The publication in 1934 of Yang Chengfu's book, Essence and Applications of Taijiquan (Taijiquan Tiyong Quanshu) marked a milestone in the modern evolution of the art of taijiquan. Using what is best-termed demonstration narrative, the author presents form postures and suggested applications from his own perspective, as he performed them. This methodology renders Yang Chengfu's direct, hands-on teaching of the art with such immediacy and liveliness that the reader experiences the master’s ...

Fu Zhongwen's classic guide offers the best documentation available of the Yang style of taijiquan. The superbly detailed form instructions and historic line art drawings are based on Fu’s many years as a disciple of Yang Chengfu, taijiquan’s legendary founder. Also included are concise descriptions of fixed-step, moving-step, and da lu push hands practices. Additional commentary by translator Louis Swaim provides key insight into the text’s philosophical language and imagery, further eluc...

A comprehensive text that includes a study of the origins and history of Tai Chi; a detailed analysis of its relationship to Western philosophy, the I Ching, Tao te Ching, yoga, and Zen. The author also ties its use to esoteric systems, and discusses health and Chinese medicine in relation to Tai Chi. Includes several hundred detailed photographs showing application of the positions.

For the student who has already mastered the basic postures, this book addresses itself to the philosophy behind the system of movements and to all the variations possible.

Fire Dragon Meridian Qigong is a traditional Chinese internal alchemy method that embodies the spirit of the rising dragon, an auspicious symbol of transformation in Chinese culture. The form works directly on the acupuncture meridians, releasing areas of stagnation and bringing the physical and emotional body into a balanced state of well-being.This Qigong form implements special visualization and breathing techniques in addition to movements that imitate sparks arising from a bon...

A renowned Taoist scholar offers a conversational and modern-day translation of Lieh-tzu's masterwork, one of the most important texts in TaoismLieh-tzu is a collection of stories and philosophical musings of a sage of the same name who lived around the fourth century BCE. Lieh-tzu's teachings range from the origin and purpose of life, the Taoist view of reality, and the nature of enlightenment to the training of the body and mind, communication, and the i...

A modern translation of Hui-ming Ching**, the classic Taoist manual on cultivating and conserving energy as a means of achieving greater health, longevity, and inner peace**To live a healthy and long life, to be tranquil and untouched by the dust of the mundane world, and to become one with the life-giving energy of the Tao—these are the goals of the practitioner of Taoist spirituality.The classic Chinese text Hui-ming ching

Learn the art of T'ai Chi swordsmanship with this illustrated martial arts book.In T'ai Chi Ch'uan, exercising with a sword has developed into an important art. In accordance with the principles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, the sword practice is an exercise for good health and meditation in motion as well as a method of self-defense. It promotes the development and the application of the inner energy ch'i. The study of the T'ai Chi sword is regarded as its own path which do...

The Internal Structure of Cloud Hands offers readers an in-depth look into the art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan via the practice of Cloud Hands, a foundational exercise common to all schools of this popular martial art. Part theoretical treatise, part training manual, this book facilitates a deeper understanding of "internal" movement and training for students of T'ai Chi and other internal martial arts. Step-by-step exercises help to bring the theoretical into concrete practice and applica...

Explores the deep, internal work necessary for the effective practice of tai chi• Reveals the Taoist principles that gave birth to the Yang-style tai chi forms• Shows how tai chi can circulate powerful healing energies through the bodyTaoist adepts developed tai chi as both a martial art and a way to cultivate their physical body, energy body, and spirit body. Like all Taoist exercises, its main purpose is to form a connection to the basic energy that is the foundat...

A modern book of destiny and power, using the ancient principles of the Tao Te Ching.How do we begin to discover and live our destined life? How can we use the ancient, Eastern philosophy to experience more success in our lives?From Derek Lin, Taoist master and author of***The Tao of Daily Life***, comes this practical, systematic approach to the ancient and time-honored spiritual learning process. The Tao of Success navigates the five rings of life, which ...

'Knowing ignorance is strength. Ignoring knowledge is sickness.'- Lao TseTao, meaning 'The Way', refers to a power that envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, both living and sentient. It regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. But, in the words of the Sage, its 'Name is Formless'. This means that any exploration of it starts from a position of ignorance, and any journey we undertake to reach an understanding of it is of...