Bøger af Stuart Alve Olson

MARTIAL ARTS/ EASTERN PHILOSOPHY T'ai Chi According to the I Ching presents a practice that is the first-time correlation of two major Taoist philosophies. T'ai Chi is a physical expression of Taoist thought--a philosophy in motion. T'ai Chi initiates a process of internal alchemy that allows for the stimulation and accumulation of chi through the major energy systems of the body. Physically, this process restores youthful flexibility. Spiritually, it frees the mind to roam the sublime Tao. The relationships between T'ai Chi, the I Ching, and Taoist philosophy are well established in many of the classical texts and teachings handed down from the time of the Yellow Emperor (c. 2500 b.c.e.) continuing up to the period of Chang San-Feng (c. a.d. 1200). Until now these relationships have not been explored in Western texts. Stuart Alve Olson now shows how the eight trigrams of the II Ching relate to the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi and how together they comprise the orderly sequence of the postures in the Before Heaven T'ai Chi Form, the foundation of all T'ai Chi forms. Using more than 250 photographs, Olson provides a step-by-step guide to each posture in the Before Heaven T'ai Chi Form and illustrates the sixty-four postures of the After Heaven T'ai Chi Form. In addition, the author discusses the universal principles of T'ai Chi that enable one to master the practice and access all the health and philosophical benefits of T'ai Chi as well as gain insight into the philosophy of the I Ching. T'ai Chi According to the I Ching is an essential reference book for any serious student of T'ai Chi, the I Ching, and Taoism, showing how beautifully Taoism is expressed in the motions of the T'ai Chi form. STUART ALVE OLSON is a longtime student of renowned T'ai Chi Ch'uan Master T. T. Liang. He has also studied under numerous Buddhist and Taoist masters, including Ch'an Master Hsuan Hua, Kung fu and healing Master Oei Khong-hwei, and Dharma Master Cheng Yi. He is the author of Qigong Teachings of a Taoist Immortal, T'ai Chi for Kids, and Tao of No Stress. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

This book reveals the simple and effective method of Embryonic Breathing within Taoist meditation for the purpose of opening the lower Elixir Field, the very foundation of Internal Alchemy. It focuses on Stuart Alve Olson's translation of The Lofty and Foremost Jade Emperor's Canon on Embryonic Breathing, a very popular sixteenth century Taoist text comprising nine verses, as well as a translation of the brilliant commentary by Taoist Master Zhong Xuzi. In addition Olson provides a concise and informative introduction and commentary on the nine verses of the text, and shares much of what he had learned from Master T.T. Liang on this subject. Despite the brevity of this work the theory and practice of Embryonic Breathing is very profound. The text and commentaries are simple in their underlying message: congeal the Spirit and Qi in the lower Elixir Field. The nine verses succinctly cover the very foundation of this method in an uncomplicated manner by simply teaching that the proper use of Embryonic Breathing, swallowing the saliva, and deep concentration on the lower Elixir Field are the root conditions for opening the Elixir Field, thereby bringing about the causes and conditions for attaining longevity and immortality. This book teaches that the opening of the lower Elixir Field is accomplished through three functions: Embryonic Breathing, Swallowing the Saliva, and Retaining the Spirit. All three rely on directing attention to the lower Elixir Field where the three internal energies of Jing (Essence/Body), Qi (Vitality/Breath), and Shen (Spirit/Mind) converge. The experience of opening the lower Elixir Field is paramount to progressing in any meditation practice, and this work succinctly provides the instructions for doing so, no matter the tradition.

