Introduction to the Philosophy and Religion of T – Pathways to Immortality

In its rich evolution from antiquity to present times, Chinese religion has encompassed manifold religious expressions. Taoism is one facet of Chinese religion, and exemplifies particularly well the variety of beliefs and practices that humankind has adopted and experienced in the search for answers to both ultimate and proximate questions about life and death. This book, a companion volume to the bestselling Perspectives of Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Hinduism, explores the different pathways Taoism took in that search, touching at many points on the other interrelated facets of Chinese religion in Confucianism, Buddhism and popular religion. The mystical, philosophical traditions of Taoism are analyzed, as well as the more colorful and overtly religious strands of Taoism.