Foundations of Internal Alchemy: The Taoist Practice of Neidan

by Wang Mu, Fabrizio Pregadio (Translator)

Originally written for Chinese readers, this renowned book provides a clear description of the Taoist practice of Internal Alchemy, or Neidan. The author outlines the 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. Wang Mu (1908-92) received the Longmen ordination in his youth. He taught Internal Alchemy (Neidan) and was held in high regard by both Taoist practitioners and scholars. He served as a board member of the China Taoist Association and was for some time in charge of its research activities. He is known outside China mainly for his annotated edition of the Wuzhen pian (Awakening to Reality), the text at the basis of the outline of Internal Alchemy that he provides in the present book.

Genres: Taoism, Alchemy, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Occult

164 pages, Kindle Edition

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.