A venerable Chinese work on the principles of Taoism, with a lucid commentary explaining the secret symbolism of the text. This description may be from another edition of this product.
A must read for any who read books on the tao and are left confused
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I am fairly new to the Tao, or after reading this book i think it would be more appropriate to say that i have long forgot this thing they are forced to label as the "Tao". As i was reading this book i felt as if it was written for me. Before i randomly purchased this book i had read books on Taoism, i was left feeling very murky. Never knowing if i took away anything of benefit. My mind was centered on material elements of alchemy. Reading about all these wonderful elixirs of immortality and the elements of refinement wondering how i would find water and fire within myself to purify the lead and mercury that were "hiding" somewhere in my body. If you had any feelings like i did, questions about how to find these "magical" items to become and immortal, or if you ever thought of immortality in a physical sense then this book is definitely for you. It is not something that will make you a Taoist master overnight and possibly not ever. But it will allow you to start focusing on what Lead and mercury truly are and how to refine you own vitality energy and spirit. I view this book as an arrow to help you find your way back to the correct path of nature. I cannot say that i have shed the perceptions of our physical world, but at least now i can eliminate one more false path which would have ended in a life long search for something that doesn't exist anywhere other than inside of myself. This book has taught me a very important lesson. I need to stop lying to myself and accept what is as it comes. I hold the key buried somewhere deep inside of my conditioned mind just waiting for a chance reveal itself to me if i would only let it. Thank you.
alchemy review
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
One of the best books written on taoist alchemy you will ever find. If you are a serious practitioner i think this book is a must have. Genuinely puts to rest the age old ideas people have that there is some mystical pill for immortality. Very well written and translated. Great read for anyone interested in the deeper meanings of taoist alchemy or willing to give the tao a try.
a wonderful book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
it is difficult to get lost along the way when you have a book like this in your possession. i've given away a couple copies as gifts. i've recommended this book to several people. this book is sold in taoist temples throughout china. buy this book! a great handbook for taoists everywhere, and people everywhere.
Taoist Alchemy
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
This is a great taoist alchemy treatise. The root text by Chang Po Tuan is presented along with enlightening commentaries. It has helped me understanding the "Secret of the Golden Flower" translated by Richard Wilhelm and introduced by C.G. Jung and revealed the meaning of so many symbols of taoist alchemy. Not a very easy reading but it's worth the effort.
Inner Teachings of Taoism
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Cleary did a remarkable translation of this complicated topic giving the reader an opportunity to comprehend the alchemical symbolism of Taoism.
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