The Taoist Alchemy of Wang Liping: Volume One

This is the book that we have been waiting for. Anyone interested in Wang Liping's system of Taoist Alchemy (or even just Taoism in general) should order this gem and keep an eye out for future volumes. This book is excellent and is truly a gift for both practitioners and those who are just curious.In the author we have a dedicated practitioner of Wang Liping's system who not only has years of experience in personal practice, retreats and in teaching the system, but who has also studied Taoism and Chinese language academically. Combined with a knack for teaching and explaining things in an easy-to-grasp manner, Nathan Brine has created a truly exceptional book.The book takes a multi-dimensional approach of combining personal experience along with theory and lots of practical information and instructions for practice. Illustrations, diagrams, and boxes explaining key concepts are sprinkled throughout making the content very approachable and enjoyable to read through. The book has a great glossary and outlines of the systems of practice in the back. Many of the terminology throughout the book are written along with their original Chinese names (with both pinyin and the Chinese characters) which adds clarity and the opportunity for further learning for those reading.Giving this one 5 stars was an easy choice!

This is written by an authentic student and diligent practitioner of Wang Liping's methods. It is clear, down-to-earth, and a fun read as well. Regardless of whether you are a regular student of Wang's, an aspiring one, or something else-- you will find deep value in this text AND its practices.Nathan is a direct, long-term student of Wang, and completely fluent in Chinese, including the technical language sometimes required for a deep meditation practice. (An example of this would be tianmu-- which means something very specific in Wang's meditation practices.)Nathan's cultural understanding and personally high level of kungfu is obvious in this work. I deeply look forward to studying and working with the material of this volume more...and of course vol. 2 sometime in the future!

Wow!What an amazing book!This is a detailed and clear account of the beginning stages of neidan, which is very rare on its own.Nathan has done an amazing job of taking something that historically is intentionally obfuscated, and brought the teachings to the west in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to read as well as understand.It is also entertaining! Must read for those interested in Long men pai as taught under Master Wang Li Ping.

Don't look any further. You found what you are looking for! Twenty years ago I read the book "Opening the Dragon Gate" which is the authorized biography of Nathan Brine's teacher, Wang Liping. After reading that book I felt a depression come over me. I thought to myself I will never be able to learn any of Master Liping's teachings. He is too far off, language would be a barrier, and the level of training required to practice the Dragon Gate method of alchemy overwhelming. Twenty years later Mr Nathan Brine did all the work that was impossible for me to do. Anyone who knows anything about Taoism has read books such as The Secret of the Golden Flower and other books about the Complete Reality Schools of thought. The teachings are dense and veiled in esoteric impenetrable language that requires a teacher to unlock. This information can only be transmitted from Master to disciple.Anyone starting out on the path will have to tirelessly search for an instructor and read hundreds of books to grasp the cosmic implications of these methods. This book will unlock those mysteries. Now here is the problem. Americans think they know everything and they think the more complicated the meditation the bigger the end result will be. They don't want to build the foundation of the practice and skip just about every vital step to lay the groundwork for more advanced practices. Then run around in circles in their minds. They have been glammored by charlatans who promise cosmic awakening. Anyone who knows knows that those promises will get an honest seeker nowhere. The simplicity and eloquence in which Mr Brine presents these techniques will be wasted on readers looking for immediate grandiose results (self gratification which is an illusion). There is no fast and easy way for obtaining the Way. These teaching are genuinely transmitted from a living Master. It takes a lifetime, no many lifetimes, to master these meditations. I am hoping that I might possible be able to achieve the techniques taught in this manual within the next twenty years. Knowing the depth in which these techniques can lead a person, for me at least, feels overwhelming. Nathan Brine has achieved a monumental goal for Westerners who want to train in authentic Complete Reality School meditation, indeed those who wish to open the dragon gate. Oh he also offers these techniques online so I would recommend checking that out. I am planning to.

This is by far the most accessible text on neidan I’ve ever read. It’s clearly written and thorough. I can’t wait to see what’s in his next book but I have a feeling I’ll be working on this material for some time.

Clear instructions for a unique meditation practice

This is the first book I’ve read on anything Daoist that you can practice with and use to achieve one of the first basic goals that seems to be prevalent across the few available legit traditions. It’s pre-school for sure, (coming from a longtime “pre-school” student in another tradition or two) but that is more than most schools that call themselves Daoist can actually offer. It is a really, really tough thing to accomplish. As a bonus, there is great theory, personal experience, and the first real clarity on this school written or otherwise explained publicly in English.Many thanks and much respect to the author, who has clearly walked a long road, for what one can now begin to learn from his book.This humble little book may be the most important thing written in English, depending on what your goals are.