Product Description

The Book of Balance and Harmony is a renowned anthology of writing by a thirteenth-century master of the Complete Reality School of Taoism, a movement begun around the turn of the first millennium CE whose aim was a return to the purity of Taoism's original principles and practices. This classic collection, compiled by one of the master's disciples, is still very much in use by the Taoist adepts of China today. Its serves as a compendium of the teaching of the Complete Reality School, both in theory and in practice, employing a rich variety of literary forms, including essays, dialogues, poetry, and song. The writings herein condense the essences of the Chinese religious traditions of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism into an alchemical elixir teaching Vitality, Energy, and Spirit—the "three treasures" of Taoism that promise mental and physical well-being.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #600693 in Books
• Published on: 2003-11-11
• Released on: 2003-11-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Inside Flap Copy
The Book of Balance and Harmony is a renowned anthology of writing by a thirteenth-century master of the Complete Reality School of Taoism, a movement begun around the turn of the first millennium ce whose aim was a return to the purity of Taoism?s original principles and practices. This classic collection, compiled by one of the master?s disciples, is still very much in use by the Taoist adepts of China today. Its serves as a compendium of the teaching of the Complete Reality School, both in theory and in practice, employing a rich variety of literary forms, including essays, dialogues, poetry, and song. The writings herein condense the essences of the Chinese religious traditions of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism into an alchemical elixir teaching Vitality, Energy, and Spirit?the ?three treasures? of Taoism that promise mental and physical well-being.

About the Author
Thomas Cleary holds a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. He is the translator of more than fifty volumes of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic texts from Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese, Pali, and Arabic.

Customer Reviews

Timeless writings by a thirteenth-century master
Expertly translated into English by Thomas Cleary, The Book Of Balance And Harmony: A Taoist Handbook is an anthology of timeless writings by a thirteenth-century master of the Complete Reality School of Taoism, a movement that traces its roots back to the first millennium CE with the initial aim of returning to the pure roots of Taoism's original purposes. Presenting timeless teachings about Vitality, Energy, and Spirit (the "three treasures" of Taoism that carry the keys to mental and physical well-being), The Book Of Balance And Harmony carries its powerful Taoism-centered message to a new generation of readers in the form of essays, dialogues, and poetry to succinctly encapsulate the core of the Complete Reality School.

What I think!
Cleary is a great translater. I have read many of his books. I think anyone who wants to understand the eastern culture, would be wise to read his works.