The Path by Prof Michael Puett & Christine Gross-Loh

Post date: Mar 19, 2018 6:39:42 PM

Book

Review

This is a book about how the ancient philosophy of thinkers like Confucius, Mozi, and Zhuangzi can transform our thinking today, and so help us to lead better lives – how to live well. These ancient teachings challenge many of our Western assumptions about what it means to live well.

When Socrates, Plato and Aristotle were leading western thinking, in China Confucius was central to the concept of behaviour guided by ritual. Chinese thought recognises 'Dao' or 'the Way' as 'a path that we forge continually through our choices, actions, and relationships. We create the Way anew every moment of our lives.' (p14).

The Chinese word 'Xin' translates as both 'mind' and 'heart', integrating cognitive and emotional aspects, and guiding our actions and we get closer to the Way 'when we cultivate the ability to remain balanced. The more stable we are, the more able we are to refine and hold on to good qi [energy/vitality]' (p130). For Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi life is about 'embracing absolutely everything in its constant flux and transformation' (p143), and following the 'flow'. The interplay of the energy yin and yang 'does not just create seasonal change, but also characterizes all the transformations we see throughout the cosmos' (p144). We need to see from all perspectives and avoid the rigid distinction of 'self' and 'other', which disrupts flow and the Way.

Academic interest

Informative and interesting about the development of Chinese philosophy and its very different perspective from Western philosophy, written by academics.

Practitioners

This is not a practical text, and does not contain exercises or activities to follow.

Self-helpers

This is not a practical text, and does not contain exercises or activities to follow.

Best Bits

Describing the Chinese concept of Dao, or the Way:

'the Way is a path that we forge continually through our choices, actions, and relationships. We create the Way anew every moment of our lives.' (p14)

“The Way constantly does nothing, yet nothing is not done.” (p113)

Inward Training is about managing our inner selves and inner life force (our energy, or 'Qi'):

'The Inward Training teaches that deep breaths are more than simple breaths; we breathe in energy that helps us to soothe ourselves, calm negative emotions, and relax.' (p123)

“Anything that inspires awe refines qi by training the senses to respond more profoundly to the world around us.' (p133)

In Zhuangzi's philosophy, we should view ourselves as part of the cosmos – looking from all perspectives, rather than focusing on our individuality:

'If we truly become able to see all things from an unlimited perspective, we could celebrate all aspects of life, including the final distinction: mortality. Death is, after all, only one of the endless cycles of the Way.” (p158/9).

About the authors

Michael Puett is a Harvard professor who runs a very popular course there in Chinese philosophy. Christine Gross-Loh is a journalist who has a Phd in East Asian history, from Harvard.