Cultivating the Tao: Taoism and Internal Alchemy (Masters)

I suggest reading the book "To See the Truth, he teachings of Venerable Pramote Pamojjo" first before reading this book. Never meditate on the subject of this book before developing a proficient inner wisdom. It's just that profound.

Anyone who has read the Tao te Ching will agree that it is an ambiguous scripture. The individual stanzas contain many pearls of meaning, but the reader is befuddled on the entire meaning. Like any similar scripture, it has been left to subsequent commentaries to divine the inner meaning of the Tao.This volume is one such commentary. Written in the 18th Century it gives the wide explanation of the Tao, its cosmology, its application to humans, and in the process eloquently reveals the deep mysteries of the universe.This tract explains the Tao and comments on other commentaries. Yet all is revealed. The origin and cycles of the universe, the origin of consciousness, the oscillating movements of the ying and the yang, the explanation of internal alchemy, the operation and purpose of the Great Elixir, the mystery of birth, life, and death. These are the great issues. The Tao refers to these core topics in an indirect, poetic way; the treatment in this commentary is direct, illuminating and insightful.The central emphasis is internal alchemy. The alchemy in this book contain all those elements you would think are found in an alchemist’s den: the Mercury, Tin, implements, furnaces, the fire, all with the purpose is the find the Elixir. In internal alchemy the elements and implements are metaphors and the Elixir the symbol of that original pre-material, the precelestial state.The language of alchemy is a secret coded language, with ordinary words having deeper, occult meanings. The alchemy of the Tao is no different. This commentary is useful in deciphering the imagery used in the alchemical aspect of the Tao.This commentary is prefaced with an excellent introduction. It is very comprehensive and is written by the translator, Farbrizio Pregadio. It could probably be read in lieu of the text it is so complete, but do yourself a favor, read the text, in addition to the introduction. It will be a great experience.

Master Pregadio is a teacher's teacher. This book, as are all of his scholarly and insightful translations, is excellent. This is a book for those willing to study the inner workings of Taoist teachings. it requires careful attention, and a lot of thought, but the rewards for those pouting int he efforts are great. Fabrizio Pregadio is an advanced soul who is bringing forward many previously heavily obscured teachings of Taoism.

This book far and away surpassed my expectations. Pregadio gives a clear and readable translation to a subject that is difficult to negotiate. I am thankful to the translator for all of his dilligence.

Excellent book. Fascinating and practical. This is probably the most useful book I've found to understand Taoist principles and concepts.

This is an important Taoist text and not so easy to find. So I'm grateful to have it through amazon.com

Very detailed, not for the beginner. Found the information and presentation a bit off-setting.

A very comprehensive little book. Just what I was looking for to add to my thought process and contemplation.

Dem Übersetzer des Liu Yiming Textes ist eine kompetente und detaillierte Einführung in die Geschichte des Taoismus und Methoden der Inneren Kultivierung gelungen. Empfehlenswert für Menschen, welche schon vorher Erfahrung mit den authentischen Methoden dieser Gesundheits- und Lebenspflege gemacht haben. Ohne diese Erfahrung wird das Buch unverständlich wirken.

Excellent book though a bit dense for those not deeply interested in Taoism. One for the book shelf.

Excellent book

quality book, very pleased.