In Chinese legends, the Taoists, followers of the philosopher Lao Tzu, appear as powerful immortal wizards.
In Chinese legends, the Taoists — the followers of the philosopher Lao Tzu — appear as powerful immortal wizards, able to command the elements. Taoism is indeed based on the dogma of gaining immortality, and many religious rites have elements of magic, but this original trend is not limited to them alone. Erotic and alchemical practices, philosophical and logical constructions of the Taoists — the well-known orientalist Yevgeny Torchinov discusses all this in his book. His book also includes translations of Chinese treatises, shedding light on the Taoist worldview and allowing a Westerner to join one of the most mysterious and complex creeds of the East.
ABC Classics, 480 p.