Sex is the most powerful psychological and physiological energy in the human experience. Just treated recreationally, it becomes a catalyst for poor health and early death, but when used with a purpose and discipline, becomes an exceptional path for experiencing optimal health and longevity, and as a means for experiencing transcendental states.The first chapter on Rosy Clouds, as presented by Taoist Immortal Li Qingyun, teaches how sexual matters should be attuned to the workings and timing of nature in order to achieve health and longevity. The second chapter on The Plain Maiden Classic explains how sex can be employed for the advancement of health and longevity, providing many of the longstanding principles of self-care used in Chinese medicine even to this day. The third chapter, Thirty Sexual Types of Skills by Consort Tong Xuanzi, goes to the heart of harmonizing a person's emotional (Qi) needs for the attainment of optimum health and mental well-being. The fourth chapter, Three Oral Treasures, as attributed to Crimson Immortaless Wu of the Broad Cauldron Sect of Taoism, presents the more sexual Internal Alchemy teachings which, at best, catapult practitioners into forming the Elixir of Immortality or simply guide the participants into more euphoric or transcendent states of mind stimulated by sexual meditative means, as is found in the early traditions of tantra developed in India.Learning how to handle and utilize the energy of sexual activity is much more beneficial to one's life than just experiencing the normal trap of reacting to sexual impulses and desires. With understanding comes greater experience, greater benefit, and a greater sex life. The four gateways to Taoist sexuality and practice detailed in this book are but branches of a singular path leading to the same destination, a transformational experience of our innate sexuality and energy, rooted in compassion and wisdom.

This book provides a succinct organization of materials and advice Li Qingyun provided on the subject for attaining health and longevity. Stuart Alve Olson's The Immortal: True Accounts of the 250-Year-Old Man, Li Qingyun is a large book covering many aspects of Li's teachings and life, and since it is a direct translation of Yang Sen's Chinese edition, it can be more challenging to navigate the teachings. Stuart's purpose in translating The Immortal was to present that work as Yang Sen intended, and he didn't provide any personal in-depth commentary and instructions to clarify the teachings. This book then fills in the gaps regarding Li Qingyun's advice and instructions for attaining health and longevity. The first chapter, The Fundamentals of Longevity, starts out with basic, but unique, regimes on acquiring longevity. The second chapter, Foods and Herbs for Longevity, covers more clearly the herbs Li Qingyun and Yang Sen recommended for improving health and life span. The third chapter, Sex and Longevity, explains what Li Qingyun meant by the sexual practices of Refining the Rosy Clouds. The fourth chapter, The Eight Diagrams Elemental Exercises, more popularly called Eight Brocades, includes a detailed look at these exercises. The fifth chapter, Embryonic Breathing and Longevity, delves into Li's teachings on Opening the Three Passes and Embryonic Breathing Qigong methods named after the two primary images from the Book of Changes (Yi Jing)-Qian (Creativity of Heaven) and Kun (Receptivity of Earth). The sixth chapter, The Six Qi, is about the practice of the Six Healing Sounds used for both the cure and prevention of illness and disease, and as a meditation practice. The seventh chapter, Calming the Mind, is about regulating the mind and calming the spirit, the very roots of maintaining good health and acquiring longevity. These seven chapters provide a clear path for improving health and attaining longevity. You may not incorporate all of them into your daily practice, but you'll find numerous little regimes and insights that can prove most useful in your daily life. The intention of this book is not to convince you to take on all the practices, even though that would be quite effective, but to select those elements you find useful and appropriate to your life and schedule.

The books in this two-volume series present the most important tools and information on how to utilize the Book of Changes (I Ching). The Book of Sun and Moon, an alternative-though accurate-translation for the title of the I Ching, is both a book of divination and calculation. Its use in divination means to apply intuition concerning the oracle of the hexagrams (the sixty-four images of broken and unbroken Yin-and-Yang lines). Its ability to calculate and determine possible outcomes for any situation involves examining the logical correlations associated with each of the hexagrams and what images they change into and head toward.Using the Book of Sun and Moon is like being a detective or tracker. The images are the clues and tracks, and a good detective or tracker needs not only tools of deduction and observation, but also a strong sense of intuition. Hence, the Book of Sun and Moon provides the main tools for both.Some questions put to the Book of Sun and Moon may only seem to need an understanding of the oracle portion, while others may only seem to require the use of logic and calculation. Without applying both intuition and logic, however, you are only receiving half the picture and limiting the amount of information the Book of Sun and Moon can provide.Volume I contains background historical information and explanations of the I Ching's construction and uses for divination and calculation. Volume II contains the translations of the original Book of Sun and Moon, along with specific correlations for the hexagrams and trigrams for interpretation, as well as Stuart Alve Olson's commentaries derived from various Chinese and English sources.These new editions of the Book of Sun and Moon provide a distinctly Daoist perspective on the work, which sets them apart from the majority of other translations of the I Ching that contain commentaries based on Confucian ideals and philosoph

