The Secret and Sublime : Taoist Mysteries and Magic (Routledge Revivals)

First published in 1973, The Secret and Sublime is a warmly sympathetic account of Taoism, a colourful religion and way of life. Perhaps for the first time, all aspects of Taoism are brought within the covers of one book: popular Taoism with its lavish ceremonies, demon exorcism, oracles, ghosts, fox- fairies and adepts with strange powers; yogic Taoism with its emphasis on rejuvenation and longevity attained by means of sexual conservation yogas or by the ‘internal alchemy’; philosophical Taoism comprising ancient teachings which foreshadow present day youth's revolt against ruthless compulsion, hypocrisy, sterile pedagogy and over concern for money; and mystical Taoism which, like Zen, aims at direct experience of that reality which, lying beyond the confines of conceptual thought, is nevertheless ‘closer than a mother to a child in her womb’. Most of the book relates to the author’s personal experiences as the guest of Taoist recluses practising, amidst surroundings of exquisite natural beauty, the Taoist art of ‘doing by not doing’- action that is ego free. This is an interesting read for general readers interested in Taoist philosophy.