Taoist Chanting & Recitation: An At-Home Cultivator?s Practice Guide

This extraordinary book presents the Taoist practices of chanting and ceremony along with the contemplative meditation method of reciting Taoist scriptures. Contained within are rare and first-time translations of Taoist ceremonial chants, four short Taoist texts, and a complete translation of Lao Zi’s Scripture on Tao and Virtue (Tao Te Ching).
The majority of chants come from the Chinese Taoist work The Highest Treasury of Truth Scripture. Stuart received this text many years ago from his teacher, Master T.T. Liang, who had originally acquired it from Taoist Master Liu Peizhong. In the 1950s, Liu was head of the Taoist Kun Lun Sect in Taipei, Taiwan, and Master Liang had become one of his disciples. The scripture states that the chants derived from the Quan Zhen Sect and were handed down through the Tang dynasty immortal Lu Dongbin. The other works appearing in Taoist Chanting & Recitation come from various Chinese sources, which can be divided into two forms: liturgy of chants and Taoist scripture texts for contemplation.
Chanting, recitation, and ceremony may seem simple in use, but their effects are profound and far reaching. Just like casting a pebble into a pond, the ripples extend in all directions. Likewise, the actions, speech, and thoughts of these practices produce good responses. The small act of offering incense, bowing, and a little chanting each morning has a wonderful effect on the rest of the day. There is something beneficial about being reverent each morning that flows into all of your daily events. Chanting, reciting scriptures, and performing ceremony on a regular basis can add a great deal of clarity and calmness to your life.

Stuart Alve Olson, longtime protege of Master T.T. Liang (1900-2002), is a teacher, translator, and writer on Taoist philosophy, health, and internal arts. In 2006, he formed Valley Spirit Arts to present his books and DVDs, and is the head teacher at the Sanctuary of Tao in Phoenix, Arizona, where he focuses on translating various Taoist texts, conducting lectures, leading retreats, and teaching.