According to the eminent and prolific translator Thomas Cleary, Taoism has used various media of expression and influenced many realms of thought and action through its long history. The four texts in this volume illustrate a vast array of techniques designed to help people achieve inner alchemy. There are physical, psychosomatic and mental exercises including special modes of movement, breathing, sexual intercourse, gazing, imagination, and visualization and dreaming.
Understanding Reality: A Taoist Alchemical Classic is a tenth century text that has been called an example of Complete Reality Taoism. The glossary accompanying this resource pinpoints some of its major themes. "Bathing" signifies "washing the mind." "Cooking" is the process of non-striving or non-doing. "Elixir" refers to the energy, capacity, and function of life and consciousness. "Outer furnace" means the use of action in the world as a means of self-refinement. "Valley spirit" is a symbol of open awareness.
The Inner Teachings of Taoism elucidates the essentials of self-transformation and includes a section titled "The Twenty-four Essentials." One is "Do not talk about right and wrong. Everyone should sweep the snow from his own door. And not be concerned about the frost on another's roof." This text is followed by The Book of Balance and Harmony, containing essays, conversation, poetry, and songs about living a centered and ordinary life. The final work, Practical Taoism, presents a succinct overview of the great way of nonresistance.