An ancient Chinese text, passed on for centuries, in which Taoist mystics reveal the path to true enlightenment. The first written version of The Secret of the Golden Flower was believed to have originated with Lü Dongbin, a legendary scholar, poet, and spiritual master. Lü Dongbin was the founder of the School of the Golden Elixir of Life during the Tang dynasty. In the text, symbols for light represented awareness, which is normally directed outward toward externals. The method of redirecting one’s consciousness inward towards the self through a straightforward form of silent meditation and breathing was known as “turning the light around.” Through this process of channeling energy beyond the limits of the discriminating intellect, one’s psyche—indeed one’s very fundamental being—can gradually open and bloom. This leads to a pure awakening of the mind and spirit. The result can be metaphorically pictured as a bright “golden flower” mandala, representing the rewarding end goal of a personal alchemy of inner transformation. This edition includes insightful philosophical commentary by psychologist Carl Jung that helps explain the metaphysical aspects of the text, providing valuable insights for Westerners. For many generations, The Secret of the Golden Flower has been an invaluable tool and guide for personal and spiritual growth. Like a practical workbook for achieving enlightenment, this clearly written meditation manual explores foundational techniques to help you experience elevated states of consciousness; repeated listening will serve as an incomparable source of insight and inspiration.
