Foundations of Internal Alchemy: The Taoist Practice of Neidan

by Wang Mu, Fabrizio Pregadio

Originally written for Chinese readers, this book provides a clear description of the Taoist practice of Internal Alchemy, or Neidan. The author outlines the four stages of the alchemical practice and clarifies several relevant terms and notions, including Essence, Breath, and Spirit; the Cinnabar Fields; the "Fire Times"; and the Embryo. The book is based on the system of the Wuzhen pian (Awakening to Reality), one of the main sources of Internal Alchemy, and contains about two hundred quotations from original Taoist texts.

Available in paperback, PDF, and Kindle editions.

Visit the web page on this book.

Table of Contents

Foreword, vii

INTRODUCTION, 1
The Basis: Essence and Spirit, 3

STAGES OF THE ALCHEMICAL PRACTICE IN AWAKENING TO REALITY, 11
The Four Stages, 13
"Laying the Foundations," 15
Main Points in the Practice of "Laying the Foundations," 20
The Functions of Essence, Breath, and Spirit, 36
Terms Related to the "Coagulation of the Three Treasures," 52
Conclusion of the Stage of "Laying the Foundations," 63
"Refining Essence to Transmute it into Breath," 65
"Refining Breath to Transmute it into Spirit," 99
"Refining Spirit to Return to Emptiness," 109

CONCLUSION, 119
The "Arts of the Way," 121

Tables, 123
Glossary of Chinese Characters, 133

Genres: Taoism, Alchemy, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Occult

154 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2011

Reviews

[Finbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book on internal cultivation. I appreciate the efforts of the author to break down many of the metaphors found in internal alchemy texts and to help simplify the intellectual side of these techniques. It is also very good that he stresses the practice of neidan. This is something that must be experienced rather than read, but this book is a good start to help simplify the intellectual foundation of that practice.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely translation of a 20th century book about internal alchemy and it's practice. It draws on lots of older sources. It is however definitely not something that should be read by people not already familiar with the practices as it is not a general introduction, despite the name, but rather detailed discussions of the practices and ideas of the neidan.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book and does a good job of explaining the practice of neidan. However practical advice on practicing it is a bit lacking.

[m · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book because I found it too metaphorical for my needs. I'm not at a point right now to enjoy a metaphysical book, I wanted more clarity and focus in the writing.