The Taoist Inner View of the Universe and the Immortal Realm

by Hua-Ching Ni

Book Overview

In The Taoist Inner View of the Universe, readers can learn the way to obtain mental and spiritual clarity. This book not only provides spiritual protection to the sincere student through the many... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0937064025
• ISBN13: 9780937064023
• Release Date: January 1979
• Publisher: Sevenstar Communications, U.S.
• Length: 220 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

An Important Work - Not for beginners

If you have studied Taoism and are looking for details to the structure of the universe then this is a great work. This book explains the center of the Tao named the 'Jade Emperor' and the outflowing structures inhabited by the heavenly 'Shiens' (Xians). Though the book does mention that this heavenly structure is [mirrored] within you to get the most out of this book you need to keep this thought at the forefront (hermetically as without so within). I consider this book an important work in Taoist cultivation. In the field of Taoism my conclusions thus far are that once Taoism goes into many intricate details (such as in Taoist Alchemy) that there is some distraction (if not self-deception) in believing that the mysteries of the universe are to be found through complicated formulae. This book gives many details and tries to keep you focused on the essence rather than the details. The book gets four stars instead of five because although an important work for the advanced student it was not my experience that all of the book kept me deeply connected to the words. The first part of the book was very visionary. But later it did not keep building to keep my attention. This book is recommended for those who are interested in Taoism and who have not found Taoist Alchemy to be close enough to original essence and are looking for a clearer and simpler approach to the Tao. Ultimately these types of books can only serve to clarify and resonate our inner impressions we gain through cultivation. But it is only your internal experience, through meditation, QiGong, silent awareness, etc. that can bring any named truth forward into unnamed realization. The authors works are highly recommended in the field of Taoist theory. But the beginner to Taoism should read the Tao Te Ching a few times (with or without commentary) before approaching other works in Taoism. Please also consider Alan Watts regarding Zen and Taoism. Check out Papaji for realization overall. And be sure to examine Sufism through Hazrat Inayat Khan.

As masterful a master as we are likely to meet

I take issue with the other reviewer who rated all NiHuaChing's books (and Master Ni) negatively. Let this person share his wondrous credentials. The person obviously has a personal grudge and I would be very careful and read at least one of NiHuaChing's books in order to properly JUDGE FOR YOURSELF. I met NiHuaChing several times in the late 70's, knew some of his students, and found Master Ni to be sincere in his desire to share knowledge which has been passed down from antiquity. His students learn everything from tai chi tailored to the seasons to herbology and Chinese medicine. In my opinion, Master Ni's books can be helful by themselves, or as supplements to your own studies and classes. He speaks plainly and never condescends. I have read several of his books and have found them to be quite steady and on the mark.

from a reknown Master

Having practiced with taoist Masters, who after surviving the Cultural Revolution, are now actually serving on government health boards in China, and here in the US (NIH), I can attest to his writings being referred to by my teachers as excellent sources. But with the caveat that no written source can really substitute for the experience of meditation and cultivation by time-tested methods (whether that be tai ji, calligraphy, chanting, etc.) I find his writings helpful, and often to mirror what my teachers have said, and never seem to contradict them. The fact that his lineage runs through his family is nothing but the traditional way in which this information has been passed for 100s generations. Most recently, due to the horrific dangers of the cultural revolution, keeping it within the family was even that much more important for survival. Taoist Masters now tend to share their information more freely, this being a different age. I have also never heard of any reputable practitioner refer to him or his family as cultish, unlike some other prolific writers. He was also a frequent contributor (and his family still is) to "the Empty Vessel" magazine. And respected among those Qi Gong and tai Ji instructors listed in the NQA. As a taoist, I invite readers to peruse his many writings themselves, and to see for themselves if they find any truth or resonance with what is in these pages. By all means be skeptical, and questioning as befits a true taoist. But it seems highly un-taoist-like to be so dogmatic and to spread hurtful rumours about another person. Consider the source.

Taoist Inner View of the Universe and the Immirtal Realm

In this book, the world's most prolific Taoist writer (more than 40 titles in English) describes the complex and profound spiritual realm in a refreshingly straight forward manner. Master Ni explains that the ancient Taoist turned their focus inward to explore the "inner" universe of spirituality. This very metaphysical book details what the author and pervious generations of Taoist Masters have discovered about the "Immortal Realm" from their own expirences. Those interested in the authors backround (spiritual linage) and/or perfer less metaphysical and more scientific aspects of Toaism, should read the authors excellent " Tao - The Subtle Universal Law and the Integral Way of Life."

Excellent Starter

Being new to the Way of Life, this book is an excellent first read to get an overview of the meaing of being a Taoist. And who better to learn from, then a Master. Well written.