Taoism Books

Book SynopsisDeath is a subject obscured by fear and denial. When we do think of dying, we are more often concerned with how to avoid the pain and suffering that may accompany our death than we are with really confronting the meaning of death and how to approach it. Sushila Blackman places death—and life—in a truer perspective, by telling us of others who have left this world with dignity. Graceful Exits offers valuable guidance in the form of 108 stories recounting the ways in which Hindu, Tibetan Buddhist, and Zen masters, both ancient and modern, have confronted their own deaths. By directly presenting the grace, clarity, and even humor with which great spiritual teachers have met the end of their days, Blackman provides inspiration and nourishment to anyone truly concerned with the fundamental issues of life and death.

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Book SynopsisFollow the path of the Tao with this pocket-sized collection of meditations and wisdom.This beautifully presented and highly giftable tiny book features 150 quotes, inspirations, and contemplations from the Tao Te Ching, the foundational text of Taoism that has been studied by seekers of all faiths and nations for its deep and often delightful insights. This little tome is intended for dedicated seekers and students of the Tao as well as anyone who simply wants a little help on the path to finding peace, whether in the world or within themselves.

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Book SynopsisMount Qingcheng, one of China's mystical mountains, has been the birth place of discovery, realization and preservation of the recipes that stimulate the deep potential of the human body for generations. This is the book of a Daoist master and spiritual guide Wang Yun as a young seeker and tells the tales of his inner journey which now guides the reader on a path of healing, rejuvenation and actualization of the body's innate potential.Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain brings Wang Yun's knowledge and wisdom to the West for the first time. · It serves as a guide to health and spiritual practices· including meditation and qigong exercises · based on centuries of Daoist knowledge and wisdom. · Through tales ranging from Daoist immortals to sleep-deprived salesmen, · this book offers guidance to support physical and mental wellbeing in this modern, stressful world.For a preview, exercise videos and more about the author:www.modernwisdomtg.comTrade ReviewA valuable insight into the life and teachings of a modern-day Daoist meditation master living in Taiwan. Snippets of wisdom, instruction, and illustrative stories emphasize the potential of Daoist meditation. -- Cindy Engel PhD, author of Wild Health, and Qigong instructorIt's always good news when some Daoist wisdom is shared with the world. This practical teaching is useful for all: that is what I found in the book Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain. Whoever you are, whatever you do, you will feel better with some Daoist practices, that is a fact! -- Serge Augier, heir of the Daxuan Daoist TraditionTable of Contents1. Under the Bright Spring Sun - Meeting my Daoist Master. 2. Daoist Meditation and Hereditary Predisposition to Illness. 3. The Interdependence of the Mind and Breath. 4. A Unique Style of Meditation: Unlocking the Brain's Hidden Potential. 5. Coupling Meditation with the Breath. 6. The Relation Between Desire and the Movement of Qi. 7. Meditation Techniques for Better Sleep. 8. A Posting Stance for the Office. 9. Supplementing Your Exercise with Qi Pian Quan Shen. 10. A Little Secret To Brighten Up Your Life. 11. Stepping into the World of Ancient Chinese Daoism. 12. A Bookworm Among the Libraries of Daoist Meditation Classics. 13. Skill in Meditation: It's All About the Mind. 14. Water from an empty cup. 15. Getting Prepared for Meditation. 16. Total Relaxation: Without Attachment to Any Place. 17. Life Hinges on the Breath. 18. You Are the Master of Your Life. 19. Tips For A Long Healthy Life. 20. A Rare Glimpse of Extraordinary Daoist Feats. 21. Single-pointed Focus to Empty All Distracted Thoughts. 22. Start Early and Never Abandon the Will to Walk the Path. 23. What Surprises Modern Medicine Unearthed. 24. The Tongue's Uncanny Role in Collecting the Mind. 25. Health is on the Tip of Your Fingers. 26. Mind and Qi Are Freed in Complete Relaxation. 27. Meditation is Not an Exercise for the Legs. 28. The Cosmos Folded into One. 29. How to Overcome Desire. 30. The Role of the Governor and Conception Channels in Meditation. 31. Moving the Celestial Chariot - Insights from an Adept. 32. When You Can't Sit Still, Cool the Fire in Your Heart. 33. Safe Meditation and the Bathing Practice. 34. The Link between the Meditations of the Qingcheng and the Wenshi Sects. 35. Total Focus on the Breath Uniting Mind & Qi. 36. Studying with Elders of Various Schools. 37. A Fortuitous Encounter One Would not Forget in a Lifetime. 