The Body of Dao

The ancient system of thought known as Daoism remains today the least known of the great world religions and one of the most inaccessible aspects of Chinese culture. Much of this is due to the fact that Western thought clings to the idea of the separation of matter and spirit, body and soul. Daoism rejects this dualism and considers the perfection of the body as essential to Christianity as the redemption of the soul.
Christopher Shipper's elegant and clear introduction to the traditions of Daoism and the masters who transmit them will reward all those interested in China and religions. As a result of more than twenty-five years of research, including eight years of fieldwork in China, Shipper's book traces step by step the path,
leading from Chinese shamanism and traditional village life to physical methods of nurturing life, which in turn lead to the mysticism of Laozi and Zhuangzi. Shipper demonstrates the fundamental unity underlying all aspects of Daoism as Daoism sees itself. The social body – community, village, land – corresponds in all aspects to the physical body in Daoism. In both cases, the survival of humanity is decided here and now. – My destiny is within me, not in Heaven!