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Taoist Secrets of Love: Cultivating Male Sexual Energy
Master Chia reveals for the first time to the general public, the ancient sexual secrets of the Taoist sages. These secrets enable men to conserve and transform sexual energy through its circulation in the Microcosmic Orbit, invigorating and rejuvenating the body's vital functions. Hidden for centuries, these exoteric techniques and principles, make the process of linking sexual energy and transcendent states of consciousness accessible to the reader.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1948
427 people are currently reading
2418 people want to read
About the author
Mantak Chia
270 books333 followersMantak Chia is a Taoist Master. He is best known for teaching his Taoist practices under the names of Healing Tao, Tao Yoga, Universal Healing Tao System and Chi Kung. Throughout decades of teaching, he has run numerous workshops, written a series of books, and published a number of training videos. For this reason, some people call him an author, a teacher or a healer. He views himself primarily as a teacher, "who helps his students empower themselves through cultivation of their chi energy." (-wiki)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 3, 2018
ATTENTION: the book fails to underline that you ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS store the chi to the lower Dan Tian, and never let it gather on the head.
Besides that, and the bad editing and the silly oranges and stuff (you'll see what I'm talking about) the book is excellent. The juice could have been put in twenty pages or so, but this is how the market still works, unfortunately. The quantity of pages is still a major factor for the price of a book, when, in my humble opinion, a book should be priced on the quality of its content, even if that content can be put in just one single page.
Now, after I've said all that, the book is priceless, along with Awakening the Healing Energy of the Tao
Besides that, and the bad editing and the silly oranges and stuff (you'll see what I'm talking about) the book is excellent. The juice could have been put in twenty pages or so, but this is how the market still works, unfortunately. The quantity of pages is still a major factor for the price of a book, when, in my humble opinion, a book should be priced on the quality of its content, even if that content can be put in just one single page.
Now, after I've said all that, the book is priceless, along with Awakening the Healing Energy of the Tao
November 9, 2020
In this book the authors demonstrate that they know a lot about the conservation and circulation of male sexual energy. In a very detailed manner they explain the techniques to circulate the sexual energy in the male body. Moreover, they convince the reader strongly of the benefits of conserving and circulating the sexual energy in the male body.
However, they fail to mention the dangers of some of these practices - in particular the dangers of the power lock method (or 'big draw') that is described in this book and works with hot, male sexual energy. They assume uncarefully that the reader knows the basics of the Taoist system and/or is already aware of these dangers (as they were mentioned in ‘Awaken healing energy through the tao’, an earlier book from Mantak Chia). But in this way the authors forget to include some very important warnings in the book: 1) This book contains advanced, powerful energetic practices of the Taoist system. Don’t do these exercises when you have not mastered the basics. 2) Don’t do these exercises without the guidance of a senior Taoist instructor. 3) Read the other book ‘Awaken healing energy through the tao’ first if you would be considering to try these practices.
If you are a man or a boy and you found this book because you are interested in sexuality but don’t know anything about Taoism, don’t do these practices before you learn more about Taoism first. The male sexual energy that is circulated can be very powerful. When the sexual energy is circulated and gets stuck in the body (especially the head), these practices can lead to mental illness such as depression or psychosis, physical diseases unexplainable by Western science, or have other side-effects such as headaches.
I would recommend to not do these practices (to circulate your sexual energy) at all. There are many dangers to these practices and you don't need to do them at all to live a happy and healthy life. Nevertheless, understanding and applying the great benefits of conserving (in contrast to circulating) your sexual energy is very important and can improve your quality of life enormously, which is described correctly by the authors. Conserving your sexual energy properly can give you more energy, improve your physical and mental health, strengthen your relationships and make you calmer, stronger, more masculine and more confident.
However, they fail to mention the dangers of some of these practices - in particular the dangers of the power lock method (or 'big draw') that is described in this book and works with hot, male sexual energy. They assume uncarefully that the reader knows the basics of the Taoist system and/or is already aware of these dangers (as they were mentioned in ‘Awaken healing energy through the tao’, an earlier book from Mantak Chia). But in this way the authors forget to include some very important warnings in the book: 1) This book contains advanced, powerful energetic practices of the Taoist system. Don’t do these exercises when you have not mastered the basics. 2) Don’t do these exercises without the guidance of a senior Taoist instructor. 3) Read the other book ‘Awaken healing energy through the tao’ first if you would be considering to try these practices.
