The Shambhala Guide to Taoism

by Eva Wong

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.

Genres: Taoism, Philosophy, Religion, Nonfiction, China, Spirituality, History

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

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

[Wayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good in that it introduced me to the various types of taoism and gives a good introductory history to taoism as it was practiced as a religion. I was introduced to taoism when I began taking t'ai chi lessons, and we learned taoism as a philosophy. If you're looking for more information about practicing taoism as a philosophy, as I was, this isn't a good choice.

[planetkimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Shambhala Guide to Taoism presents a dizzying amount of information on Taoism, but isn't exactly an engaging read. I think it's definitely a great book to have around for reference purposes, it's just not something you'd want to curl up by the fire and read for fun.

[Thing One · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far, this is a comprehensive reference work.

[Sugar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a good book, striving to embrace most of Daoism- as practices, believes, schools and views, as well as containing precious references to other books on the topic. I recommend it to everyone, who want to study the Chinese religion in proper way. It`s not "one day book", you can always return to it later again, and use it as a source of information. I liked the nice understandable style and very well essence of information.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a really good history of Taoism and basic intro to different aspects of the different sects. Not good if you are looking for a guide to practicing Taoism

[Phil Dudovicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in a quick overview of a complex philosophy and religion, this is a great place to start. As a westerner, with very little exposure to Taoism and Taoist thought and history, I found this guide to be a wonderful way to gain a baseline understanding of Taoism in practice and in history. You will not gain a deep understanding of any particular element of Taoism, but that is not the purpose of this work, that is a exercise that would take a lifetime to achieve. Rather, you will gain a broad understanding of Taoism as a whole, along with recommendations of ways to gain deeper knowledge in any of the elements it covers through recommended study paths and further reading.

Bottom Line: A wonderful guide for if you are looking for a brief read about a beautiful and massively complex philosophy and religion.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written and interesting, never boring and always has plenty of recommendations for more advanced books if your interested in a specific topic

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the history and various sects of Taoism.

[Will Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad introduction, but I'm glad to see that it has been updated with a new volume.