TAOISM / QIGONG "Contains very good explanations of and information on Chinese Taoist concepts, principles, practices, and goals. It also provides useful tips for everyday health and pointers for accessing the mysteries of mysticism. Readers will be inspired to begin or renew their commitments for cultivating a fuller life." --Master Mantak Chia, author of Taoist Cosmic Healing Taoist principles state that we each possess within ourselves the medicine necessary to promote optimum health, prolong life, and even achieve immortality. Taoists view illness and death as the natural results of dissipating the Three Treasures--ching (sexual and physical energy), qi (breath and vital energy), and shen (spirit and mental energy). The secret science of restoring, gathering, and transforming these primal energies creates an internal Elixir of Immortality that reverses the effects of the aging process. In The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic, Stuart Alve Olson presents new translations of three primary Taoist texts: "The Immortals," from the Pao P'u Tzu by Ko Hung of the Sung dynasty--the first Taoist in ancient China to give a full personal account of his search for immortality; the first and only translation of the complete text of The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic, which has long been one of five important scriptures recited daily by Taoists of the Dragon Gate Sect; and a rare Dragon Gate treatise, "The Three Treasures of Immortality," that defines the subjects of ching, qi, and shen. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Taoism, martial arts, and Chinese history and culture, the author accompanies his translations with extensive commentary that explains the historical context of the texts as well as demonstrates the practical applications of their teachings in contemporary life. STUART ALVE OLSON has been a practicing Taoist for over thirty years and has studied with the famous Taoist master T. T. Liang (1900-2002). He lectures throughout the world and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction: A Brief Overview of Taoism
The Formative Years of Taoism
The Complete Reality School and the Dragon Gate Sects
1 What Is Immortality?
2 Is Immortality Possible?
"The Immortals" from the Pao P'u T'zu Nei P'ien by Ko Hung
3 The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic Refining the Three Treasures
Historical Background
Origins of the Jade Emperor
Explanation of Terms
A Translation of The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic
Lu Szu-hsing's Appended Verses
Commentary
4 The Three Treasures of Immortality
"The Three Treasures of Immortality" from Hsien Tao Ching Tso Ching by T'ien Hsin
Ching: The First Treasure
Qi: The Second Treasure
Shen: The Third Treasure
5 Closing Tips for Cultivating Immortality
Bibliography
About the Author
Index