38. Unattached to Names and Forms, The Things of the World are Like the Moon Reflected in Water. 39. Take advantage of the best time for practice. 40. The Ultimate Level of Daoist Practice and the Search for Perfection. 41. Reiterating the Importance of the Breath and the Tongue. 42. When the Senses are Collected, Anger Cannot Arise. 43. A Delightful Connection with Divinity and Daoism. 44. Notes on Meditation for Both Men and Women. 45. Using Arm Swinging Exercise to Assist Meditation. 46. Techniques for Mediation and Qigong for when the Yang Qi is Strong. 47. Adjusting the Breath to Protect the Body; No Need to Mention Strange Powers or Gods. 48. Non-attachment to States; When Demons Come, Strike them Down. 49. The Link Between Opening Up the Eight Channels and the Brain. 50. A Deep Connection to Hua Mountain and Hearing the Legend of Patriarch Chen Tuan. 51. The Art of Sleeping Well. 52. Twelve Life-Saving Posting Methods. 53. Transmission and Guidance from the Master. 54. Tips on Meditation Retreat and Fasting. 55. Protect, Love and Respect Life. 56. Essential Dietary Guidelines for Meditation. 57. The Importance of Drinking Water to Cultivate Health. 58. Health Cultivation Methods to Practice Just Before Sleeping. 59. Living in Mundane Affairs Without Being Tainted, This is Curbing One's Mind. 60. Meditation and Posting Complementing One Another. 61. The Wondrous Practice Combining Breath and Mantra. 62. Things to Take Note of While Posting. 63. Imparting Instruction and Dispelling Doubts Without Holding Anything Back.

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Book SynopsisImmersing the mind with the concepts of the Daoist path of health and immortality, Clouds over Qingcheng Mountain invokes the sacred birthplace of one of China's mystical mountains that has stimulated both mind and body for generations.Whilst the first volume, Climbing the Steps to Qingcheng Mountain, invited the reader to travel across time and through the history of China and Daoism, Clouds over Qingcheng Mountain is more focused in the book's purpose. Wang Yun places special focus on relaxation and the breath through five sets of foundational yet all-encompassing practices, such as posting, to deepen both themes. He offers tales from his life and journey, along with accessible tools to strengthen both body and qi.Bridging the gap between practical experience and philosophical background, Clouds over Qingcheng Mountain simplifies the complex practices of Daoism handed down by generations of accomplished Masters, and gifts the reader with its most valuable aspects for a modern world.Trade ReviewMany works feel bland, uninspired and a chore to read! This work paints a rich tapestry of personal experiences, cultural stories, and explanations of exercises. Sometimes when reading this book, it feels as though Master Wang Yun is in front of me recounting the story himself. -- Michael Brown, translator of Explanations of Channels and Points (Vol.1), editor of Complete Compendium of Zhang Jingyue (Vol 1-3)Table of Contents1.Posting and Daoyin: The Skill of Cleansing and Restoring2.Sifu's Heartfelt Legacy3.As Ancient as Peng Zu: Daoyin Secrets to Health4.The Essentials of Complete, Utter Relaxation5.Meditation and Daoyin: Motivation and Perseverance6.Intertwined Mind and Breath7.Rest Your Mind: Still and Unattached 8.It's Up to You to Seek and Realize the Way9.The Secret Behind Cultivating Essence and Supplementing Qi10.Relaxing, Relaxing Again: Mind as Clear as a Mirror11.Uniting the Breath and Mind from the Dantian 12.Getting the Gist of Relaxation13.Natural and Uncontrived: The Essentials for Relaxed Posting14.A Post a Day: Keeps the Reaper Away15.Effortlessly Achieved Fetal Respiration: The Natural Arising of True Qi 16.The Yellow Court Breathing Practice: Using Intention to Circulate Qi17.Pure and Clear Qi: Directly Enters the Dantian18.Practicing the Tendon Transformation Classic: to transform the tendons and bones 19.Relaxing the Body: Harmonizing the Breath20.Relax the Groin, Sink into the Posture21.Moving Qi to the Fingers with Tong Bei Quan 22.Taiji Breathing and Practices: Unblock the Channels23.Long-lived Immortals: True Qi, True BreathPart II Title: Daoyin - TechniquesSection 1 Title: Posting Fundamentals24. Posting Relaxation Exercises25. Posting relaxation visualization26. Posting 1 Simple Fundamental27. Posting 2 Flat Horse Posture28. Posting 3 Supporting Heaven and Earth29. Posting 4 Push the Wall30. Posting 5 Secret Sword Posting31. Posting 6 Pushing the Earth32. Basic Visualization for Posting: Gather the Pure and Expel the ImpureSection 2: Bodhidharma's Yijin Jing (Tendon Transformation Classic)Bodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic I33. Bodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic: Preparation34. Pressing Palms and Heels UpBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic II35. Standing VictoriousBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic