Huai-nan Tzu (139BC) was viewed, for its great diversity of subject-matter, ideas and style, by traditional Chinese scholars as a composite work of the Eclectic School. It is the author's contention, however, that one overriding concern pervades the work: the attempt to define the essential conditions for a Taoist political utopianism. The present study emphasizes Chapter Six of Huai-nan Tzu in expounding the theory of kan-ying STIMULUS-RESPONSE; RESONANCE, which postulates that all things in the universe are interrelated and influence each other according to pre-set patterns. Only in the True Man, who is 'one with Tao' and 'attuned to the cosmos', does kan-ying attain its ultimate realization, 'the Great Peace' and 'the Great Merging'. 'After all,' concludes the author, ' it is in Huai-nan Tzu that we find the statement'

Compiled by scholars at the court of Liu An, king of Huainan, in the second century B.C.E, The Huainanzi is a tightly organized, sophisticated articulation of Western Han philosophy and statecraft. Outlining "all that a modern monarch needs to know," the text emphasizes rigorous self-cultivation and mental discipline, brilliantly synthesizing for readers past and present the full spectrum of early Chinese thought. The Huainanzi locates the key to successful rule in a balance of broad knowledge, diligent application, and the penetrating wisdom of a sage. It is a unique and creative synthesis of Daoist classics, such as the Laozi and the Zhuangzi; works associated with the Confucian tradition, such as the Changes, the Odes, and the Documents; and a wide range of other foundational philosophical and literary texts from the Mozi to the Hanfeizi. The product of twelve years of scholarship, this remarkable translation preserves The Huainanzi's special rhetorical features, such as parallel prose and verse, and showcases a compositional technique that conveys the work's powerful philosophical appeal. This path-breaking volume will have a transformative impact on the field of early Chinese intellectual history and will be of great interest to scholars and students alike.

A follow-up toThe Tao of the Huainan Masters, this philosophical work contains more extracts from theThe Masters of Huainan. Originally written more than 2,000 years ago,The Masters of Huainanis a detailed, peacetime elaboration upon the works of classic Tao writers Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu on such issues as government, culture, and civilization. Providing guidance on how individual development, the natural environment, and social dynamics are interconnected, the excerpts focus on the importance of harmony and peace between individuals and the universe and present readers with a guide to self-enhancement that leads to peace of mind and harmony with society and nature.

In 2010, the editors of this volume completed the first unabridged English-language translation of the Huainanzi, opening exciting new pathways in the study of philosophy, Asian studies, political science, and Asian literature. This abridgement contains essential selections from each of the Huainanzi's twenty-one chapters and adds a new introduction and chapter descriptions. The text represents a remarkable synthesis of Daoist classics, such as the Laozi and the Zhuangzi; books associated with the Confucian tradition, such as the Changes, the Odes, and the Documents; and a range of other foundational philosophical and literary works, from the Mozi to the Hanfeizi. The abridgement preserves the Huainanzi's special rhetorical features, such as its parallel prose, verse, and unique compositional techniques. The Essential Huainanzi continues to increase awareness of this brilliant work and change our understanding of early Chinese history.

Translated by Derek Bryce from Lao-Tzu on Wieger's 1913 French rendition of his Les Peres du Syteme Taoist. This volume also contains Bryce's summaries of writings attributed to Huai-Nan-Tzu, Kuan-Yin-Tzu, and Tung-Ku-Ching from Wieger's Histoire des Croyances et des Opinions Philosophiques en Chine. Bryce demonstrates a conscious commitment to both the original Chinese text and the profound insight of Wieger's work. A Taoist classic to read again and again. Illustrated.

Ames demonstrates that the political theory contained in The Art of Rulership shares an underlying sympathy with precepts of Taoist and Confucian origin, and contains a systematic political philosophy that is not only unique but compelling. The book presents a political theory that tempers lofty ideals with functional practicability.