The Tao of Health, Longevity, and Immortality: The Teachings of Immortals Chung and Lü

By: Eva Wong

Book Overview

"Here is a classic Chinese text on the Taoist arts of longevity and immortality. The text dates from the Five Dynasties (907-960 C. E.) and is attributed to Chungli Ch'uan and L? Tung-pin--two of the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570627258
• ISBN13: 9781570627255
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent...

Eva Wong has done an admirable job translating several classic Taoist texts for Western consumption; in this book she continues to uphold the excellent work. These texts were allegorical references for internal alchemy (Qigong) and I have yet to find better translations.Wong starts the book with a general overview of some of the historical discrepancies around the text, particularly when and by whom it was written. Her explanation, although somewhat short, is quite informative and sets the stage for the translation. She also provides information to assist the reader in understanding the somewhat 'cryptic' discussion of such terms as "yellow sprouts" and "true vapour".The translation is actually very informative but the reader must leave behind the Western preoccupation with trying to put everything into direct terms. The Taoist's spoke of internal alchemy in a very poetic manner - something which I feel is probably the best method possible. That is, a lot is up to the intuition of the reader (with the help of a proper master) which is the best way to understand the subject. For those who have been cultivating this book will be an invaluable asset.Highly recommended.

An excellent translation of a document on Internal Alchemy

For research into Taoist concepts of Internal Alchemy, this is an excellent translation of a classic Taoist document. Wong even provides some helpful clarifications to the text that make it very readable.For those studying philosophical Taoism or meditative Taoism that does not involve complex Internal Alchemy, it may not be as useful a resource. It's extremely complex and may seem odd to eyes of people unfamiliar with certain Taoist practices.

Great book on concepts and theories of Taoism!

This book caught my eye in the bookshop. I flipped through a few pages, read it, and i immediately liked the information offered there. It offers a concise and detailed look into the theories of health and longevity in Taoism. The original text was written by 2 Taoist famed sages, one being Lu Tung Pin, which is perhaps one of the most popular figure in Taoism. WIth this book, you can learn about more indepth concepts of yin and yang, true yin within yang, "dragon" and "tiger", phases of the moon, the importance of the vapor and vitality and lots more! I couldn't put it down since i bought it. I don't know why, perhaps its the delivery of the concepts thats unique in this book... very well translated and written.

Excellent Introduction to Internal Alchemy

If you are looking for practical techniques of Internal Alchemy, this might dissapoint you, however, if you wish to understand the theory and science of internal alchemy, this is a must-have. I've found it to be invaluble for a good understanding of Neidan's pirnciples and theory. The text skillfully elucidates the Five Kinds of Immortals, and the Lesser, Middle and Greater paths, the very basis of all Quanzhen Neidan. Eva Wong's translation is easy to read, and made much easier by her insightful commentaries nessceary to understand each and every chapter. Reccomended!