Östasiatiska religioner

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.)

From time immemorial, the Japanese people have worshipped Kami--spirits that inhabit or represent a particular place, or embody natural forces like the wind, rivers, and mountains. Whenever a new settlement was founded a shrine would be erected for the spirits of that place to honor them and ensure their protection. It was believed that Kami could be found everywhere, that no place in Japan was outside their dominion. Shinto encompasses the doctrines, institutions, ritual, and communal life based on Kami worship. The ideal of Shinto, central to this study, is a construct in which a monarch rules through rituals for the Kami, a priestly order assists the sovereign by coordinating rituals, and the people who fulfill their obligations to the collective are in turn blessed by the Kami. Center and periphery join together in untroubled harmony through this theatre of state. Helen Hardacre offers for the first time in any language a sweeping, comprehensive history of Shinto, which is practiced by some 80% of the Japanese people. The basic building blocks of this vast and varied tradition, she shows, include the related concepts of imperial rule and ritual, the claim that rituals for the Kami are public in character, and the assertion that this complex web of ideas and institutions devoted to the Kami embodies Japan's "indigenous" tradition. This study addresses the story of the emergence and development of these elements and the debates that surround them to this day. Because Shinto is centered on the Kami, it might be assumed that it is a religion, but Hardacre resists that assumption, instead questioning the character of the tradition at each stage of its history. She analyzes and deconstructs the rhetoric of Shinto as a defining feature of Japan's racial identity, inextricably woven into the fabric of Japanese life. This definitive study represents a first, momentous step towards a more developed understanding of Shinto.

This is the first complete, one-volume English translation of the ancient Chinese text Xunzi, one of the most extensive, sophisticated, and elegant works in the tradition of Confucian thought. Through essays, poetry, dialogues, and anecdotes, the Xunzi presents a more systematic vision of the Confucian ideal than the fragmented sayings of Confucius and Mencius, articulating a Confucian perspective on ethics, politics, warfare, language, psychology, human nature, ritual, and music, among other topics. Aimed at general readers and students of Chinese thought, Eric Hutton's translation makes the full text of this important work more accessible in English than ever before. Named for its purported author, the Xunzi (literally, "Master Xun") has long been neglected compared to works such as the Analects of Confucius and the Mencius. Yet interest in the Xunzi has grown in recent decades, and the text presents a much more systematic vision of the Confucian ideal than the fragmented sayings of Confucius and Mencius. In one famous, explicit contrast to them, the Xunzi argues that human nature is bad.However, it also allows that people can become good through rituals and institutions established by earlier sages. Indeed, the main purpose of the Xunzi is to urge people to become as good as possible, both for their own sakes and for the sake of peace and order in the world. In this edition, key terms are consistently translated to aid understanding and line numbers are provided for easy reference. Other features include a concise introduction, a timeline of early Chinese history, a list of important names and terms, cross-references, brief explanatory notes, a bibliography, and an index.

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.

This lavishly illustrated volume explores the history of China during a period of dramatic shifts and surprising transformations, from the founding of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) through to the present day. The Oxford Illustrated History of Modern China promises to be essential reading for anyone who wants to understand this rising superpower on the verge of what promises to be the 'Chinese century', introducing readers to important but often overlooked events in China's past, such as the bloody Taiping Civil War (1850-1864), which had a death toll far higher than the roughly contemporaneous American Civil War. It also helps readers see more familiar landmarks in Chinese history in new ways, such as the Opium War (1839-1842), the Boxer Uprising of 1900, the rise to power of the Chinese Communist Party in 1949, and the Tiananmen protests and Beijing Massacre of 1989. This is one of the first major efforts - and in many ways the most ambitious to date - to come to terms with the broad sweep of modern Chinese history, taking readers from the origins of modern China right up through the dramatic events of the last few years (the Beijing Games, the financial crisis, and China's rise to global economic pre-eminence) which have so fundamentally altered Western views of China and China's place in the world.

'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.