This monk spade form is attributed to Lu Da (Martial Hero Lu or Eminent Lu), whose Buddhist name was Sagacious Lu. This brash, fearless, martial rogue monk was popularized in the Song dynasty Chinese novel Outlaws of the Marsh by Shi Nai'an. The form originates out of Shaolin Temple Kung Fu, as documented in the book The Eighteen Weapon Types of Shaolin, compiled by Wang Changqing. The monk spade is one of the eighteen basic weapons a monk would learn. Traditionally, Taoist and Buddhist monks used it as both a weapon and implement during their pilgrimages and cloud wanderings. It was used for protection against fierce animals and bandits. As a tool it served to clear brush when making camp for the night, shoveling out a fire pit, and for digging holes in which to bury any dead animals encountered along their travels. This was especially true for Buddhist monks who would take vows to do this service. Stuart Alve Olson's purpose in publishing this book, as with his other translations of martial art works, such as The Eighteen Lohan Skills: Traditional Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Training Methods, is to present the text in English as close to the original Chinese as possible, and even using the original drawings. His goal is to help preserve these incredible teachings in their traditional form.

The books in this two-volume series present the most important tools and information on how to utilize the Book of Changes (I Ching). The Book of Sun and Moon, an alternative-though accurate-translation for the title of the I Ching, is both a book of divination and calculation. Its use in divination means to apply intuition concerning the oracle of the hexagrams (the sixty-four images of broken and unbroken Yin-and-Yang lines). Its ability to calculate and determine possible outcomes for any situation involves examining the logical correlations associated with each of the hexagrams and what images they change into and head toward. Using the Book of Sun and Moon is like being a detective or tracker. The images are the clues and tracks, and a good detective or tracker needs not only tools of deduction and observation, but also a strong sense of intuition. Hence, the Book of Sun and Moon provides the main tools for both. Some questions put to the Book of Sun and Moon may only seem to need an understanding of the oracle portion, while others may only seem to require the use of logic and calculation. Without applying both intuition and logic, however, you are only receiving half the picture and limiting the amount of information the Book of Sun and Moon can provide. Volume I contains background historical information and explanations of the I Ching's construction and uses for divination and calculation. Volume II contains the translations of the original Book of Sun and Moon, along with specific correlations for the hexagrams and trigrams for interpretation, as well as Stuart Alve Olson's commentaries derived from various Chinese and English sources. These new editions of the Book of Sun and Moon provide a distinctly Daoist perspective on the work, which sets them apart from the majority of other translations of the I Ching that contain commentaries based on Confucian ideals and philosophy.

With its unique system of philosophical and spiritual cultivation, Transformation Through Good Literature teaches how to be a good human being, or as other Taoist works might define this, a True Person. Not accomplished solely from Internal Alchemy practices, attaining deep meditative states of mind, nor even through the imbibing of secret formulas (such as a pill of immortality), becoming a True Person takes great philosophical understanding and mindfulness of one's conduct and thoughts. Just as Taoist internal arts take great discipline and effort to achieve, most people have neither the means, environment, nor ambition to seriously study them. Transformation through good literature is also not easy, but it does offer a system whereby the cultivator need not retire to a monastery or a mountain hermitage, as the practice is maintained right within one's daily life. It's a system devoted to the idea of correcting human behavior, of studying great works of literature to glean wisdom, and above all else to be mindful of your self, your actions, and your thoughts. In the end, becoming a True Person is not a matter of thinking you must be morally upright in all your thoughts and actions, which only leads to fanaticism, but rather about being mindful and aware of your thoughts and actions. As the Taoist Immortal Li Qingyun stated, "Do not be afraid of having thoughts, be afraid of not being aware of them."