If you are a man or a boy and you found this book because you are interested in sexuality but don’t know anything about Taoism, don’t do these practices before you learn more about Taoism first. The male sexual energy that is circulated can be very powerful. When the sexual energy is circulated and gets stuck in the body (especially the head), these practices can lead to mental illness such as depression or psychosis, physical diseases unexplainable by Western science, or have other side-effects such as headaches.
I would recommend to not do these practices (to circulate your sexual energy) at all. There are many dangers to these practices and you don't need to do them at all to live a happy and healthy life. Nevertheless, understanding and applying the great benefits of conserving (in contrast to circulating) your sexual energy is very important and can improve your quality of life enormously, which is described correctly by the authors. Conserving your sexual energy properly can give you more energy, improve your physical and mental health, strengthen your relationships and make you calmer, stronger, more masculine and more confident.
December 1, 2008
A lot of what this book informed me I was practicing on my own unsuccessfully for years. It wasn't until a huge failure in my practice of saving my seed for 6 months and despersing it in a unloving relationship where I finally decided to consult the masters and face the facts. THis book has detailed information and first and foremost it is comforting to know you are not the only one who is facing the same challenges and sensing the same abilities. This book is certainly not for everybody but I recommend it to young jedi's who are aiming to use the force in positive ways. Peace and Love
May 10, 2023
Fantastic book for all men practicing semen retention. I highly recommend this book for couples as well who have the goal of enlightenment and higher consciousness.
Most books on Taoist sex fail to instruct on how to transform sperm energy once it is held in, where to store sex energy in the body, how to best exchange it with a woman, and give cursory treatment to the retention of semen. Chia synthesized the ancient Taoist practices into simple but powerful methods that can be easily learned by all men. Some of these methods taught within the book include: Scrotal Compression, The Power Lock for Sealing The Seminal Fluid, Testicle Breathing, The Big Draw, and The Opening of The Microcosmic Orbit to name a few.
The Taoist practice of chi cultivation focuses on integrating the divine or subtle energies into the human body, with the goal of achieving a dynamic balance of opposing energies called yin and yang. The Tao is the indescribable sum and absolute source of these energies, which manifest in ever changing form. The Taoists, being practical, proposed that a man can begin with the most accessible energy at hand, namely the sexual attraction between men and women, and use that as a springboard to more subtle realms.
The beginning three basic stages of Taoist "dual cultivation" of sexual energy for couples are:
1) The male learns to hold the penis erect for as long as desired and does not ejaculate any sperm
2) Man and woman re-direct sexual energy through specific bodily channels into higher regions of the heart, brain and glands.
3) Man exchanges his super charged energy with the complementary energy of woman.
For the man, it is opening his feelings and subtle energy channels to the woman's essence and absorbing it during sex that is the key.
Most books on Taoist sex fail to instruct on how to transform sperm energy once it is held in, where to store sex energy in the body, how to best exchange it with a woman, and give cursory treatment to the retention of semen. Chia synthesized the ancient Taoist practices into simple but powerful methods that can be easily learned by all men. Some of these methods taught within the book include: Scrotal Compression, The Power Lock for Sealing The Seminal Fluid, Testicle Breathing, The Big Draw, and The Opening of The Microcosmic Orbit to name a few.
The Taoist practice of chi cultivation focuses on integrating the divine or subtle energies into the human body, with the goal of achieving a dynamic balance of opposing energies called yin and yang. The Tao is the indescribable sum and absolute source of these energies, which manifest in ever changing form. The Taoists, being practical, proposed that a man can begin with the most accessible energy at hand, namely the sexual attraction between men and women, and use that as a springboard to more subtle realms.
The beginning three basic stages of Taoist "dual cultivation" of sexual energy for couples are:
1) The male learns to hold the penis erect for as long as desired and does not ejaculate any sperm
2) Man and woman re-direct sexual energy through specific bodily channels into higher regions of the heart, brain and glands.
3) Man exchanges his super charged energy with the complementary energy of woman.
For the man, it is opening his feelings and subtle energy channels to the woman's essence and absorbing it during sex that is the key.
