Harmonizing yin and yang (Shambhala Publications Inc)

This book is a translation of a concise Taoist alchemical manual known as the Dragon-Tiger Classic, along with its two most important commentaries. The classic, written in ancient times aby an unknown author and published during the fifteenth century CE, is regarded by contemporary Taoist practitioners as the most complete guide to spiritual transformation. It covers the three forms of Taoist practice: external alchemy, concerned with the ingestion of minerals, herbs, and other substances to attain health, longevity, and immortality; sexual alchemy, in which the practitioner uses the energy of a sexual partner to cultivate his or her own energy; and internal alchemy, the practice of meditation, calisthenics, and yogic postures to cultivate mind and body. An extensive introduction aby the translator and the inclusion of two commentaries by traditional Chinese authors aid the reader in understanding this concise, symbolic text.