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Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard
This authorized biography of the contemporary Taoist expert Wang Liping (1949 -) tells the true story of his apprenticeship in Taoist wizardry, as well as Taoist principles and secrets of inner transformation.
The 18th-generation transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism, Wang Liping is heir to a tradition of esoteric knowledge and practice accumulated and refined over eleven centuries. This is the first English translation by noted writer Thomas Cleary of the authorized biography by two longtime disciples of this living master of the Dragon Gate branch of the Complete Reality school of Taoism, which integrated Buddhism and Confucianism into a comprehensive new form of Taoism.
The 18th-generation transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism, Wang Liping is heir to a tradition of esoteric knowledge and practice accumulated and refined over eleven centuries. This is the first English translation by noted writer Thomas Cleary of the authorized biography by two longtime disciples of this living master of the Dragon Gate branch of the Complete Reality school of Taoism, which integrated Buddhism and Confucianism into a comprehensive new form of Taoism.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 3, 2011
When halfway through this book, I thought to myself, "Yeah yeah yeah, although the Tao is really inspiring, to be immersed fully in the Way, one must go into complete seclusion, namely live the rest of your life in a mountain or a forest. Definitely not for ordinary people like me, who still have worldly affair to attend to." But then when nearing the end of this book, I'm delightfully read that Master Wang Liping continue the practice of Tao among his family, in the ordinary world! To me, this is a statement that Taoism is indeed for anybody, not just some special people.
And initially, I thought the Way is only for men. But, again, I read that Master Wang Liping is composing a book about feminine Taoism. Nice!
All in all, although I can't understand all of the concepts that are written in this book, this is truly an inspiring and enlightening book of Taoism. Even if you are not someone interested in the Way, this book can still touch your heart, mind, and soul.
And initially, I thought the Way is only for men. But, again, I read that Master Wang Liping is composing a book about feminine Taoism. Nice!
All in all, although I can't understand all of the concepts that are written in this book, this is truly an inspiring and enlightening book of Taoism. Even if you are not someone interested in the Way, this book can still touch your heart, mind, and soul.
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May 24, 2008While there's no attempt to pretend that the authors of the book are not followers of the titular wizard, there is actually a sense of a fair amount of real information about his training. Very interesting if you study the internal arts, and in an odd way comforting--if even this guy is still holding down a day job, having a family, borrowing chairs from his neighbors when guests come, etc., you can probably feel okay about your own attempts to balance your practice with your everyday life.
October 26, 2017
Reading the book for the third time. It is not a book that you can read without reading other classics first. The time is right for the widespread dissemination of the Great Way.
December 8, 2021
“Heaven, earth, and humankind are a universe; the individual human being is also a universe, a microcosm. Changes in the macrocosm, the universe at large, all affect the microcosm, the little universe of the individual, and changes in the microcosm all correspond to changes in the macrocosm.”
Reading the teachings of Taoism in this form was hard, a true story that read like a deeper Lord of the Rings, and my skepticism was too strong; but interesting reading if you can suspend judgement.
The Way includes clarity and opacity, movement and stillness. The sky is clear, the earth is opaque; the sky is in motion, the earth is still. The masculine is clear, the feminine is opaque; the masculine is active, the feminine is still. Descending from the root to flow into the branches, these produce myriad beings. Clarity is the source of opacity, movement is the foundation of stillness. If people can be clear and calm, the whole universe will come to them. The human spirit likes clarity, but the mind disturbs it. The human mind likes calm, but desires pull it. If you can always put your desires aside, your mind will naturally become calm; clarify your mind, and your spirit will naturally become calm.
Everything in the triple world of heaven, earth, and humanity is a partner in cultivation in the process of realizing the Way—sun, moon, stars, and plants; mountains and rivers; flowers, plants, and trees; birds and beasts; wind, rain, thunder, and lightning; heat and cold; spring, summer, fall, and winter; east, west, south, and north. Everything contains creation and evolution; everything conceals subtleties.
This Earth is as small as a grain of sand; and this universe is as small as a drop of water. Both are living mechanisms and have their own brains. These brains are dreaming waking "dreams." People have human dreams; the universe has dreams of the universe. People with developed inner power can see into other people's dreams, and they can also see into the dreams of the universe. They can interpret human dreams, and they can interpret the dreams of the universe.
