'Following the great tradition of Taoist-Confucian-Buddhist wisdom books, The Book of the Heart teaches calm perseverance in daily practice-the Way itself. It is a gift for which I am deeply grateful.'-Sam Hamill, poet and author of Basho's Ghost

These inspirational and poetic teachings, written by a modern Taoist master, will be a compelling source of reflection for all those acquainted with the Tao-te Ching, the Analects of confucius, the Buddhist sutras, or the Zen poetry of Han Shan, Basho, and Ryokan. Loy Ching-Yuen stresses the importance of practice rather than speech or ideals. Viewing the heart as the center of right-mindedness and self-empowerment, he teaches benevolence, humility, and meditation in a refreshing approach to living simply and honeslty in the world.

Loy Ching-Yuen was an accomplished Taoist master and a student of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung.

Trevor Carolan is a poet and freelance journalist specializing in Pacific Rim cultural affaris. Bella Chen was born in Shanghai, China, in 1937 and is a member of the Federation of British Columbial Writers.

Contents

Translator's preface
Translator's introduction
Prelude
On purifying the heart
Cultivating the heart
On tao
On enlightenment
Everyday practice