Harmonizing Yin and Yang

August 11, 1997
The ancient Chinese symbols of yin and yang represent the harmony of the universe. When one is out of kilter, then disharmony usually follows. The great difficulty, then, is knowing just how to harmonize these two elements. Here, Wong, a Taoist practitioner and the translator of The Shambhala Guide to Taoism, translates the Taoist alchemical manual known as The Dragon-Tiger Classic. Although this manual was written in ancient times, it was not published until the 15th century CE, and it is considered by Taoist scholars to be one of the most complete guides to Taoist spirituality. The text focuses on three kinds of transformation: internal, where the practice of meditation through yoga and other exercises is used to bring together body and mind; external, where one's eating habits and the eating of certain herbs and minerals affect one's physical and spiritual health; and sexual, where one's individual energy is drawn from the sexual energy of the other. Each chapter begins with a saying from the Dragon-Tiger Classic, followed by excerpts from the two major commentaries on this text. Wong's translation is accessible and her scholarship sparkling in this illuminating edition of a Chinese Taoist classic.