Reading the teachings of Taoism in this form was hard, a true story that read like a deeper Lord of the Rings, and my skepticism was too strong; but interesting reading if you can suspend judgement.
The Way includes clarity and opacity, movement and stillness. The sky is clear, the earth is opaque; the sky is in motion, the earth is still. The masculine is clear, the feminine is opaque; the masculine is active, the feminine is still. Descending from the root to flow into the branches, these produce myriad beings. Clarity is the source of opacity, movement is the foundation of stillness. If people can be clear and calm, the whole universe will come to them. The human spirit likes clarity, but the mind disturbs it. The human mind likes calm, but desires pull it. If you can always put your desires aside, your mind will naturally become calm; clarify your mind, and your spirit will naturally become calm.
Everything in the triple world of heaven, earth, and humanity is a partner in cultivation in the process of realizing the Way—sun, moon, stars, and plants; mountains and rivers; flowers, plants, and trees; birds and beasts; wind, rain, thunder, and lightning; heat and cold; spring, summer, fall, and winter; east, west, south, and north. Everything contains creation and evolution; everything conceals subtleties.
This Earth is as small as a grain of sand; and this universe is as small as a drop of water. Both are living mechanisms and have their own brains. These brains are dreaming waking "dreams." People have human dreams; the universe has dreams of the universe. People with developed inner power can see into other people's dreams, and they can also see into the dreams of the universe. They can interpret human dreams, and they can interpret the dreams of the universe.
May 10, 2022
i read some of this, in isolation, in Taiwan, i think in parallel with A Wizard of Earthsea, and they really go well together, whereas "...Earthsea" is complete fantasy (and a favorite of mine), this is fantastic.
it's like the biography of the fantastic ideal life of a Daoist person, from staring at a wall in the dark for days, to arcane knowledge, to enlightenment.
i'll have to go back 'n finish this one... hence 5 stars for now, to remind me.
note: i'm no crazy alchemist, but i'm quite interested in how different civilizations organized knowledge, before current institutionalized ways of thinking and focus on particulars due to science, and enjoy thinking how those people think, reading about their everyday life, what they chose to do in life, etc. And a biography format covers just that! For example, i am against much of the institutions of Western medicine, especially in America, obviously where money collides (pharmacy, plastic surgery, idea of visiting general practitioner first, etc.). So, seeing Yellow Emporer's medicine philosophy is interesting to me, even if it's hella old and doesn't make sense. It's like reading what Euclides or Tesla wrote. Because of the lack of science, there's more reliance on intuition, holism, which, surprisingly, has a lot more wisdom (btw: reading Euclide's single book trumps 12 years of math classes).
it's like the biography of the fantastic ideal life of a Daoist person, from staring at a wall in the dark for days, to arcane knowledge, to enlightenment.
i'll have to go back 'n finish this one... hence 5 stars for now, to remind me.
note: i'm no crazy alchemist, but i'm quite interested in how different civilizations organized knowledge, before current institutionalized ways of thinking and focus on particulars due to science, and enjoy thinking how those people think, reading about their everyday life, what they chose to do in life, etc. And a biography format covers just that! For example, i am against much of the institutions of Western medicine, especially in America, obviously where money collides (pharmacy, plastic surgery, idea of visiting general practitioner first, etc.). So, seeing Yellow Emporer's medicine philosophy is interesting to me, even if it's hella old and doesn't make sense. It's like reading what Euclides or Tesla wrote. Because of the lack of science, there's more reliance on intuition, holism, which, surprisingly, has a lot more wisdom (btw: reading Euclide's single book trumps 12 years of math classes).
August 4, 2018
By far the most interesting book I've ever read. Must read if you're into Taoism. Talks about the tale of three wizards and their heir, Master Wang Liping. Filled with wonderful stories and magical abilities.
May 17, 2017
Taking the mystical and miraculous, rendering it pedantic and practical. The world's first collection of sciences sweetly perfumed by the mysterious. A relief to read.
July 31, 2021
Excellent introduction to the Shaolin from a Shaolin who escaped from China. He describes his life, his training and his trials in detail. Spectacular insight and easy to read.
