Andra religioner och trosföreställningar

A courageous memoir from a prize-winning poet and prisoner of conscience in Iran'Against the scale of Iran’s past, her testimony reinforces the power of individual conscience and endurance as the only way forward.' Financial TimesIn March 2008, the Intelligence Bureau of Mashhad summoned Mahvash Sabet. She told her husband she would be back home in Tehran by the evening. She wouldn’t be released for ten years. The authorities would go on to arrest every other member of the Yárán-i-Irán, the community representatives for Iran’s most persecuted religious minority: the Bahá’ís.Documenting Mahvash Sabet’s first ten months of incarceration, in Mashhad and later Evin Prison, Open Wide the Doors is a portrait of Iranian society behind prison walls. It thrums with compassion for Iran’s thieves, prostitutes, and even prison guards. If you keep your heart open, Sabet proves, no judge, interrogator or torturer can crush your soul.

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'THE GOLD STANDARD OF NARRATIVE HISTORY' - DAN SNOWHow could a barely literate peasant from Siberia determine the fate of the world? Undoubtedly, the so-called 'mad monk' Rasputin bewitched Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra. Yet their strange and scandalous relationship conceals a riddle, one that casts an intriguing light on the controversial 'great man' theory of history.Rasputin was a devoted monarchist, not a revolutionary. He had no official position, no forces at his command. Nevertheless, he contributed more to the fall of the Romanov dynasty than any other individual. So demoralised was the Tsarist officer corps by stories of corruption, to say nothing of the rumours of his debauchery with the Empress - and even her daughters - that when the February Revolution broke out, not a sword was raised in defence of the regime. Just as Rasputin cast a spell over the Romanovs, his legend has bewitched historians. More than a century later, we still fail to comprehend fully the collapse of the greatest autocracy on Earth. Was there any truth to the wild tales that brought down the empire? Or was his true legacy an unsettling lesson on the potency of myth?

New Bonus Materials added to this edition include: · The last chapter that Yogananda wrote covering the years 1946-1951 that was not available in the original edition. · The eulogy that Yogananda wrote for Gandhi. · A new afterword by Swami Kriyananda, one of Yogananda's closest disciples. · Named One of the Top 100 Spiritual Books of Last Century This is not an ordinary book. It is a spiritual treasure. To read its message of hope to all truthseekers is to begin a great adventure. Paramhansa Yogananda was the first yoga master of India whose mission it was to permanently live and teach in the West. In the 1920's, as he criss-crossed the United States on what he called his "spiritual campaigns," his enthusiastic audiences filled the largest halls of America. His initial impact was truly impressive. But his lasting influence is greater still. This book, first published in 1946, helped launch, and continues to inspire, a spiritual revolution in the West. Only rarely does a sage of Paramhansa Yogananda's stature write a firsthand account of his life experiences. Followers of many religious traditions have come to recognize AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A YOGI as a masterpiece of spiritual literature. Yet, for all its depth, it is full of gentle humor, lively stories, and practical common sense. This is a verbatim reprinting of the original 1946 edition. Although subsequent reprintings, reflecting revisions made after the author's death in 1952, have sold over a million copies and have been translated into more than 19 languages, the few thousand of the original have long since disappeared into the hands of collectors. Now, with this reprint, the 1946 edition is again available, with all its inherent power, just as the great master of yoga first presented it.

