Taming the Wild Horse

An Annotated Translation and Study of the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Taoism, Science & Nature, Nature, Animals, Animals Rights, History, Asian, China
Cover of the book Taming the Wild Horse by Louis Komjathy, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Louis Komjathy ISBN: 9780231543521
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: March 21, 2017
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Louis Komjathy
ISBN: 9780231543521
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: March 21, 2017
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

In thirteenth-century China, a Daoist monk named Gao Daokuan (1195-1277) composed a series of illustrated poems and accompanying verse commentary known as the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures. In this annotated translation and study, Louis Komjathy argues that this virtually unknown text offers unique insights into the transformative effects of Daoist contemplative practice. Taming the Wild Horse examines Gao's illustrated poems in terms of monasticism and contemplative practice, as well as the multivalent meaning of the "horse" in traditional Chinese culture and the consequences for both human and nonhuman animals.

The Horse Taming Pictures consist of twelve poems, ten of which are equine-centered. They develop the metaphor of a "wild" or "untamed" horse to represent ordinary consciousness, which must be reined in and harnessed through sustained self-cultivation, especially meditation. The compositions describe stages on the Daoist contemplative path. Komjathy provides opportunities for reflection on contemplative practice in general and Daoist meditation in particular, which may lead to a transpersonal way of perceiving and being.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In thirteenth-century China, a Daoist monk named Gao Daokuan (1195-1277) composed a series of illustrated poems and accompanying verse commentary known as the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures. In this annotated translation and study, Louis Komjathy argues that this virtually unknown text offers unique insights into the transformative effects of Daoist contemplative practice. Taming the Wild Horse examines Gao's illustrated poems in terms of monasticism and contemplative practice, as well as the multivalent meaning of the "horse" in traditional Chinese culture and the consequences for both human and nonhuman animals.

The Horse Taming Pictures consist of twelve poems, ten of which are equine-centered. They develop the metaphor of a "wild" or "untamed" horse to represent ordinary consciousness, which must be reined in and harnessed through sustained self-cultivation, especially meditation. The compositions describe stages on the Daoist contemplative path. Komjathy provides opportunities for reflection on contemplative practice in general and Daoist meditation in particular, which may lead to a transpersonal way of perceiving and being.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book The Demand for Health by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book The Best American Magazine Writing 2016 by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book Extraordinary Bodies by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book On Bicycles by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book Hyping Health Risks by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book In the Company of Strangers by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book The Ethnic Avant-Garde by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book New Tunisian Cinema by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book Religion in America Since 1945 by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book Ed Koch and the Rebuilding of New York City by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book Counterinsurgency in Crisis by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book A Korean War Captive in Japan, 1597–1600 by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book The Complete Works of Zhuangzi by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book The Cutting Edge by Louis Komjathy
Cover of the book The Cinema of the Coen Brothers by Louis Komjathy
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy