Seven Taoist Masters: A Folk Novel of China

by Eva Wong (Translator)

History and legend are interwoven in this folk novel that both entertains and instructs. Written by an unknown author, Seven Taoist Masters is the story of six men and one woman who overcome tremendous hardships on the journey to self-mastery. These characters and their teacher, Wang Ch'ung-yang, are all historical figures who lived in the Southern Sung (1127–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasties. Wang is regarded as the greatest patriarch of the Complete Reality school, a highly purified branch of Taoism having a strong affinity with Zen Buddhism. The novel brings to life the essentials of Taoist philosophy and practice, both through the instructions offered by Wang—on topics such as the cultivation of mind and body, meditation techniques, and overcoming the obstacles to enlightenment—and through the experiences of the characters.

Genres: Taoism, Fiction, Philosophy, Religion, China, Spirituality, Classics

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Eva Wong is an independent scholar and a practitioner of the Taoist arts of the Pre-Celestial Way and Complete Reality lineages. She has written and translated many books on Taoism and related topics.

Reviews

[E.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like any old, popular religious text, it's 50% profound and 50% bizarre, but neither of those are bad things.

[Finbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to Taoism as a practice (as opposed to just a philosophy based on the Tao Te Jing). The stories are presented as narrative folk tales retelling the lives of 7 great Taoist practitioners. It is a quick read and offers a novel perspective on the Tao.

[Alec MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly short (but fun and exciting) read. I will definitely be re-reading this in the future. Wong's translation is simple and strong. I was a bit lost on some of the Taoist terminology and their explanations, but I think that's the point of some of the topics--non-specificity.

[Noah Letner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read. Especially liked early in the book when Wang would periodically point out the differences in "paths" regarding various subjects.
Example -- "The Confucianists tell us to 'awaken'. The Buddhists tell us to 'understand'. The Taoists tell us to 'act intuitvely'.
Great stuff.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent taoist story. very good translation.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The path to taming the human mind.

[Lindsay]

Read for an Introduction to Religious Studies course.

[Josef Horký · Rating 4 out of 5]

Půvabný mix legendy, mytologie a filozoficko-náboženského textu.

[Helmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Himmelskaiserin wartet!

Die Unsterblichkeit ist das Ziel der Daoisten - dabei ist in den meisten Strömungen dieser Religion weniger die körperliche Unsterblichkeit gemeint, sondern die seelische, geistige. Wer das Dao erreicht hat, kann sich manifestieren wo und wie er will, und der Körper ist dabei nur eine Hülle, den es trotzdem zu pflegen gilt, solange man ihn bewohnt. In diesem Roman (wohl aus dem 17. Jh.) wird gezeigt, wie sieben daoistische Meister das Dao erreichen und welche Schwierigkeiten ihnen auf dem Weg dahin entgegenstehen.

Auch wenn das Werk wohl hauptsächlich als Bildungstext für herangehende Daoisten gesehen werden kann, liest es sich für den Laien doch unterhaltsam und wie andere klassische Romane dieser Periode. Dabei wirkt der Text nie predigend oder missionierend: Der Bildungsinhalt ist auf wenige kurze Reden der Meister beschränkt, und ansonsten in den Handlungen der Meister kodiert - ganz gemäß dem Credo der Daoisten, dass nur persönliches Erleben, und nicht Schriftenstudium, den Weg zur Erleuchtung weist.

Das schön gestaltete Cover, ein hübsches Vorsatzblatt und ein angenehmes Schriftbild lassen mich über die überdurchschnittlich häufigen Druckfehler hinwegsehen. Die ganzseitigen Reproduktionen von Drucken, die Szenen aus dem Text illustrieren, sind gut gelungen. Das Vorwort der Übersetzerin Wong ist zwar wenig hilfreich für das Veständnis des Romans, bietet aber einen zusätzlichen kleinen Einblick in den Daoismus. Die Übersetzung von Eva Wong, selbst praktizierende Daoistin, liest sich modern und flüssig - der einzige Nachteil ist die Verwendung von Wade-Giles zur Romanisierung. Es gibt heutzutage eigentlich keinen Grund mehr, dieses veraltete System zu verwenden, die Neuauflage 2004 hätte dies meines Erachtens korrigieren sollen.

[Aaron Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely profound and superb novel! This book, while relatively simple and easy to read, is rich in beautiful prose, detailed narrative and thought-provoking insights into Taoism and other philosophies.

Another book given to me by my Uncle, I am so glad to have had this as a gift. And what a gift! Very few books hold your attention quite like this one. Not because you want to know what happens next but rather you feel that with every work, every chapter, every 'mini-tale' told by the central characters, you are becoming a little wiser, a little more modest and a little more empowered.

By all means, this could be the perfect book for those wanting to delve deep into Taoism, and embark on their own journey of inner development and discovery. Certainly, anyone reading this book will be positively affected by it whether that was their original intention or not. However, for me, this book simply just helped make life better. I felt calm reading this book, and while it has certainly piqued my interest further in spirituality, it was just a lovely and pleasant read at the very least.

If anyone is reading this, go out and find this book. Trust me when I say you have never read anything like this before. The book could easily be adapted into a classic Chinese film, it's that cinematic. There is so much depth and breadth to this story.

I can't think of any flaws with this book. It is honestly a moving and profound read, and one that has taught me that we should focus more on the present, detach ourselves from our material worries, and the simple fact that we are capable of bringing our own calm upon us when we want. No matter the circumstances, a little breathing and a little inward focus can get us though the toughest of times.

