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.
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.
". . . this is an excellent book, well conceived to introduce Americans and other Westerners to some of the most difficult and obscure aspects of the Taoist imagination and consciousness."
