Chinese Alchemy

Taoism, the Power of Gold, and the Quest for Immortality

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Taoism, Eastern Religions, New Age
Cover of the book Chinese Alchemy by Jean Cooper, Red Wheel Weiser
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jean Cooper ISBN: 9781609259822
Publisher: Red Wheel Weiser Publication: June 1, 2016
Imprint: Weiser Books Language: English
Author: Jean Cooper
ISBN: 9781609259822
Publisher: Red Wheel Weiser
Publication: June 1, 2016
Imprint: Weiser Books
Language: English

Here in one slender volume is a basic introduction to Chinese alchemy—a tradition that dates back 5,000 years.

Chinese alchemy, largely associated with Taoism, has a recorded history of more than 2,000 years, but traditionally it goes back even further to nearly 3000 BC and the time of the Yellow Emperor. While Western alchemy was concerned with the search for spiritual and material gold, classic Taoist alchemy was a mystical quest for immortality with its aim being union with the Absolute.

Jean Cooper describes the history and development of Taoist alchemy, compares it to similar traditions in India and Turkistan, and gives it context by contrasting it with the rationale of the Western hermetic tradition. As she writes in her concluding chapter: The whole work of alchemy is summed up in the phrase "To make of the body a spirit and of the spirit a body". . . . The goal of the Taoist alchemist-mystic was transformation, or perhaps more correctly, transfiguration, of the whole body until it ceases to "be" and is absorbed into and becomes the Tao.

This is an essential guide for anyone interested in Chinese legend and lore, Chinese magic and medicine, and Taoism.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Here in one slender volume is a basic introduction to Chinese alchemy—a tradition that dates back 5,000 years.

Chinese alchemy, largely associated with Taoism, has a recorded history of more than 2,000 years, but traditionally it goes back even further to nearly 3000 BC and the time of the Yellow Emperor. While Western alchemy was concerned with the search for spiritual and material gold, classic Taoist alchemy was a mystical quest for immortality with its aim being union with the Absolute.

Jean Cooper describes the history and development of Taoist alchemy, compares it to similar traditions in India and Turkistan, and gives it context by contrasting it with the rationale of the Western hermetic tradition. As she writes in her concluding chapter: The whole work of alchemy is summed up in the phrase "To make of the body a spirit and of the spirit a body". . . . The goal of the Taoist alchemist-mystic was transformation, or perhaps more correctly, transfiguration, of the whole body until it ceases to "be" and is absorbed into and becomes the Tao.

This is an essential guide for anyone interested in Chinese legend and lore, Chinese magic and medicine, and Taoism.

More books from Red Wheel Weiser

Cover of the book What Would You Do If You Ran The World?: Everyday Ideas From Women Who Want To Make The World A Better Place by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Banshees, Werewolves, Vampires, and Other Creatures of the Night by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Spiritual Notes To Myself: Essential Wisdom For The 21st Century by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Exploring Spellcraft by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book The Tree of Enchantment: Ancient Wisdom and Magic Practices of the Faery Tradition by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Your Creative Mind by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Ojise by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book The Language Codes by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book More Random Acts of Kindness by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Death Bogle at the Crossroads by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Getting Over Getting Mad: Positive Ways to Manage Anger in Your Most Important Relationships by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Cosmic Conversations by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Clairvoyance in Time: Past & Future by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book Clutter Junkie No More by Jean Cooper
Cover of the book 6 Steps to Free Publicity, Third Edition by Jean Cooper
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy