Taoist Internal Alchemy: An Anthology of Neidan Texts
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This anthology presents complete or partial translations of sixteen important works belonging to the Taoist tradition of Neidan, or Internal Alchemy. While the selections are far from covering the whole field of Neidan-a virtually impossible task, given its width and variety-they are representative of several lineages and branches. Texts have been selected in this perspective and are arranged chronologically, in order to provide an overview not only of Neidan, but also of the history of its discourses and practices. Four of the sixteen texts are integrally translated. Six texts and two commentaries are translated in this book (entirely or partially) for the first time into English. The book is concluded by several tables and by an index of the main terms.CONTENTS (Texts marked with an asterisk are integrally translated)ForewordSources1. The Seal of the Unity of the Three (Cantong qi)2. (*) The Hidden Agreement (Yinfu jing), with comm. by Yu Yan3. Mirror for Compounding the Medicine (Ruyao jing), with comm. by Wang Jie4. The Transmission of the Dao from Zhongli Quan to Lü Dongbin (Zhong-Lü chuandao ji)5. Awakening to Reality (Wuzhen pian), by Zhang Boduan6. (*) Four Hundred Words on the Golden Elixir (Jindan sibai zi), attr. to Zhang Boduan, with comm. by Peng Haogu7. Pointers to the Mystery (Zhixuan pian), by Bai Yuchan8. Model Images of the Golden Elixir (Jindan faxiang), by Weng Baoguang9. Questions and Answers on the Golden Elixir (Jindan wenda), by Xiao Tingzhi10. (*) Fifteen Essays to Establish the Teaching (Chongyang lijiao shiwu lun), by Wang Zhen (Wang Chongyang)11. The Harmony of the Center (Zhonghe ji), by Li Daochun12. The Great Essentials of the Golden Elixir (Jindan dayao), by Chen Zhixu13. (*) Rectifying Errors for the Seekers of the Golden Elixir (Jindan jiuzheng pian), by Lu Xixing14. Principles of the Conjoined Cultivation of Nature and Existence (Xingming guizhi)15. The Secret of the Golden Flower (Jinhua zongzhi)16. Discriminations on Difficult Points in Cultivating Reality (Xiuzhen biannan), by Liu YimingTablesIndex of Main TermsGlossary of Chinese CharactersWorks Cited Review: Very thorough - I an in no way an expert in Taoism though over the years I have reread the Daode Jing and a few other Taoist books. What seemed to set this book apart from other translations and commentaries is the obvious intellectual understanding the author has of the texts of inner alchemy that shows in its many footnotes and very studied choice of translation equivalents, but equally with the authors feel for the overall spiritual sense and appreciation of the texts themselves. As I progressed through the book I certainly began to deepen my understanding of the words and symbols that had changing meanings over the centuries I certainly plan to reread and reflect on this book and no doubt will have further insights. My hope is the author or one of his students under his direction continues to translate more texts and perhaps even to translate some of the texts that were partially translated in their entirety. Highly recommend to anyone with a sincere interest in Taoism from a beginner to more advanced students. Review: Good book - Great for identifying a topic rarely spoken of, but they lost me with the negative scare tactics
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 38 Reviews |
M**N
Very thorough
I an in no way an expert in Taoism though over the years I have reread the Daode Jing and a few other Taoist books. What seemed to set this book apart from other translations and commentaries is the obvious intellectual understanding the author has of the texts of inner alchemy that shows in its many footnotes and very studied choice of translation equivalents, but equally with the authors feel for the overall spiritual sense and appreciation of the texts themselves. As I progressed through the book I certainly began to deepen my understanding of the words and symbols that had changing meanings over the centuries I certainly plan to reread and reflect on this book and no doubt will have further insights. My hope is the author or one of his students under his direction continues to translate more texts and perhaps even to translate some of the texts that were partially translated in their entirety. Highly recommend to anyone with a sincere interest in Taoism from a beginner to more advanced students.
T**Y
Good book
Great for identifying a topic rarely spoken of, but they lost me with the negative scare tactics
A**I
Traduzione illuminante di classici di alchimia interna
Ottimo libro che racchiude la traduzione di alcuni classici del taoismo. Il Prof. Pregadio è un'Autorità in materia e le sue traduzioni sono eccezionali. In questo libro alcuni testi sono tradotti solo in parte, ma le informazioni contenute sono comunque di ottima qualità.
A**R
Great Overview and Sampling of Neidan Texts
It's like sampling a buffet of different Taoist inner alchemical texts. Gives a very good broad overview of what the timeline of Neidan Texts consisted of and what the common message of continuity was between then all.
R**O
Very meticulous translations.
I was only looking for one book in this anthology, reviews for other translations of that book led me to Pregadio's, and it's superbly done. His detailed footnotes and cross-referencing to other texts, many of which are in the anthology, are super helpful and make for clear reading. It's a lot of information and the experience reminds me of reading Cortazar's Hopscotch, lots of flipping back and forth through the book. If you're into Taoist/Jungian rabbit holes, look no further.
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