The Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic: The Taoist Guide to Health, Longevity, and Immortality

In my opinion, this book should be one of the main pre-requisites to reading more advanced Taoist literature. Olson goes into in-depth explanation of some of the major, and most prominent terminology within Internal Alchemy schools of Taoism. A lot of the concepts within the Mind Seal Classic are mentioned in major Taoist texts (including some texts translated by Eva Wong,) making this an excellent reference point for any serious student of Taoism. The book presents a translation of the Jade Emperor's Mind Seal Classic along with a phonetic version for those wishing to recite in Mandarin (if I am not mistaken,) instructions for recitation in front of a Jade Emperor shrine, an overview of the Jade emperor from a historical perspective, and in-depth commentary on each stanza of the Classic. Being an author who spent his lifetime translating classical Chinese texts, as well as an apprentice to a well known Taoist master (Tung Tsang Liang,) Olson's views on the classic are very insightful and helpful to a beginner practitioner in the Taoist arts. The information within this book sheds light on a lot of vague concepts and terminology often times used in Taoist manuals, and will definitely serve as immense resource in understanding many of the seemingly obscure Taoist texts. A must have for any serious student and the curious alike.

I really enjoyed Mr. Olson's Translation, and I hope he keeps translating more and more . Tung Li