About the author
Thomas Francis Cleary is a seminal figure for seekers of hidden wisdom, a prodigious translator and author whose prolific output bridges the ancient East and West. His life's work, numbering over eighty volumes, delves into the profound currents of Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Islamic traditions, offering a gateway to philosophies that illuminate the path of spiritual development and inner understanding. Cleary's mastery of linguistic traditions, including Pali, Sanskrit, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Old Irish, allowed him to unearth and present profound texts with unparalleled clarity. Beyond religious texts, his rendition of *The Art of War* reveals the universal principles of strategy and statecraft applicable to the inner battlefield of the self. He lived and worked from Oakland, California, a quiet hub from which his translations have inspired countless individuals. Cleary’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to make the arcane accessible, fostering a deeper engagement with the perennial wisdom that continues to guide modern mystics and philosophers.
📖 Where to start with Thomas Cleary
💬 What our editors say about Thomas Cleary's books
“This text stands as an essential volume for serious students of esoteric traditions, particularly those interested in the historical evolution of Buddhist mysticism from Bengal. Cleary’s insightful commentary successfully bridges…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Secrets of Tantric Buddhism: Understanding the Ecstasy of Enlightenment
“This text succeeds in bringing visibility to a marginalized aspect of Taoist history, offering valuable insights into the roles of female adepts from the third to twelfth centuries. However, readers expecting practical sexual…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Immortal Sisters: Secret Teachings of Taoist Women Second Edition (Revised)
“This collection offers a refreshingly direct approach to Zen, stripping away unnecessary complexity to reveal innate wisdom. It is highly effective for practitioners who prefer practical attention exercises over abstract theory.…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present
📋 Editions by Thomas Cleary in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Secrets of Tantric Buddhism: Understanding the Ecstasy of En | 2015 | Weiser Books | 256 | 9781578635689 |
| Immortal Sisters: Secret Teachings of Taoist Women Second Editio | — | North Atlantic Books | 120 | 9781556432224 |
| Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present | 1994 | North Atlantic Books | 160 | 9781556431937 |
| Unlocking the Zen Koan: A New Translation of the Zen Classic Wum | — | North Atlantic Books | 240 | 9781556432477 |
| The Secret of the Golden Flower | 1993 | HarperOne | 160 | 9780062501936 |
| I Ching: The Book of Change | 2017 | Shambhala | 152 | 9781611805000 |
