Taoism

An Essential Guide

By: Eva Wong

Narrated by: Emily Zeller

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time, the great depth and diversity of Taoist spirituality is introduced in a single, accessible manual. Taoism, known widely today through the teachings of the classic Tao Te Ching and the practices of t'ai chi and feng-shui, is less known for its unique traditions of meditation, physical training, magical practice, and internal alchemy. Covering all of the most important texts, figures, and events, this essential guide illuminates Taoism's extraordinarily rich history and remarkable variety of practice. A comprehensive bibliography for further study completes this valuable reference work.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©1997 Eva Wong (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Fantastic

A great intro into Daoism, and its many areas. It's also really nice to have someone narrating that actually speaks Chinese, it makes a big difference.

A MUST READ !

Hands down the best book, resource and basic fundamental history concerning the spiritual practice of Taoism period .

Interesting

Lots of info! some of it very interesting while some is super hard to pay attention to. some chapters kinda drag but if your interested in learning a basic concept of what taoism is this book seems great. Not sure how accurate it all is, but i liked what the author touched upon. This was my first introduction to taoism and overall i really liked it.

enjoyed entire book

lots of great info, thank you. I have a broader understanding and meaning of this believe

Excellent review of the religion but not for followers of the philosophy

The great philosophers Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu would spin in their graves at the sight of the religion. The religion is superstition and ritual combined with deadly concoctions that, ironically, were attempting to give longevity and even immortality. Chuang Tzu specifically laughs at ritual and the religion elevates ritual. But the religion survives to this very day and this book gives a thorough history of the religion.

An informative first step

Enjoyed it... if i had one complaint. Eva used the phrase "moreover" so many times it was like nails on a choke board.

Well done but dense

This book breaks down Taoism in a systematic and detailed way. Much more information than the average introduction. But you will want to take your time. It reads like a textbook. Lots of information.

Super informative listen!

if you want to know anything about the history of Daoist arts and concepts, this is a fantastic place to start.

More if a history than a guide

Although the author appears to be very knowledgeable about the origins and history of Taoism, I would not say that this is a guide to Taoism practice of today. So, if you’re interested in its origins, this is the book for you. I found it went into tremendous detail about how Taoism came about and how all it’s different sects developed. However, if you’re interested in practicing Taoism, or in the author’s experience with Taoism, you won’t find it in this book.

Fantastic starter kit but marred by warnings.

I really enjoyed this book overall. The information is presented in a logical and is easy to understand. If you have a passing interest in Chinese history it's quite exciting to hear a name or period mentioned that you are slightly familiar with. The first half of the book is mostly history, while the second half is primarily practice. The history I have no critique of, but the practice I became more and more annoyed and upset with the constant reminders to "not try this at home" or without supervision of a teacher. Not sure what the authors goal was with these constant interruptions and reminders was. I understand the need to be careful and respectful of a faith and it's practices and that ALL physical activity comes with risk so warnings are understandable but an author should also respect their readership's ability to make informed and careful choices.