The Taoist Classics (Volume 2): The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary

So many times, a book is either too scholarly requiring a background in the field, or too elemental and not enough depth. The taoist classics translated by Thomas Cleary assist in understanding the wisdom and a jumping off place for personal application. It gives a perspective, knowing that often there is no English equivalent to the Chinese and often, the original manuscript refers to other eastern teachings and can have multiple levels of meaning and understanding. I appreciate that the author/translator allows for this, giving those of us with a language barrier a glimpse of the truths in these ancient works.

These texts are treasures of alchemy, philosophy and practical wisdom. They are an attempt to give to the public esoteric wisdom just as the texts themselves were in their day.

This collection is primarily dedicated to explaining the extensive alchemical metaphors in Tao philosophy. It is primarily sourced from the Complete Reality School.Cleary does a good job with the translations. Uses some big words. May have to refer to dictionary occasionally.This series (volumes 1-4) Should be read in order.Love and Light

Understanding Reality great chapter

Wonderful translation of Taoist Classics to Broaden one's understanding of the Taoist philosophy of living.

This item was sent to a prison inmate, who acknowledges having received it, but provides no other feedback. I assume it satisfactory.

After reading the 3 star review that is on here, I feel a need to get to the heart of the matter. First off, this book is very confusing and a lot of the information is purposefully vague. I bought this book about ten years ago when I was just starting out in my Taoist studies and none of the first part made any sense to me. I think that was for the better and I will explain why. The hardest thing about Taoist alchemy is that, as Thomas Cleary states in every introduction, there is a tendency of the practitioner to try and rush the process, inevitably leading to harm. Also, it is easy to pick up a few half-assed techniques and pass them on to other people, which will only increase ignorance all-around. My own experience was that I bought this book, was confused by the alchemical lore and focused on the Buddhist concepts. The third book in the series essentially breaks through the metaphorical lore and the author Chang Po-taun actually becomes fairly explicit in telling the reader what the second book was about. However, the second book teaches patience, and describes the process in great detail, though it is easy to overlook. Essentially, as the book says, nothing is apart from body and mind. There is nothing to worship or bow to. The essential point is to remember that the process is patterned on the natural course. Think of the sun and moon, and you understand wax and wane. Think of terrestrial time, and think of time and how the body perceives. They differ is some respects but not all. Focus on the breathing, and it will alert you to your state of mind. The puzzles in the book make no sense alone, except probably to very few, but read the second and third books together, and understand how energy makes things grow in the world, and how energy can also diminish things. With time, the book and your mind will complement each other. One other thing: The book talks about seeking a good teacher. This is the most difficult part. Good luck.

As a Taoist, I really appreciate this four volume set. I have read them all many times.Volume two gives one an insight into the cryptic world of Taoism. The two other five star reviewers were both spot on. The bulk of this book is neo-Taoist coming from the Complete Reality School, a synthesis of Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist thought. Just the introductions to each of the books is worth the price of this book! I just want to add about "The Book of Balance and Harmony" you need to think metaphorically here. If you can do that a whole new world of taoist thought becomes available. Like I said, get all four volumes, this and volume three will help you decode the alchemical language that was used to help keep somethings secret in the old days. Studying Tao can be a little frustrating until you learn to decode some of this stuff."Practical Taoism" too, is one of my favorite texts. "To be insightful but not exploit it makes for freedom from excesses on the Way, so one attains profound realization of true eternity" (page 500) This is great stuff here folks. Master these four volumes and you will have an excellent foundation for all your future Taoist studies.

Four Taoist classics in one book. Excellent at any price but for this price a great bargain

The fourth section - " Practical Taoism " is the best piece of work I have ever read about managing and refining our mind to attain peace. It is particularly helpful for those who are in distress and disheartened by adversities. It can even change the way we look at life and how we see ourselves.

A good book indeed and I am enjoying it. Postage and packing was good too and could not ask for more.

Thomas Cleary provides amazing translations and commentary. The Taoist Classics are a treasure to own at a great price. This is the set to purchase to know more about Taoism. Buy it you won't regret it.

Un libro que incluye traducciones de clásicos muy poco conocidos y difíciles de encontrar