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1. Internal Alchemy: Self, Society, and the Quest for Immortality — edited by Livia Kohn and Robin R. Wang
Ground-breaking work by 10 top scholars is the most definitive work on Daoist (neidan). Michael Winn has a superb chapter on Daoist Internal Alchemy in the West (read it here) Alchemy has been the dominant system of Daoist spiritual practice for the last 1000 years. The process integrates physical training with mental and spiritual refinement of one's primal essence.
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2. Daoist Body Cultivation — Livia Kohn, Editor.
9 top experts on embodied enlightenment: acupuncture, breathing techniques, diet, fasting, healing, Qigong, and tai chi. Long chapter by Michael Winn, "Transforming Sexual Energy with Water-and-Fire Alchemy"
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3. Myth and Meaning in Early Daoism: The Theme of Chaos (Hundun) — N. J. Girardot
Wonderfully playful look at the earliest Daoist texts (primarily Daode jing, Zhuangzi, and Huainanzi). Reveals a unity rooted in the mythological symbolism of hundun, the primal chaos Being and principle foundational to the philosophy and practice of the Dao.
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4. Health and Long Life - by Livia Kohn.
Highly recommended — this is the best overview of Chinese health practices available. Describes a wide variety of Chinese medical and spiritual methods in one integrated volume. Also the first text by a major scholar to detail the key role of Healing Tao practices in the West.
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5. Daoism and Chinese Culture — by Livia Kohn.
A lively, readable book that gives brief history and summary of Daoism in Chinese history and culture, and relation of Daoism to world religions.
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6. Women in Daoism — by Catherine Despeux and Livia Kohn.
Ground-breaking work covers the status and practices of women in the Daoist tradition from its inception to the present day. Illuminates many unique female spiritual practices.
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7. Way of Highest Clarity by James Miller. This scripture reveals early Taoist visioning methods of connecting the vital organ spirits with the directions. |
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8. Divine Traces of the Daoist Sisterhood. — by Suzanne Cahill.
Presents unique biographies on the lives and spiritual quests of Daoist women in 5th century China. |
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9. Cosmos and Community — by Livia Kohn.
The first book-length study of Daoist religious ethics and community life in Daoist mountain monasteries.
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