Foreword In China, cranes have long been a symbol of wisdom and longevity. Expressions like 'heavenly crane (tian-he) or 'blessed crane' (xian-he) describe the role of the crane as the symbol of wisdom. The death of a Taoist priest is said to be yu-hua or 'turning into a feathered (crane)'. 
The animals themselves are prudent and non-aggressive. They are peaceful and quiet in nature and behave firmly and calmly. They always live in harmony. They are brave in the face of danger and never yield to violence. 
It is in this spirit that the nine teachers interviewed in this book are presented. Each teacher, in their own unique way, exemplifies these attributes of wisdom, gentleness, and openness. Each one, though originally from the East, has chosen to make their home in and their teachings available to the West. In this way, they are creating a new approach which blends the wisdom and harmony of the East with the forthrightness and open-mindedness of the West. 
 It is this blending, this sharing from the heart, this new child of Eastern and Western parents, that this book is all about. The wisdom and teachings presented here are often extremely ancient yet completely up-to-date. They are as useful for today's problems as they were for those of ancient China and do not demand any religious conversion to utilize them. 
In publishing The Empty Vessel, A Journal of Contemporary Taoism, I have had the good fortune to meet with many teachers, both Chinese and American. The wisdom and joy they have shared with me has given me the inspiration to produce this volume. In this case we are showcasing nine national-level teachers, all originally from China, who have decided to bring the wisdom of the ancient achieved ones to the West. 
Join us then for this gathering of cranes, this sharing from the heart of nine teachers, each in their own way an example of what Chuang Tzu meant when he described the sage as "one who has a free mind, a calm manner, and an unfurrowed brow; is as cool as autumn and as mild as spring; is in harmony with all things and has no limitations."

A Gathering of Cranes: Bringing the Tao to the West

Towler, Solala

Abode of the Eternal Tao

Published for the first time in English,The Essence of Qigong presents the essence or root of this ancient yet completely up to date physical, mental and spiritual practice. By introducing the basic theories and guidelines to qigong, the author provides a solid foundation for the Western practitioner, no matter which particular style he or she chooses to learn. Guidance is provided on what to do about psychic experiences as well as qigong healing. Included are sections on the relationship of qigong to modern science as well as to Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Shamanism. 
It is in laying a solid foundation, both energetically and intellectually, that we may best be able to grow and prosper, both as students and teachers. In this way this book will appeal to both the beginning as well as the long time student of qigong. Guidance is given to students interested in learning more about how to find a teacher or style of practice that works for them and what are the mysteries and pitfalls surrounding this unique path.

The Essence of Qigong: A Handbook of Qigong Theory and Practice

Lu, Ke Yun

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Written in simple and non-scholarly fashion, Embarking On the Way is designed to present the fascinating world of Taoist philosophy and practice to Western readers. It encompasses a wide range of Taoist studies, from the classical teachings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu to the Tao of sex and relationship. 
The appeal of this book for modern Westerners is in its simple yet profound presentation of Taoism. There is nothing to join, no vows to take, no special diet to follow and there is no need to let go of one's own personal religious or spiritual path to benefit from the teachings of Tao. Embarking On the Way offers the full program of Taoist philosophy and practice. The reader is then able to choose which parts of the program he or she wishes to use--for instance Chinese medicine or qigong practice--or they may choose to follow the entire program. There is no pressure or need to become a hard-core Taoist to gain benefit from the teachings covered in this book.

Embarking on the Way: A Guide to Western Taoism

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Abode of the Eternal Tao publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Abode of the Eternal Tao

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Abode of the Eternal Tao publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

A Gathering of Cranes: Bringing the Tao to the West

The Essence of Qigong: A Handbook of Qigong Theory and Practice

Embarking on the Way: A Guide to Western Taoism