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.)

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

An immersive look at Japan's indigenous religion and how it can impact daily lives.In The Spirit of Shinto, longtime Japan resident and bestselling author Hector Garcia (Ikigai: the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life and The Book of Ichigo Ichie) offers an engaging introduction to the history, principles, and continuing influence of Shintoism in Japan. Garcia takes readers on a time traveling journey to witness Shinto's rich history and enduring cultural influence firsthand, as well as to discover ways Shinto can help us find harmony with nature and each other as we navigate our daily lives.This unique book provides:A fun, accessible introduction to Shintoism, including its history, mythology, gods, symbols, shrines, and rituals, beginning with a captivating time travel adventureInsight into Shinto's influence in the West, particularly through popular anime, manga, and video games, highlighting its presence in contemporary culturePractical "life lessons" on integrating Shinto concepts into everyday life to find harmony with nature and foster a deeper respect for othersAn examination of how Shinto rituals and symbolism can refresh the human spirit and offer guidance for personal growthGarcia's book underscores the things we all seek—a world that values and preserves nature and respects all living beings. Whether you're passionate about Japanese culture and spirituality or intrigued by its representation in anime and manga, this book is a compelling read that connects past and present in meaningful ways.

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.

“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.

Karma has become a household word in the modern world, where it is associated with the belief in rebirth determined by one’s deeds in earlier lives. This belief was and is widespread in the Indian subcontinent as is the word “karma” itself. In lucid and accessible prose, this book presents karma in its historical, cultural, and religious context.Initially, karma manifested itself in a number of religious movements?most notably Jainism and Buddhism?and was subsequently absorbed into Brahmanism in spite of opposition until the end of the first millennium C.E. Philosophers of all three traditions were confronted with the challenge of explaining by what process rebirth and karmic retribution take place. Some took the drastic step of accepting the participation of a supreme god who acted as a cosmic accountant, others of opting for radical idealism. The doctrine of karma was confronted with alternative explanations of human destiny, among them the belief in the transfer of merit. It also had to accommodate itself to devotional movements that exerted a major influence on Indian religions.The book concludes with some general reflections on the significance of rebirth and karmic retribution, drawing attention to similarities between early Christian and Indian ascetical practices and philosophical notions that in India draw their inspiration from the doctrine of karma.

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.

Lao-Tzus klassiker Tao Te Ching översattes av den brittiske författaren, magikern och profeten Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) år 1918. Crowley hyste ett djupt och bestående intresse för Asiens visdomsläror och filosofi, och hans personliga erfarenheter av Asien gjorde honom till en av de första västerländska studenter som fick förståelse för orientalisk filosofi utan att vara färgad av eurocentriska eller judeo-kristna fördomar. Detta är den första svenska översättningen av ett av Crowleys mästerverk.