BOOK
A Record of the Assembled Immortals and Gathered Perfected of the Western Hills
Richard Bertschinger | Master Zhongxian Wu
(2018)
Additional Information
Book Details
Abstract
In this Tang Classic text from the 9th Century, Daoist practitioner Shi Jianwu describes how through adapting our own breathing to the breath of the universe and daily meditation, one can develop an astral body and 'transcend earthly matters to walk in the divine'. Richard Bertschinger offers the first annotated English language translation of this text with practical guidance for Qigong, meditative practice and personal development.
With elements of Daoist tradition and drawing on Mayahana Buddhist influences, this ancient guide aims to bring to the fore perceptions and focus on a natural form of breathing for pure meditation. Much of this Chinese practice has been misunderstood and lost over the years, until now. Richard's thoughtful translation and additional comments serve to distribute Shi Jianwu's original message with open interpretations for the individual reader.
The teachings of this book are a true treasure trove for the Daoist practitioner.
From the Foreword by Master Zhongxian Wu, lifelong Daoist practitioner and author of 12 books (5 in Chinese) on Chinese wisdom traditions.
Richard Bertschinger has published several translations of ancient Chinese texts and is a practising acupuncturist and teacher of the healing arts. He studied for ten years under the Taoist sage and Master Gia-fu Feng.
In ancient Chinese culture, the oral traditions and old practices of the Immortals played a major part - especially in the Taoist Dao Zang. Modern research into the Classics does not attach much importance to the study of these texts... Richard has made a truly precious contribution.
Professor Dr Bo-Ying Ma MD, MA, PhD, Chairman of Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (UK)
Table of Contents
| Section Title | Page | Action | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Record of the Assembled Immortals and Gathered Perfected of the Western Hills | 1 | ||
| Foreword: The Immortals’ Messages by Master Zhongxian Wu | 11 | ||
| A Short Note on Reading the Text | 13 | ||
| Introduction | 15 | ||
| Part 1. The Knowledge | 25 | ||
| Chapter 1. Knowing the Path | 27 | ||
| Chapter 2. Knowing the Method | 30 | ||
| Chapter 3. Knowing the Individual | 39 | ||
| Chapter 4. Knowing the Timing | 44 | ||
| Chapter 5. Knowing the Materials | 55 | ||
| Part 2. The Sustaining | 67 | ||
| Chapter 6. Sustaining Life | 69 | ||
| Chapter 7. Sustaining the Body | 76 | ||
| Chapter 8. Sustaining the Breath | 81 | ||
| Chapter 9. Sustaining the Heart | 87 | ||
| Chapter 10. Sustaining Longevity | 92 | ||
| Part 3. The Rebuilding | 97 | ||
| Chapter 11. Rebuilding Within | 99 | ||
| Chapter 12. Rebuilding the Breath | 107 | ||
| Chapter 13. Rebuilding the Fluid-essences | 109 | ||
| Chapter 14. Rebuilding a Surplus | 114 | ||
| Chapter 15. Rebuilding Depletion | 120 | ||
| Part 4. The Verification | 127 | ||
| Chapter 16. The True Water and Fire | 129 | ||
| Chapter 17. The True Dragon and Tiger | 137 | ||
| Chapter 18. The True Medicinal Elixir | 143 | ||
| Chapter 19. The True Lead and Mercury | 147 | ||
| Chapter 20. The True Yin and Yang | 152 | ||
| Part 5. The Refinement | 159 | ||
| Chapter 21. Refining the Method, You Walk the Path | 161 | ||
| Chapter 22. Refining the Body, \nYou Transform the Breath | 166 | ||
| Chapter 23. With a Refined Breath, You Can Fashion the Spirit | 174 | ||
| Chapter 24. With a Refined Spirit, You Can Join on the Path | 180 | ||
| Chapter 25. On the Refined Path, You May Walk in the Divine | 185 | ||
| Glossary | 189 | ||
| Blank Page |