Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality (Paperback)

by Charles Luk (Author), Lu K'uan Yu (Author) "My masters Liao Jan and Liao K'ung once said: 'When beginning to cultivate (essential) nature and (eternal) life, it is necessary first to develop nature.'..." (more)
Key Phrases: macrocosmic alchemical agent, prenatal vitality, mortal cavity, Liao K'ung, Question Will, Book of Change (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes
Text: English, Chinese (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 206 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877280673
• ISBN-13: 978-0877280675
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,498 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #45 in	Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Eastern > Taoism
  #48 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions > Taoism
  #70 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Occult > Alchemy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book is a very useful guide to enlightenment., October 15, 1998

By A Customer

"Taoist Yoga," by Charles Luk, will greatly aid those Americans who are confused by the point of "eastern" meditation, etc. The author makes very clear exactly what should be done in order to perfect one's human existence. The terminology is easily understood and practically oriented. Those with a background in meditation and spiritual transformation will relish this book. The book is not for the pure beginner as it is too practical and "hands on;" one needs to convince oneself that spiritual elevation and self-control are required.But it must be read by any Eastern Studies scholar. The text also puts to rest many notions about sex and the true value of sexual desire, called in the text "the generative force." It should be studied carefully for this reason. The book has many clear illustrations and copious footnotes all of which are useful. The book does not mention diet specifically but it does show how all ailments can be healed or prevented.There are very few references to the typical "folk" oriented five element theory which prevents the scientifically oriented American from being "put off." In short, it is amazingly simple, concise and understandable. Definitely recommended for the serious practioner as, although written in a terse style, it has sufficient common sense to be of use to Americans.

72 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Taoist Treasury!, April 3, 2002

By	richard hunn (Kyoto, Kansai Japan) - See all my reviews

The 'yoga' teaching in this book never was easily accessible - nor ever meant to be. It is the highest rung on the Taoist ladder,and often, its practitioners lived on remote mountain peaks - disinterested in the 'numbers game' or winning converts. To find a Taoist master - of Chao Pi Chen's calibre would have taken years, many hardships. Loathe to set their teachings down in words, texts such as this are therefore precious. Even for a native Chinese, the idioms in this text are incomprehensible, minus access to the inner tradition. Luckily, Lu K'uan Yu knew the real (practical) meaning of these idioms - and therefore translates not just a text, but the practical nuance. This text opens up a remarkable world - one the West has yet to tap into,as regards our knowledge of the paraphysical energies underpinning the life of bodies and cells, vital centres etc. Before the Communist revolution, elderly people practicing this yoga, found their greying hair turning black again. This is not immortality 'Hollywood style,' but a by-product of the Yoga. When I took this practice seriously - in a retreat, I could actually hear little 'electronic' bleeps - as the 'microcosmic circuit' became energised. It happens naturally - you can't force it to happen. This Taoist yoga makes sense of the saying 'the kingdom of heaven is within you.' It is!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening, February 11, 2007

By	Brooks - See all my reviews

Earlier I read another book by Charles Luk which was on Master Hsu Yun's discourses and Dharma words and the Diamond Sutra, called "Chan and Zen Teachings, 1st Series". Reading the words of Master Hsu Yun was enlightening and motivating, so I was curious to read another book of Luk's- Taoist Yoga. I was not disappointed.

This book gives all the basic information you might be curious about when it comes to Taoist alchemy and immortality. It gives instructions on Taoist methods aimed at improving health, rejuvenating the body, and even the ultimate aim of creating an "indestructible diamond-body". The ancient wisdom presented in this book is really impressive. If practiced, the methods taught in it can be very beneficial to any yoga practitioner.