Finding a Life of Harmony and Balance
A Taoist Master's Path to Wisdom
Chen Kaiguo author Zheng Shunchao author Thomas Cleary translator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Tuttle Publishing
Published:13th Aug '24
Should be back in stock very soon
"…an amazing tale, told in a fast-paced and entertaining style." —Publishers Weekly
This is the latest edition of Opening the Dragon Gate—the authorized biography of contemporary Taoist master Wang Liping (1949—).
Wang is an 18th generation transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism. This book tells the true story of his apprenticeship in Taoist wizardry, as well as the specialized body of knowledge, mystical wisdom and ritualized practice accumulated and refined over eleven centuries.
His story begins with a seemingly chance encounter with three Taoist elders when he was a young boy. What follows is a philosophical quest in a coming-of-age tale like no other, playing out in mountainside temples and remote reaches of China. Wang's story parallels that of the Dalai Lama, as—like Tibetan Buddhists—Dragon Gate Taoists identify, raise and train specially chosen youngsters to become the holders, guardians and transmitters of their ancient, esoteric spiritual wisdom.
While few of us will become spiritual gurus like Wang, his story speaks clearly and concisely to modern readers who are on their own "chosen paths," seeking their own forms of self-cultivation, enlightenment, wisdom and a life of greater harmony and truth.
"…an an amazing tale, told in a fast-paced and entertaining style. Cleary's masterful translation provides an exceptional prose encounter with one of the most interesting branches of Taoism." — Publishers Weekly
"…filled with magical characters, mysterious goings on, outrageous adventures, and sprinkled throughout with a goodly amount of Taoist alchemical teachings." — The Empty Vessel
ISBN: 9780804857901
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
320 pages