Taoism, Tantra and Eastern Mysticism

Taoism, Tantra and Eastern Mysticism

Nan Huaijin

Fudan University Press

2001-04-01

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Summary

The book is divided into three parts: the first part mainly discusses the history, theory and practice of Tantra, especially the practice of the "three secrets" of body secret, oral secret and mind secret; the second part mainly explains the Yijing and Chinese medicine theory, especially the issue of Qi and meridians; the third part...

Highlights

Select wonderful sentences or paragraphs from Mr. Nan Huaijin's "Taoism, Tantra and Eastern Mysticism", which reflect the core ideas, profound insights and wonderful content of the book: 1. "The purpose of Taoist academic thought is to first grasp the integrity of the 'Tao' when exploring the heaven and man, and to understand the way of life from the laws of the universe and nature." - Revealing the core pursuit of Taoist thought. 2. "Tantra is a sect of Buddhism. Compared with the exoteric teachings, its characteristic is that it emphasizes oral formulas, mantras and mysterious rituals in practice methods." - Briefly describe the status and characteristics of Tantra in Buddhism. 3. "Eastern mysticism cannot be covered by a single system. It integrates the wisdom of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and even various schools of thought to form a unique and profound philosophical system." - Explain the comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of Eastern mysticism. 4. "Taoism's inaction is not a passive inaction, but an active way of going with the flow and not going against the way of nature." - Analyze the true meaning of Taoist inaction. 5. "The practice of Tantric Buddhism focuses on transforming the body and mind, and through special methods of practice, one can achieve the state of becoming a Buddha in this life." - Point out the goal and path of Tantric practice. 6. "The 'qi' in Eastern mysticism is an indescribable existence. It is both material and spiritual, and runs through all things in the universe." - Describe the mysterious nature of "qi" in Eastern mysticism. 7. "The Taoist inner alchemy is a method of cultivating both the body and mind, aiming to achieve longevity through the practice of inner alchemy." - Introduce the function and purpose of Taoist inner alchemy. 8. "The mandala of Tantric Buddhism symbolizes the structure of the universe and the realm of Buddha. Practitioners can purify their minds and enhance their wisdom by visualizing the mandala." - Explain the symbolic meaning and practice function of the Tantric mandala. 9. "Eastern mysticism emphasizes the unity of man and nature, and believes that man and nature, man and the universe are interconnected and interdependent." - Summarize the concept of the unity of man and nature in Eastern mysticism. 10. "The Taoist Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory reveals the basic laws of nature and human society and is an important part of Eastern mysticism." - Discuss the importance and status of the Taoist Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory. 11. "The Tantric Dharani, or mantra, has mysterious power and can exorcise demons and protect practitioners." - Introduce the mysterious effects of Tantric Dharani. 12. "The 'Tao' in Eastern mysticism refers not only to the way of the universe, but also to the way of life. It is the highest principle to guide people's lives." - Explain the multiple meanings of "Tao" in Eastern mysticism. 13. "The Taoist way of health preservation focuses on following nature and harmonizing Yin-Yang to achieve the purpose of physical and mental health." - Summarize the core ideas of the Taoist way of health preservation. 14. "The Tantric initiation ceremony is a mysterious way of inheritance. Through initiation, practitioners can obtain the blessing and power of the master." - Describe the uniqueness and significance of the Tantric initiation ceremony. 15. "Eastern mysticism believes that human destiny is influenced by the three elements of heaven, earth and man. Only by following the right time, right place and right man can one obtain good luck." - Explains the view of destiny in Eastern mysticism. 16. "Taoism's return to simplicity is a life attitude of returning to nature and returning to the original, aiming to get rid of the shackles of the world and pursue inner freedom." - Analyzes the connotation of Taoism's return to simplicity. 17. "Through meditation and visualization, practitioners of Tantric Buddhism can develop their inner wisdom and potential and reach the realm of transcendence." - Points out the practice goals and achievements of Tantric practitioners. 18. "The 'Yi' in Eastern mysticism is infinitely changeable and contains the laws of generation and change of all things in the universe." - Reveals the profound connotation of "Yi" in Eastern mysticism. 19. "Taoism's rule by inaction is a superb political wisdom that emphasizes following the laws of nature and letting things develop spontaneously." - Explains the political application of Taoism's rule by inaction. 20. "Eastern mysticism is not superstition, but a profound philosophical thought that reveals the mysteries of the universe and life and guides people to pursue truth and wisdom." - Summarizes the essence and value of Eastern mysticism.

