The Book of Balance and Harmony (Paperback)

~ (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

"If one can be balanced and harmonious in oneself, then the being that is fundamentally so is clear and aware, awake in quietude, accurate in action; thus one can respond to the endless changes in the world."

The Book of Balance and Harmony is a classic thirteenth-century anthology of Taoist writings, including essays, conversations, poetry, and songs from the School of Complete Reality. The writings combine the essences of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism into an alchemical elixir teaching Vitality, Energy, and Spirit -- the "three treasures" of Taoism that promise mental and physical well-being.

This first translation into English of a major text of Taoism is rendered and introduced by Thomas Cleary, who has been called the premier translator of Buddhist and Taoist texts. Among his many published works are original translations of monuments of Oriental spirituality, such as The Flower Ornament Scripture, the most sophisticated and comprehensive of primary Buddhist sourcebooks; The Blue Cliff Record, one of the major literary classics of Zen Buddhism; and Understanding Reality, the definitive classic of Taoist spiritual alchemy.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Chinese

Product Details

• Paperback: 154 pages
• Publisher: North Point Press (August 22, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865473633
• ISBN-13: 978-0865473638
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,719,202 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Real Taoism, April 24, 2000

By	Chaz (Grand Forks, North Dakota USA) - See all my reviews

The realm of Taoism has many facets and secular practices. In this select translation of various texts, Cleary attempts to make it very clear what the true goal of Taoism is. The texts distinguish between various practices and their goals. There are practices that specifically deal with health and energy. Others deal with obtaining "powers." The Texts make it clear that real toaism is the practice of "observing mind." In the end, the reader finds that what has been translated is very similar to Zen Buddhism. The only difference is the use of Taoist terms such as "mysterious pass", "lead and mercury", etc. A reader should be aware that this book is not a book that a reader can read and use the insights in his or her own life. It remains an educational presentation for the "uneducated" in the area of Taoism

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, November 30, 2006

By	A. Freibott (Los Angeles, Ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I enjoyed flipping through the pages. It is a very informative book. If you incorporate tao in to your daily life, or seek to further do so.. i strongly recommend this book. It provides so much (extra) information that you just might need to hear. I would recommend any literature by Cleary to those who seek the light at the end of the tunnel. It is simple, and accurate. Thank you =)