Tao of Health, Longevity, and Immortality: The Teachings of Immortals Chung and Lu (Paperback)

An orientation to alchemical imagery and symbolism may assist the reader in understanding these works. An appreciation for the vagaries of translation is another useful asset. Thirdly, a familiarity with the many classic alchemy treatises, west and east, that appear on the internet, should aid also in a basic appreciation/foundation.

These are not texts for the overly western turn of mind. A certain flexibility of perception is needed, if they are to have any value.

However, there are fundamental views of Taoism which may have a major positive impact on our western medicine. These may prove extremely useful to many, in the long run. I append a few of these fundamentals as a possible foundation for understanding and appreciation:

1. We may need to appreciate that these ancient orientals, and others, understood more about the existence of less tangible functions and dimensions of the anatomy that may enrich our western perspectibves on the function of the body.

2. That cycles of nature, change of seasons, etc., and the acceptance that there may be cycles we do not appreciate right away, may be extremely useful to a needed understanding. They will no doubt be extremely helpful in the evolution of modern medicine. (One begins to extend the idea of 'philosophy of science' to the 'philosophy of medicine,'as well.)

3. There are simple, everyday view on the problems of everyday life and their affect on health - sensuality, materiality, etc.- offered up in these texts. Assuming one may read them without feeling too 'preached at,' yet take them for what they are and have to offer, those presented in this text can be disarmingly useful for the reader, assuming they can give them the proper weight and significance. Considerations of culture- and lifestyle-bound perspectives are important here. Take them with the old Roman 'Golden Mean' view: all things in moderation!

Of course, since 'fanaticism above all is to be eschewed,' one ought not to be using this advice as a replacement for normal care from a capable physician.

For those on a lifelong path of health and healing, who anticipate future needs and health potentials, Taoism in general, and these particular texts, may all prove quite useful. Those of us who formally eschewed such issues as 'shamanism' and such may find ourselves delightfully reoriented by these readings.

Still others dissappointed or turned off by the seeming fanaticism of occult perspectives on 'subtle bodies' and the like, may find themselves unexpectedly and pleasantly enriched and re-orientated by Wong and Cleary's presentations. Overall perspective, as well as knowledge, becomes seen as needed. Lifestyle and attitude begin to assume their importance.

I would not, however, eschew other orientations. Wiser is it to be in this game in the long haul, assenting to consideration of a variey of points-of-view. Those new to these matters might consider various western views, also: various books have been found useful to many, on the psychosomatic, and other, causes of illness. Louise Hay's simple 'Heal Your Body,' Joel Goldsmith's 'Art of Spiritual Healing,' and books of the medical hypnosis and 'creative visualization,' 'New Thought' schools and the like, may also assist.

After all, it is an overall lifestyle change for the sake of better health and life, that we seek. This is best assisted by an understanding created by the addition of a wide variety of points of view that may be quite new to us. Prespective and objectivity is of the essence. This 'objectivity' involves the successful negotiation of 'subjective' points of view, as well. An hour a day in busy schedules might be profitably pursued in the direction of health and well-being. There are certainly worse ways to spend ones' time!

You get the idea: nothing wrong with a smorgasboard of approaches and techniques. One of the goals is, to be forearmed, yet ultimately avoid 'muddying up the whole picture,' in spite of it all.

Let's face it: something like the Taoist direction seems to be the one such new medical enlighteners for the 'common man' as Andrew Weil, Bernie Siegel, and Deepak Chopra seem to be on. We can extend such views by the addition of these ancient texts, however curious these texts may initially seem.

These Taoist texts are perhaps safer than others more technical. Taoist alchemy is not without dangers, like anything else. Eventually, Wong recommends, a suitable, intelligent, and experienced teacher must be found. Proceed carefully, yet open-mindedly. The beginner is likely to have more luck with the above texts than say, with Charles' Luk's 'Taoist Yoga,' or Wong's own 'Harmonizing Yin and Yang.'

Others may feel more comfortable pursuing these ideas from more modern writers, like Mantak Chia and the like. To each his own. Admittedly, I am one to favor the classic texts, in addition to regular, formal medical attention and care. I can refer to the others as needed. It is a positive effect from one's overall efforts and researches that one should be pursuing.

... as a final aside, be forewarned and aware there are those who quarrel about technical translation issues in both Wong and Cleary. This does not demolish the immediate usefulness of these texts to many persons. This is especially so for those adding to their armementarium of health views which, in the long run, may prove extremely useful to them personally. This is so, regardless of any alleged modified shades of meaning created by occasional 'innacuracies' that may make these translations less than useful to the academic and scholar. It is an overall understanding of Taoism with a health emphasis/perspective, that we seek, and thank Wong and Cleary profusely for their contributions. Other Taoist readings may be essential, both in and out of Wong and Cleary (see Wong's recommended reading list in the back of her 'Shambala Guide to Taoism.')

To put it roughly, 'take it easy, but take it.' Accomodate a culture-wide, as well as a science-wide view on issues of health and healing. You'll be better off.

Wong starts the book with a general overview of some of the historical discrepancies around the text, particularly when and by whom it was written. Her explanation, although somewhat short, is quite informative and sets the stage for the translation. She also provides information to assist the reader in understanding the somewhat 'cryptic' discussion of such terms as "yellow sprouts" and "true vapour".

The translation is actually very informative but the reader must leave behind the Western preoccupation with trying to put everything into direct terms. The Taoist's spoke of internal alchemy in a very poetic manner - something which I feel is probably the best method possible. That is, a lot is up to the intuition of the reader (with the help of a proper master) which is the best way to understand the subject. For those who have been cultivating this book will be an invaluable asset.

Highly recommended.

For those studying philosophical Taoism or meditative Taoism that does not involve complex Internal Alchemy, it may not be as useful a resource. It's extremely complex and may seem odd to eyes of people unfamiliar with certain Taoist practices.