs in magic and exorcisms. The stories of the great sages and immortals are here. So are the foundation myths of the Three August Ones and the Five August Emperors. The various teachers, schools, and canons that developed over the years are briefly outlined. What jumped out at me was the fact that the original, philosophical core of Taoism should not be confused with the formal religion and folk beliefs that sprang up afterwards.

Of course, the fact that there has been no emperor, no true mediator, on the Altar of Heaven for a century now makes one wonder about the chaos and confusion of our modern world. It was a basic tenet of formal Taoism that if the Mandate of Heaven was not working, then it could not be Heaven's fault- the emperor must not be harmony of the Tao- or an imposter entirely.

I myself await the return of a true Son of Heaven.