III36. Solid Grip with Bent KneesBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic IV37. Coil/Recoil Body and KneesBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic V38. Achieve ExcellenceBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic VI39. Collecting the Whole BodyBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic VII40. Time to TurnBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic VIII41. Coordinated EffortBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic IX42. Holding and Releasing EffortlesslyBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic X43. Earnest ExhortationBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic XI44. Repent and Be SavedBodhidharma's Tendon Transformation Classic XII45. Echoing Back and ForthSection 3 - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health46. Basic Relaxation Technique47. Push Aside the Clouds, See the Sun - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health I48. Distribution of the TaiJi - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health II49. Touching Heaven and Earth - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health III50. Flipping the Spirit Turtle - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health IV51. A Pair of Dragons Spitting Pearls - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health V52. Nod Your Head and Wag Your Tail - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health VI53. Tense All, Relax All - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health VII54. The Child Worshipping the Buddha - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health VIII55. Cultivating the Kidneys - Nine Styles for Cultivating Health IXSection 4 - Simplified Exercises to Open Up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians56. Preparatory Visualizations 57. Preparatory Exercises58. Return to Qi to Its Original State - Simplified Exercises to Open Up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians I59. Unstoppable - Simplified Exercises to Open Up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians II60. Vanquishing Dragons and Tigers - Simplified Exercises to Open Up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians III61. Directing Water Upward - Simplified Exercises to Open Up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians IV62. Huge Bear Turns Its Body - Simplified Exercises to Open Up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians V63. Completely Opening the Eight Meridians - Simplified Exercises to Open Up the Eight Extraordinary Meridians VI Section 5 - Concluding Practices64. Concluding Practice 165. Concluding Practice 266. Concluding Practice 367. Concluding Practice 4

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Book SynopsisWritten during the Tang dynasty, this unusual tantric guide documents a sexual tantra that is thought to have been practiced by kings for several dynasties, before losing favor to a more ascetic approach to Taoism. According to legend, the author was last seen on the edge of a precipice, clasping the book to his chest, and proclaiming the sincerity of his practice.Translated into English for the first time, this illuminating text carefully describes the methods of this sexual internal alchemy practice, pursued strictly for the spiritual advancement of the practitioner, and undertaken only once desire and attachment for a consort had been overcome. Cloaked in metaphor, the techniques and attendant virtues of the practice are presented in beautiful poetry and prose, with explanatory commentaries throughout.This is an important historical text that will provide a fascinating insight into ancient tantric practices for anyone with an interest in Taoism, Chinese history and philosophy, and tantra or meditation practices.Table of ContentsTranslator's Note. Introduction. Preface. Part I. Preparation of the Mind. Cultivating the Chi Through Sole Breathing. Accumulating Chi to Open the Gate. Cultivating the Body's Essence with Jade Fluid. Part II. Preparing the Practice. Assembling Wealth to Cultivate the Practice. Selecting the Place for Practice. Selecting Companions. Building the Chambers for Practice. Choosing Consorts. Testing the Quality of the Consort. Choosing the Gold Consort. Choosing the Fire Consort. Choosing the Water Consort. Cultivating the Body's Essence and Building the Foundation. Building up Chi to Enter the Pass. Extending the Lifespan with Jade Liquid. Using Gold Water to Forge the Sword. Recovering the Golden Elixir. Selecting the Time for Heaven Circulation. Part III. The Secrets of Collecting Truth. Beginning Practice. Building the Foundation. Collecting the Medicine. Knowing the Time. Strumming the Lute. Facing your Enemy. Upside Down. In All Sincerity. Water Wheel. The Gateway of Belief. Following or Reversing. Part IV. The Way of Gathering Truth. Advanced Practice. Seventeen Poems of the True Secret.