June 15, 2022
A bit naive - 4/5
June 7, 2015
The story of how a 15-year-old Chinese boy became a Daoist wizard after years of rigorous training and physical abuse. It's a tale of pain, suffering, and humility. Three other Daoist masters select the boy and then proceed to physically abuse and torture him for several months. Afterward, they take the boy and wander through China during the period of the Cultural Revolution. Finally, he returns home, marries, has a child, and lives a very humble life, until much later he is recognized as a Daoist master, the 18th-generation transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism. Why? I don't know. Maybe because he can sit with his legs folded for hours and hours without complaint. Two of his disciples later published this biography, which Thomas Cleary translated into English.
Was all this hardship necessary, especially for the 15-year-old boy? Probably not. Nah, his Daoist masters were abusive criminals. Did Wang Liping develop remarkable supernatural powers as a result? Doubtful, but his disciples claim he can change the weather and use "dream thinking" to resolve problems. If I had disciples, I suppose they'd claim I could do similarly superhuman things (I can't). Maybe we should avoid books written by disciples.
Still, it's not all a waste of time. Sections of the book that describe Wang's travels are vivid, entertaining, and utterly charming. Those scenes reminded me of the flashback scenes in the TV show "Kung Fu." A lengthy section describing how Buddhism and Daoism complement one another was also enlightening. Wang's personality comes through in the latter part of the book, and he seems likable and truly humble. I just wish the book wasn't filled with so much nonsense.
The Kindle version could have used some post-conversion editing. Lots of typos.
Was all this hardship necessary, especially for the 15-year-old boy? Probably not. Nah, his Daoist masters were abusive criminals. Did Wang Liping develop remarkable supernatural powers as a result? Doubtful, but his disciples claim he can change the weather and use "dream thinking" to resolve problems. If I had disciples, I suppose they'd claim I could do similarly superhuman things (I can't). Maybe we should avoid books written by disciples.
Still, it's not all a waste of time. Sections of the book that describe Wang's travels are vivid, entertaining, and utterly charming. Those scenes reminded me of the flashback scenes in the TV show "Kung Fu." A lengthy section describing how Buddhism and Daoism complement one another was also enlightening. Wang's personality comes through in the latter part of the book, and he seems likable and truly humble. I just wish the book wasn't filled with so much nonsense.
The Kindle version could have used some post-conversion editing. Lots of typos.
May 31, 2016
A bunch of superstitious hogwash. Homeboy did not levitate or remember his infancy through wizardry. Lots of super boring lists of esoteric “knowledge” such as the 5 energies, the 8 directions, the 14 scrolls of so-and-so that were hidden and later found, and the however-many combinations of ways the position of the sun and moon can align with the 5 energies and where those are located in different organs at certain seasons of the year… Zzzz
Quotes:
Taoists say there are three harmful morbidities in the human body. One morbidity is attached to material wealth; another is attached to fine flavors; the third is attached to sexual pleasure. Taoists also say there are three parasites in the body: one lives in the brain, one in the chest, and one in the belly. These are also harmful to the human body. The three parasites live on the energy of gain, so if you want to get rid of them it is necessary to stop taking in energy from grain. If you want to destroy the three morbidities, it is also necessary to abstain from grain.
In the course of human life, in the struggle to reach the goals they have set for themselves, people may exhaust the energy of half a lifetime, only to feel, when they have reached their goal, a sense of anticlimax. Everyone has this kind of experience.
As for the basic nature of the Way, Taoists of later ages summed it up in terms of ten major characteristics: nonresistant, pure, natural, pristine, simple, easy, clear, nonartificial, yielding, and noncontentious.
April 14, 2011
When i was through reading this book i just love and would tell anyone who want to learn about Chinese heritage that is affected by Taoism to read this book. Not only that I will recommend to them but also to anyone who aspire to understand more about metaphysic. Because this book has opened my eyes in understanding more about those kind of things related metaphysic.
Since the book is a biography, the chronological progress of Wang Liping represent the ascending of our knowledge as it should be as well.. at the end the 'avatar' way of line is so understandable through the simplicity of accepting life as it is.
