Refining The Elixir

Refining the Elixir is one of the clearest and most in-depth analyses on Internal Alchemy (Neidan) in English. Aside from the excellent translation work, Stuart Alve Olson provides extensive introductory sections and commentaries on the texts-a wonderful guide for practicing and learning the meditation art and science of Internal Alchemy. Stuart Alve Olson addresses the mystical terminology of Internal Alchemy by explaining it in understandable, detailed, and practical terms. Anyone, no matter the tradition of meditation followed, will find this book inspiring and enlightening. Four important works by Zhang Sanfeng (Three Peaks Zhang) are provided, along with commentaries: The Great Process for Refining the Elixir Treatise Verses on Seated Meditation The Sleeping Immortal Zhang Sanfeng's Commentary on Lu Zi's One Hundred Word Discourse These four works of Zhang Sanfeng outline clear perspectives on the Taoist practice of Internal Alchemy, a unique and effective system designed for the development of health, longevity, and immortality.Zhang Sanfeng, a Taoist priest of the twelfth century, is not only credited with the creation of Tai Ji Quan, but with some of the greatest Internal Alchemy texts. He reportedly lived 170 years, from the late Song dynasty through the Yuan and into the early Ming dynasty. Zhang's life exemplified the Chinese ideal of a true "cloud wandering" immortal. His internal alchemy and meditation texts reveal not only his deep wisdom, but his great influence on Taoism and the teachings leading to immortality.

In his previous life, he was the world's number one assassin. As the person he loved, he became the enemy of everyone. With a wave of his hand, he annihilated the world's number one sect. A thousand years later, he was reincarnated in flames, and the person he loved became a piece of trash. After eighteen years of trying his best, he returned to his cultivation and once again embarked on the path of an exterminating god! Close]

Written during the Tang dynasty, this unusual tantric guide documents a sexual tantra that is thought to have been practiced by kings for several dynasties, before losing favor to a more ascetic approach to Taoism. According to legend, the author was last seen on the edge of a precipice, clasping the book to his chest, and proclaiming the sincerity of his practice. Translated into English for the first time, this illuminating text carefully describes the methods of this sexual internal alchemy practice, pursued strictly for the spiritual advancement of the practitioner, and undertaken only once desire and attachment for a consort had been overcome. Cloaked in metaphor, the techniques and attendant virtues of the practice are presented in beautiful poetry and prose, with explanatory commentaries throughout. This is an important historical text that will provide a fascinating insight into ancient tantric practices for anyone with an interest in Taoism, Chinese history and philosophy, and tantra or meditation practices.

An anthology of English translations of primary texts of the Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) school of Daoism.

A fascinating guide to the mental, physical, and esoteric spiritual transformative Taoist practices designed to increase longevity and unity with the world—with commentary and interpretation on the traditional text by a contemporary academic and meditation practitioner. Taoist alchemical practices are renowned for their mental, physical, and spiritually transformative benefits—including longevity and increased connection to the world around us. In this guide to Master Huang Yuanji’s Taoist classic, Ge Guolong presents the basics of inner alchemy and the tradition’s most essential meditation practices—along with explanations of the fundamental theories and methods one needs to actually start walking the path. Historically, Taoist teachers borrowed complex terminology from astrology, numerology, and metallurgical alchemy to describe the process of individual transformation that occurs as a result of long-term meditation practice. Ge Guolong demystifies that classical terminology, illuminating Taoism’s straightforward and eminently practical philosophy. These vivid explanations of Huang Yuanji’s discourses—a Taoist master from the late-Ming, early-Qing Dynasty (1636–1912)—are particularly striking for their clarity, relevance to day-to-day life, and close relationship to the philosophy of such works as the Tao Te Ching and Chuang-tzu. Synthesizing numerous streams of Chinese philosophy and elucidating their lived practice, Taoist Inner Alchemy is as an excellent entry point to discover the riches of traditional Taoist thought and meditation.

Correlating the traditional therapies of Qigong with the most recent outcomes of scientific research, this is the authoritative introduction to the knowledge system and content of Qigong study. Substantially revised and updated reflecting changes made to the new Chinese edition, the text now has an accompanying DVD showing the forms in action, new information about key concepts and practice, and coverage of the applications of Qigong for a range of medical conditions. The only official textbook used in colleges of traditional Chinese medicine in China, this is an essential reference for medical and health practitioners working in complementary and alternative therapies.

The old Taoist priest, who was exposed by people and was struck by lightning, smiled wryly, and his wrinkled old face showed a trace of sincerity: "Anan, I am doing this for your own good. Recently, I see that your face is a bit wrong, with a black cage and an ominous eyebrow. My mysterious people pay attention to getting lucky and avoiding evil. Even if I am a liar, I have never thought of cheating you. For the sake of a colleague, I am kind ... Speaking of faces, the old man nagged endlessly

The land around Shiroishi Castle is barren. Originally, there were few residents here, so it seems impossible to develop into today's scale. However, there is nothing absolute. I don't know how many years ago, some aristocratic families in Fengyang County discovered that Baishishan was rich in stone, and the stone produced was profitable whether it was used for building or processing sculpture. Baishishan is actually Baoshan. So they built a stone carving workshop along the Bailan River to carve stones. After several hundred years' development, a big city was gradually built, which is the predecessor of Shiroishi Castle today.