A new translation of the 6th-century Taoist text Bai Yao Lu (Code of One Hundred Remedies), with practical commentary. In contemporary Taoist practice, the emphasis is often placed on “going with the flow” (wu-wei) rather than adhering to strict rules. This may work well for an already enlightened Sangha, but for the rest, following a spiritual path involves moral, ethical, and practical guidance.

As explained by author and translator Gregory Ripley (Li Guan, 理觀), the lesser-known 6th-century text, the Bai Yao Lu, was created as a practical guide to what enlightened or wise behavior looks like – and each of the 100 spiritual remedies is as relevant today as it was 1500 years ago.

Presenting a new translation of the Bai Yao Lu for the modern world, Ripley provides insightful commentary on each of the One Hundred Remedies, showing how they relate to the practice of Taoist meditation and how they can help us navigate the emotional and social challenges we all face.

He explains how each short verse of the One Hundred Remedies presents a spiritual principle positively, not as a restriction or command not to be transgressed, but as a solution to the problems encountered in everyday life as well as on the spiritual path. He illustrates how these deceptively simple formulations, known as abstentions in Taoism, teach us to mimic the behavior of the Sangha until that behavior becomes our own.

Both academic and inspiring, this guide to Taoist spiritual life will help you learn to go with the flow, deepen your meditation practice, and find natural balance in all things.

Pages: 288, Year of Publication: 0104, Dimensions: 15.2x15.2cm