Wisdom Of The Huainan Masters

A follow-up toThe Tao of the Huainan Masters, this philosophical work contains more extracts from theThe Masters of Huainan. Originally written more than 2,000 years ago,The Masters of Huainanis a detailed, peacetime elaboration upon the works of classic Tao writers Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu on such issues as government, culture, and civilization. Providing guidance on how individual development, the natural environment, and social dynamics are interconnected, the excerpts focus on the importance of harmony and peace between individuals and the universe and present readers with a guide to self-enhancement that leads to peace of mind and harmony with society and nature.

Taoism isn’t a spiritual extracurricular activity, it’s an integral practice for living all of life to the fullest. The modern Taoist adept Eva Wong is your guide to living well according to the wisdom of this ancient system. She uses the ancient texts to demonstrate the Taoist masters’ approach to the traditional four aspects of life—the public, the domestic, the private, and the spiritual—and shows how learning to balance them is the secret to infusing your life with health, harmony, and deep satisfaction

"…an amazing tale, told in a fast-paced and entertaining style." --Publishers Weekly This authorized biography of contemporary Taoist master Wang Liping (1949-), an 18th generation transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism, tells the true story of his apprenticeship in Taoist wizardry, as well as the specialized body of knowledge, mystical wisdom and ritualized practice accumulated and refined over eleven centuries. The book opens with a seemingly chance encounter with three Taoist elders that changed Wang's life forever when he was a young boy. What follows is a philosophical quest in a coming-of-age tale like no other, playing out in mountainside temples and remote reaches of China. Wang's story parallels that of the Dalai Lama, as--like Tibetan Buddhists--Dragon Gate Taoists identify, raise and train specially chosen youngsters to become the holders, guardians and transmitters of their ancient, esoteric spiritual wisdom. While few of us will become spiritual gurus like Wang, his story speaks clearly and concisely to modern readers who are on their own "chosen paths," seeking their own forms of self-cultivation, enlightenment, wisdom and a life of greater harmony and truth.

An inspiring collection of the best stories from the Taoist masters, Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu—all presented in a beautiful volume with over 100 black-and-white photographs. For thousands of years, students of the Tao have gleaned inspiration and illumination from its parables, and these thought-provoking examples discuss topics ranging from dignity in the face of challenge, to judging character, to how to deal with loss. Whether solidifying a spiritual truth, unraveling a puzzle for contemplation, or providing a moment of humor, these tales are a mainstay of Eastern philosophy. Brief poems and intriguing quotations round out the anthology.

Lao tzu says:When the highest type of men hear the Tao (truth),They try hard to live in accordance with it, When the mediocre hear the Tao,They seem to be aware and yet unaware of it. When the lowest type hear of Tao,They break into loud laughter,If it were not laughed at, it would not be Tao. I am quite sure that the reaction of the majority of reader first looking into Lao tzu's book will be to laugh. I say this without any disrespect, for I did that myself. The highest type of scholars end by laughing with Lao tzu at the preoccupations of the philosophers of the day. After that, Lao tzu becomes a lifelong friend.

Extracts are presented here from "The Masters of Huainan, a Taoist work that deals with the natural, social, and spiritual sciences, written more than 2,000 years ago during an era of reconstruction and relative peace. It connects issues of individual development, the natural environment, and social and political aspects into one humanistic whole. The prevailing theme of this ancient text is that of harmony and peace between the individual and the universe, presenting a program for self-enhancement that enables people to attain repose and peace of mind in society and in nature.

Mystical writings and folk stories based on Taoist thought and experience.