Daoist_Text_Symposium has been created to assist in the reading,
discussion, and analysis of texts associated with philosophical Daoism and with scholarly works on those texts.

My hope is that this group will attract formal scholars of Taoism, their students, dilettante scholars of Taoism like myself and all others who bring a informed curiosity regarding the meaning of the texts as well as an appreciation of their context in the world of thought in China and in the rest of the world.

Comparison to other Chinese texts (Huainanzi, Guanzi, Huang-Lao
writings, etc.) and to other texts that may have influenced or been influenced by them is encouraged with the proviso that all such discussions must relate back to the texts of philosophical Daoism, the Dao-De-Jing (Tao Te Ching) Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) and the Lieh-tzu (Lie Zi), etc.

Discussions of other traditions (Western philosophy, Confucian and other Chinese schools of thought, religious Daoism, Vedic writings, etc.) must also relate back to philosophical Daoism texts.

I hope that current academic students and scholars will bring to the discussion works that are part of their curriculum for the enhancement of the understanding of all participants.

Flaming, trolling and all forms of prohibited behavior under the egroups term of service (http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/) will result in one warning and subsequent loss of membership in the group for a period of no less than six months, or more at my discretion. Civil discourse and the same courtesy to be expected in an academic setting will be the
rule for this group.

Grossly off-topic posts (so you've written a book, fine but don't try and post it) in the judgement of the moderator will result in immediate moderation of the poster and if relevance cannot be demonstrated, removal from the list.

If substantial citation of copyright material occurs, please indicate full reference to the cited work and keep within the guidelines of "fair use".