Walking Meditation-Pakua The Martial Art of the I Ching

by Paul Crompton

1996

Description

Pakua is a gentle, martial discipline, which is freestyle in form. This guide offers information on the origins of pakua, the connection with the circular arrangement of the I Ching, the basic pakua form and how to practise it, and case studies of those whose health has improved with the practice of pakua.

Library's review

Pakua is an internal martial art based on the eight trigrams of the classic Chinese text, the I Ching. It may be practised as a form of walking meditation to promote a sense of harmony and well-being for body, mind and spirit. Its secrets are revealed in the manual written by an internationally
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acknowledged expert on Chinese martial arts.

Pakua is known also as the art of Walkng the Circle, since circular action in all its aspects is fundamental. Particular attention is paid to relaxing whilst moving, and it is in the practice of paying atttention to the body that its meditative aspect is rooted. The freestyle exploration of pakua's footwork and unique movements can be a source of inspiration to teachers and pratitioners of dance, Western sports and gymnastics.

This comprehensive guide covers:

the origins of pakua.
The eight pakua animals and the movements corresponding to each: snake, dragon, lion, hawk, bear, phoenix, unicorn and monkey.
the connection with the circular arrangement of the I Ching.
the basic pakua form and how to practise it.
case studies of those whose health has improved with the practice of pakua.

Paul Crompton has studied martial arts for over 40 years and is an internationally recoginzed expert in these areas. He has written extensively on the martial arts, and his books incude The Elements of Tai Chi and The Art of Tai Chi: A Practical Guide.

Contents

Introdiuction: What is meditation?
1 Pakua Walking meditation
2 History and mystery
3 The benefits of pakua training
4 The circle
5 The pakua animals
6 Momentum, supervision, inertia
7 Pakua chang: Making the changes
8 The essential ingredient
9 Taoist philosophy
10 Pakua and the I Ching
11 Taoist meditation
12 Beyond theory
13 Ways of the dragon: Applications of pakua
Conclusion
Appendix: Complete eight palm changes
Glossary of terms
Further reading
Useful addresses
Index
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ISBN

1852308974 / 9781852308971

Publication

Element Shaftesbury, Dorset Rockport, Massachusetts Brisbane, Queensland
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