Introduction: Why This Book Is Relevant and Critical Today

This chapter gives an introduction to the book. The first part highlights the necessity for this book, given our world’s challenges in many fronts. The chapter then gives an introduction about the arrangement of the book, mainly that the book is written as two separate parts by Jing Lin and Tom Culham but on overlapping themes. Part I by Jing turns to the traditional Daoist texts to tease out an understanding of the highest pursuit of Daoism, that is, immortality. Integrated with her personal experience and understanding, she brings forth a systematic understanding of Daoist ontology, axiology, and epistemology on cultivation for immortality, crystalizing the vital role of virtue and qi cultivation. Tom Culham’s part takes a western perspective to discuss the unity of body, mind, and spirit. Tom incorporates contemporary scholarship to understand cultivation of qi and virtues. He brings in philosophy, and contemporary science in a number of fields to build a bridge to Daoist notions and practices.