"In 'The Contemplative Foundations of Classical Daoism,' Harold D. Roth explores the origins and nature of the Daoist tradition, arguing that its creators and innovators were not abstract philosophers but, rather, mystics engaged in self-exploration and self-cultivation, which in turn provided the insights embodied in such famed works as the 'Daodejing' and 'Zhuangzi' . . ."--Back cover.