What do you think?
Rate this book
Tao & Longevity - Mind - Body Transformation
A discussion of Taoist theories, symbols, methods and the results of meditation from a psychological-physiological point of view. Includes the use of meditation to promote a long and healthy life, and outlines the effects of opening up ch'i energy.
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1984
4 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 16, 2024
Not quite for beginner students of Tao, as there are key terms and concepts that suggest some familiarity would be useful, but rather for those with some experience who could do with more information about the potential changes in the body-mind following Taoist meditation. The author suggests that similar effects may happen to one engaging in Buddhist meditation. He also says that those that practice yoga may have same effects.
A discussion in the sense that Nan does not declare certain things and presents the views of various schools. Only one that had experienced the truth. He does argue that meditation is for both spiritual progress and good health.
Not for everyone as it gets quite nerdy into Taoism. Interesting to know about the physical effects and what to look out for.
Quotes:
- Physical reactions are a necessary concomitant of meditation.
- Meditation increases inner vitality and begins to heal the body. [But you may also need medical treatment, internal kung fu, special body exercises and adjustments of yoga and esoteric Buddhism]
- If one indulges in earthly desires, then, needless to say, he will not attain the goal of meditation.
A discussion in the sense that Nan does not declare certain things and presents the views of various schools. Only one that had experienced the truth. He does argue that meditation is for both spiritual progress and good health.
Not for everyone as it gets quite nerdy into Taoism. Interesting to know about the physical effects and what to look out for.
Quotes:
- Physical reactions are a necessary concomitant of meditation.
- Meditation increases inner vitality and begins to heal the body. [But you may also need medical treatment, internal kung fu, special body exercises and adjustments of yoga and esoteric Buddhism]
- If one indulges in earthly desires, then, needless to say, he will not attain the goal of meditation.
March 23, 2019
This feels like a book that might benefit those with Tao experience.
It contains plenty of concepts and names that I've never heard of and are not explained. Some of the arguments that Huai-Chin Nan cannot be checked (quotes for old masters) and other arguments lack any explanation (e.g. ).
This makes it kind of a belief book, instead of a book that I can use. On the other hand, the quote at the end of the book does warn the reader: "The reader should suppose that the words in this book are just talk in a dream"
For a beginner, this book has little to offer. The only useful advice was some meditation techniques presented at the end of the book.
It contains plenty of concepts and names that I've never heard of and are not explained. Some of the arguments that Huai-Chin Nan cannot be checked (quotes for old masters) and other arguments lack any explanation (e.g. ).
This makes it kind of a belief book, instead of a book that I can use. On the other hand, the quote at the end of the book does warn the reader: "The reader should suppose that the words in this book are just talk in a dream"
For a beginner, this book has little to offer. The only useful advice was some meditation techniques presented at the end of the book.
April 15, 2021
I don't like to give books low ratings, since one person's foul ball can be another's home run (to use a crappy analogy). This is difficult. I don't really recommend it at all to beginners in the study of Chi Gong or Taoist energetics/alchemy. It seems like an extremely recondite and idiosyncratic collection of writings from someone who may or may not be a master. If you are studying under a thoroughly expert practitioner it may be of benefit, but besides that, I would definitely recommend more mainstream books for most.
(Will update this more quantitatively later...)
(Will update this more quantitatively later...)
Want to read
June 25, 2008Any good?
No.
I don't want to be immortal.
But is this any good?
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews