Containing sixty translations from a large variety of texts, this is an accessible yet thorough introduction to the major concepts, doctrines, and practices of Taoism. It presents the philosophy, rituals, and health techniques of the ancients as well as the practices and ideas of Taoists today. Divided into four sections, it follows the Taoist Path: The Tao, Long Life, Eternal Vision, and Immortality. It shows how the world of the Tao is perceived from within the tradition, what fervent Taoists did, and how practitioners saw their path and goals. The Taoist Experience is unique in that it presents the whole of Taoist tradition in the very words of its active practitioners. It conveys not only a sense of the depth of the Taoist religious experience but also of the underlying unity of the various schools and strands.

Acknowledgments Introduction Part One: The Tao Chapter One. The Tao 1. The Tao That Can't Be Told 2. The Tao in the World 3. Pure and Tranquil 4. Ineffable Knowledge Chapter Two. Creation 5. Scriptures Create the Universe 6. Numinous Treasure-Wondrous History 7. The Lands of the Immortals 8. Gods and Goddesses Chapter Three. The Teaching 9. The Three Caverns 10. The Transformations of Laozi 11. The Path 12. The Way to Complete Perfection Part Two: Long Life Chapter Four. Discipline 13. Precepts and Prescriptions 14. Protective Measures 15. How To Be Taught 16. Passing the Test Chapter Five. Physical Practices 17. Breathing for Life 18. Gymnastics 19. Drugs and Diets 20. Sexual Techniques Chapter Six. The Cosmic Body 21. The Structure of the Body 22. The Body As the World 23. The World in the Body 24. The Gods Within Part Three: Eternal Vision Chapter Seven. The One 25. Lights in the Body 26. The True One 27. The Three Ones 28. One in All Chapter Eight. Insight Practice 29. Two Kinds of Observation 30. Energies and Elixirs 31. Observing Life 32. Glimpses of the New Mind Chapter Nine. Ecstatic Excursions 33. The Far-off Journey 34. Trips through the Stars 35. Divine Loves 36. Ecstatic Sleep Part Four: Immortality Chapter Ten. Immortal Personality 37. The Perfected 38. To Be a Sage 39. Magical Powers 40. The Virtue of Wine Chapter Eleven. Ascension 41. Alchemical Transformation 42. The Inner Elixir 43. Gradual Dissolution 44. Eyewitness Accounts Chapter Twelve. Immortal Life 45. Celestial Garb 46. The Administration of Heaven 47. Sojourn Among Mortals 48. Feasting in Paradise List of Chinese Texts Translated Bibliography Index