Perhaps the most important book yet written on meditation, the process of inner transformation, and the integration of spiritual practice into our Western way of life, A Path With Heart brings alive the possibilities of inner peace, wholeness and the achievement of happiness. Written by a teacher, psychologist and meditation master of international renown, this is a warm, inspiring and, above all, practical book. Its gentle Buddhist wisdom will guide you through the ups and downs of contemporary living, such as addiction, psychological and emotional healing, problems with relationships and the difficulties of achieving a balanced life of simplicity.

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer’s classic bestseller translates the ancient wisdom of the Tao Te Ching into a guide for modern life, with simple yet life-changing daily practices to transform your mindset.The 81 verses of the Tao Te Ching are regarded by many as the ultimate commentary on the nature of our existence, more than 25 centuries after they were written. Change Your Thoughts—Change Your Life brings this timeless wisdom to life in accessible and practical guidance that readers return to again and again.After one year of research and meditation on Lao-tzu’s messages, Wayne Dyer wrote these 81 essays, a reflection for each verse, translating this mystical philosophy for our modern problems. Each ends with “Do the Tao Now,” powerful tips you can easily use in daily life to live the Tao.Classic essays include:Living by Letting Go: Release stress and anxiety, trust the processLiving without Striving: Break the cycle of pressure and burnout by shifting to the present momentLiving Beyond Judgment: Let go of criticism—of yourself and others—and embrace acceptanceLiving Self-Mastery: Understand and gain control of your emotionsLiving with Constancy: The knowledge that all things shall passThis a work to be read slowly, one essay a day, and as a daily companion in difficult times. As Wayne said, “This is a book that will forever change the way you look at your life, and the result will be that you’ll live in a new world aligned with nature. Writing this book changed me forever, too. I now live in accord with the natural world and feel the greatest sense of peace I’ve ever experienced.”

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.

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.

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.

'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.

Translated by the eminent Taoist Master Alfred Huang, The Complete I Chinghas been praised by scholars and new students of the I Ching since its first edition. A native Chinese speaker, Master Huang first translated the original ideograms of the I Ching into contemporary Chinese and then into English, bringing forth the intuitive meanings embodied in the images of the I Ching and imbuing his translation with an accuracy and authenticity not possible in other English translations. However, what makes his translation truly definitive is his return to prominence of the Ten Wings, the commentaries by Confucius that are essential to the I Ching’s insights. This 10th anniversary edition offers a thorough introduction to the history of the I Ching, how to use it, and several new divination methods; in-depth and easy-to-reference translations of each hexagram name, description, and pictogram; and discussions of the interrelations between the hexagrams and the spiritual meaning of their sequence.

Nei Gong is the practice leading to attainment of real internal skill and transformation, and the philosophical art of change that runs through all Daoist practice. Get an unprecedented insight into the entire Nei Gong process, expanding upon the foundations laid in the author's previous widely read book, Daoist Nei Gong, to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the practice.Going into unparalleled detail whilst remaining accessible, it explains the philosophy at the heart of Nei Gong , and the steps whereby transformation is achieved. Essential reading for anyone seriously interested Qi Gong, Chinese martial arts, and the Daoist tradition, the book will also be an invaluable resource for practitioners of Chinese medicine, or advanced meditation.

“Chivalry is a flower no less indigenous to the soil of Japan than cherry blossom” are the opening words to Inazo Nitobe’s Bushido: The Soul of Japan. It was 1900 and Inazo, a Japanese academic living in the USA, had been prompted to write the book after an American professor had wondered how the Japanese imparted moral education on their children if schools didn’t offer any religious instruction. The answer, Inazo realised, was through Bushido. Bushido is the chivalric code of moral principles that the Samurai followed: rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour and loyalty. Influenced by Confucianism, Shinto and Zen Buddhism, it tempers the violence of a warrior with wisdom and serenity. Alongside Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and Machiavelli’s The Prince, Inazo’s book has become influential among military and corporate leaders looking for ways to manage their people and overcome their opponents. Beautifully produced in traditional Chinese binding and with a timeless design, Bushido Illustrated: The Soul of Japan includes the classic Inazo Nitobe text with a new introduction and colourful illustrations throughout. It will appeal to anyone interested in leadership, the code of the Samurai and Japanese culture.

