The Immortal: True Accounts of the 250-Year-Old Man, Li Qingyun Paperback – July 20, 2014

Great reviews so far. I just wish to add a few more comments to them. First, Stuart Alve Olson has made one of themost difficult things to do appear easy: translating Chinese concepts into English. Chinese thought--at least its traditional concepts--is relative, holistic; as in everything is connected to all else. The west thinks what exactly is it? Traditional Chinese thought would study how "it" interacts with the universe, and/or nature, and/or human culture. So often certain key words are impossible to totally translate into English. For example, qi (ch'i) [but do see qi-encyclopedia.com for some attempts at that]. Daoism (Taoism) in the west is thought to be a profound academic intellectual philosophy, or a primitive many gods and goddesses folk religion. The Chinese who know must laugh at us for such veiled chauvinism. Of course it is both and neither, because what it is actually is a practical way to gain happiness and health -- "Wellbeing" -- in this topsy-turvy world we exist in. Can that well-being include "immortality"? Li Qingyun shows that one can certainly live and be healthy and happy for many many years. But for two and a half centuries? Much longer longevity exist as dogma in the west. (Try the Book of Genesis, chapters 4,5 and 11).The majority of the book is "The Secrets of Li Qingyun's Immortality." In effect it is a Daoist "how to do it" manual. It is as profound as any academic thesis on Daoism/Taoism, but it offers not only the philosophy but the practice to gain (or at least further our way on the path to) immortality.John Voigt, editor qi-encyclopedia.com

Great book

I was not expecting such a wonderful book. The title might give the wrong impression, but that is why we don't judge books by their cover. If you are interested in cultivating; Meditation, Qigong, Daoism, and Taijiquan, etc, this will not only give you deeper insight, the resources for other avenues to explore are great too. "The Perfect Way is only difficult for those who pick and choose; Do not like, do not dislike; all will then be clear. Make a hairbreadth difference, and Heaven and Earth are set apart"... I hope this book helps you finally put your doubts to rest. Just sit in oblivion. Nothing more. Nothing Less. The Immortal: True Accounts of the 250-Year-Old Man, Li Qingyun

really awesome story. even maybe not entirely believable... still great material for inspiration for immortality seekers

Great book, very easy and entertaining to read. There are also helpful breathing techniques and mantra's. A great book over all. I am not exactly convinced the 250 year old man existested but it is still an interesting read and many great tips.

When confronted with the question about prolonged life through the practice of QiGong, this is a must. Since I am also interested in QiGong history, this book turns out to be a milestone because it gives a direct account of master Li about his practice and theories, so one is able to witness the fusion of the three main chinese traditions in QiGong: taoism, buddhism and confucianism.Obviously, the great question at first is whether this is a true case, but after reading the book one sees that the main issue is about living a good life, a happy and wholesome life. And if one can add one single day of such a life, it might be worth the while. That being said, personally, I trust the evidence presented. But above all stands the great lesson that master Li gives almost as something trifle: the way is in practicing with dilligence every day of our lives.

Fascinating! I have done a lot of reading and to my knowledge these teachings are not readily available in western languages. I feel lucky to have stumbled upon this book and have made gift of it to some close friends. I highly recommend this book!

Did not know what to really expect from this book but i thought it would have more clearer explanation on diets and exercises used by Li Qingyun. Book is a bit convoluted . Having said that it would be a difficult subject to research since many manuscripts pertaining to Li Qingyun have been lost so the author has done a good job trying to put pieces together . This book is for those who are into Daoist philosophy and those who want an extra information to add to one's qigong and longevity library .