On: “Road to Heaven…”

“Road to Heaven: Encounters with Chinese Hermits”, by Bill Porter

Read: 7/2022
Topics: Daoism, Daoist history, Daoist philosophy, Hermits, Eremitic Life
Recommend? Yes!
For: Those studying/exploring Daoist history

“In China, hermits have remained the most esteemed of persons, because hermits are ages. They can see that to which others are blind and hear that to which others are deaf. …Hermits could talk to heaven. They knew its signs, they spoke its language.”

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though reading it provided some concerning information about the current state of temples and eremitic life in China. In summary, I loved that Porter delved into the purposes and history of hermit life in China as much as he told his story of his encounters with eremites. Porter’s reference to the shamanic history of the hermits was intriguing, including their attaching immortality to the moon. “In the world of change, the moon held all secrets.” The richness of the hermit tradition in China is really something to behold!

I particularly enjoyed the stories, histories (and pictures!) of the old Taoist nuns and monks. The interview with Master Jen Fa-jung was interesting… particularly when he finished the question about the goal of Taoist practice being Not Two! “There aren’t two things in this universe. To realize this is the goal not only of Taoism but also of Buddhism.”

The somewhat saddening information that repeated itself in Porter’s book (and in his interviews) was the fact that tourism has infected many sacred sites and hermitages. This has made it more difficult for the hermits to practice in the solitude they require – and therefore has led to more of them scattering.

“If they don’t find a way to support themselves through their own effort or from donations, they have to rely on selling tickets to visitors. We’re all well aware of the consequences of this. …it’s become clear that the government wants to turn temples into tourist centers.” (K’uan-ming)

As a Daoist living on tourism-economy barrier islands, my ideas about one day opening a temple/meditation center here have certainly undergone greater scrutiny. Do I want meditation to be treated as a tourist event? The perspective of these spiritual masters in China has made quite an impact on me (and my idealism). I was somewhat heartened to read that some Masters in China have considered linking their temples as practice centers, and refusing government assistance.

I appreciated that the importance of adherence to precepts is emphasized by many of Porter’s interviewees – and to a simple virtue. “A recurring theme of China’s hermit tradition is that it doesn’t represent a renunciation of society so much as a renunciation of greed.” I am grateful for being introduced to this excellent resource! (And it is practically a quote master-tome!)