The Philosophy of the Daodejing

by Hans-Georg Moeller

Book Overview

For centuries, the ancient Chinese philosophical text the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching) has fascinated and frustrated its readers. While it offers a wealth of rich philosophical insights concerning the cultivation of one's body and attaining one's proper place within nature and the cosmos, its teachings and structure can be enigmatic and obscure.

Hans-Georg Moeller presents a clear and coherent description and analysis of this vaguely...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 023113679X
• ISBN13: 9780231136792
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Daodejing

IMHO Professor Moeller is one of the finest commentators on early Daoism. Though I do not believe his theories will appeal to those that view the Daodejing as the nidus of religious Daoism, his contributions to the understanding of difficult Daoist concepts will hopefully please anyone reading his work. The book covers the following topics: 1. Reading the Daodejing 2. Sex 3. Yin & Yang, Qi, Dao & De 4. Politics 5. War 6. Desires 7. Ethics 8. Permanence 9. Death 10. Man What I find unique about Professor Moeller's theories is that he does not attempt to whitewash ideas expressed in the Daodejing in order to appeal to a wider audience. A number of his views are: 1. The Daodejing was originally intended for a small, elite audience. 2. "Wu wei" is to be practiced by the Sage in a very literal manner. 3. The authors of the Daodejing were not interested so much in a quest for "higher truth" as they were in social harmony. 4. When chapter 65 states: In ancient times those who practiced Tao well did not seek to enlighten people, but to make them ignorant. (trans. W.T.Chan), that is exactly what it means to say. If you have any interest in the Daodejing or early Daoism, Professor Moeller's books (he also penned the excellent "Daoism Explained") are a fine addition to your library. Please note that only parts of the Daodejing are translated by the author, not the entire book.