John Blofeld Libri

A religion with roots stretching back nearly five thousand years, Taoism combines elements of folklore, occult sciences, cosmology, yoga, meditation, poetry, and exalted mysticism. Mysterious and charmingly poetic, it is a living remnant of a way of life which has almost vanished from the world. In this comprehensive study, John Blofeld explains the fundamental concepts of Taoism, tells many stories of ancient masters, and provides incisive reflections on Taoist verse. He writes in a colorful and unique way about his visits to Taoist hermitages in China and his interchanges with contemporary masters. Taoist yoga, a little known aspect of Taoist practice, is also discussed in detail. This book captures the spirit of the Tao, communicating the serenity and timeless wisdom of this tradition.

She is the embodiment of selfless love, the supreme symbol of radical compassion, and, for more than a millennium throughout Asia, she has been revered as “The One Who Hearkens to the Cries of the World.” Kuan Yin is both a Buddhist symbol and a beloved deity of Chinese folk religion. John Blofeld’s classic study traces the history of this most famous of all the bodhisattvas from her origins in India (as the male figure Avalokiteshvara) to Tibet, China, and beyond, along the way highlighting her close connection to other figures such as Tara and Amitabha. The account is full of charming stories of Blofeld’s encounters with Kuan Yin’s devotees during his journeys in China. The book also contains meditation and visualization techniques associated with the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and translations of poems and yogic texts devoted to her.

Beyond the Buddhist and Taoist Mysticism. In this volume, author John Blofeld posits that true mystics transcend religious boundaries, and that Eastern mysticism has increasing relevance for the troubled minds and spirits of the West.

Delving into the rich history of tea, this book offers insights into ch'a-shu, the traditional Chinese art of tea preparation and consumption. It appeals to tea enthusiasts and those curious about China's social and cultural evolution, providing a comprehensive understanding of tea's significance in Chinese society since its introduction.

The I Ching, probably the oldest book in existence, provides a system of knowledge that makes it possible to analyze the patterns of changes in life governed by the Immutable Law of Change. Whether we use the I Ching for divination or to study the principles involved with it, if we allow ourselves to be governed by its teachings, we shall enrich the content of our lives, free ourselves from anxiety, and become harmless or even intelligently helpful to others and pleasant companions to ourselves. This translation of the I Ching has been especially prepared for practical use in divination. It is easier to use than any previous version, and the language is closer to that of the Chinese original.

The only English translation of John Blofeld’s memoirs as a Westerner living in China prior to the Communist Revolution• Paints an intimate portrait of the grace and refinement of ancient Chinese civilization• Originally written in Chinese for Chinese readers, revealing a rare glimpse of Blofeld’s private Chinese side and uncensored views• The last book by the great English sinologist, translator of the I Ching and author of Taoist Mystery and MagicThe reveries and remembrances contained in the travel diaries of John Blofeld cover every aspect of his life in China--from visits to opium dens and sing-song houses to sojourns in the Buddhist monasteries and Taoist hermitages of China’s sacred mountains. Here is a vivid glimpse of “old” China as it existed in elegance and grace for three thousand years before China’s Communist Revolution. Originally written in Chinese for a Chinese audience, Blofeld’s travel diary reveals a rare, uncensored view of pre-communist China to which few westerners have been exposed.

Exploring a nearly five-thousand-year-old religion, this comprehensive study delves into the essence of Taoism, blending folklore, cosmology, and mysticism. John Blofeld shares captivating stories of ancient masters and offers insightful reflections on Taoist poetry. His vivid accounts of visits to Taoist hermitages in China and interactions with modern masters enrich the narrative. Additionally, the book highlights the often-overlooked aspect of Taoist yoga, encapsulating the serenity and timeless wisdom inherent in this enduring tradition.