Tao of Health, Longevity, and Immortality: The Teachings of Immortals Chung and Lu [Paperback]

Eva Wong (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 5, 2000

Here is a classic Chinese text on the Taoist arts of longevity and immortality. The text dates from the Five Dynasties (907–960 C. E.) and is attributed to Chungli Ch'uan and Lü Tung-pin—two of the most popular figures of Taoism and Chinese culture. This text focuses on Taoist inner alchemy, a theory and method for transforming the mind from within by using practices such as breath control, calisthenics, meditation practices, and sexual alchemy (the method of gathering energy from a sexual partner).

The teachings address the following topics:

   •  The nature of immortality and how it can be attained by realizing the laws of the Tao within us
   •  The art of health
   •  The art of longevity
   •  How to deal with obstacles and recognize spiritual progress


The Art of Health, Longevity, and Immortality will be of interest to both beginning students of Taoism and scholars. Wong's introduction includes a concise overview of the evolution of Taoist longevity practices as well as an elucidating section for readers who are unfamiliar with the teachings and practices of Taoist inner alchemy. She also includes a list of helpful hints for reading and understanding each section of the text.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1St Edition edition (December 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570627258
• ISBN-13: 978-1570627255
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #667,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on concepts and theories of Taoism!, March 27, 2001

By 

Bluestream (in my world) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tao of Health, Longevity, and Immortality: The Teachings of Immortals Chung and Lu (Paperback)

This book caught my eye in the bookshop. I flipped through a few pages, read it, and i immediately liked the information offered there. It offers a concise and detailed look into the theories of health and longevity in Taoism.
The original text was written by 2 Taoist famed sages, one being Lu Tung Pin, which is perhaps one of the most popular figure in Taoism. WIth this book, you can learn about more indepth concepts of yin and yang, true yin within yang, "dragon" and "tiger", phases of the moon, the importance of the vapor and vitality and lots more! I couldn't put it down since i bought it. I don't know why, perhaps its the delivery of the concepts thats unique in this book... very well translated and written.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent..., September 4, 2002

By 

Yuri Kuzyk (Toronto, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tao of Health, Longevity, and Immortality: The Teachings of Immortals Chung and Lu (Paperback)

Eva Wong has done an admirable job translating several classic Taoist texts for Western consumption; in this book she continues to uphold the excellent work. These texts were allegorical references for internal alchemy (Qigong) and I have yet to find better translations.

Wong starts the book with a general overview of some of the historical discrepancies around the text, particularly when and by whom it was written. Her explanation, although somewhat short, is quite informative and sets the stage for the translation. She also provides information to assist the reader in understanding the somewhat 'cryptic' discussion of such terms as "yellow sprouts" and "true vapour".

The translation is actually very informative but the reader must leave behind the Western preoccupation with trying to put everything into direct terms. The Taoist's spoke of internal alchemy in a very poetic manner - something which I feel is probably the best method possible. That is, a lot is up to the intuition of the reader (with the help of a proper master) which is the best way to understand the subject. For those who have been cultivating this book will be an invaluable asset.

Highly recommended.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to Internal Alchemy, February 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Tao of Health, Longevity, and Immortality: The Teachings of Immortals Chung and Lu (Paperback)

If you are looking for practical techniques of Internal Alchemy, this might dissapoint you, however, if you wish to understand the theory and science of internal alchemy, this is a must-have. I've found it to be invaluble for a good understanding of Neidan's pirnciples and theory. The text skillfully elucidates the Five Kinds of Immortals, and the Lesser, Middle and Greater paths, the very basis of all Quanzhen Neidan. Eva Wong's translation is easy to read, and made much easier by her insightful commentaries nessceary to understand each and every chapter. Reccomended!