Eva Wong

An unexpectedly broad look at both the history of Taoism as well as exceptional and well-explained details about the practices of different sects. Particularly fascinating discussions of mystical taoism, magic, inner alchemy, and meditative techniques. Very helpful bibliography for further reading at end of each chapter. We look forward to checking out additional books by Ms Wong on Taoism.

Salutation guys this book It's about the complete reality school of taoism (which influenced the Dragon Gate school) and I have lots of personal opinions about it. Before it let me make it clean that this book offers plenty of ispiration if this is your path and that the translation is excellent, the whole thing reads like a novel.

Let's start with the good: this is a book about a bunch of people striving to practice the Dao, their antics and methods in the latter part of the book are quite show more fun to read. The relationship between Buddhism and Taoism is also explored and there are good advice about meditation and practice.

Now for the bad: This book convinced me beyond the shadow of a doubt to stay the HELL away from this school and it's derivated lineages. In this book illustrating virtuous men and their journey you have:
A supposed perfect teacher deciding to fake mental illness and then abbandoning his household (making his wife die of grief) in order to stay...twelve years in a room to practice and meditate.
A happy married coupled forced to become "brother and sister in Dao" because sex bad(?)
Supposed perfect teacher abusing his disciplines and confusing many others
Lots of people abbandoning family and household to meditate in the mountain alone and attain "perfection"(?) (this is seen as a good thing btw)
Good arguments made against taoism being answered by a....competition at who can meditate the longest(?)
Sorcery that can help people not being utilize because it COULD cause bad karma.
A good argument why eradicating sexual is impossible, followed by said discipline striving to eradicate sexual desire.
Ascetism, even extreme, being seen as virtuous.

Also I don't understand why there is so little about the actual techniques and processes. So much is cut, it's like some disciplines journeys are speedrun while others are normal.

I am probably forgeting something, but you get the picture.
All in all it's a good book, I simply find the lifestyle advocate here not for me and potentially very dangerous and harmful for lots of people. show less

The book is a rather formal, precise introduction to the core history, traditions, and ideas of Taoism. It avoids trying to convince the reader of any truths, which is polite, but the book ends up a bit of a dry read. You must be interested in learning in the textbook style to enjoy this book.

This book is very dry. There's a lot of information in it, but I found it a chore to read.