The Shambhala Guide to Taoism

This book is a valuable historical reference for Taoism. The sheer amount of historical research that went into it alone, makes this book worth ten times it's weight in gold. You are presented with historical figures of Taoism, and their influence on the system as a shamanic practice, a philosophy, and a religion. The information is greatly detailed, and further sources of reference are provided by the author. If you are interested in researching Taoism, it's rich, vast history, it's various forms and traditions, you will find this text a great resource.

I was looking for a book that would make sense of the long history of practices and teachings of Taoism. Eva Wong's book was just what I needed. It's exactly what the title states, its a "Guide". Those reviewers who are looking for more complete teachings from this book I think missed the point. Wong has translated many other books that give the inner and outer teachings, as have many other authors (Cleary, Kohn, Wiles, etc). The purpose of Guide to Taoism is to put in perspective all the different paths and practices that would fall under Taoism. Beginning from pre-historic history to the present, Wong takes you through a basic history of China's Taoist traditions, which has so many twists and turns, it's not easy to grasp in just one reading. I appreciate the effort Wong has made to make things as clear as possible. I enjoyed her matter of fact, no non-sense writing. I didn't think it was dry at all. I enjoyed reading it cover to cover and took many notes. At the end of each chapter she gives lists of authors to read, so I have ended up with quite a libray of Taoist literature, thanks to her great suggestions. For someone who is just starting out on the Taoist path, a book like this is a helpful place to begin.

Those new to Taoism, or confused by it, will almost certainly find Eva Wong's book immensely helpful. It immediately addresses the problems most people experience when they first become interested in this tradition, i.e. "Why do there seem to be so many different versions of Taoism, some of them quite contradictory? What are the differences and similarities between these 'schools' and how did they arise? If someone is 'practicing Taoism' today, what does that actually mean?" By dividing her book into three sections - History of Taoism, Systems of Taoism, and Taoist Practices - Wong clearly articulates the development and varieties of Taoist thought, its key figures, texts, beliefs, concepts, principles and practices. She does this in short, well-focused chapters, and uses a very clear and concise style. Each chapter ends with a "Further Readings" section offering what I've found to be very useful pointers into the immense body of Taoist literature, sometimes even referring to specific chapters of books and pointing out which ones are more general or more academic, and which translations she prefers. Wong also includes a detailed index, a solid bibliography, and two useful appendices containing a map of China and a chronology of the dynasties. What you won't find here is the kind of nonsense that plagues so many books about ancient traditions that have recently become more popular - Wong gives you no detailed instruction on how to conduct ceremonies or create talismans or wield "magic". Rather, she respects Taoism as a serious and living tradition and recommends that if you are interested in learning the specifics of any particular Taoist sect then you must find a Taoist master and complete the necessary training. Wong refuses to treat Taoism as a New Age novelty. Moreover, her honesty about the limits and relativity of her work is admirable. As she notes at the outset, she is acting here as a guide: someone who offers knowledge arising out of personal experience; who offers a perspective, not necessarily rigorous objectivity; and who does not pretend that what she is saying can ever be complete. Having said that, I think Wong's book comes as close as you're likely to get to a comprehensive introductory text. It certainly answered all of my questions.

Enough of the abuse of this book!The extensive recommended reading list in the back of this book is worth the price of the whole thing.Whatever Wong's vagaries, the extended explanations for further readings at the end of the various sections of the text itself, make this still a useful volume.However, if you are going after Wong, and Taoist Health and Longevity issues, you may prefer to start with 'Cultivating Stillness,' 'The Tao of Health, Longevity, and Immortality,' and/or 'Cultivating the Energy of Life,'her translation of the 'Secret of the Golden Flower' ( for discussion of the usefulness of comparing the translations of which, see this 'Shamabala Guide to Taoism.')But see my recent reviews (note dates) for Wong's 'Tao of Health, etc.' and Thomas Cleary's 'Taoist Meditation' for further amplification of these issues, particularly with regard to health.Many volumes, in spite of vagaries, generalities, and such, are still incredibly useful for their recommended reading suggestions and guides. Wong's worthy volume is one such. In addition to her volumes suggested above, I would highly recommend it for further research. It's handy as a guide to Kohn's, Robinet's, Charles Luk's, Cleary's, Olson's, and other writers/translators on these subjects. Go for it.

This book is an excellent overall introduction to Taoism. It covers the history, systems, and practices of Taoism in a very readable style and provides helpful suggestions for further reading. It is a great book for those new to the subject who want a knowledgable and well-written guide to the 'spiritual landscape' of Taoist thought and practices over the centuries. The sections on magical Taoism and meditation are particularly fascinating, as is the opening chapter that discusses its shamanic origins.