"This book presents a distinctive interpretative framework that uncovers an early yangsheng reading of the Daodejing through the differences between its early phenomenological and the later metaphysical versions. It engages with current literature from West to East to make a rigorous and genuine contribution." -- Robin Wang, Professor of Philosophy, Loyola Marymount University, USA "Thomas Michael offers a refreshing interpretation of early Daoism as a philosophy for living-well and the practice of nurturing life. He delves into Huang-Lao, Han dynasty Daoism, and the practices of the Daoist alchemist Ge Hong in the Wei dynasty. The book concludes with a comparative study of the Daodejing and the phenomenology of Martin Heidegger." -- James D. Sellmann, Professor of Chinese Philosophy, University of Guam, Guam "[ Philosophical Enactment and Bodily Cultivation in Early Daoism ] is a treasure chest of insightful explanations concerning meaningful connections between discursive thought and nondiscursive enlightened awareness. Since Davis has the knack and competence to write in a way that remains cool on the surface but intimates a deeply passionate engagement to Zen practice, the experience of reading it is as rewarding as it is intellectually stimulating.

" -- Religious Studies Review.