About the Author

Nan Huai-Chin: An Explorer of Taoism, Tantra and Eastern Mysticism Nan Huai-Chin, formerly known as Nan Hong-Xi, is a famous Chinese researcher, writer and educator of Taoism, Tantra and Eastern Mysticism.< With his profound cultural heritage and unique insights, he reveals the mysteries of Eastern philosophy and religion to us.

In this article, we will have a comprehensive understanding of this outstanding author from the aspects of personal basic information, education and professional background, writing career, work style and theme, personal life, social influence, citations and evaluations, and latest developments.

Personal basic information: Nan Huai-Chin was born in 1918 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang.< He has loved reading since he was a child and has a strong interest in traditional Chinese culture.

Nan Huai-Chin is not only proficient in Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism, but also has in-depth research in Western philosophy, religion, science and other fields.

Education and professional background: Nan Huai-Chin studied in the Department of Philosophy of National Central University (now Nanjing University), but later interrupted his studies due to the war.< During this period, he traveled to famous mountains and rivers, visited famous teachers, and extensively studied all kinds of knowledge.

After the war, Nan Huaijin continued to work in education.< He taught in Taiwan, Hong Kong and other places, and founded the "Nan Huaijin Academy".

Writing career: Nan Huaijin's writing career began in the 1950s.< His works cover Taoism, Tantric Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, I Ching and other fields, such as "Tao Te Ching", "Zhuangzi", "Tantric Taoism Zen Buddhism", etc.

His books present complex philosophical thoughts and religious beliefs to readers in an easy-to-understand way, so that more people can understand and get in touch with Eastern mysticism.

Style and theme of works: Nan Huaijin's works are widely welcomed for their easy-to-understand and humorous style.< He is good at combining ancient philosophical thoughts with real life, so that readers can not only appreciate the charm of traditional culture in the reading process, but also find guidance and inspiration in real life.

The themes of his works are diverse, including interpretations of religious beliefs such as Taoism and Tantric Buddhism, as well as explorations of life philosophy and moral ethics.

Personal life: Nan Huaijin has devoted his life to spreading and promoting traditional culture.< His life is simple and fulfilling.

In addition to writing and teaching, he is also keen on public welfare, actively participates in social activities, and has made great contributions to promoting cultural exchanges and education.

Social influence: Nan Huaijin's works have had a wide impact at home and abroad.< Many authoritative media and experts have highly praised his works.

The New York Times once described him as "the disseminator of Eastern philosophy", while Time magazine called him "the guardian of Chinese traditional culture".

Quotations and evaluations: Nan Huaijin's works have been highly praised by many scholars and experts.

Chen Guying, a famous philosopher and expert in Taoism, once said: "Mr.< Nan Huaijin's works have opened a door to the treasure house of Eastern philosophy for us.

" Another famous scholar and Tantric research expert Zhang Qingshan also believes that "Mr.< Nan Huaijin's works have high academic value and practical significance, and are of great significance to promoting the research and dissemination of Eastern mysticism.

" Latest developments: Nan Huaijin passed away in 2012, but his works are still widely circulated around the world.< Today, more and more readers have learned about the wisdom of Eastern philosophy and religion and felt the charm of traditional culture through his works.

Nan Huaijin's spirit and ideas will continue to influence future generations.