The Inner Teachings of Taoism [Paperback]

What is wisdom, what is Tao, is not [easily] named. The fundamental challenge with this book is the very intellectual orientation provided in this translation by Thomas Cleary.

The inner alchemy of the Tao is reached through mystical realization. My concerns with this book is that it is overly wordy and abstract thought-oriented. Abstraction being something that prevents you from experiencing reality. If you are into wordy books then you might like this but it is not beginner material.

Chang Po-Tuan was a Confusian who was also exposed to Chan (Zen) Buddhism. He sought out the esoteric side of Eastern thought after being unable to pass the civil servant examinations. He supposedly was taught by Li Ts'ao who was trained by Chung-li Ch'uan and Lu Tung-Pin. So Chang's thought is influenced very much by the Southern School of Taoism. Chang's presentation seems to be a blending of Confusian, Chan Buddhist, and Taoist thought. At it's core the text by Chang Po-Taun makes up very little of this book.

The futher explanation of Changs text is by Liu I-Ming. But keeping everything straight is difficult as the words of Clearly comprise the core of this book. It's almost false advertising to claim this is a book conveying the teaching of Chang.

The majority of the verbose rub of this book is coming from Thomas Cleary, who is not always known for his clarity, and certainly not for brevity. (In fact, the beginner to Eastern thought would do well to stay clear of Cleary.) It is Part 2 of this book, perhaps entirely of Cleary's authorship where the book digresses into diagrams and becomes unhinged from Chang Po-Tauns original works.

Taoism is about mystical, neo-shamanic alchemical experience. There is no feeling of integration with the Tao in this book. There is lots of detail about relationships of this or that theoretical concept. In other words there is not the clarity or the freedom that you usually encounter with being in relationship with the Tao. The totality of this book presents a view of walking the path of the Tao that is unforgiving and fraught with danger. The need for constant vigilance to be kept from danger (hence the need to memorize the arcane processes). This is not the Tao that Lao Tzu is talking about.

For the beginner the better places to start are Eva Wong (Tao of Health). There are also a number of QiGong works that are woven with Taoism such as Spiritual Qi Gong by David Twicken. There are also a number of good selections from Mantak Chia.

If you are looking for good QiGong to get started with then see Chunyi Linn and Spring Forest QiGong.

Keep it real. There is no mirror on which to collect dust.

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.

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.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 6 reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars