Awakening to Reality

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.

Preface, vii

Introduction, 1
Translation, 21
Selections from Liu Yiming's Commentary, 75

Textual Notes, 89
Glossary of Chinese Characters, 95
Works Quoted, 101

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A fine and delicate work of translation. — The work done by the translator is very careful and can only be feasible by someone who knows the subject matter deeply. It is fortunate that Dr. Pregadio devotes so much personal energy to the question of translating core Daoist texts into English. . . . Congratulations! (A.G. - Read the original review in Spanish)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This is a basic text of chinese alchemy presented in a clear and structured manner without over-simplification or banalisation of the content which remains nevertheless a personal experience for each reader to explore. (K. — Read the original review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ One of the 4 Greatest Qi Gong Classics — This is a very good book, about a very old, Chinese Classic Poem, of Celestial Immortality, Qi Gong and Meditation. It is a very beautiful and wonderful poem . . . This book is perfect in its own. (H.O.M. — Read the original review)

Introduction (PDF, also available as a web page)

For other samples and excerpts, see this page

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