Clarity And Tranquility

Clarity & Tranquility: A Guide for Daoist Meditation is an in-depth work on the method of Tranquil Sitting, a crucial and important practice for all Daoist practitioners. Stuart Alve Olson's introduction provides a great deal of valuable advice, history, and purpose for Tranquil Sitting. The main body of the work is divided into three integral sections that provide a comprehensive overview for anyone seriously seeking to practice meditation, whether one is a beginner or a longtime practitioner. Each section is distinct, yet they all work together to ensure the meditation practitioner has not only the insight of purpose for Daoist meditation, but the correct method. The Supreme Exalted One's Clarity and Tranquility of the Constant Scripture is a central and key text on Daoist meditation. During the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), Bai Yuchan (Jade Toad immortal) said the following on its importance, "The main theme of this text is to reveal that the attainment of clarity and tranquility are the source conditions for obtaining immortality." In 1927, Li Qingyun, the 250-Year-Old Man, gave the following advice on Tranquil Sitting, "Meditation is the first important rule for the fundamentals of longevity. This stabilizes the Jing [Essence], concentrates the Shen [Spirit], and controls the Vital-Energy [Qi]." Clarity & Tranquility, along with Refining the Elixir and The Seen and Unseen are all companion works to Olson's Being Daoist: The Way of Drifting with the Current, which focuses on the philosophical foundations of Daoism. Whereas Clarity & Tranquility confines itself to the practice and philosophy of Tranquil Sitting meditation, Refining the Elixir addresses the Daoist Internal Alchemy teachings, and The Seen and Unseen presents the practice of Daoist contemplative meditation. Stuart Alve Olson is also working on two other key meditation texts: The Yellow Court Scripture and The Secret of the Golden Flower.

Twentieth anniversary edition of the classic series of bilingual Chinese-English translations of nine important, representative, and practice-oriented Daoist texts. Volume I includes the general introduction and Handbooks 1-3; volume II consists of Handbooks 4-6; and volume III includes Handbooks 7-9 and the combined bibliography.

This book elaborates on contentedness—one aspect of the mindfulness philosophy that emerges from Buddhism. The areas of deep relaxation, calm, and still awareness of the immediate moment; a virtuous lifestyle; and an appropriate and authentic worldview are discussed.

This is the Taoist Master Yin Shi Zi's inspirational testament and practical guide to the healing power and spiritual benefits of meditation. The book offers in-depth documentation of the theory, physiological aspects and instruction for the practice of meditation, and provides an account of Yin Shi Zi's personal experiences with meditation.

When you come upon a teaching that is clear and unmistakably true, it is gift. There is much confusion about how a person should go about living their life and a million different people willing to tell you how to do it; so if you find yourself with the grace of this book, then know without a doubt that you have received a gift of clarity as well as an invitation to take up the reigns of your own life and steer the course to a life of tranquility. As an author and teacher, Ryan shares his life's work. You will not find parroted words or spiritual platitudes, nor will you be comforted in the blankets of delusion. This is a straightforward, no bullshit exposition on truth that will illuminate areas where you find yourself lost in confusion and offer methods that have been employed since time immemorial to ground our rampant human condition in the crystal clarity of eternal wisdom. This book progresses beautifully along the theme of 'first things first', taking the reader on a journey that begins by addressing the most practical elements of how to live a balanced, healthy life and continues pointing all the way to Ultimate Truth, which transcends it all (and back again). However, we don't take off to run a marathon if we have never even jogged around the block. To run a marathon takes training, and to realize the deepest truth takes an equal discipline and devotion - the way of which is outlined clearly in the pages of this book. And even in its practicality, love touches every aspect of your heart in reading this teaching. It is that pure, unattached love from which Ryan's teaching is grounded that holds the most transformative power. This ground is authentic and without agenda. You can rest in knowing you will not be lead astray with empty promises of becoming something better, more or different from what you already are. What you will find is guidance on how to be still and rest just as you are and allow the seeds of truth to blossom. Before you plant your seeds, you prepare your field. This book helps you to cultivate a nourishing field of consciousness and also plants beautiful seeds of truth. Whether you are seasoned with spiritual insight or just starting on your journey, you will find wisdom and comfort in these pages. We are all beginners and we are all in this together, lest we forget: Ryan reminds us of the simplicity of it all through A Course in Tranquility. -Prajna Ana, Author, Dying Into This

The Seen and Unseen, based on the teachings of The Yellow Emperor's Yin Convergence Scripture, presents the philosophical details for engaging in the inner contemplative forms of meditation. Many methods on meditation are based on the teaching of ceasing all thought, but in this work the practice goes to the contemplation and observation of thoughts and mind. As the Yin Convergence Scripture states, "Mind creates everything."There is nothing other than mind, so the understanding and contemplation of it will culminate in realizing the Tao.The Yin Convergence Scriptureis one of the oldest Taoist texts on contemplative meditation. It approaches meditation as an act of understanding through quiet contemplation of the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity and how the Five Thieves of each power rob us of not only realizing the Tao, but our health and longevity as well. The contemplative methods in conjunction with this work fall into three categories: 1) Taking a single verse of the Yin Convergence Scripture and deeply contemplating its meaning during meditation, repeating the verse like a mantra. 2) Reading and reciting from memory the entire scripture several times (either in English or Chinese) during meditation. 3) Recording the text and simply listening to it repeatedly. Through the practice of these various methodsyou can make great progress in settling the mind, thusachieving clarity and tranquility. This book is a companion work to Stuart's Alve Olson'sBeing Daoist: The Way of Drifting with the Current, Clarity & Tranquility: A Guide for Daoist Meditation, andRefining the Elixir: The Internal Alchemy Teachings of Taoist Immortal Zhang Sanfeng.Together these books will inspire anyone interested in contemplation meditation to become more diligent in their practice, and to bring greater clarity and tranquility to their life. Any meditation practitioner of any tradition will find this book a very worthwhile read."

Welcome to "The Ultimate Guide to Positivity: 15,000 Life-Changing Affirmations," a comprehensive treasure trove of powerful, uplifting affirmations designed to transform every aspect of your life. Whether you're seeking to manifest abundance, enhance your self-confidence, or find inner peace, this book offers the perfect affirmation for every goal and challenge you face. Dive into a world where positivity reigns supreme, and discover the secret to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Why Affirmations Matter: Positive affirmations are more than just words—they are a tool for rewiring your mind, shifting your perspective, and aligning your thoughts with your deepest desires. This book brings you the most extensive collection of affirmations, each carefully crafted to address a wide range of topics and personal goals. Explore a World of Affirmations: Empowerment and Self-Improvement: Positive Affirmations for Self-Worth Positive Affirmations for Self-Confidence Positive Affirmations for Self-Love Positive Affirmations for Self-Empowerment Positive Affirmations for Self-Respect Health and Wellness: Positive Affirmations for Physical Healing and Health Positive Affirmations for Healing Illness Positive Affirmations for Mental Health Positive Affirmations for Good Sleep Positive Affirmations for Weight Loss/Gain Love and Relationships: Positive Affirmations for Manifesting Love Positive Affirmations for Relationship Healing Positive Affirmations for Healthy Relationships Positive Affirmations for Attracting a Specific Person Positive Affirmations for Loving Yourself Success and Abundance: Positive Affirmations for Financial Abundance Positive Affirmations for Career Success Positive Affirmations for Business Success Positive Affirmations for Job Interview Success Positive Affirmations for Manifesting Wealth Spiritual Growth and Inner Peace: Positive Affirmations for Divine Feminine Energy New Moon Affirmations for New Beginnings Root Chakra Affirmations for Grounding, Strength, and Stability Third Eye Chakra Affirmations for Clarity & Emotional Balance Positive Affirmations for Trusting the Universe Overcoming Challenges: Positive Affirmations for Trauma Survivors Positive Affirmations for Healing a Broken Heart Positive Affirmations for Recovering Addicts Positive Affirmations for Stress Relief Positive Affirmations to Break Free From Toxic Relationships Daily Motivation and Productivity: Positive Affirmations for Starting the Day Positive Affirmations for Focus Positive Affirmations to Boost Productivity Positive Affirmations for Self-Control Positive Affirmations for Strengthening Your Willpower Specialized Needs: Positive Affirmations for Young Black Females Positive Affirmations for People with ADHD Positive Affirmations for Athletes Positive Affirmations for Pregnant Women Positive Affirmations for Overcoming Panic Attacks The Ultimate Positivity Toolkit: This book is organized to provide easy access to affirmations based on your immediate needs. Each section includes detailed affirmations tailored to specific topics, ensuring you find the right words to inspire and uplift you. Whether you're a beginner to affirmations or a seasoned practitioner, this guide offers a wealth of positivity to support your journey.

An anthology of primary texts on meditation and contemplative prayer from a wide range of religious traditions. This is the first theoretically informed and historically accurate comparative anthology of primary texts on meditation and contemplative prayer. Written by international experts on the respective texts and corresponding traditions, Contemplative Literature provides introductions to and primary sources on contemplative practice from various religious traditions. The contributors explore classical Daoist apophatic meditation, Quaker silent prayer, Jewish Kabbalah, Southern Buddhist meditation, Sufi contemplation, Eastern Orthodox prayer, Pure Land Buddhist visualization, Hindu classical Yoga, Dominican Catholic prayer, Daoist internal alchemy, and modern therapeutic meditation. Each introduction to a contemplative text discusses its historical context, the associated religious tradition and literature, the method of contemplative practice, and the text’s legacy and influence. Volume editor Louis Komjathy opens the work with a thoughtful consideration of interpretive issues in the emerging interdisciplinary field of contemplative studies. Readers will gain not only a nuanced understanding of important works of contemplative literature, but also resources for understanding contemplative practice and contemplative experience from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. Louis Komjathy is Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. He has published several books, including Daoism: A Guide for the Perplexed and The Way of Complete Perfection: A Quanzhen Daoist Anthology, also published by SUNY Press.