Taoism: The Road to Immortality [Paperback]

John Blofeld (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 8, 2000

A religion with roots stretching back nearly five thousand years, Taoism combines elements of folklore, occult sciences, cosmology, yoga, meditation, poetry, and exalted mysticism. Mysterious and charmingly poetic, it is a living remnant of a way of life which has almost vanished from the world.

In this comprehensive study, John Blofeld explains the fundamental concepts of Taoism, tells many stories of ancient masters, and provides incisive reflections on Taoist verse. He writes in a colorful and unique way about his visits to Taoist hermitages in China and his interchanges with contemporary masters. Taoist yoga, a little known aspect of Taoist practice, is also discussed in detail. This book captures the spirit of the Tao, communicating the serenity and timeless wisdom of this tradition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Taoism encompasses exalted mystical aspirations and practical self-cultivation. Blofeld's book comprehensively devotes space to both aspects and also gives an overview of Taoism's origins and growth through the ages. The author's first-hand descriptions of Taoist hermitages and recluses in China add a charming dimension and deepen our understanding of a complex tradition."— Library Journal

About the Author

John Blofeld (1913–1987) was a world-renowned scholar and writer who devoted his life to the study of Eastern religion, especially Taoism and Buddhism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (August 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570625891
• ISBN-13: 978-1570625893
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 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: #409,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Road Less Traveled, May 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Taoism: The Road to Immortality (Paperback)

This was one of the first books I read on Taoism which described the Taoist life as it actually was lived. Although a scholarly work at heart, like all of Blofeld'd books, it never ceases to delight with wonderful anecdotes and descriptions. Blofeld has a gift for taking what seems at times to be dry, esoteric stuff, breathing life into it and making it shine.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To die and not to perish - Immortality!, July 5, 2009

By 

cvairag (Allan Hancock College) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Taoism: The Road to Immortality (Paperback)

While I must agree with Lao-tzu that the Tao in words is not the real Tao, I hardly believe one could find a better introduction to Taoism, in all, than we have here. This book is a treasure, a gift, meant to be savored, and read with the care and sensitivity which thankfully produced it. As noted, Blofeld is a wonderful writer, a sedulous scholar, a first-hand observer, and a gifted story-teller.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful view, January 14, 2005

By 

Rufous Tinamou (Etats-Unis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taoism: The Road to Immortality (Paperback)

This book presents a beautiful view of the Taoist landscape. There is more original writing than translation of other sources in this book and Blofeld writes very well. It is almost as though he were of the very tradition of Taoist alchemy to which he alludes - culling, refining and transmuting materials of the Tao to produce a pill or an elixir it may do us well to sample.