July 22, 2008
I call it "my purple bible". Not an easy read, but an excellent reference book! No matter what kind of lover you are, this will make you better. This way of living builds better men (and ladies love it!). There's an American version that's easier to get. Look for Mantak Chia.
March 29, 2021
The whole book is pretty ridiculous. The author tries to mix archaic, esoteric, and exotic Chinese words with modern scientific vocabulary. The author is definitely not college educated in the Western sense because the writing has scattered thoughts, and there is no rigorous logic in the arguments. Too many loosely connected metaphors, anecdotes, and personal wish of the interpretation of this world.
However, personally I feel there is some truth in the underlying Taoist philosophy. It did provides me with a different perspective on sexuality and emotional management. Anyway, the content of book is too ridiculous. I will not trust most of the exercises given in the book. Rather, I will use this book as a stepping stone to learn more about Chinese philosophy such as Qigong, Taoism, I Jing, Tao Te Ching, and Chinese history. Because it opens the door to a different view of sexuality and Chinese philosophy, I’m giving it 4 stars. The actual content is worth 1 to 2 stars.
However, personally I feel there is some truth in the underlying Taoist philosophy. It did provides me with a different perspective on sexuality and emotional management. Anyway, the content of book is too ridiculous. I will not trust most of the exercises given in the book. Rather, I will use this book as a stepping stone to learn more about Chinese philosophy such as Qigong, Taoism, I Jing, Tao Te Ching, and Chinese history. Because it opens the door to a different view of sexuality and Chinese philosophy, I’m giving it 4 stars. The actual content is worth 1 to 2 stars.
June 27, 2020
Chia is one of the most accessible authors on Taoist practice. I’d previously read a very condensed version of this which basically just summarised the main exercises & practices. This title illustrates the principles in greater detail with some fascinating insights & observations too. There’s a big “nofap” movement online at the moment, which is over simplistic & dopey. All of those guys should sit down, read & digest this. There’s a lot of material in the text that offers some pretty profound & useful insights into how men & women relate to each other. Useful to all men.
July 23, 2018
One of the hardest thing to do today is to find a worthy Master,
Mantak Chia is just that...
i've started reading "Cultivating Sexual Energy" because i find it intriguing, but i have found it to be another step into unveiling the hidden reality of our being,
I've succesfully mastered 30% of the book, it took me a year, but it is worth it, and am venturing further into understanding of this human body that we posses for shortwhile, much thanks to Mantak Chia.
Mantak Chia is just that...
i've started reading "Cultivating Sexual Energy" because i find it intriguing, but i have found it to be another step into unveiling the hidden reality of our being,
I've succesfully mastered 30% of the book, it took me a year, but it is worth it, and am venturing further into understanding of this human body that we posses for shortwhile, much thanks to Mantak Chia.
November 5, 2022
Excellent book. Some of the energies that I experience while meditating were a mystery to me until I read this book . Now this is taoist approach ,but most of it is in line with yogic energy lockes or what they call bandas. I'm already implementing some of the techniques ,but is too soon to tell what will be the benefit for me . If you are guided to this book , you will enjoy it. Just keep an open mind . Good luck in your search for the truth.
May 21, 2021
I read this book over 10 years ago. I can now say this book completely changed my life. I have been much better at cultivating energy in my body and directing it upwards. This book added years to my life and made me more integrated with my body.
November 21, 2023
To My Girlfriend, I'm Sorry. 🤓🤓🤓
September 3, 2023
Quite a nice book on Taoist sexual philosophy and working with the full spectrum of human experience for spiritual development as well as for loving, interpersonal harmony.
The book is full of beautiful quotes: "A power tongue is like a magic wand, sprinkling bliss wherever it touches".
A core thesis is that there is immense dense sexual energy (ching/jing) stored in sperm and that this can be directed up throughout the body (along the spine in the microcosmic orbit) to transform it into lighter chi (and shen, I believe, even lighter spiritual energy).
There's much advice on how to learn to direct energy with a loving partner when having sex, as well as techniques such as the big draw, which seems like simulating orgasm (sans ejaculation).
As well as much fun, generic commentary 🤓.
A lot of the material seems generally worth exploring. I find it quite refreshing to see a transcendent spiritual philosophy and practice that embraces sexuality in full 😉.
The book is full of beautiful quotes: "A power tongue is like a magic wand, sprinkling bliss wherever it touches".
