This is an indispensable guide to the terminology, teachers, and traditions of this influential Chinese philosophy. Containing more than 300 entries, The Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism also includes illustrations, bibliography, and pronunciation tables.
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion (Shambhala, 1989) was an English translation of the Lexikon der ostlichen Weisheitslehren, published in Germany in 1986. The present, separate dictionary is made up exclusively of the entries relating to Taoism from the 1989 volume. It also includes the useful bibliography of primary and secondary sources on Taoism from that earlier volume and a helpful conversion guide from the Pinyin system for the romanization of Chinese to the widely used earlier Wade-Giles system. The over 300 entries in this volume cover the mythological background and historical development of Taoism, the life and teachings of important figures, texts and scriptures, various schools of Taoist thought, and a variety of practices within the religion. Entries are arranged alphabetically by subject using a letter-by-letter method of alphabetizing. What makes this dictionary so useful is the depth of scholarship, the thoroughness of presentation, the understanding of Eastern ways of thinking, and the overall context into which each subject is put so the reader can understand how and why the subject or person is important and the contribution made to Taoism. Highly recommended for those libraries not owning the earlier volume or for those wishing an additional separate volume on Taoism.?David Bourquin, California State Univ., San Bernardino
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The A to Z of the Tao,
By
This review is from: The Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism (Paperback)
This dictionary explains the basic doctrines and terminology of the ancient Chinese philosophy in a clear and understandable manner. It does not cover the entire range of Taoist concepts as it is intended for the general reader.
The literal meaning of each entry is given when it differs from the definition of the entry title. In more than 300 entries, from Chai to Y? Yen, the book unlocks the meaning of concepts and terms that are nowadays encountered with increasing frequency in the media, sciences, psychology and health professions. The Wade-Giles system of transcription is used instead of Pinyin and there are conversion charts from the Pinyin to the Wade-Giles system and vice versa. The book includes illustrations and concludes with a bibliography.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Most Worthwhile; a must for serious students of Taoism,
This review is from: The Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism (Paperback)
From the time I first discovered this little book in the public library, it has been my constant companion. Although a Taoist sage or scholar may not find it useful, to a beginning student it will be indispensable. Most works on Taoism are reminiscent of a Russian novel: lots of strange names that the reader has a hard time remembering and keeping straight. With this book you can actually do it. There's an entry for just about any name or term that you're likely to encounter, and the cross-references are superb. Some readers may be put off by the author's preference for the Wade-Giles transliteration, rather than the official Pinyin. But once you've become familiar with the former, the latter will be easier to learn. I wouldn't hesitate recommending this book, even though, in time, the student will probably outgrow it. J. Thacker
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A decent introductory dictionary,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Shambhala Dictionary of Taoism (Paperback)
This work serves as a decent introductory dictionary to Taoist terminology, but is not nearly as comprehensive as it could be. I would have preferred the use of pinyin romanization instead of the old Wade-Giles/Yale systems, and would also have liked to have seen the Chinese characters included (unlikely to happen in a text meant for the general public, though) as well as the actual diagrams which are mentioned and not shown (the "taijitu", for example). For beginners this is a good work. For those who already have a fair knowledge of the subject, it's not really necessary. Not a bad effort, though.
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