Examines the traditional and modern Western interpretations of the Tao-te-ching, and its author, Lao-tzu.

First Published in 2012. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Christian s today need to find ways to reduce the world s influence upon their souls. They need to find a way to detach but at the same time remain active in the world. Christian s cannot totally remove themselves from the world. Despite what the secular world thinks, the world needs the Christian. Christianity is to the world what the soul is to the body. Why couldn t Catholic spirituality that guides and directs a spiritual life be combined with a tai chi training that guides and directs the physical life. This would be a perfect way of life for living in the world of the 21st century.

The Spiritual Philosophy of the Tao Te Ching argues two main points: (1) the Tao Te Ching is a spiritual (not religious) book, and (2) it presents an implicit systematic philosophy. If we piece together the Tao's implicit and explicit views, we'll find it offers a consistently reasoned answer to life's three ultimate questions, the origin, nature, and purpose of life. Based on its answer to these questions, it offers a philosophy of life the prime goal of which is reunion with the Tao.

Reveals techniques for achieving spiritual immortality through an in-depth exploration of Lao-tzu's Tao Te Ching • Includes practices and meditations for living in harmony with the Tao (universal essence) and Te (kind action) • Reveals the integration of heavenly and human power in the mystic field within us • Presents Tao Huang's English translation of the Tao Te Ching from the original Chinese Mawangdui text unearthed in 1973 For over 2,500 years the words of the Tao Te Ching, the primary scripture of Laoism and Taoism, have been regarded as among the greatest treasures of the world. Lao-tzu, whose name means “the ancient child,” wrote these brief but essential verses that have both confounded and conferred blessings on humankind. Now Taoist masters Mantak Chia and Tao Huang guide readers through the origins of this philosophy, the meaning behind its 5,000 pictographs, and the way of living that generations have followed. While the text of the Tao Te Ching has been passed down in literary form for generations, the essence of the text can be understood only through heart awakening--a true integration of body and mind--made possible with the insights and exercises in this book. The authors analyze Lao-tzu's teachings, line by line, and offer meditations, interpretations, and practical illustrations that clarify the true meaning and purpose of this classic text.

The human microbiome and its resident micro-organisms have in recent years come to represent a new frontier in health research and science. Yet this body of knowledge has hitherto been little addressed within Oriental Medicine theory and has consequently been underutilised in practice. The book proposes a novel and ground-breaking approach to understanding and influencing gut health and the microbiome by integrating the latest evidence from Western medical research and the long-established theory and practice of Oriental medicine. Building on an understanding of the body as a complete ecosystem where symbiotic relationships maintain balance in both mind and body, this integrative model sheds new light on an area that has seen rapidly growing interest both in and out of scientific communities, providing a more holistic and comprehensive perspective that both unites and broadens the potential applications of microbiome knowledge across medical and therapeutic traditions. The book's focus on the microbiome of the gastro-intestinal tract allows to explore the far-reaching and wide-ranging effects of the gut's micro-organisms on other body systems, on their ability to maintain good physical and mental health, and to fight disease and illness. This emphasis further provides readers with a practical guide to understanding and supporting a well-functioning gut and microbiome, through lifestyle choices and practices that focus on eating well, sleep hygiene, and mindful living. The booming interest in the area of gut health makes this compelling, accessible and informative hands-on book, an important tool for patients and practitioners of Oriental medicine and other relevant disciplines, offering readers a unique opportunity to add a new dimension to their knowledge of gut health. It will allow practitioners to deepen their professional development and enhance the quality of the care they provide by honing therapeutic skills and creating hybrid treatment plans that combine the latest findings from the gut-health literature and Oriental medicine.

This updated text helps students develop the global management knowledge and skills required to work anywhere in the world. Based on a new learning model, the text is supported by a set of engagement activities and teaching materials that enable managers to effectively pursue their job responsibilities in the global workplace.

The definitive guide to understanding Taoism—no matter your background or faith Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching is the second most translated book in the world, and the practice of religious Taoism is on the rise in China, where adherents currently number in the hundreds of millions. Yet there remains a remarkable lack of reliable information about Taoism for curious westerners. Taoism For Dummies provides comprehensive coverage of Taoism's origins in China's Chou Dynasty, its underlying quietist principles, its emergence as a major religion, various interpretation of its core texts, including both Eastern and Western interpretations, key Taoist concepts, and much more. It also provides a fascinating glimpse of Taoism in contemporary China. The ideal guide for readers interested in this influential religion, as well as those taking an introductory course on Taoism or Chinese Religion A valuable source of insight for those with an interest in modern Chinese culture and beliefs

Spirituality, Religion, and Aging: Illuminations for Therapeutic Practice by Holly Nelson-Becker is a highly integrative book written for students, professionals in aging, ministers, and older adults themselves. Readers will gain the knowledge and skills they need to assess, engage, and address the spiritual and religious needs of older persons. Taking a fresh approach that breaks new ground in the field, the author discusses eight major world religions and covers values and ethics, theories, interventions, health and caregiving, depression and anxiety, dementia, and the end of life. Meditations and exercises throughout the book allow readers to expand and explore their personal understanding of spirituality. Referencing the latest research, the book includes assessments and skill-based tools designed to help practitioners enhance the mental health of older people.