The Embracing the One (Bao Yi) visualization meditation method relies on the use of an illustration called "The Sexual Intercourse (or Marriage) of the Dragon and Tiger," which first appeared in the Ming dynasty text The Jade Tablet Decrees on Nature and Life, one of the most important Internal Alchemy works in all of Taoism. The Dragon represents Qi (vitality/breath), our spiritual energy; and the Tiger, the Jing (essence/the body), our sexual energy. Together they symbolize the two main aspects of the human consciousness and function, representing the ego (Dragon) and our instincts (Tiger). In Taoism, the Dragon is seen as what keeps us always in delusion of a self (ego) and the Tiger keeps us distracted by instincts (id). These two mental components are forever seeking to conquer the other. As long as the Dragon and Tiger battle in the mind (meaning, the ego attempting to overshadow the id, and the id overpowering the ego) we will remain in the state Taoism calls "perplexity and turbidity." But once the ego and id are revealed as false we experience "clarity and tranquility" or what is called "the naturally-just-so" or "attaining the Tao." In this book, Stuart Alve Olson provides a concise and detailed look at the Taoist visualization meditation method of Embracing the One, clearly explaining the underlying principles of this ancient practice and providing the first English translation of the text, illustration, procedures, and related chants. Even though the methods of Embracing the One are distinctly simple in application the effects of the overall practice are quite profound and deep. Through the simple act of visualizing the Dragon and Tiger a whole new mind ground can be discovered, naturally bringing forth the "Spirit." This little work is in many ways a landmark piece on Taoism and will definitely augment one's knowledge of meditation and Taoist philosophy.

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.

The first English translation of Master Li Ching-yun's teachings on the Eight Brocades, the central practice of qigong.

SELF-HELP / HEALTH Tao of No Stress offers easy-to-use techniques to help us let go of tension and strain in the mind, body, and spirit through the three paths of mental relaxation, massage, and breathing. Starting from the basic principle of, "If you want to know how to eliminate stress, ask someone who is without stress," Olson shows how even the most harried Westerner can use these simple, time-tested exercises of Taoist masters to go beyond reducing stress to eliminating it all together. Learn 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 employing deep breathing methods all day long, you will discover the gifts of tranquillity, health, and balance offered by age-old Taoist practices. Tao of No Stress contains traditional verse, instructional photographs, and the down-to-earth guidance of the author and teaches both the experienced Taoist practitioner and the complete novice how to live stress free in a stressful world. STUART ALVE OLSON has studied T'ai Chi, meditation, and Chinese language for more than twenty-five years under numerous Buddhist and Taoist masters. He is the author of Qigong Teachings of a Taoist Immortal, Tai Chi for Kids, and T'ai Chi According to the I Ching. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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.

The first tai chi book exclusively for children ages 4 to 8.• Uses children''s delight in imitating animals to teach the eight basic tai chi forms essential for health.• Each exercise is accompanied by colorful artwork and photographs of the author''s 7-year-old son demonstrating postures.• Written as a story to invite imaginative play and learning.• Designed for children and parents to play with together and for independent learning by older children.Millions of adults practice the ancient Chinese exercise of tai chi everyday. Now children can experience the numerous health, learning, and social benefits of tai chi--focused attention; enhanced creativity, imagination, self-confidence; and improved balance, circulation, and overall health--through the eight simple exercises introduced in Tai Chi for Kids. Inspired by his own son''s excitement with tai chi at the age of only three, master teacher Stuart Olson appeals to the innate imagination and playfulness of children to teach them the eight basic forms of a tai chi practice. Children have fun imitating animals while guided by colorful and playful illustrations and photographs of Olson''s son, Lee, performing each posture. Olson uses the language of a storyteller, wonderful animal metaphors that invite children to pretend, and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions so that every child can enjoy such exercises as "Chasing the Monkeys Away," and "Riding the Tiger to the Mountain." The book also includes a fun teaching tale of how tai chi first began that can be read out loud by a parent or independently by the older child. Tai Chi for Kids introduces children to a lifetime of physical fitness and instills in them a love of movement.