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Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard Paperback – September 15, 1998

by Chen Kaiguo (Author), Zheng Shunchao (Author), Thomas Cleary (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 160 ratings
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This authorized biography of the contemporary Taoist expert Wang Liping (1949 -) tells the true story of his apprenticeship in Taoist wizardry, as well as Taoist principles and secrets of inner transformation.

The 18th-generation transmitter of Dragon Gate Taoism, Wang Liping is heir to a tradition of esoteric knowledge and practice accumulated and refined over eleven centuries. This is the first English translation by noted writer Thomas Cleary of the authorized biography by two longtime disciples of this living master of the Dragon Gate branch of the Complete Reality school of Taoism, which integrated Buddhism and Confucianism into a comprehensive new form of Taoism.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Tuttle Publishing
  4. Publication date
    September 15, 1998
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0804831858
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0804831857
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"…an an amazing tale, told in a fast-paced and entertaining style. Cleary's masterful translation provides an exceptional prose encounter with one of the most interesting branches of Taoism." —Publishers Weekly

"…filled with magical characters, mysterious goings on, outrageous adventures, and sprinkled throughout with a goodly amount of Taoist alchemical teachings." —The Empty Vessel

From the Back Cover

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tuttle Publishing; New edition (September 15, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0804831858
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0804831857
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 160 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Thomas Cleary

    Thomas Cleary

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    Thomas Cleary is the preeminent translator of classic Eastern texts, including The Essential Tao, The Essential Confucius, The Secret of the Golden Flower, and the bestselling The Art of War.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Kaiguo Chen

    Kaiguo Chen

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
160 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

A. Walters
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Rewarding Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2018
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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.
One person found this helpful
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Tremoria
5.0 out of 5 stars Unique insight into the Shaolin
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2022
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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.
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Dan Ai
5.0 out of 5 stars When you are ready, this book will appear on your shelf ...
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2000
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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.
89 people found this helpful
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Vincent
4.0 out of 5 stars It Is A Great Read.
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2013
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It is a great story about his life, I just wish I could meet a master in real life that could show me these things in person and perhaps train me in such things. The thing is never having witnessed or experienced it for myself I am not doubtful, but more skeptical of all claiming such abilities and knowledge cause I really would like to learn these things. As far as a book goes, great read, as far as facts, still hopeful to witness or experience in real life.
4 people found this helpful
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Lisa C. Tener
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating story of a Contemporary Taoist Master
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2020
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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.
One person found this helpful
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gnostic student
5.0 out of 5 stars amazing
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2015
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This is a biography of Master Wang Liping written by two of his longtime students. The story is simply amazing. Highly recommended.

Other reviewers made some negative remarks about the literary style, especially because it gives the impression that every method the master learned from his teachers came to fruition immediately and surely. Since the authors obviously have tremendous respect for their master, it is not surprising that they didn't want to emphasize his weaknesses in their biography of him. If we read with that in mind we can more easily appreciate the magnitude of the struggle in the story this book narrates.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The best
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2019
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Best book I've ever read. Can't tell whether it's fiction or non-fiction, but it's superb, takes you the details of an unbelievable story. I'd like to think it's true.
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Roni
5.0 out of 5 stars Opening the dragon gate.
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020
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This is the story of a man being accepted and opening up into the dragon gate. A religious section in the Daoist meditative practices and culture.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Sean
5.0 out of 5 stars Real good
Reviewed in Canada on August 8, 2018
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I liked the greatness of the product, I disliked the come down finishing the book after the magical high I experienced when reading it.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 8, 2018
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An excellent read.
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oz monk
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating account of Taoist training
Reviewed in Australia on August 27, 2019
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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.
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oscar valentini
5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo! A true book
Reviewed in Italy on July 2, 2015
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Wonderful! Very inspiring. A true taoist path for discovering the profoubd potential of every human being.

Libro bellissimo, ricco di spunti per ogni praticante :)
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Werner
5.0 out of 5 stars Unbegreifliches, das fasziniert
Reviewed in Germany on January 25, 2013
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Ich hatte bereits die deutsche Übersetzung dieses Buches und wollte nun einfach nun auch das Original haben. Jeder, der seinen Horizont weiter spannt als nur über das Alltägliche, wird von diesem Buch fasziniert sein.
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