At 101 years old, Master T. T. Liang's remarkable journey from Taiwan to the U.S. in the 1960s showcases a life steeped in martial arts adventure. His experiences range from serving as a high-ranking government official to engaging in street fights and encounters with opium dens, all while learning from mystical masters and monks. The narrative is enriched with twenty-five photographs, illustrating the vibrant and intense life of this influential t'ai chi master.
Exploring the core tenets of Taoism, this book delves into the transformative power of internal energies—ching, qi, and shen—essential for health and longevity. It features new translations of significant Taoist texts, including "The Immortals" and "The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic," alongside a rare treatise on the Three Treasures of Immortality. The author, a seasoned practitioner, provides insightful commentary that connects ancient wisdom with modern applications, inspiring readers to cultivate a fuller, healthier life.
This is the first English translation of one of the most important Taoist texts on how to achieve immortality. Stuart Olsen provides an in-depth commentary based on his own experience in Taoist practice. Included is a unique discourse in the cultivation of the Three Treasures which offers genuine and practical advice for spiritual development that will enrich the life of any serious student. A must for anyone interested in Chinese philosophy and Taoism in particular.
Master Li Ching-yun is reliably chronicled to have lived more than 250 years, during which he practiced the Eight Brocades on a daily basis. His longevity and personal endorsements attest to the Eight Brocades as the quintessence of qigong practice.
Developed by Wang Lang over 300 years ago, Praying Mantis Kung Fu is the only martial art based on the fighting skills of an insect. This fascinating system utilizes swift, methodical movements for defense and offense, and is well respected as an art that helps practitioners develop great strength and perseverance. The Complete Guide to Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu provides an in-depth look at the history and practice of this remarkable martial art. Author Stuart Alve Olson, a student of T. T. Liang, draws on the lineages of Masters Feng Huan-I and Wang Han-Fon, but includes detailed description of all major schools, styles, and lineages. The first half of the book focuses on tactics and theory; the second half contains step-by-step descriptions of the fundamental Praying Mantis stances, exercises, footwork, and kicks, clearly illustrated by more than 200 photographs. What sets this book apart from other works on Praying Mantis is its philosophical depth; author Olson gives a clear account of the development of the art and the Taoist principles from which it arose. This book provides the basis for not only mastering the martial art of Praying Mantis Kung Fu but also mastering oneself—the true goal of all martial arts.
Teaches the three paths that Taoist masters have used for centuries to create tranquillity in one's life.• Adapts ancient Taoist wisdom to address the problems of a frenetic lifestyle.• Offers clear instructions for releasing, massaging, and breathing stress away.• Explores the mind/body/stress connection, showing that once the mind is calm, the body can function at its best.Starting from the basic principle of "If you want to know how to eliminate stress, ask someone who is without stress," Stuart Alve Olson introduces the simple, time-tested exercises of Taoist masters to teach even the most harried Westerner how to go beyond reducing stress to eliminating it all together. Olson offers easy-to-use techniques to help us let go of tension and mental strain through breathing, mental relaxation, and massage.Readers will learn from fifth-century physician T'ao Hung-ching the Six Sounds therapy that can be practiced between phone calls at the office or during morning traffic. Whether rubbing a simple pressure point in the middle of a meeting or enjoying breathing methods like the Heng Ha breath all day long, readers will discover the gifts of tranquillity, health, and balance offered by age-old Taoist practices. Tao of No Stress utilizes traditional verse, photos, and the down-to-earth guidence of the author to teach both the experienced Taoist practitioner and the complete novice how to live stress free in a stress full world.
