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Sitting in Oblivion, an expansion of Seven Steps to the Tao (1987), outlines the history and intricacies of zuowang, an essential form of Daoist meditation. It divides into two parts. Discussion begins by placing the practice in the larger context of the phenomenology of meditation and Chinese religious history. It then has eight chapters, discussing historical forerunners in pre-Han and Twofold Mystery texts, Tang masters and main works, the theory and practice of Tang Daoist meditation, and its relation to Buddhism and modern science. Translation presents eight core texts, some translated here for the first time, and all with ample annotation. Drawing on decades of Daoist scholarship and meditation experience, this book is the culmination of Kohn s extensive, path-breaking work. It makes difficult materials accessible and greatly enhances our understanding of the complex methods and conceptualizations involved in attaining Dao.ReviewLivia Kohn is a prominent scholar of Daoism and a pioneer in the comparative study of meditation; her rigorous academic approach is combined with long-term experience with various meditative practices. This book provides translations of the basic texts of the highly influential tradition of Daoist oblivion meditation, as well as a very readable discussion of its more than two thousand years of historical development. It gives a unique overview of the body and mind techniques, mental states, and philosophical systems associated with this tradition from the beginning and up until today. –Halvor Eifring, University of OsloSitting in Oblivion provides a wealth of important and fascinating materials, accompanied with insightful analyses, about essential Daoist methods of contemplative practice. At the core of the book is a masterful translation of the Zuowang lun, a seminal treatise of the Tang era. There are also clear and reliable explanations of a number of important issues and pertinent developments, including the earliest formulation of sitting in oblivion in classical texts such as the Zhuangzi, the teachings of the Twofold Mystery, the main elements of mature systematizations of Daoist meditation, and the influence of Buddhist models of contemplative practice. Livia Kohn s extraordinary erudition and high level of scholarship are evident in both the discussion and translation sections, yet the book is eminently readable and will be readily appreciated by scholars, students, and practitioners alike. –Mario Poceski, University of FloridaContentsTitleCopyright ContentsAcknowledgments DiscussionIntroduction: What is Zuowang? 1. The Classic Core 2. Twofold Mystery 3. Tang Masters 4. Main Texts 5. The Integrated System  6. Advanced Practices 7. The Buddhist Dimension 8. Western Appreciation Translation1. Sitting in Oblivion (Zuowang lun)2. Inscription on Sitting in Oblivion (Zuowang lun)3. Stability and Observation (Dingguan jing)4. Refining Qi (Cunshen lianqi ming)5. Inner Observation (Neiguan jing)6. Heavenly Seclusion (Tianyinzi)7. The Five Kitchens (Wuchu jing)8. Mind and Eyes (Xinmu lun)BibliographyIndexPaperback: 243 pagesPublisher: Three Pines Press; First Three Pines edition (August 25, 2010)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1931483167ISBN-13: 978-1931483162