Introduction
PART I: THE TEXT
Chapter 1: Times and Authorship
The Axial Age
The Warring States
Confucianism
Yin-Yang Cosmology
Laozi
The Laozi Legend
Divinization
Chapter 2: Textual Development
Language
Texts in Tombs
Guodian
Mawangdui
Heshang gong
Standardization
Wang Bi
Chapter 3: General Principles
Dao
Cosmic Unfolding
Natural Dynamics
Self-Being
Virtue
Images and Metaphors
Chapter 4: Social Application
Nonaction
Social Reality
Sufficiency
Humility and Simplicity
Clarity and Stillness
Sagehood
PART II: TRADITIONAL EXPANSIONS
Chapter 5: Communities and Politics
Primitivism
Self-Cultivation
Longevity Techniques
Inward Training
The Jixia Academy
Syncretism and Huang-Lao
Masters of Methods
Chapter 6: Devotional Activation
Early Recitation
The Celestial Masters
Immortality
Meditation
Ritual Veneration
Ordination
Integrated Practice
Chapter 7: Commentary Exegeses
The Nature of Commentaries
Ideal Rulership
Personal Self-Cultivation
Original Nonbeing
Western Ascension
Mystical Attainment
Chapter 8: Later Developments
Twofold Mystery
Imperial Attention
Song Huizong
Internal Alchemy
Daode jing Readings
Clarity and Stillness
The Qingjing jing
PART III: MODERN RECEPTION
Chapter 9: China Today
Religious Veneration
Academic Study
Intellectual Engagement
Politics and Education
Ecology
Cognitive Therapy
Self-Help
Chapter 10: In the World
Eastern Transmission
Early Western Reception
Seeing Dao
Philosophical Adaptation
Popular Understanding
Multiple Readings
Chapter 11: English Translations
Types of Translations
Literal Translations
Historical Scholarship
Philosophical Readings
Poetic Versions
Social Applications
Self-Help Manuals
Whimsical Renditions
Chapter 12: Western Adaptations
Daoist Leadership
Doing Business
Ecology
The Tao of . . .
Literary Allegories
Songs of Dao

The Daode Jing

A Guide