Original Tao - Inward Training (Nei-yeh) & the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism (99) by [Paperback (2004)]

by Harold D. Roth

Original Tao - Inward Training (Nei-yeh) & the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism (99) by [Paperback (2004)]

Genres: Taoism, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Mysticism, Meditation, History

Paperback

First published December 15, 1999

Reviews

[C Settles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those exploring Daoism often ask, "How do I practice Daoism?". The answer is that beyond the philosophical understanding, one must meditate. But the later meditstive traditions are cloaked in alchemical mysterious language, making the practice of mediation difficult. Among the earliest references to mediative practice are three texts that appear in the Gusnzi titled Bai Xin, Xin Shu and Nei Ye. Roth focuses on the Nei Ye (Nei Yeh) to provide a philosophical foundation for the meditative practice and entry into the mystical traditions. This is not a how-to book but an essential reading for developing an understanding of how internal development practices evolved.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roth goes against the tide in his arguments, suggesting (convincingly, I dare say) that the disconnect between "religious" and "philosophical" Daoism is much less there than is often perceived, focusing on a tiny verse chapter of the mammoth Guanzi, where one can see the earliest traces of thought that would later manifest themselves in magnificently varied form in the Zhuangzi and Daodejing.

Utterly brilliant scholarship.

[Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ancient Daoist text, thought to well predate the Daodejing.
The Nei-Yeh is fascinating! Mr. Roth has done the English-speaking world a great service with this book.

[Bernie Gourley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is built around a translation of an old Taoist manual called "Inward Training" (i.e. 内业,) and the book serves not only to elaborate the meaning of the twenty-six poems that make up the manual, but also to put this work in a context with respect to its place in early Taoist mysticism -- which raises further questions as to what constitutes early Taoism and early Taoist mysticism. (Just as the earliest followers of Jesus didn't think of themselves as "Christians" - at least not as we understand that term - it's an open question as to when people started to think of themselves as Taoists and how that start relates to when people began holding a set of proto-beliefs that formed the basis of the school(s) of philosophy.)

"Inward Training" presents breathwork and meditational exercises that Roth calls "inner cultivation" -- or what some have called "inner alchemy." The book does contain the entire manual both in Traditional Chinese and an English translation, as well as a much more extensive elaboration of the teachings of the manual. The latter is necessary because, like many old manuals, sparse description, archaic language, and assumptions about common knowledge du jour make it difficult for the layman to get any depth of understanding from the manual, itself.

This is a scholarly work, which means that its readability isn't the highest and it does dive into matters that will be arcana for non-expert readers. That said, particularly as works of academic philosophy go, its readability isn't bad. The book is heavily annotated and offers and extensive bibliography.

If you are interested in Taoist practices of breath, meditation, and alignment, this book is well worth investigating.

[Ahdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original Tao: Inward Training (Nei-yeh) and the Foundations of Taoist Mysticism by Harold D. Roth is a groundbreaking exploration that revolutionizes our understanding of Taoism's origins through the recovery of China's oldest mystical text. Roth presents a complete translation and commentary on Inward Training (Nei-yeh), a seminal Taoist work that had been concealed within the Kuan Tzu for centuries. This text, dedicated to breath meditation and insights into the nature of humanity and the cosmos, emerges as the foundational text of early Taoism, dating back to the mid-fourth century B.C. Roth's meticulous analysis not only sheds light on the historical context but also underscores the profound continuity between early philosophical Taoism and the later Taoist religion. The book's revelations are both insightful and revealing, offering readers a deep understanding of the mystical traditions embedded in Taoist philosophy. Roth's elegant translation and comprehensive commentary make Original Tao an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing a fresh perspective on the roots of Taoist mysticism.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent textual analysis by Roth on one of the oldest foundational texts of early Taoism included in the Guanzi. Not only is it a great translation, but a fundamental stepping stone to understanding many of the classical Taoist texts like Laozi or Zhuangzi. Must read if you're into early Taoism.

[Brian Wilson]

I am beyond excited to read this but I must protest. Wade-Giles is beyond tedious & outdated. We have to get away from this translation once & for all.

[Joseph Wickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly valuable assessment of the early Daoist material

[Maelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent presentation and superior quality of translation. Roth is rather credulous about meditative practices, but it doesn't affect his work here much. One of the few books on early Daoist thought that doesn't belong in the round file.

[Dmk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing piece of early Daostic though expressed by cute poetry served with package of... I do not really know what. Few-page-long Inward Training (must-read for every fan of Daostic writing) is accompanied by lots of boring wrtiting of some sinologists. I stop reading it after few dozens of pages.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember when... we found the original Tao?