Existential Psychology and the Way of the Tao: Meditations on the Writings of Zhuangzi [Hardcover]

In ancient China, a revered Taoist sage named Zhuangzi told many parables. In Existential Psychology and the Way of the Tao, a selection of these parables will be featured. Following each parable, an eminent existential psychologist will share a personal and scholarly reflection on the meaning and relevance of the parable for psychotherapy and contemporary life. The major tenets of Zhuangzi's philosophy are featured. Taoist concepts of emptiness, stillness, Wu Wei (i.e. intentional non-intentionality), epistemology, dreams and the nature of reality, character building in the midst of pain, meaning and the centrality of relationships, authenticity, self-care, the freedom that can come from one's willingness to confront death, spiritual freedom, and gradations of therapeutic care are topics highlighted in this book.Foreword  List of Contributors  Preface  Acknowledgements  Overview of the Book  Chapter Introductions  Part I. Emptiness, Stillness, and Wu Wei  1. The Useless Tree and the Empty Gourd Mark C Yang  2. Wu Wei (!2/?:) Jason Dias  3.Steadiness in the Midst of Chaos Michael Moats  Part II. Knowledge and Epistemology  4. Humanitys Search for Meaning in Existence: A Taoist Epistemology Rodger E. Broom?  5. Knowledge and Psychotherapy:  Lessons from Zhuangzis Parable When Knowledge Went North Trent Claypool  Part III. Miscellaneous Chapters  6. On the Power of Butterflies: Dreaming, Waking, and the Therapeutic Potential of Nocturnal Beings Erik Craig  7. Master Huis Grave: To Sharpen Your Character, Rub It Up Against Something Abrasive Richard Bargdill  8. Releasing the Jló'