Best of
Taoism

2005

The Taoist I Ching (Shambhala Classics)


Lui I-Ming - 2005
    Containing several layers of text and given numerous levels of interpretation, it has captured continuous attention for well over two thousand years. It has been considered a book of fundamental principles by philosophers, politicians, mystics, alchemists, yogins, diviners, sorcerers, and more recently by scientists and mathematicians. This first part of the present volume is the text of the I Ching properâ��the sixty-four hexagrams plus sayings on the hexagrams and their linesâ��with the commentary composed by Liu I-ming, a Taoist adept, in 1796. The second part is Liu I-ming's commentary on the two sections added to the I Ching by earlier commentators, believed to be members of the original Confucian school; these two sections are known as the Overall Images and the Mixed Hexagrams. In total, the book illuminates the Taoist inner teachings as practiced in the School of Complete Reality. Well versed in Buddhism and Confucianism as well as Taoism, Liu I-ming intended his work to be read as a guide to comprehensive self-realization while living an ordinary life in the world. In his attempt to lift the veil of mystery from the esoteric language of the I Ching , he employs the terminology of psychology, sociology, history, myth, and religion. This commentary on the I Ching stands as a major contribution to the elucidation of Chinese spiritual genius.

Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation


Yang Jwing-Ming - 2005
    This practice is considered to be the foundation of Internal Elixir Qigong, and was a fundamental step on the path of meditation training in ancient times. Over the centuries, this practice has slowly been lost from many meditation traditions, and its importance has been forgotten.Small Circulation regulates the Qi circulating in the Twelve Primary Qi channels, making it abundant throughout the entire body, which has been known for centuries for promoting health and longevity. This is also the foundation of Muscle/Tendon Changing Qigong (Yi Jin), which deeply conditions and strengthens the body. It is advised that you begin your meditation training by practicing Embryonic Breathing, which will help you to establish your central energy system, and to conserve and store this energy to abundant levels. Building on this foundation, Small Circulation is the next required stage of meditation training. Ultimately, one then practices Grand Circulation Meditation, which circulates Qi everywhere in the body and exchanges it with partners and the surrounding environment. Its purpose is to open the third eye and reunite the human spirit with the spirit of nature.This book contains translation and analysis of many ancient documents used to transmit Small Circulation and Internal Elixir cultivation to future generations, and offers modern scientific explanation for learning and training safely. Though meditation is popular today for relaxation and general health, the ultimate goal of this training, in both Daoism (Taoism) and Buddhism, is spiritual enlightenment.Small Circulation Meditation builds the body from weak to strong and trains the mind to be calm and focused. Dr. Yang presents a modern method for learning safely. Includes scientific analysis, translation and commentary of ancient documents, and a summary of the practice methods.

The Soul of China


Richard Wilhelm - 2005
    Richard Wilhelm arrived in China before the Boxer Rebellion and stayed for a quarter of a century. He became intimate with retired princes and Taoist priests; he steeped himself in Chinese philosophy and occultism; he emerged with a profound respect for the Chinese culture. With chapters on the Revolution, Chinese country life, royalty and soundrels, and occultism and religious movements, this book is one man's fascinating travelogue and exploration of an important age in Chinese history. Richard Wilhelm (1873-1930) was a German scholar who translated many philosophical and spiritual works from Chinese into German that in turn have been translated into other major languages of the world, including English. His translation of the I Ching is regarded as one of the finest.

Tao: su historia y enseñanzas


Osho - 2005
    In his commentaries on five parables from the "Leih Tzu, Osho brings a fresh and contemporary interpretation to the ancient wisdom of Tao.