This book offers you an opportunity to internalize and directly experience the great wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, a collection of verses authored by the Chinese prophet Lao-Tzu.The words Tao Te Ching translate as 'living and applying the Great Way.' Although just 81 short verses, the Tao encourages you to change your life by literally changing the way you think. Wayne Dyer has created modern affirmations based on this powerful ancient wisdom that will allow you to integrate these ideas into your life.The Tao Te Ching offers you divine guidance on virtually every area of human existence. It is a new way of thinking in a world that needs to recapture its ancient teachings. Work with the verses and affirmations regularly and you will come to know the truth behind the ancient Tao observation: when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

In this global introduction to philosophy of religion you begin not with a single tradition, but with religious philosophies from East Asia, South Asia, West Africa, and Native North America, alongside the classical Abrahamic and modern European traditions.Matching this diversity of traditions, chapters are organized around questions that acknowledge there is no single understanding of any god or ultimate reality. Instead you approach six different traditions of philosophizing about religion by asking questions about the journeys of both the self and the cosmos such as “What is my path?” and “Where did the cosmos come from?” Accompanied by introductory materials and an extensive glossary, each chapter includes learning objectives, questions for discussion, and suggested primary and secondary sources. The categories of religion and philosophy are interrogated throughout.Equipped with study tools and universal questions about the self and the cosmos, Philosophies of Religion: A Global and Critical Introduction shows you how to philosophize about religions around the world.

A delightfully illustrated selection of the great Daoist writings of Zhuangzi by bestselling cartoonist C. C. TsaiC. C. Tsai is one of Asia’s most popular cartoonists, and his editions of the Chinese classics have sold more than 40 million copies in over twenty languages. This volume presents Tsai’s delightful graphic adaptation of the profound and humorous Daoist writings of Zhuangzi, some of the most popular and influential in the history of Asian philosophy and culture.The Way of Nature brings together all of Tsai’s beguiling cartoon illustrations of the Zhuangzi, which takes its name from its author. The result is a uniquely accessible and entertaining adaptation of a pillar of classical Daoism, which has deeply influenced Chinese poetry, landscape painting, martial arts, and Chan (Zen) Buddhism.Irreverent and inspiring, The Way of Nature presents the memorable characters, fables, and thought experiments of Zhuangzi like no other edition, challenging readers to dig beneath conventional assumptions about self, society, and nature, and pointing to a more natural way of life. Through practical insights and far-reaching arguments, Zhuangzi shows why returning to the spontaneity of nature is the only sane response to a world of conflict.A marvelous introduction to a timeless classic, this book also features an illuminating foreword by Edward Slingerland. In addition, Zhuangzi’s original Chinese text is artfully presented in narrow sidebars on each page, enriching the book for readers and students of Chinese without distracting from the self-contained English-language cartoons. The text is skillfully translated by Brian Bruya, who also provides an introduction.

"An elegant and comprehensive critical edition of the Dao De Jing." ― KIRKUS ReviewThis book examines one of the world’s most enduring and influential literary works through the timeless art of qigong. In his words, Lao Tzu (or Laozi), author of the Dao De Jing, embodies qigong principles, advocating the cultivation of mind and body. Only when we know qigong can we know Lao Tzu—and only when we know Lao Tzu can we know the Dao De Jing.Lao Tzu’s writing has been read, translated, and discussed around the globe. It deals with principles that transcend time and culture. That is why this ancient text has been reimagined countless times in books on business, relationships, and parenting—but never with a focus on the art of qigong. This makes the Dao De Jing: A Qigong Interpretation unique and indispensible.Many chapters in the Dao De Jing purely talk about qigong, especially the practices of regulating the body, breathing, mind, qi, and spirit.Dr. Yang, a renowned author, scholar, and martial artist, devoted decades to researching and writing this book. He interprets and analyzes the 81 chapters of the Dao De Jing. His commentary will bring new insight, inspiration, and depth to your understanding of Lao Tzu’s words—and to your qigong practice.This book includesThe complete Dao De Jing in English and its original Chinese textDr. Yang, Jwing-Ming’s commentary and analysis of each chapterNumerous illustrations and diagramsThe Dao De Jing: A Qigong Interpretation is not a book of instruction. It is about the Way—the path before us, in qigong and in life, where what you achieve comes through your own understanding.