#46 Livia Kohn on the Dao of Purpose, Traveling, and Scottish Country Dancing

Pacific Rim College Radio

Livia Kohn is a fascinating human being with a remarkable zest for life. This interview proved to be most enjoyable and educational and humbling in terms of what a person on her path can manifest.

When not partaking in Scottish Country Dancing, of which she does with fervent regularity, Livia can be found travelling the world lecturing on Daoism (Taoism), coordinating Daoist conferences, editing a premier Daoist journal, writing books and translating classics of Daoism, and managing a publishing company that focusses on Daoist and classical Chinese philosophy. Additionally, yearly she leads a multi-week group hiking expedition in Japan to explore the culture and visit sacred temples.

Livia earned a Ph.D. in 1980, lived in Japan for a decade, and served for nearly two decades as a professor of Religion and East Asian studies at Boston University. She has authored more than 30 books and countless articles and has helped spread Daoist philosophy around the world.

We talk about all these things in this episode and spend a fair bit of time exploring specific aspects of the Daodejing and Zhuangzi, classic Daoist texts. Livia is a wellspring of knowledge and wisdom and such a lovely individual that this conversation has left me wanting to spend more time in her presence. Her energy alone is uplifting and soothing, and that is just a thread of what she has to offer to humanity. Settle into this timely interview and see what inspiration she weaves for you.

Please enjoy this episode of Pacific Rim College Radio with Livia Kohn.

Episode Links:

Livia Tours Japan

Three Pines Press

International Conference on Daoist Studies

Learning Links:

School of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine at PRC

Online Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine courses at PRCOnline

Student Clinic at PRC