Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard

I bought this book amidst gathering information on the Quanzhen and Longmen sects of Taoism. Of the five books I purchased, this one was by far the most painful read. I forced myself through the first half of the book telling myself that it would be a worthwhile read. Sadly by 2/3rd of the book, I lost all interest.I believe in large part, my objection has to do with the way the book is written. From the introduction, it appears to be compiled by Wang Liping's two students, who on almost every page go on to praise their teacher for overcoming all sorts of difficulties during his training. This makes the read very predictable and very dry.1. Taoist Wizards present a difficult training regimen2. Wang Liping because of his superior personality perseveres3. Taoist Wizards are delighted, because Wang Liping is clearly the chosen oneRepeatThis seems to be a very "traditional" means to write such biographies, especially by student about master, but for me this became very repetitive. Additionally, in the later parts of the book where certain techniques are mentioned, they are only listed as a vague outline of a practice, with the specifics seemingly omitted.1. Wizards show Wang Liping how to do a certain mystical method2. He performs a set of techniques not fully described3. He now more enlightened and can proceed to the next phase of his trainingOverall, this is not a bad book for someone looking to obtain some overview of the Longmen sect, but if you are looking for specific information and practices, you are better off reading the following:Opening the Dragon Gate- Stephen LiuThe Way of Complete Perfection- Louis KomjathyTeachings and Practices of Early Quanzhen Masters- Stephen Eskildsen

This is an incredible book narrating the journey of a young boy who was plagued with sickness and conditions to training by Shaolin monks, going into the wider world and eventually escaping to the United States. It is a true story.

This book seems like a very sincere account, full of information that fills in answers to questions one might have in reading about the mysteries of Taoism, lifestyle, physical and mental exercises and philosophy for training the mind. It's like the reader is on a journey with three wise masters and their student. Many details of Chinese life back in the 1960s and their cultural revolution interwoven with esoteric teachings and what one might describe as supernatural feats. I've dabbled in Tai Chi and Chi Gong, I study Buddhism and have studied Taoism, I've studied Ayurveda and Yoga -- so this was a really great read that touches on all those philosophies and indepth explanations of Taoist thinking. The fact that the Taoist Master (I'm not remembering his name at the moment) is available and teaching today is amazing.

This story is quite an adventure as we follow a young (child) and his mentors as he becomes a Taoist Master. The descriptions of the practices (when given) and his accomplishments gives a glimpse of what's possible in advanced spiritual realms. I found it both inspiring and exciting. And the backdrop of Communist China at a time where Taoist temples were being destroyed made it especially moving and adventure packed.

I think many western readers will be disappointed at this rather dull tale. If, like me, you are expecting anything like the ripping (fictional) adventure story "Wandering Taoist" trilogy by Den Ming Dao you will be sorely disappointed.This is one of those "the quest for enlightment: my journey" stories. This is the most detailed one published in English about a Taoist path. I have read a lot of these so I did not experience the wonder that some readers will on discovering someone's personal quest for spiritual growth, or some of the profound philosophy of Taoism. My main complaint about the book is in "the telling" - it is in a very Chinese mode so the whole thing reads like a Sunday School story - every exercise he tries works, no one is as virtuous as his teachers, he grows stronger and wiser every day. No real conflict, no human interest. This is some of the most fascinating material possible made dull. If you wish to contrast this with another relentless positive tale in the same genre, read "Autobiography of A Yogi"In keeping with the strong Taoist traditions on secrecy, there is very little technical information in the book. Although compared with other accounts he actually does describe small amounts about some of his practice(s).This is one of those "insight into history and culture" books that describes a way of life, a time, a place, a way of thinking that has been rarely described or is not accessible to western readers.

This is not the how-to book that some are looking for. It's a book of signs pointing the way, or should I say, The Way. I noticed that some of the reviewers couldn't get past the paint on the sign, checking the spelling and doubting the distances. The story of Wang, Li-ping opens the realm of possbilities inherent in traditional Taoist study to those who have not gotten there because of lack of opportunity or other personal reasons. It is therefore an inspiration for anyone who believes that there is no ceiling in the realm of human accomplishment and no end to the Tao. There IS solid information here on Taoist practice and it has elevated me personally to new levels. (I also thought it was entertaining and beautifully written -- there is some descriptive writing which is on the level of poetry). I consider this book a gift from the authors and I thank them.

An excellent read.

A tad long and over descriptive but it’s a real nice intro into the Taoists traditions and backgrounds... A good read overall

A fascinating account of Taoist training as told by a Taoist master. I also like historical detail/background and sources on the Complete Reality School provided in this book.

I have been reading this off and on for a little while and well it is ok but I have read better books out there that are similar.

A more than interesting biography combined with profound techniques for those who know, where to look. Surely, you make no mistake buying this book, if you feel that life is more than the ordinary.