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Book SynopsisThe ancient Chinese martial art of Xingyi Quan is known for its explosive internal power. Closely related to both Taiji Quan and Bagua Quan, Xingyi is regarded as the most esoteric, and the most dangerous of the fighting arts, though the purposes of consistent practice include health and spiritual development. This in-depth guide is the first to cover the history and traditions of the art in such a comprehensive way, describing the essential Xingyi Quan movements, and their effects, in fully illustrated form, and including the author's research with the Song Xingyi Quan clan in China. The book contains a comprehensive teaching guide to the practice of Santi Shr and the Five Element Fists, the core exercises of this potent fighting system, as well as explanations of the underlying principles which give Xingyi Masters their great depth of skill and refined understanding of combat strategy. The reader will also find clearly illustrated teachings of all the Twelve Animal Forms, linking forms, two person sets, basic skills, and the weapons training. This authoritative book will be an illuminating and complete guide for anyone interested in the internal martial arts, especially those practicing or teaching Xingyi Quan or wanting to learn more about it.Trade Review“This comprehensive book on Xingyi Quan by Master C S Tang certainly sets a new standard for manuals on the art. It not only covers the entire system of Hebei Xingyi Quan with clear illustrations, but also gives very detailed explanations of the all-important basic training and core principles which will prove to be a lifelong reference for sincere practitioners.” -- Alex Kozma, author of Warrior Guards the MountainMaster C S Tang has provided the internal martial arts community with a valuable guide to the history, principles and training of the art of Xingyiquan. It is my opinion that no other book currently available in the English language provides such detailed and extensive information on the martial and medical aspects of this wonderful art. Thank you Master Tang. -- Damo Mitchell, Technical Director of the Lotus Nei Gong School of Daoist Arts and author of Daoist Nei Gong and Heavenly StreamsTable of ContentsPreface. 1. Introduction. The Way of my Xingyi Quan. Fine Art and Xingyi Quan. The Beginnings of my Xingyi Quan. Xingyi Mixed form. The Five Fists of Lee Ying Ang. The Xingyi Five Elements Fists of Ho Ho Choy. The Xingyi Manual and Five Xingyi Tiger Forms of Zhang Jum Feng. Chu Gui Ting Xingyi Fist and Weaponry Transmission. Twelve Forms of Shanxi Xingyi. The Richness of Liu Jing Ru's Treasures. Xingyi 12 Animals Dui Lian. The Castle of Niu Sheng Xian. 2. History. I. The Origin of Xingyi Quan and Founder. II. Development of Xingyi Quan. 1. The Key points of Xinyi Six Harmony Boxing. 2. The Characteristics and Development of XYQ. 3.The Development of Heibi Xingyi. III. Entering the Heart of Xingyiquan. The Motherland of Song Xingyi – Song's Courtyard. Li Luo Neng Brings Xingyiquan to Taigu. The Legends of Li Cun Yi. Martial Arts System of Song's Xingyi Quan. 3. Legend of Yuefei. The God of Justice. The Martial Arts of Yue Fei. Yue Fei's Teacher – The Story of Zhou Tong. 4. The System. Levels. 5. Basics. 1. Shapes. 2. Culture of Santi Shi. 3. The Foundation of Xing Yi Quan – Santi Shi. 4. Manual and Theories of Xing Yi Quan. 1. The Eight Characters Song. 2. Xing Yi Six Harmonies. 5. Basic Exercises. 6. Five Element Fists. Theories of Five Element Fists. The Training. The Movements. The Application. 7. 12 Animal Fists. Theories. Illustration. Application. Advanced Level. Health Aspects. Twelve Meridians. Best Hours for Training. Momentous Songs of 12 Animal Styles. 8. Forms. 1. Five Elements Evolving Forms - Single Side Form. 2. Five Elements Evolving Form - Double Side Form. 3. Five Elements Destructing Form. 4. Five Elements Evolving and Destructing Form. 5. Five Elements Linking Form. 6. Chicken Four Form. 7. Five Elements Chicken Four Form. 8. Ba Shi Form. 9. Six Harmony Form. 10. Zashichui Form. 11. Xing Yi Twelve Combat Form. 9. Partners 2 Men Drill. Form 1 - Three Hands Cannon (San Shou Pao). Form 2 - Wu Xing Pao (Five Elements Cannon). Form 3 Wu Hua Pao (Five Flowers Cannon). Form 4 - Fixed Step Wu Xing Pao. 10. Weapons. 1. Xingyi Dao - Sabre. 2. Xingyi Jian - Sword. 3. Xingyi Gun - Cudge. 4. Xingyi Qiang - Spear. 5. XingYi Lian Huan Dao and Application.

