Taoism

An Essential Guide

By: Eva Wong

Narrated by: Emily Zeller

Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

For the first time, the great depth and diversity of Taoist spirituality is introduced in a single, accessible manual. Taoism, known widely today through the teachings of the classic Tao Te Ching and the practices of t'ai chi and feng-shui, is less known for its unique traditions of meditation, physical training, magical practice, and internal alchemy. Covering all of the most important texts, figures, and events, this essential guide illuminates Taoism's extraordinarily rich history and remarkable variety of practice. A comprehensive bibliography for further study completes this valuable reference work.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©1997 Eva Wong (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Fantastic

A great intro into Daoism, and its many areas. It's also really nice to have someone narrating that actually speaks Chinese, it makes a big difference.

A MUST READ !

Hands down the best book, resource and basic fundamental history concerning the spiritual practice of Taoism period .

Interesting

Lots of info! some of it very interesting while some is super hard to pay attention to. some chapters kinda drag but if your interested in learning a basic concept of what taoism is this book seems great. Not sure how accurate it all is, but i liked what the author touched upon. This was my first introduction to taoism and overall i really liked it.

enjoyed entire book

lots of great info, thank you. I have a broader understanding and meaning of this believe

An informative first step

Enjoyed it... if i had one complaint. Eva used the phrase "moreover" so many times it was like nails on a choke board.

Well done but dense

This book breaks down Taoism in a systematic and detailed way. Much more information than the average introduction. But you will want to take your time. It reads like a textbook. Lots of information.

Super informative listen!

if you want to know anything about the history of Daoist arts and concepts, this is a fantastic place to start.

Excellent review of the religion but not for followers of the philosophy

The great philosophers Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu would spin in their graves at the sight of the religion. The religion is superstition and ritual combined with deadly concoctions that, ironically, were attempting to give longevity and even immortality. Chuang Tzu specifically laughs at ritual and the religion elevates ritual. But the religion survives to this very day and this book gives a thorough history of the religion.

Too much religion, not enough philosophy

A very good overview of all aspects of Taoism, but I had thought it would spend more time on the philosophy and philosophical practice. Seemed to focus mostly on the religious practice.

A lot to take in

The narrator is fine if a bit flat. But I can't help but think this just isn't meant to be an audiobook. It comes with .pdf files to peruse and see pictures and diagrams of what's being discussed. But that isn't the same as having it side by side.

I tend to listen to audiobooks while driving so I'm not about to look at a pdf file while it's being discussed anyway.

if you're interested in Taoism. this is basically an encyclopedia of everything about it.

if you're looking for more on the philosophy behind it and how to practice it. this is not the book for you. this book is more like the history of Taoism and everything that steed from it. interesting stuff, but not very enlightening or great for personal development

however it will give you a good appreciation for all of it if you're really serious about it as a whole.

can't say I don't reccomend it. it's just probably best as a paperback and be sure you know this is an informational book more than a book on spiritual practice or philosophy.