MACMILLAN Daoist Cultivation of Qi and Virtue for Life, Wisdom, and Learning (Spirituality, Religion, and Education)

This book explores Daoist philosophies of qi and virtue through inquiry into their potential as technologies for cultivating good among individuals and society within educational settings, as well as in the modern world. The first part of the book, authored by Jing Lin, examines Daoist cosmology, axiology, and epistemology. She illuminates qi cultivation’s reliance on the accumulation of virtues, leading to transformation of the body and even―extraordinarily―the abilities of Daoist masters to transcend physical limitations to achieve health, longevity, and immortality. The second part of the book, authored by Tom Culham, establishes an understanding of qi and virtue as a technology within the Daoist paradigm, outlining the benefits of its cultivation while illuminating how contemporary Western philosophy and science support this paradigm. Both authors explore new forms of education to incorporate Daoist wisdom in schooling. Review “Inspiring, insightful, and informative, this book illuminates a deeply transformative vision for the Daoist way of life and education in contemporary society. Blending philosophy, spirituality, and science, it calls for cultivating qi and virtues for well-being, compassion, integrative power, and ecological sustainability. Conveying profound wisdom and complex systemic thinking with accessible language, the collaboration of two authors from different backgrounds embodies the synergism of East/West dialogues.”―Hongyu Wang, Professor of Curriculum Studies, Oklahoma State University, USA “A courageous undertaking that bridges ancient wisdom to modern aspects of education and personal growth. This is a very well researched and very practical book and it ‘moves the needle forward’ considerably as we collectively evolve into this ‘second axial age.’ In this time of global health and climate challenges, business leadership scholarship and practice will benefit by taking this work to heart.” ― Don Morrison, Chair of Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, and former COO of Blackberry  “In the conventional perspective, learning is a function of logical analysis. Ego takes us to personal power. Yet, modern science is moving us to a radical perspective, one long recognized by the major religious traditions. Transcendence of ego and the embrace of virtue enlarges understanding and capacity. In this book, you will discover that for which you have long yearned.”―Robert E. Quinn, Professor Emeritus at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, USA, and co-author of The Economics of Higher Purpose (2019) “This rich volume on Daoism, qi, and virtue is an essential antidote for our warring, despairing world. Speaking deeply, holistically, personally, and approachably, this book addresses perennial spiritual questions. It reveals classical Daoist wisdom and cosmology and timeless Daoist practices and compares all these with themes from western philosophy and technology. Having long awaited such a book, I am grateful for and awed by this masterwork.”―Rebecca L. Oxford, Professor Emerita and Distinguished Scholar-Teacher, University of Maryland, USA, and Adjunct Instructor, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA “In this book, Tom Culham and Jing Lin bring their deep understanding of Daoism to explain how qi and virtues are central to living a healthy and fulfilling life. Their scholarship and wisdom are evident throughout this book. In the last section they explore how Daoist principles can be applied to education. Education needs a new story that can address the problems we face today including climate change. Daoism, which is rooted in nature, can help in shaping a new story. Culham and Lin’s book helps us in this important work.”―Jack Miller, Professor, University of Toronto, Canadato  “The book is a very interesting and insightful take on the Dao that can help Westerners understand Eastern thinking in