Nyutgåva av den kinesiska visdomsboken Dao De Jing (även utgiven som Tao te ching) i översättning av akademiledamoten Göran Malmqvist som också skrivit en utförlig inledning som förser en med allt man behöver för att kunna närma sig denna fascinerande och mångbottnade text. Dao De Jing är en av de mest svårtydbara och gåtfulla texterna i Kinas litterära historia. Samtidigt en av de mest inflytelserika. Texten utgör en av de viktigaste källskrifterna för daoismen. Den författades av Lao Zi ("Den gamle" eller "Den gamle mästaren") i slutet av det fjärde århundradet före Kristus. Om författaren vet man inget. De äldsta bevarade versionerna av texten hittades vid utgrävningar så sent som 1973. De är skrivna på siden och dateras till 200-talet före Kristus. Dao De Jing för första gången på svenska i en översättning baserad på den kinesiska grundtexten. Göran Malmqvists inledning placerar verket i Kinas idéhistoria och diskuterar dess betydelse och hur det kan tolkas. Texten består av 81 mycket korta kapitel, som vart och ett formulerar kärnord om vad läran om Dao (vägen) och De (kraften) går ut på. Båda begreppen är ytterligt mångtydiga och inte helt lätta att översätta till nutidssvenska. Dao är både vägen och normen i tillvaron. Dao är det som är och som fanns innan något blev till. De är kraften som Dao skänker. Daoismen har alltid utgjort en kontrast till konfucianismen. Medan konfucianismen har varit statsreligion som manat till pliktuppfyllelse och lydnad har daoismen snarare uppmanat människan att avstå från all medveten strävan: Människan bör följa sina impulser och handla i samklang med naturens rytm. Dao De Jing är en lågmäld bok med en ofattbar vidd och tyngd i sina milda påståenden. En bok som verkar ifrågasätta i stort sett allt, till och med människans medvetna strävan och hennes förnuftiga sätt att bete sig. Istället antyds en intuitiv väg till insikten om tillvarons mening och det riktiga handlandet. Några lösryckta citat ur Dao De Jing som ger en aning om bokens fascinerande mångbottnade gåtfullhet: "Man knådar lera och tillverkar ett kärl: det är Intet i dess inre som gör kärlet användbart. Man hugger ut dörrar och fönster och bygger ett rum: det är Intet i dess inre som gör rummet användbart. Därav följer att det som finns skapar viss nytta, medan det som icke finns skapar användbarhet." "Den som bevarar vägen inom sig har ingen önskan att bygga ut den." Även om Den okarvade stocken är oansenlig, kan ingen i Allt Under Himlen göra den till sin undersåte." "Den som vet när han har tillräckligt är rik." "Den sanne fursten handlar genom att inte handla, förvaltar sitt ämbete utan att förvalta och njuter det som saknar smak." "Den som handskas med tingen förgör dem; den som håller fast vid tingen förlorar dem." "Anledningen till att Floden och Havet kan tjäna som konungar över De hundra dalgångarnas bäckar är att de förmår ligga lägre än dem." "Trovärdiga ord är inte vackra; vackra ord är inte trovärdiga. Den som äger sann kunskap argumenterar inte; den som argumenterar äger inte sann kunskap." (Appendix med den kinesiska grundtexten ingår.)

Rasputin: visionary, fraud or victim of history? THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'THE GOLD STANDARD OF NARRATIVE HISTORY' DAN SNOW'ONE OF THE GREAT STORIES OF HISTORY, TOLD BY ONE OF OUR GREATEST HISTORIANS' SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE'THIS EXTRAORDINARY STORY HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER TOLD' ANTHONY HOROWITZ'A STUNNING BANQUET OF A BOOK' ROSE TREMAINHow could a barely literate peasant from Siberia determine the fate of the world? Undoubtedly, the so-called 'mad monk' Rasputin bewitched Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra. Yet their strange and scandalous relationship conceals a riddle, one that casts an intriguing light on the controversial 'great man' theory of history.Rasputin was a devoted monarchist, not a revolutionary. He had no official position, no forces at his command. Nevertheless, he contributed more to the fall of the Romanov dynasty than any other individual. So demoralised was the Tsarist officer corps by stories of corruption, to say nothing of the rumours of his debauchery with the Empress - and even her daughters - that when the February Revolution broke out, not a sword was raised in defence of the regime.Just as Rasputin cast a spell over the Romanovs, his legend has bewitched historians. More than a century later, we still fail to comprehend fully the collapse of the greatest autocracy on Earth. Was there any truth to the wild tales that brought down the empire? Or was his true legacy an unsettling lesson on the potency of myth?From the bestselling author of Stalingrad comes a fascinating and deeply insightful historical post-mortem

