Part of World Religions Series, this book presents the history, customs, and beliefs of Taoism, one of the great philosophical and religious tradition that grew and flowered in China. Unlike the great Western religions, it has no one God or even a founding prophet. One of its central beliefs is that each person must follow their own path to the Dao, or 'Way of Life'. This updated edition traces the progress of Taoist thought from its roots to the present day. It also examines the restoration of Taoism under China's religious freedom clause, the slow rebirth of Taoist monasticism, renewed interest in Taoism in China and abroad, and the impact of tourism on the monastic tradition.

English