Cultivating the Ch'I

Stuart Alve Olson, student of T.T. Liang, is admittedly one of my favorite authors due to his vast knowlege of Taiji Quan, Qi Gong, and his numerous translations of classical Taoist texts. In this book, he translates texts outlining the Taoist Internal Alchemy elements found in the Yang style Taiji Quan. Originally this information was printed by Chen Yen-Lin, a student of Yang Chengfu, who borrowed his master’s family manuscript and had it copied by 7 transcribers.

Admittedly this information is not quite ground-breaking in light of recent Taoist Qi Gong texts. However, this material provides more in-depth information about various Qi Gong methods found in Taiji Quan practice than the texts later released by Yang Chengfu.

Covered in the book, is the microcosmic orbit, the proper techniques for gathering and mobilizing qi, and proper breathing instruction. Standing and sitting meditations are provided. Anyone interested in Qi Gong elements of Taiji Quan should not pass this by.

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