Media Recommendation
“Humorous, simple, and profound, Do Nothing and Do Everything demonstrates the convincing usefulness of Taoism in contemporary society. Both an erudite writer and a philosophical illustrator, Qiguang Zhao has built three bridges in one stroke: the first between the ancient and the modern, the second between the East and the West, and the third between words and pictures. Once you open this book, you will be drawn across these bridges to a relaxing, comforting, and inspiring wonderland, where you will rest in nothing and fly in everything.”
—Kang Liu, Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, DukeUniversity
“He may talk about doing nothing, but Qiguang Zhao seems to do everything, as he deftly weaves various strands of Eastern and Western wisdom. The result is a gem, worthy of interest to those inclined to think outside our ethnocentric boxes.”
—James F. Fisher, Professor of Anthropology Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan
Profound and practical wisdom springs to life in this insightful account of the ancient and ever-present Taoist teachings. Qiguang Zhao’s gift as a storyteller combines with his deep understanding of Taoist principles to make this book enjoyable and instructive.
—Judith Blackstone, author of The Enlightenment Process
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 A Manifesto of Modern Taoism
CHAPTER2 Many Thinkers, One Tao
CHAPTER 3 Take It Easy and Take Care
CHAPTER 4 Take It Easy, but Take It
CHAPTER 5 Wu Wei
CHAPTER 6 Wu Bu Wei
CHAPTER 7 The Universe and Us
CHAPTER 8 Reversing
CHAPTER 9 Naming
CHAPTER 10 Emptiness
CHAPTER 11 Water
CHAPTER 12 Calm.Down
CHAPTER 13 Serenity and Health
CHAPTER 14 Eating
CHAPTER 15 Sleeping
CHAPTER 16 Do Nothing, Only Breathe
CHAPTER 17 Learning
CHAPTER 18 Justice
CHAPTER 19 Work and Leisure
CHAPTER 20 Fame and Fortune
CHAPTER 21 Beauty
CHAPTER 22 Love
CHAPTER 23 The Intercourse between Yin and Yang
CHAPTER 24 Ambition
CHAPTER 25 Flying
CHAPTER25 Do Nothing in this World
CHAPTER 27 Walking
CHAPTER28 Tai Chi Boxing, Doing Nothing
CHAPTER29 Tai Chi Sword, Doing Everything
CHAPTER 30 Happiness
CHAPTER 31 No Regrets
CHAPTER 32 Longevity
CHAPTER 33 Life & Death
APPENDIX A When the Red Guards Knock
APPENDIX B In Memory of Hal Zi, Who Died for Beauty
APPENDIX C Student Contributions