Tao & Longevity: Mind-Body Transformation

This book has a lot of generalized information about meditation. Listed within is every basic path to enlightenment. I believe it is for more advanced readers because the focus seems to be commentary regarding common misconceptions about meditation and enlightenment, and because without a strong foundation much of the classical axioms won't make practical sense.Informative, Supplementary, More of a warning manual than instructional, Underplays the importance of sexual qi-gong, Heavy Buddhist influence arguably at times with undertones of rejection of Taoist concepts, Claims DanTien meditation causes disease of the Lower Body.

Tao & Longevity is uneven in places but has a great intention to bring forth information often untouched by many authors. So many who study these arts, tend to come from disbelieving any other approaches other than those given by their own teachers. Often times they label works in ways that put down a simply different approach. The reason is because many students of these ancient arts feel there is only one correct teacher: Their own! Opening our minds and hearts can only offer a more spacious attitude.

This book was originally published in 1972 (in Chinese). For a book of that time, it had a lot of information. It has photographs that show you the correct lotus position, half lotus, and kneeling position (in Japanese this position is called `seiza'). Today, this kind of information is everywhere.It has rather cryptic information on meditation techniques:"Concentration of Ch'iao does not always produce ill effects, however, and meditation of the Tan Tein should not be entirely discarded. Although some people may have apprehensions about practicing this technique, Tan Tien does have its special function and it sometimes desirable for one to concentrate on it."This is an example of one of the most specific and concrete discussions of technique in the book.Pg 127 "Samadhi sila forbids the revelation of the exact nature of this state, but it is also very difficult to describe. One has to know how to deal with the various changes that occur in mind and body in order to guarantee success. Sila, or discipline, forbids further discussion"These quotes may seem like they are taken out of context, but unfortunately they are not. This is what reading this book is like.The bulk of the book is a huge amount of very detailed information on the side effects of Taoist practices. It talks about different transformations that can occur. Presumably these side effects come about from practicing the techniques which are mentioned to be sometimes desirable in certain circumstance. It is very hard to tell. The book says over and over again that the only way to learn is from a good teacher, not a book.There is a two page discussion of breathing techniques to cultivate qi, which concludes with as "some pseudo-Taoist sutras purported to be sutras of the Wei and Chin dynasties, occasionally mention these theories. These sutras, however, are deceptive and should not be trusted." (pg 36). There are no specific sutra names, no additional information of any sort, and of course, no specific breathing techniques are given.I've been practicing qigong and esoteric Taoism since 1988 and I haven't encountered the phenomena the authors describe.This is very much like reading Lu K'uan Yu [Charles Luk's books] "Taoist Yoga: Alchemy and Immortality". Unless you already know how to do the higher alchemical practices (such as "kan & li"), you won't understand the book. However, if you understand the book you probably won't need it.Unlike "Avid Reader" I would not recommend this book to anyone other than an expert - someone with personal experience of the higher levels of inner alchemy. I think it has no value to a beginner. Zero. Zip. None. For beginners, there are far more concrete step by step books that have been published in the 35 years since this book was published.

Best book on meditation, ever! This one is about all you need. On my second time through. Inspiring, informative. Many things I did not know. And I have been meditating a long time.

It is hard to find a book of a useful simplification of the oriental medidation theory. Master Nan helped to build a bridge for me to reach to such theory. It is also a learning pleasure of comparing this English version with the original edition.

Everything Master Nan writes is golden and leagues beyond other contemporary authors.

Overall this book was interesting. I do agree, however, with the poster who stated that this was not for beginners. It was translated and the writing is a bit awkward at times. There is a lot of cryptic information that, unless you have a previous knowledge, can be sort of difficult to digest. There are interesting illustrations regarding different meditation positions and also energy paths.

Although an interesting read it feels outdated in some parts and assumes a certain degree of familiarity with jargon on the subject.

the book instructs on the practice of Taoist meditation, focusing in particular on the approach and the positive consequences of meditation and negative if poorly performed. The author draws on ancient knowledge handed down over the centuries.

A very interesting book, however it's so thin it's not really worth 20$. However it is quite fascinating for a spiritual practitioner or devout meditator... However it's not an instruction manual for spiritual pursuit, moreso a description of Taoist beliefs regarding cultivation.

Como cada texto de Nan Huai Chin, esta obra rezuma sabiduría y consejos para la práctica de la meditación y el cultivo de la "longevidad". Quizás no apta para recién iniciados

Seriöser Anbieter, netter Kontakt, gute Qualität, sehr zu empfehlen !!!!Seriöser Anbieter, netter Kontakt, gute Qualität, sehr zu empfehlen !!!!