Introduction

Equanimity, good health, peace of mind, and long life are the goals of the ancient Taoist tradition known as "internal alchemy," of which Cultivating Stillness is a key text.

Historical Background

Written between the second and fifth centuries, the book is attributed to T''ai Shang Lao-chun—the legendary figure more widely known as Lao-Tzu, author of the Tao-te Ching.

Commentary and Significance

The accompanying commentary, written in the nineteenth century by Shui-ch''ing Tzu, explains the alchemical symbolism of the text and the methods for cultivating internal stillness of body and mind. A principal part of the Taoist canon for many centuries, Cultivating Stillness is still the first book studied by Taoist initiates today.