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Book SynopsisIn his unprecedented account of the way of martial arts, Master Zhongxian Wu explores WuDao through systematic instruction of select practices from the legendary Dai Family Style XinYi Martial Arts School. Traditional Chinese martial arts embody the richness and depth of Daoist philosophy, and their disciplined practice is an effective way to experience healing, internal alchemy and spiritual transformation. XinYi martial arts, as with all traditional Chinese martial arts, build strength and stamina, and involve a process of inner cultivation that can bring practitioners closer to the Dao. The author examines and interprets the connections between Daoist numerology, the spirit of classical Chinese martial arts, and internal alchemy practices. With extensive reference to the classic texts, the book provides unique and considered guidance that will inspire and empower practitioners of all levels.An authentic insight into the spiritual world of classical Chinese martial arts, this book is essential reading for practitioners of martial arts, NeiDan (internal alchemy), XinYi, Xingyi Quan, Taiji Quan, Bagua Zhang, Qigong and Chinese medicine, as well as anyone interested in traditional Chinese culture.Trade Review“'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' says LaoZi in the DaoDeJing. In this illuminating book on XinYi WuDao ('The Dao of the Martial Arts'), Master Wu guides us, step-by-step, on a journey into the heart of the ultimate martial art– the art beyond fighting. Through the inner alchemy of the Three Treasures of Life– our bodies of flesh, energy, and spirit –we learn how to martial these precious resources in a way that benefits self and other as one.Thanks to the kindness of his mentor, Grandmaster Zhao ShouRong, Master Wu shares with us, for the first time in English print, ancient secrets of the way of the martial heart handed down in China in an unbroken lineage from master to disciple. Whether your interest lies primarily in the practice or the philosophy, you will discover within these pages precious gems of wisdom and power that will enrich your life.” -- Daniel Reid, best-selling author of The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity and The Tao of Detox and a leading expert of Eastern philosophy and medicine“As an aikido practitioner, I found lineage holder Master Zhongxian Wu's latest book, XinYi WuDao, very fascinating. Providing an in depth explanation of the links between Daoism and Chinese martial arts, Master Wu shows his deep dedication and unique knowledge of these two ancient traditions. There are many similar links that can be made between aikido and its philosophy, which makes this book a fantastic source of inspiration for all aikido practitioners.” -- Jan Nevelius Shihan (6th Dan Aikikai Tokyo), Chinese medicine practitioner and author“Dai Family XinYi is a rare martial art in China. It is so hidden that many practitioners have never even seen the practice. In this book, Master Wu reveals many techniques that have never been made available to the public. He explains the Dao theories in a very easy to understand way, as well as the basic form and the movements of WuXing Quan Mu and BaGua XinJing. He also describes the principles, breath and visualization in detail for each movement. This is a very valuable book for readers to trace back the origin and hidden treasure of the powerful Xingyi Quan.” -- Master C S Tang, senior Xingyi Quan, Bagua Quan and Yi Quan expert and researcher, and author of The Mysterious Power of Xingyi Quan and The Complete Book of YiquanTable of ContentsForeword. Introduction: The Art of Peace. 1. Dao. Daoist Philosophy and DanWu. 2. WuJi HunYuan. The Essence of Daoist Alchemical Martial Arts. 3. Taiji LianYi. The Secret of Dragon Body. 4. SanCai SiXiang. The Way of Circle and Square. 5. WuXing QuanMu. The Mother Form of XinYi. 6. LiuHe XinYi. Advanced Approach. 7. BaGua XinJing. Achieve Enlightenment. Afterword.

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