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.