This book presents an in-depth analysis of Zhang Sanfeng's Tai Ji Quan Treatise, the most important document of all Tai Ji Quan (T'ai Chi Ch'uan) classical literature. Olson's commentary provides clear descriptions on each verse of the treatise and how it applies to actual Tai Ji practice. Zhang Sanfeng (Three Peaks Zhang), a Taoist priest of the 12th century, is credited with the creation of Tai Ji Quan and several works on Neidan (Internal Alchemy). He reportedly lived 170 years, from the late Song dynasty through the Yuan and into the early Ming dynasty. Zhang's life exemplified the...

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.
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