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The Way of Chuang Tzu

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( 4,832 ratings, 229 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Way of Chuang Tzu presents Thomas Merton's own translations of the timeless sayings of Chuang Tzu, a seminal Taoist philosopher from fourth and third century B.C. China. Through wit, paradox, and profound insight, Chuang Tzu reveals the essence of Taoism, a spiritual tradition that deeply influenced Eastern philosophies such as Zen. Merton, well-versed in Asian thought, revitalises these ancient teachings with fresh, accessible language for modern readers.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4400

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in Religion & Spirituality, especially those exploring Taoism, Eastern philosophy, and the cross-cultural bridges between Buddhism and Christianity.

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Classic writings from the great Zen master in exquisite versions by Thomas Merton, in a new edition with a preface by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as "a most admirable introduction" to Taoism by Alan Watts, The New York Times Book Review, the book is endorsed by eminent figures like Robert Thurman, who highlights Merton's spiritual impact, and Thich Nhat Hanh, who recognises Merton as an artist and a Zen master.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780811218511

Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 March 2010

Country: United States

Imprint: New Directions Publishing Corporation

Edition: Second Edition

Contributors:

  • Preface by Dalai Lama XIV

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 177g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) entered the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, following his conversion to Catholicism and was ordained Father M. Louis in 1949. During the 1960s, he was increasingly drawn into a dialogue between Eastern and Western religions and domestic issues of war and racism. In 1968, the Dalai Lama praised Merton for having a more profound knowledge of Buddhism than any other Christian he had known. Thomas Merton is the author of the beloved classic The Seven Storey Mountain. His Holiness The Dalai Lama is both the head of State and the spiritual leader of Tibet.

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