TAOISM / QIGONG Throughout history Taoists have promoted the development and restoration of the Three Treasures--body, breath, and spirit--through the gentle practice of qigong. At the center of this practice are the Eight Brocades, a series of seated postures that developed during the 3,000-year Taoist quest for longevity and vitality. Now Stuart Olson provides the first English translation of Master Li Ching-yun's treasured teachings on the Eight Brocades. One of the most famous qigong masters of this century, 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 and validate the Eight Brocades as the quintessence of Taoist health and qigong practices. With Master Li Ching-yun's time-honored teachings as a guide, Stuart Olson presents an authentic yet accessible approach to this unique practice. Each exercise begins with its original Eight Brocades text, which comes from the Kao Lin stone engraving of the old Hangchou period, followed by Master Li's interpretation of that text and explanatory comments from Olson. Also included are step-by-step instructions for each exercise, fully illustrated with detailed photographs of Olson performing the exercises. Because the Eight Brocades are the foundation of all qigong, this book provides valuable advice for all practitioners, regardless of the style they practice or the depth of their experience. STUART ALVE OLSON currently teaches Eight Brocade Qigong, Taoist meditation, and I T'ai Chi. He has studied under numerous Taoist masters including Ch'an master Hsuan Hua, Kung fu and healing master Oei Khong-hwei, Dharma master Cheng Yi, and T'ai Chi Ch'uan master T. T. Liang. He is the author of T'ai Chi According to the I Ching, Tai Chi for Kids, and Tao of No Stress. He lives in the S an Francisco Bay Area.
