Taoist Meditation: Methods for Cultivating a Healthy Mind and Body

by Thomas Cleary

Book Overview

A curated collection of ancient texts that shed light on the full breadth of Taoist meditation practices

The ancient meditation techniques of Taoism encompass a wide range of practices--with an aim toward cultivating a healthy body as well as an enlightened mind. These selections from classic texts of Taoist meditation represent the entire range of techniques--from sitting meditation practices to internal alchemy. Most of the texts appear...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570625670
• ISBN13: 9781570625671
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

!!!!!!!.........

I have delighted in this and other oriental 'translations' by Cleary, Wong, and others (Japanese Cult of Tranquility, Durkheim; 'Nature's Finer forces, Rama Prasad, readable online.) Some of this advice about breathing and perspectives on health is somewhat useful. Israel Regardie's books, and Rama Charakas' 'Science of Breath' is also good. However, I must put forth that Emma Curtis Hopkins' 'Scientific Christian Mental Practice' is one of the finest things I have ever read in this direction. I would also add the new edition of 'High Mysticism ' from the DESERT CHURCH OF THE LEARNING lIGHT in Ohio, and her pamphlet ' The Resurrection.'

incredible

quite possibly the most amazing book i have ever picked up. in only thirty minutes with this book i reached a level of stillness that i could not even concieve of beforehand, much less attain. i recommend it for anyone interested in taoism or meditation... or even their mental or physical health. the passages are short, gripping, and insightful. a truly wonderful book.

Not a lot on meditation, but a lot of good material

First, the name is somewhat misleading. Think of it more as documents that meditate on Taoism and have some information useful to meditation.That being said, this is a great book. It has a variety of interesting and useful essays, and is well worth repeated reading and comparative studies. Indeed, I can honestly say that some of it helped me in integrating meditative techniques effectively.This isn't for beginners - this is for people seriously studying Taoism, but its definitely worth it.

classical wisdom

This book is not actually a "how to" manual, rather, it is a series of talks on selected subjects such as "Virtue, Respect, Thoughts, etc." It not only speaks on these relevant subjects but makes it clear that a person should carry meditation through everyday life. Attention, and Awareness is the cornerstone of Buddhism and Taoism and in this book, it is presented in the taoist version. Benefits of meditation are also discussed. These include physical as well as psychological. A very relevant book for our fast paced lifestyles.