'Forget the years, forget norms, let yourself be stirred by the boundless.'The Zhuangzi -- an anthology of anonymous writings produced in China between the fourth and second centuries BC -- is one of the world's great literary treasures and the single most important source for early Daoist philosophy. It has exerted a profound influence on Chinese thought, literature, and culture, inspiring philosophy, poetry, idioms, proverbs, and even visual art. This volume provides a complete, annotated English translation of the Zhuangzi with a philosophical focus that guides readers in understanding and appreciating the text's world of thought. Informed by traditional and recent scholarship, the translation presents the ideas, reasoning, and worldview of the Zhuangzi in smooth, idiomatic English carefully formulated to reflect the phrasing and philosophical nuances of the original Chinese. Providing a lucid, lively translation, this edition is a guidebook into the philosophy of the Zhuangzi. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Awaken the wisdom of your heart for healing, rebirth, and transformation• Discover the medicine found in your heart’s four chambers through a shamanic initiation with your heart as your teacher• Explore the ancient wisdom of spirit animal guides and Goddess archetypes, such as the Black Madonna, Persephone, and the Valkyries• Experience nine powerful shamanic journeys, as well as transformative exercises, chakra work, and visualizationsPREDOMINANTLY MIND-FOCUSSED, Western thinking often disregards more intuitive insights. This leads to a disconnect between head and heart that, over time, leaves us dissatisfied with life. When Cissi Williams had a heart attack, she recognized this as an invitation to awaken and, enlisting her heart’s wisdom, learned to heal not just her body but also her life.Sharing the teachings of her healing transformation, Cissi invites you on an intuitive journey through the four chambers of the heart, connecting deeply with the ancient wisdom of spirit animal guides and Goddess archetypes such as Persephone, Inanna, Mary Magdalene, the Valkyries, and Cerridwen:• In the first heart chamber, the Chamber of Healing, you focus on letting go and shedding what’s no longer needed.• Stepping into the second chamber, the Chamber of Transformation, you are asked to process your shadow parts in the holy fire of the Dark Mother, along with the shamanic spirit animal guides Wolf and Raven.• The third chamber, the Chamber of Magic, helps you ignite your inner magic, so you can manifest your dreams with the support of Mama Bear.• Carried by Eagle and Phoenix medicine in the fourth chamber, the Chamber of Rebirth, you rise from the ashes, stronger than before.Presenting nine powerful shamanic journeys alongside transformative exercises, chakra work, and visualizations, Cissi guides you through a feminine heart-centered initiation, allowing you to transform your wounds into wisdom, reclaim your authentic power, and awaken your inner Wise Woman.

Japanese Shinto is the simple belief that the divine dwells in all things around us.Shinto: The Japanese World of Kami Spirits is a concise guide to the fundamental elements of the Shinto religion—its rich mythology and symbols, intricate rituals, festivals, ancestral spirits, awe-inspiring architecture and a profound belief in the divine presence in the natural world around us.This modernized classic, with new color and b&w images, and a new foreword by bestselling author Hector Garcia, reminds us of the intrinsic connection between humanity and nature. Shinto's reverence for the divine in all aspects of nature can inspire and guide us to achieve a more harmonious and sustainable future.Readers will discover here the pervasive influence of Shinto on all aspects of contemporary Japanese life and culture. From the hallowed shrines nestled in wooded landscapes to the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Japanese manga, films and video games featuring Kami spirits and characters—Shinto is ever-present.

Following Alan Watts' acclaimed book on Zen Buddhism The Way of Zen, he tackles the Chinese philosophy of Tao. The Tao is the way of man's cooperation with the natural course of the natural world. Alan Watts takes the reader through the history of Tao and its interpretations by key thinkers such as Lao-Tzu, author of the Tao Te Ching. Watts goes on to demonstrate how the ancient and timeless Chinese wisdom of Tao promotes the idea of following a life lived according to the natural world and goes against our goal-oriented ideas by allowing time to quiet our minds and observe the world rather than imposing ourselves on it. By taking in some of the lessons of Tao, we can change our attitude to the way we live. Drawing on ancient and modern sources, Watts treats the Chinese philosophy of Tao in much the same way as he did Zen Buddhism in his classic The Way of Zen. Including an introduction to the Chinese culture that is the foundation of the Tao, this is one of Alan Watts' best-loved works.

