Seven Taoist Masters: A Folk Novel of China

By: Eva Wong

Book Overview

History and legend are interwoven in this classic folk novel that both entertains and explores the philosophy and practices of Taoism Written by an unknown author, Seven Taoist Masters is the story of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877735441
• ISBN13: 9780877735441
• Release Date: April 1990
• Publisher: Shambhala Publications
• Length: 178 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A Story of Seven Journeys

I first came upon this book at my college library several years ago, and I could not put it down. And, recently, I finally able to obtain this book in hand and read it once more. To me at least, it is a book full of insights and fascinating stories. It was not until later that I realized that they are stories mixed with historical facts and mythology in order to teach (about the basics of Taoism) and to entertain the readers. "Seven Taoist Masters" is a story of one woman and six men (students of Wang Ch'ung-yang) who faced severe hardships and overcoming them on their own unique paths towards self-mastery over themselves and towards enlightenment. The one story that I most identified with was Chi'iu Ch'ang-ch'un's long journey. This novel is roughly 200 pages and easy to read. It was written by an unknown author but it was translated by Eva Wong with great clarity. I would recommend this book, as well Eva Wong's "Tales of the Taoist Immortals," for those who are interested in Taoism philosophy and in Chinese historical legends.

Seven Taoist Masters

This book was given to me as a gift from a Buddhist friend. I didn't really look at it until a month or two later, thinking it to be strange and complex. However, when I eventually did pick up "Seven Taoist Masters", I found it to be a very friendly and teaching story in a folk tale/legend sort of way. For example I will quote from a moment where Wang Ch'ung-yang is teaching his disciples: "Those who cultivate the Tao must attend to every detail of their everyday lives. If there is a trace of self-interest, the heart is still impure and an obstacle still stands in the way of you and the Tao." Things like this take up about a tenth of the book and even myself (who had no idea of Taoism previously) did not find this a bit boring or anything else. I hope the things I have quoted will not discourage you in any way. The story is about Wang T'ieh-shen (who achieves the taoist name of Wang Ch'ung-yang) and his destined seven disciples and their journeys and tests to attain the Tao. The Characters are: *Wang Ch'ung-yang: Teacher. Ch'ung-yang translates as "the rebirth of yang". *Ma Tan-yang: Disciple. Tan-yang translates as "the bright, pure pill". Quoting from the author:"The "pill" is the Golden Pill,the result of the synthesis of the three internal energies (general, vital and spiritual energy) in the pure form." *Sun Pu-erh: Disciple. Pu-erh translates to "no second way". *Chi'iu Ch'ang-ch'un: Disciple. Ch'ang-ch'un translates as "eternal spring" *Liu Ch'ang-sheng: Disciple. Ch'ang-sheng translates as "longevity" or "eternal life". *T'an Ch'ang-chen: Disciple. Ch'ang-chen translates as "forever enlightened" or "eternally enlightened". *Hao T'ai-ku: Disciple. T'ai-ku translates as "the ancient". *Wang Yu-yang: Disciple. Yu-yang translates as "bright jade". I recomend this book to beginers and experts alike. Thank You for reading my review. I hope you enjoy this book and continue to read other Taoist stories and texts.

Delightful and Fascinating Novel

Written by an unknown author, Seven Taoist Masters is the story of six men and one woman who overcome tremendous hardships on the journey to self-mastery. These characters and their teacher, Want Ch'ung-yang , are all historical figures who lived in the Southern Sung and Yuan dynasties. The novel brings to life the essentials of Taoist philosophy and practice, both through the instruction offered by Wang - on topics such as cultivation of mind and body, meditation techniques, and overcoming the four obstacles of anger, greed, lust, and drunkenness - and through the experience of characters. While all road eventually lead to the experience of the Tao, each individual's path is unique, as is the adventure of each master in this book.

Great book for starters

This is an easy read book on fairly complex matters. That is perhaps the most appealing thing about it. One can enjoy the stories, and learn the basic principles behind Taoism.However, the depth could have been a bit more - but maybe then it wouldnt be an easy read. One of the stories might even suggest wrong ideas.. that of Sun Pu Erh disfiguring her face so that she could go on her spiritual quest - is indicative of her initial ignorance but there is almost a sort of glorification of this act. However, the stories are rather good and entertaining. And the English is very good.

Stands the test of time

Written sometime in the 13th century, this novel/parable gives us a great overview of what it takes to attain the Tao. We live through the sacrifices and pitfalls that eight immortals make on their path to enlightenment. Eva Wong's work in translating this classic has to be highly commended. She takes very difficult and obtuse concepts and smoothly translates them in a manner that conveys the intention of the original author. To do so, she demonstrates her own attainment and mastery. Well done.