The first English translation with commentary of three classic Taoist texts on immortality * Translates The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic, The Immortals, and The Three Treasures of Immortality * Defines the Taoist concept of immortality and examines the lives and practices of Taoists who achieved this state * Reveals the steps needed to achieve immortality in our modern society Taoist mystics claim that it is possible to achieve immortality: "Within each of us dwells the medicine to cure the affliction of mortality." Now Western readers can access the wisdom of Taoist masters on the subject of immortality through the first English translations of three classic Taoist treatises: The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic; The Immortals, from the Pao P'u Tzu by Ko Hung of the Sung Dynasty; and The Three Treasures of Immortality, from the Dragon Gate Sect. The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic teaches that one can attain immortality through the cultivation of the three treasures of Taoism: ching (sexual and physical energy), qi (breath and vital energy), and shen (spirit and mental energy). Chinese history is sprinkled with accounts of individuals who applied the lessons of the Jade Emperor and lived up to 200 years. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Taoism, martial arts, and Chinese history and culture, Stuart Alve Olson accompanies his translations with informative commentary that explains the historical context of the texts as well as demonstrates the practical applications of their teachings in contemporary life.
A Crucial Pre-Requisite for the Serious Student of Taoism
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
In my opinion, this book should be one of the main pre-requisites to reading more advanced Taoist literature. Olson goes into in-depth explanation of some of the major, and most prominent terminology within Internal Alchemy schools of Taoism. A lot of the concepts within the Mind Seal Classic are mentioned in major Taoist texts (including some texts translated by Eva Wong,) making this an excellent reference point for any serious student of Taoism. The book presents a translation of the Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic along with a phonetic version for those wishing to recite in Mandarin (if I am not mistaken,) instructions for recitation in front of a Jade Emperor shrine, an overview of the Jade emperor from a historical perspective, and in-depth commentary on each stanza of the Classic. Being an author who spent his lifetime translating classical Chinese texts, as well as an apprentice to a well known Taoist master (Tung Tsang Liang,) Olson's views on the classic are very insightful and helpful to a beginner practitioner in the Taoist arts. The information within this book sheds light on a lot of vague concepts and terminology often times used in Taoist manuals, and will definitely serve as immense resource in understanding many of the seemingly obscure Taoist texts. A must have for any serious student and the curious alike.
The Taoist Text you have been waiting for !
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I really enjoyed Mr. Olson's Translation, and I hope he keeps translating more and more . Tung Li
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