An Introduction To The Philosophy And Religion Of Taoism: Pathways To Immortality [Hardcover]

Jeaneane Fowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 2005

In its rich evolution from antiquity to present times, Chinese religion has encompassed manifold religious expressions. Taoism is one facet of Chinese religion, and exemplifies particularly well the variety of beliefs and practices that humankind has adopted and experienced in the search for answers to both ultimate and proximate questions about life and death. This book explores the different pathways Taoism took in that search, touching at many points on the other interrelated facets of Chinese religion in Confucianism, Buddhism and popular religion. The mystical, philosophical traditions of Taoism are analysed, as well as the more colourful and overtly religious strands of Taoism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a balanced insight into a most difficult and complex subject. The author manages to present a vast wealth of factual information and academic study on subjects such as history, philosophy, religion and science, while remaining true to the inner mystical tradition. Performing such impossible feats is the essence of 'The Tao that cannot be spoken'." -- Jim Pym is the author of a number of best-selling books, including Listening to the Light, You Don't Have to Sit on the Floor, and The Pure Principle. He is also the Editor of the Buddhist publication, Pure Land Notes.

About the Author

Jeaneane Fowler was formerly Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University of Wales College, Newport, where she is an Honorary Research Fellow.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 342 pages
• Publisher: Sussex Academic Pr (October 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845190858
• ISBN-13: 978-1845190859
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,446,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for an introduction to Taoism, April 26, 2008

By 

Caitlin (Freeport, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction To The Philosophy And Religion Of Taoism: Pathways To Immortality (Paperback)

This was an excellent introduction to Taoism. Fowler does not give too many straight quotes from Chinese doctrines (Tao Te Ching, etc), but instead gives you a wonderful "bigger picture" idea of what these ancient doctrines are expressing. This is a perfect book for someone who is looking to self-educate in the ways of Taoism. Highly recommended for all age groups and academic levels.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Fowler, February 9, 2008

By 

Bao Pu (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction To The Philosophy And Religion Of Taoism: Pathways To Immortality (Hardcover)

The author, Jeaneane D. Fowler is "the dean of religion and spirituality for the Continuum of Humanist Education, the online school of the Institute for Humanist Studies" with a doctorate in Semitic languages. She is also an "Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Wales College, Newport, in South Wales, U.K. She was formerly head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the University." She's written many books on various religions and philosophies, but she apparently doesn't rely on and/or can't read any primary Chinese sources in this book. Instead, she relies on secondary sources, not all of them very good.