A richly illustrated tarot deck by Four Winds founder Alberto Villoldo, combining traditional tarot archetypes with the sacred symbols present in one of the world’s most ancient wisdom traditions—shamanism.Before the dawn of time, before space and galaxies were formed, there were the sacred symbols. Then, the sages read the signs of destiny in the sacred symbols and heard the voice of spirit in the wind. Now, those symbols have been lost to many of us—but not the sages from the Andes and the Amazon, cartographers of the invisible world. Here, those symbols are brought to life within the tarot. Each card is infused with rich imagery drawn from these ancient cultures and inspired by both the tarot of Marseilles and the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot.By working with this deck, you can turn chaos into cosmos, find beauty and harmony in creation, and embrace your feelings and experiences, allowing them to flow through you rather than holding you captive. Through this journey, you will discover the teachings the Universe offers and transform them into wisdom-bliss, empowering you to become a co-creator with Spirit. As you learn the language of the sacred symbols, you will cultivate a deeper understanding of your potential and how to dance harmoniously with the unseen forces that shape your reality.

To understand China, it is essential to understand Confucianism. First formulated in the sixth century BCE, the teachings of Confucius would come to dominate Chinese society, politics, economics, and ethics. In this Very Short Introduction, Daniel K. Gardner explores the major philosophical ideas of the Confucian tradition, showing their profound impact on state ideology and imperial government, the civil service examination system, domestic life, and social relations over the course of twenty-six centuries. Gardner focuses on two of the Sage's most crucial philosophical problems-what makes for a good person, and what constitutes good government-and demonstrates the enduring significance of these questions today. This volume shows the influence of the Sage's teachings over the course of Chinese history--on state ideology, the civil service examination system, imperial government, the family, and social relations--and the fate of Confucianism in China in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as China developed alongside a modernizing West and Japan. Some Chinese intellectuals attempted to reform the Confucian tradition to address new needs; others argued for jettisoning it altogether in favor of Western ideas and technology; still others condemned it angrily, arguing that Confucius and his legacy were responsible for China's feudal, ''backward'' conditions in the twentieth century and launching campaigns to eradicate its influences. Yet Chinese continue to turn to the teachings of Confucianism for guidance in their daily lives. In addition to a survey of the philosophy and history of Confucianism, Gardner offers an examination of the resurgence of Confucianism in China today, and explores what such a revival means for the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

Animism' is now an important term for describing ways in which some people understand and engage respectfully with the larger-than-human world. Its central theme is our relationship with our other-than-human neighbours, such as animals, plants, rocks, and kettles, rooted in the understanding that the term 'person' includes more than humans. Graham Harvey explores the animist cultures of Native Americans, Maori, Aboriginal Australians and eco-Pagans, introducing their diversity and considering the linguistic, performative, ecological and activist implications of these different animisms.

Mysteries of the Jaguar Shamans of the Northwest Amazon tells the life story of Mandu da Silva, the last living jaguar shaman among the Baniwa people in the Northwest Amazon. In this original and engaging work, Robin M. Wright, who has known and worked with Silva for more than thirty years, weaves the story of Silva’s life together with the Baniwas’ broader society, history, mythology, cosmology, and jaguar shaman traditions. The jaguar shamans are key players in what Wright calls “a nexus of religious power and knowledge” in which healers, sorcerers, priestly chanters, and dance leaders exercise complementary functions that link living specialists with the deities and great spirits of the cosmos. Exploring in depth the apprenticeship of the shaman, Wright shows how jaguar shamans seek the knowledge and power of the deities through several stages of instruction and practice.  This volume, the first study to map the sacred geography (“mythscape”) of the northern Arawak-speaking people of the Northwest Amazon, demonstrates the direct connections between petroglyphs and other inscriptions and Baniwa sacred narratives as a whole. In eloquent and inviting analytic prose, Wright links biographic and ethnographic elements in elevating anthropological writing to a new standard of theoretically aware storytelling and analytic power.

The bestselling English translation of the ancient classic of Chinese divination that has inspired millions with its timeless insights into the changing nature of existenceThe I Ching, or Book of Changes, has exerted a living influence in China for thousands of years. Today, it continues to enrich the lives of readers around the world. First set down in the dawn of history as a book of oracles, it grew into a book of wisdom with the inclusion of commentaries on its oracular pronouncements, eventually becoming one of the Five Classics of Confucianism and providing a common source for both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy. This edition of the I Ching is the most authoritative and complete translation available, preserving the spirit of the ancient text while providing a vital key for anyone who seeks to live harmoniously with the immutable law of change.The book presents the sixty-four hexagrams of the I Ching along with their texts and interpretations in a format especially designed for easy reference. Unlike many editions of the I Ching, it also features the Ten Wings, supplemental writings traditionally ascribed to Confucius that provide indispensable insights into the symbolic structure of the hexagrams and their place in a cosmology where change is the only constant.With an illuminating foreword by C. G. Jung and an informative introduction by Richard Wilhelm, this beautiful edition of the I Ching shares the essence of wisdom and a true understanding of life.

