Foundations of Internal Alchemy

Foundations of Internal Alchemy by Fabrizio Pregadio

Originally written for Chinese readers, this book provides a clear description of the Taoist practice of Internal Alchemy, or Neidan. The author outlines the four stages of the alchemical practice and clarifies several relevant terms and notions, including Essence, Breath, and Spirit; the Cinnabar Fields; the "Fire Times"; and the Embryo. The book is based on the system of the Wuzhen pian (Awakening to Reality), one of the main sources of Internal Alchemy, and contains about two hundred quotations from original Taoist texts.

Table of Contents

Foreword, vii

INTRODUCTION, 1
The Basis: Essence and Spirit, 3

STAGES OF THE ALCHEMICAL PRACTICE IN AWAKENING TO REALITY, 11
The Four Stages, 13
"Laying the Foundations," 15
Main Points in the Practice of "Laying the Foundations," 20
The Functions of Essence, Breath, and Spirit, 36
Terms Related to the "Coagulation of the Three Treasures," 52
Conclusion of the Stage of "Laying the Foundations," 63
"Refining Essence to Transmute it into Breath," 65
"Refining Breath to Transmute it into Spirit," 99
"Refining Spirit to Return to Emptiness," 109

CONCLUSION, 119
The "Arts of the Way," 121

Tables, 123
Glossary of Chinese Characters, 133

Wang Mu (1908-92) received the Longmen ordination in his youth. He taught Internal Alchemy (Neidan) and, in his own country, was held in high regard by both practitioners and Taoist scholars. He served as a board member of the China Taoist Association and was for some time in charge of its research activities. He is known outside China mainly for his annotated edition of the Wuzhen pian (Awakening to Reality), the text at the basis of the outline of Internal Alchemy that he provides in the present book.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780984308255
ISBN 10	0984308253
Title	Foundations of Internal Alchemy
Author	Fabrizio Pregadio
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Golden Elixir Press
Year published	2011-03-05
Number of pages	156
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.