For those who struggle through spritual journey, this book can be a reference in understanding what's really happen to you as well and how to overcome the 'stagnant' state in which you feel like you don't make any progress at all in the journey of life.
Since the book is a biography, the chronological progress of Wang Liping represent the ascending of our knowledge as it should be as well.. at the end the 'avatar' way of line is so understandable through the simplicity of accepting life as it is.
For those who struggle through spritual journey, this book can be a reference in understanding what's really happen to you as well and how to overcome the 'stagnant' state in which you feel like you don't make any progress at all in the journey of life.
March 29, 2019
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Contents
Translator's Introduction
Part I: Entering the Way
1: The Teachers' Search
2: Refining the Mind
3: Concentrating the Vital Spirit
4: Intensive Cultivation of the Triple World
5: Taking Alchemical Elixir and Fasting
Part II: Rebirth and Refinement
6: Returning to Life After Death
7: Practising the Way
8: Roaming The Four Directions
9: The Five Arts
10: Transcending Time and Space
11: Deliberate Dreaming and Refinement of Spirit
12: Treasure Hunting in the Mountains
13: Skies Beyond the Sky
14: The Dream of The Universe
15: The Way Follows Nature
16: Ascent
Part III: Participating in Evolution
17: Teachers and Disciple part
18: Transcending Sagehood to Enter the Ordinary
19: Emerging on a Mission
20: Shouldering a Heavy Responsibility
21: Returning to the Source
.
Contents
Translator's Introduction
Part I: Entering the Way
1: The Teachers' Search
2: Refining the Mind
3: Concentrating the Vital Spirit
4: Intensive Cultivation of the Triple World
5: Taking Alchemical Elixir and Fasting
Part II: Rebirth and Refinement
6: Returning to Life After Death
7: Practising the Way
8: Roaming The Four Directions
9: The Five Arts
10: Transcending Time and Space
11: Deliberate Dreaming and Refinement of Spirit
12: Treasure Hunting in the Mountains
13: Skies Beyond the Sky
14: The Dream of The Universe
15: The Way Follows Nature
16: Ascent
Part III: Participating in Evolution
17: Teachers and Disciple part
18: Transcending Sagehood to Enter the Ordinary
19: Emerging on a Mission
20: Shouldering a Heavy Responsibility
21: Returning to the Source
August 14, 2011
Well I took my sweet time reading this bit by bit over the last year.... perhaps so prolonged because of the strong feeling of tranquility I would have while reading it. Taoism is such a peaceful art and practice, and this made for serene contemplation. I like how it's a biography in story format, tracing Wang Liping's life story back to the very beginning through narration like a fable, though it's no secret those who've compiled this text are quite smitten with him. It's exciting yet calming, and eye-opening for anyone seeking out the mysteries of Taoism. They are still quite mysterious ;).
June 1, 2016
I bounced off this book pretty early. I had picked it up in the cyber Monday ebook sale. I had hoped that it would help me gain a greater understanding of Taoism. I have found that a simplified form of Taoism seems to be compatible with my Christian faith. But perhaps I am ethnocentric or something. A lot of terms were used that I didn't understand and a lot of claims were made about abilities of practitioners that I had a hard time accepting. And when someone uses the term "secret history of [anywhere]", my skepticism rears high. Even if there's something to learn here, I am clearly not in a place where I can find it.
April 12, 2016
This is a challenging book to read, and won't be for everyone. However for those interested in or exploring Taoism, it offers a fantastic insight into a whole new way of thinking. It is the sort of book that will require multiple rereadings, as it seems unlukely anyone could absorb everything from it in one sitting.
May 30, 2008
Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard
Bibliographic Data: Trade Paperback, 288 Pages, Tuttle Publishing, September 1998
Author: Kaiguo, Chen / Shunchao, Zheng
FANTASTIC.
Bibliographic Data: Trade Paperback, 288 Pages, Tuttle Publishing, September 1998
Author: Kaiguo, Chen / Shunchao, Zheng
FANTASTIC.
Want to read
June 28, 2008How about this one ?
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August 28, 2008
Great! Taoist philosophy including meditation, Chinese medicine, other spiritual work. Very inspiring.
March 28, 2017
fascinating account of the indoctrination and training of a taoist master
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews