The Secret of the Golden Flower A Chinese Book of Life translated and explained by Richard Wilhelm with a European Commentary by C.G. Jung

The Secret of the Golden Flower published in 1945, a Chinese Taoist book about meditation, was translated by Richard Wilhelm with commentary by C.G. Jung. The meditation technique described by The Secret of the Golden Flower is a straightforward, silent method; the book’s description of meditation has been characterized as ‘Zen with details’. The meditation technique, set forth in poetic language, reduces to a formula of sitting, breathing and contemplating.

The meditation technique is supplemented by descriptions of affirmations of progress in the course of a daily practice, suggesting stages that could be reached and phenomenon that may be observed such as a feeling of lightness, like floating upward or slight levitation. Such benefits are ascribed to improved internal energy associated with breath energy circulation, improvements that alleviate previously existing impediments. Several drawings portray imagery relevant to the personal evolution of a meditation practitioner, images that may be somewhat confusing in terms of pure rational analysis. “Only after one hundred days of consistent work, only then is the light genuine; only then can one begin to work with the spirit-fire.”

Hardcover with original jacket with light chipping to jacket.