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Awakening to Reality: The “Regulated Verses” of the Wuzhen pian, a Taoist Classic of Internal Alchemy

Awakening to Reality (Wuzhen pian) is one of the most important and best-known Taoist alchemical texts. Written in the 11th century, it describes in a poetical form, and in a typically cryptic and allusive language, several facets of Neidan (Internal Alchemy).

This book presents the first part of the text, consisting of 16 poems that contain a concise but comprehensive exposition of Neidan. The translator’s notes clarify the meaning of the more obscure points.

In addition, the book contains selections from Liu Yiming’s commentary (late 18th century), which is distinguished by the use of a lucid and plain language.