The classic story of Japan's origins—now in a fully revised and reader-friendly edition.The Kojiki is Japan's oldest surviving text, chronicling the mythical creation of the Japanese islands, the origins of the imperial family, and the early development of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. A cornerstone of Japanese identity and culture, it has profoundly influenced the nation's literature, spirituality, and political thought for over a thousand years.Told in a vibrant, poetic style, the Kojiki brings to life the primordial deities Izanagi and Izanami, their divine children, and the unfolding of the Japanese cosmos. These stories form the spiritual and mythological foundation of Japan—where gods walk the earth, and emperors trace their lineage to the heavens.This fully updated edition offers a vastly improved English translation with modernized names and terminology, and for the first time, previously untranslated "racy" Latin passages are rendered clearly in English. The result is a more accessible and complete reading experience, ideal for both first-time readers and longtime students of Japanese culture. Footnotes have been carefully refined for clarity and relevance, and the text has been re-typeset for ease of reading.With a new foreword by Kojiki scholar Matthieu Felt, this edition highlights why the Kojiki remains essential reading for anyone interested in Japanese mythology, literature, history, or religion.

Working from existing translations, Thomas Merton composed a series of his own versions of the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of Chinese philosophers. Chuang Tzu, who wrote in the fourth and third centuries B.C., is the chief authentic historical spokesperson for Taoism and its founder Lao Tzu (a legendary character known largely through Chuang Tzu’s writings). Indeed it was because of Chuang Tzu and the other Taoist sages that Indian Buddhism was transformed, in China, into the unique vehicle we now call by its Japanese name—Zen.The Chinese sage abounds in wit and paradox and shattering insights into the true ground of being. Thomas Merton, no stranger to Asian thought, brings a vivid, modern idiom to the timeless wisdom of Tao.

'A timely and moving pilgrimage through Japan's spiritual traditions' RUTH OZEKI, Women’s Prize-winning and Booker Prize-shortlisted author'A fascinating dive through hidden layers of the Japanese worldview' KATHERINE MAY, author of WinteringFind your way to happiness with this wise, inspiring journey into the spiritual heart of Japan.In Eight Million Ways to Happiness, Hiroko Yoda invites readers on a transformative journey into the traditions that shape Japanese life. While millions have found inspiration in ideas like ikigai or The Courage to Be Disliked, Hiroko reveals the deeper traditions that quietly infuse Japan’s culture, drawn from Shinto, Buddhism, and the mountain mysticism of Shugendo.These aren’t abstract philosophies. They are living practices that integrate so seamlessly with modern secular life, even natives can forget they are there. Reconnecting with them helped Hiroko find light after profound loss – and realise that they offer powerful tools for anyone seeking meaning, connection or peace in their own life.Through vivid storytelling and immersive experiences – dancing at Shinto shrines, climbing sacred peaks, and meeting mystics – Hiroko shows how Japan’s flexible approach to spirituality helps kindle gratitude, connection and kinship with nature. What emerges are practical insights and gentle guidance to spark joy, find balance, and discover what truly matters.Whether you're grieving, searching, or simply curious, this book is a reminder: there are millions of ways to be happy. You just have to find yours.

India is a highly diverse country, home to a wide array of languages, religions, and cultural traditions. Analyzing the dynamic religious traditions of this democratic nation sheds light on the complex evolution from India’s past to today’s modern culture. Written by leading experts in the field, Religions of India provides students with an introduction to India’s vibrant religious faiths. To understand its heritage and core values, the beginning chapters introduce the indigenous Dharmic traditions of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, while the later chapters examine the outside influences of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These chapters are designed for cross-religious comparison, with the history, practices, values, and worldviews of each belief system explained. The final chapter helps students relate what they have learnt to religious theory, preparing the way for future study.This thoroughly revised second edition combines solid scholarship with clear and lively writing to provide students with an accessible and comprehensive introduction to religion in India. This is the ideal textbook for students approaching religion in Asia, South Asia, or India for the first time. Features to aid study include: discussion questions at the end of each chapter, images, a glossary, suggestions for further reading, and an Companion Website with additional links for students to further their study.

