Introduction
Why write this? It certainly looks like an exercise in ego doesn't it? Well, I've always liked to make notes and diarise/write down my understanding of things. It's a large part of my motivation for keeping my blog to be honest, my blog allows me to write and evolve my understanding better, especially now it has the categories.
In this case, I feel that if I can save someone some time and effort by doing this and help them out then it's been worth it! This book is organised in a similar way to Free as in Freedom, the bio of Richard M. Stallman. This means it's a work in progress with a changelog. I think a "living" document is going to be a better way of going with this project.
I've never liked the way that traditional Taoism stood on keeping techniques and information secret from outsiders. Personally I think it should be shared, So I'm going to write up my notes and insights into something a bit more formal, it'll use material from my blog , as I'm not sure what to call it I'm going to adapt the Wiccan term "Book of Mirrors". It's as good a term as any and I like the name, I find it quite poetic.
It works very well, a "Book of Mirrors" in Wicca is a book used by a witch to keep notes on their findings and experiences, thoughts and feelings along their path, that's apt as this book is based on my experiences, feelings, thoughts and views on Taoism, the only place I will differ with the Wiccan tradition is that I'll try to record some exercises in here. In Chinese thought, Jade signifies knowledge and mirrors are said to reflect the world as it truly is.
This book will encompass not only Taoist techniques, but other techniques from other sources to complement them. Why? Because while the tone will be Taoist, I think we should remember the Uncarved Block and keep our minds as open as we can!
This is more of a work part written and part complied by someone who considers himself a Taoist than a purely Taoist work. If I see a useful exercise then I'll add it, it may not be nessecarily Taoist in origin. Why? Put it like this, it's better to be a Taoist who meditates, than cutting off your nose to spite your face because an exercise "isn't Taoist".
On the subject of meditation, I won't go for any really advanced exercises, the thing is that meditation doesn't always agree with everyone, it can cause problems in a very small percentage of people. Advanced exercises should only be attempted under the instruction of an experienced teacher, I personally don't go for horrifically complex visualisations, I prefer the principle of KISKIE, Keep It Simple Keep It Elegant.
Finally, the information provided here is provided with no warranty, and any exercises mentioned here are undertaken at your own risk.