A core thesis is that there is immense dense sexual energy (ching/jing) stored in sperm and that this can be directed up throughout the body (along the spine in the microcosmic orbit) to transform it into lighter chi (and shen, I believe, even lighter spiritual energy).
There's much advice on how to learn to direct energy with a loving partner when having sex, as well as techniques such as the big draw, which seems like simulating orgasm (sans ejaculation).
As well as much fun, generic commentary 🤓.
A lot of the material seems generally worth exploring. I find it quite refreshing to see a transcendent spiritual philosophy and practice that embraces sexuality in full 😉.
December 27, 2020
There is not quite as much substance to this book as the length of the volume would suggest. More, it represents an approach to the manipulation of qi which, while it can give short-term results and therefore has become quite popular, often ignores the way the body naturally works in favor of forcing our ambitions and desires upon its long-term function. Thus I would say that while it is interesting, can be fun, and offers a reasonable introduction to Daoist ideas, it's a bit of a mixed bag and its suggestions/techniques should be undertaken with care and under the guidance of a qualified master.
September 30, 2017
Esoterica
Mantak Chia's book is accessible and easy to follow. The exercises are explained clearly and there are many helpful illustrations. Some of the assertions do require more than a bit of suspension of disbelief, though. Given that he promises to reveal all secrets, it seems counterintuitive that he would then write poetically or metaphorically to the detriment of clarity. Despite that, the book is an easy and entertaining read. I'll reserve judgment on whether it's any more than that.
Mantak Chia's book is accessible and easy to follow. The exercises are explained clearly and there are many helpful illustrations. Some of the assertions do require more than a bit of suspension of disbelief, though. Given that he promises to reveal all secrets, it seems counterintuitive that he would then write poetically or metaphorically to the detriment of clarity. Despite that, the book is an easy and entertaining read. I'll reserve judgment on whether it's any more than that.
September 21, 2024
This really feels like a book on how to have better sex shrouded by spiritual lingoes. Does it work? It vaguely aligns with other materials on slow sex so I’m inclined to believe so but I have yet to try the practices here.
The book is also excessively long without much rhetorical or practical substance
The book is also excessively long without much rhetorical or practical substance
April 3, 2019
Nicely written, easy to understand and practical. The whole energy system takes some blind faith to be accepted but even if you don't believe in it or simply don't want to accept it the book is still useful.
If you are into the so-called internal arts definitely don't pass on this one.
If you are into the so-called internal arts definitely don't pass on this one.
April 29, 2019
Well written, accessible and easily understandable basic information and instructions to Taoism and the cultivation of male sexual energy. Valuable background information given to the exercises, which are comprehensible and the benefits are noticed quickly.
October 28, 2019
There is no point of reading this book as you can easily watch some YouTube videos regarding semen retention and sexual male exercises and you'll be done.
This book is more like an advertisement for "Taosim".
This book is more like an advertisement for "Taosim".
March 9, 2023
one of the greatest lolcow books to ever lolcow, my copy came from my little free library and it came with a Whole Foods receipt for beef liver and a supraphysiological amount of peanuts. All the annotations were in crayon. required reading.
December 9, 2025
Full of practical methods for working with energy. I go forward with caution when it comes to this type of work, but I found a simple, effective methodology to use your sexual energy. Applying it worked, and it's absolutely changed my relationship to sez.
June 18, 2018
Awfully written, but still...
March 24, 2019
Highly mystical and superstitious, but with very real applicable knowledge that I have not seen explained as well anywhere else.
November 6, 2019
A book that every man should read!
September 10, 2020
An amazing technical book to save your fundamental energy. it resembles what the indian philosophers are calling "Kundalini Energy".
September 30, 2022
Oh yeah! Orgasm without coming!
January 27, 2023
The first book i have read about taoism and sex. Liked it very much. I am reading more of Chia's work because of this one.
February 11, 2023
Level up as a lover - 10% to 3000%
These teachings have huge power
These teachings have huge power
October 12, 2023
i will have to reread this but it was powerful however i was not able to fully grasp the immense knowledge and could not comprehend some concepts. will go back tho
February 29, 2024
Good book. Very interesting and opened me up to many new ideas and the Taoist philosophy. The methods shown in the book have been very helpful on my semen retention journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews