Taoist Meditation: The Mao-shan Tradition Of Gr... Apr 2026

The book is available as a paperback from the State University of New York Press and in digital formats. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Taoist Meditation: The Mao-shan Tradition of Great Purity

: Central practices involving mental journeys and the summoning of deities through talismans ( fu ) and invocations ( chu ).

: The belief that gods simultaneously inhabit the cosmos and the human body. For example, the spleen is considered the central organ and the home of Lord Lao. Taoist Meditation: The Mao-Shan Tradition of Gr...

While lauded as a pioneering and erudite study, reviewers from Project MUSE note that the book’s dense, scholarly style may be challenging for general readers. It is primarily recommended for graduate students, professional academics, or those with a serious background in Taoist studies.

: The book details the preparatory exercises and rituals required to ascend the spiritual ranks and achieve the state of a "Saint". Critical Reception The book is available as a paperback from

is a 1993 scholarly book by Isabelle Robinet that serves as the definitive study of the Mao-shan (or Shang-chi’ing) tradition of Taoist visionary meditation. This work explores a specific 4th-century Taoist movement focused on internal alchemy , astral journeys , and bodily symbolism , clarifying the historical connections between early Taoist classics and Buddhist traditions. Summary of Key Concepts

: Techniques used to transform vital essences, such as chi (vital breath) and ching (cosmic essence), to achieve spiritual harmony. : The belief that gods simultaneously inhabit the

The Mao-shan tradition, also known as the "Great Purity" movement, is one of the most significant foundational traditions in Taoism.