[Guillaume Boisset · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating translation of the original classic work, written with the zeal of the true believer wanting to share the enlightenment with new cultures. Since, alas, I do not have sufficient wisdom or depth of character to write a properly spiritual review of this work, I will have to content myself with a strictly temporal commentary. While written apparently many centuries after the Classic Greek mythological foundation works, there are strong links to these, especially in the concept of immortals taking on human guises and mingling with us mortals to look for and reward virtuous souls. But one should not push the comparison too far, for there are too many differences. These are tales and examples of the self-sacrifice and abnegation required to attain the Tao, and the paths that seven different students took to become masters.
I was surprised to see the pinyin was not putonghua and it would have been nice to see some Chinese characters in brackets beside the occasional pinyin, but these are minor quibbles. Even if taken only as a series of historical anecdotes and lessons to the common folk, this is an excellent and enlightening work and is a translation that feels right.

[Diocletian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little folktale introduction to the concepts and life of Taoism. While reading more strictly philosophical Taoist texts are often vague, very subjective and give very little knowledge of Taoism as a religious practice or of Taoist communities, this provides a fairly nice semi-mythological introduction to them through the lens of a specific sect. I read this along with more classical Taoist works by Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, and while all of them were interesting this seemed to give me the clearest meanings of what some Taoist ideas are and what they might look like in practice, at least in regards to how the author interpreted them.

[Melita · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book that I have ever read!
It's a novel, a legend, and very light reading… but once it starts explaining some of the Tao teaching, it goes soooooooo deep that I have to re-read it almost 3 times. It's very inspirational too! Totally love this boo! I started making note, trying to keep what's important from this book, but ended up writing almost everything almost from every page… so I just stop doing that altogether then.
The book said it's the way the Chinese try to teach Taoism into the public, by stories… and I think they're very smart! It's a very good way of teaching...

[Paper_Ninja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!. Simplistic yes.
Anyone looking to learn the bases for Taoism/Daoism this is THE novel. Written/concieved so long ago, the writing is simplistic but the translator did a very good job as it flows well.
I think its more about the message this book shares and for that I believe its amazing. Kinda has a The Alchemist feel to it.

[Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest review

Because it was written in a story form, hence it was easier to absorb the teachings and relate to it. But I think it still depends on whoever is reading it as one merhod doesn't always work for the next person.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent presentation of Taoist Masters/Immortals in ancient China with an introduction to the ideology of immortals - fact or fable?

[Will Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up when I was studying Taoist Tai Chi. I do a different form now, but this is still an important introduction to taoism.

[W Craig]

wonderful taoist fable

[Wrldtrdr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some very good points to motivate one towards the Spiritual Path from Materialistic Path along-with easy to understand instructions for cultivating TheWay.

[Maximillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add it

[Julio R. Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and recommend it to anyone wanting direct instruction or looking for Taoist philosophy and beliefs. This book mentions meditation, true (original) nature, obstacles, energy work, magic, manifestation, guidance, visions, and includes some deities and realms from Taoist religion and myth. I understand 100% of the content and the words/terminology, and I must say that even if this sounds like a folktale and the journey of 7 Tao initiates (not including the master), this is actual practice and belief. Whether you are interested in the Tao or just wanting some Chinese culture, this book is a must.

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, think book was uniquely written. It had many stories which involved morality. Although, there had been some parts which dragged on a bit longer than it needed to. I thought this book was surprisingly easy to read, and showed the underlying message clearly, and how it had related to taoism. It was really interesting seeing how the taoist monks had overcome the obstacles, and challenges in order to attain the tao. After reading the book I felt a bit enlightened myself. This book deserves a 4.3 star, very eccentric.

[Christopherseelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novelization of the origins of the Northern School of Taoism is an entertaining read. There is a lot of basic instruction in the tenets of Tao and internal alchemy. There are divine interventions, acts of magic and mystery, and dramatic scenes that show the risk and struggle of the spiritual path for the main characters. I enjoyed this book not least for its depiction of seeking truth as something that requires comrades and solitude, self-invention and instruction.

[Jerome Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient wisdom embedded within an adventurous journey. Love how the Taoist teachings are woven throughout this tale. A guiding finger pointing to the truth for the aspiring seeker. A testament of the temptations we face as human beings, and hope for those who rise above and transcend. Themes of distraction, determination, self-discipline, and self-discovery. Recommend to anyone interested in the principles of Taoism and enjoys gleaning gems from Eastern philosophy.

[Abe Muldrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite the joy to read as the writing was much simpler and easier to digest than I expected. A translation of an ancient Chinese folk novel, wrriten as an introduction to the Taoist religious practice, the book was a wealth of interesting advice and ideas. It's also just fun to learn about the ancient legends the book describes and it ended up being really entertaining.

[Mason Hardman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So delightful. It’s a fast read, simplistic writing style. Gives a insightful view into what’s it like to lead a daoist lifestyle. And reading Taoism: a essential guide along with this. Helps with the terminology and whatnot. So that was cool. Thanks to my tai chi teacher for the recommend!

[Caomhghain · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much Buddhist as Taoist but then that was common at the time. It is an attempt to present the possible paths to a Taoist enlightenment via the actions of the seven masters. Not the most riveting read but does its job.

[Jeffrey Bumiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great edition from Shambala Classics. nice translation, very beautiful illustrations. Definitely liked it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good rendition of the origin of the seven Taoist Masters. The story flows well, although there is a little skipping around when the Taoist monks go their separate ways.