Customer Reviews

The Taoist Classics: The Collected Translations of Thomas Cleary, Vol. 3

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I picked up volumes 1,2,3 and 4 of this series. I hope to be able to shed some light on them all for anyone who reads this, but I will start with the third book.
In this book, Chang Po-Tuan outlines his own journey for spiritual enlightenment and how difficult it was to find a teacher. Before anyone proceeds, realize that the author has already widely studied other disciplines while on his journey for truth. I bring this up because none of these books alone, as good as they are, will give you a complete picture. That is because life varies from person to person, and you need to be able to see some aspects of reality for yourself before relating them to the Taoist experience. For example, for yang rising, we do not often visualize an ascending dragon, but we are conscious of the ups and downs of energy in our own lives. You have to recognize your own energy to some extent. i studied Hapkido to learn more about where to store energy (lower abdomen), but I also learned that over the long-term, that is not the way. The solar plexus and the center of the brain are energy points, yes, but if you just focus on them, you will come to ruin.
I would say you should read this book only after being confused by the second in the series, because sometimes, when the work is explicitly spelled out, people don't work as hard in figuring out the code words. But, if you already have some grounding in the arts of the Way, the Secret of the Golden Flower will make a lot of sense to you, no matter what you are seeking. By the way, before you seek energy and the Way, be honest as to why you are seeking it. Good or bad, be honest with yourself and this book will help you.
Alright, this is kinda running long, so...The Secret of Opening the Passes seems easy, but remember to build actual energy through exercises, both physical and mental. Do not just use visualization, because that is just empty energy. You need to find real energy in your body. Also, don't delude yourself into thinking this will take a day. It really takes time. The 100 character tablet is a code. You are better off using the second book's Inner and Outer Classics to figure that out. The section on loving people is well worth remmebering, as Taoists must ultimately function in society to be useful. This book talks about specialized training for women, but it carefully outlines which parts both men and women can do. This is a highly coded area. Read Thomas Cleary's introductions carefully, as there is some assistance in breaking the codes down.
Last but not least, be realistic about your weaknesses, whether they be in your practice or your life. There are some things you do not have to do while training, but everything has steps. Skip one, and you will fail on the path. Take stock of what you are seeking, know that there are two types of inner and outer training and something beyond both, and constantly check your mind to see if you are being true to all of the Taoist teachers. They often seem removed from us. They are never far away.

All four items in this Taoist series are superb. Thomas Cleary has done a magnificent job. now we can all read these wonderful writing in a wonderful language and with great expalnation of Mr Cleary himself.
Thank you!