Book of Balance & Harmon

by Daochun Li

Book Overview

Gathers the writings of a thirteenth century Taoist master and discusses their historical and philosophical background.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0865473633
• ISBN13: 9780865473638
• Release Date: August 1989
• Publisher: North Point Press
• Length: 154 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great Book

I enjoyed flipping through the pages. It is a very informative book. If you incorporate tao in to your daily life, or seek to further do so.. i strongly recommend this book. It provides so much (extra) information that you just might need to hear. I would recommend any literature by Cleary to those who seek the light at the end of the tunnel. It is simple, and accurate. Thank you =)

Timeless writings by a thirteenth-century master

Expertly translated into English by Thomas Cleary, The Book Of Balance And Harmony: A Taoist Handbook is an anthology of timeless writings by a thirteenth-century master of the Complete Reality School of Taoism, a movement that traces its roots back to the first millennium CE with the initial aim of returning to the pure roots of Taoism's original purposes. Presenting timeless teachings about Vitality, Energy, and Spirit (the "three treasures" of Taoism that carry the keys to mental and physical well-being), The Book Of Balance And Harmony carries its powerful Taoism-centered message to a new generation of readers in the form of essays, dialogues, and poetry to succinctly encapsulate the core of the Complete Reality School.

What I think!

Cleary is a great translater. I have read many of his books. I think anyone who wants to understand the eastern culture, would be wise to read his works.

Real Taoism

The realm of Taoism has many facets and secular practices. In this select translation of various texts, Cleary attempts to make it very clear what the true goal of Taoism is. The texts distinguish between various practices and their goals. There are practices that specifically deal with health and energy. Others deal with obtaining "powers." The Texts make it clear that real toaism is the practice of "observing mind." In the end, the reader finds that what has been translated is very similar to Zen Buddhism. The only difference is the use of Taoist terms such as "mysterious pass", "lead and mercury", etc. A reader should be aware that this book is not a book that a reader can read and use the insights in his or her own life. It remains an educational presentation for the "uneducated" in the area of Taoism