It all began in June 2005 when Bobby Henderson wrote an open letter to the Kansas School Board proposing a third alternative to the teaching of evolution and intelligent design in schools.Bobby is a prophet of sorts, the spiritual leader of a growing, world-wide group of followers who worship the teachings of The Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM).The FSM appeared to Bobby as a giant ball of spaghetti, with meatballs for eyes, and touched Bobby with “His noodly appendage” – resulting in the revelation that the FSM is the real creator of the universe. The FSM faithful look to Bobby as their prophet and spiritual leader. Shortly after Bobby’s revelation a website (www.flyingspaghettimonster.org) came into existence to promote the word. Then came the articles, which were worldwide: The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Guardian (UK), Die Welt (Germany), Surprise (Austria), and many others chimed in to report the existence of the FSM. Bobby received letters of support from academics and Kansas School Board members alike – not to mention a couple million hits per day on the website – and it was all-too-clear that there needed to be a book to lay out FSM scripture, rites and observances, proofs, and answers to the Big Questions. This is that book.

You may rob the Three Armies of their commander, but you cannot deprive the humblest peasant of his opinion – Confucius (Analects 9.25)The Analects of Confucius has been one of the most widely read and studied books in China for the last 2,000 years, and continues to have a substantial influence on thought and values today. His words largely concern ethics, morality within the family, within marriage and within government, social relationships, justice and sincerity, valour and virtue. But whether you regard this as high philosophy or self- help for all the ages, whether your interest is in Chinese culture or leadership, whether it is spirituality or success that occupies your thoughts, Confucius has wise and accessible things to say about them all.This complete edition of the Analects, which is made up of 20 books of brief passages from Confucius and his disciples, is presented with a new introduction and new editorial notes. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding and with a timeless design, Confucius: The Analects will appeal to anyone interested in philosophy, spirituality and Chinese culture.

Revolutionizing received opinion of Taoism's origins in light of historic new discoveries, Harold D. Roth has uncovered China's oldest mystical text-the original expression of Taoist philosophy-and presents it here with a complete translation and commentary. Over the past twenty-five years, documents recovered from the tombs of China's ancient elite have sparked a revolution in scholarship about early Chinese thought, in particular the origins of Taoist philosophy and religion. In Original Tao, Harold D. Roth exhumes the seminal text of Taoism-Inward Training (Nei-yeh)-not from a tomb but from the pages of the Kuan Tzu, a voluminous text on politics and economics in which this mystical tract had been "buried" for centuries. Inward Training is composed of short poetic verses devoted to the practice of breath meditation, and to the insights about the nature of human beings and the form of the cosmos derived from this practice. In its poetic form and tone, the work closely resembles the Tao-te Ching; moreover, it clearly evokes Taoism's affinities to other mystical traditions, notably aspects of Hinduism and Buddhism.Roth argues that Inward Training is the foundational text of early Taoism and traces the book to the mid-fourth century B.C. (the late Warring States period in China). These verses contain the oldest surviving expressions of a method for mystical "inner cultivation," which Roth identifies as the basis for all early Taoist texts, including the Chuang Tzu and the world-renowned Tao-te Ching. With these historic discoveries, he reveals the possibility of a much deeper continuity between early "philosophical" Taoism and the later Taoist religion than scholars had previously suspected. Original Tao contains an elegant and luminous complete translation of the original text. Roth's comprehensive analysis explains what Inward Training meant to the people who wrote it, how this work came to be "entombed" within the Kuan Tzu, and why the text was largely overlooked after the early Han period.

Vad vet vi om det som inte går att veta? Om då, om nu, om framtiden, om livet och döden. Jordklotet är en varelse som färdas genom rymden i en ofattbar hastighet. Vi är för evigt sammanbundna, också med den måne som sakta fjärmar sig från oss. Under arbete som vila flödar tanken fritt, och vi pryder ensamheten med vår fantasi. Genom historien har vi sparat våra gudar och sagor som en dyrbar skatt. Vi har för alltid kvar våra berättelser och våra drömmar om en bättre framtid och en bättre värld.