Library's review
Modern t'ai chi owes much of its present popularity to the genius of the Yang family who helped established t'ai chi as the world's premier system for health and self-defense. When Chen Kung published a book based on the formerly secret Yang family training journals, the text rapidly became a
Cultivating the Ch'i is the first English translation of the chapters that form the foundation for effecive t'ai chi. After an explanation of the overlall benefits of t'ai chi you will learn the relationship between mind and ch'i, how to generate internal energy through correct breathing methods and the role of seated meditation in t'ai chi. Two final chapters, incorporating stop-motion photography, explan the key ch'i-kung exercise and other essential training techniques.
Stuart Olson, a long-time protege of Master T.T. Liange, provides a lucid commentary that allows even the beginner to grasp and apply the principles in their practice.
'If you are interested in physical immortality, practice yoga, meditate or would like to explore a very ancient, revered and effective way of maintaining physical vitality and youthfulness, you can learn lot from this book that you would simply never find elsewhere.'
Contents
Translator's introduction
Chapter One T'ai chi ch'uan and nourishing life
The importance and benefits of practicing t'ai chi ch'uan; T'ai chi and other Chinese martial arts; The role of softness and gentleness; The health benefits of t'ai chi; The Taoist concepts of nourishing life; The principles of correct practice; Important t'ai chi terms explained
Chapter Two-Discourse on mind-intent and ch'i
The relationship between mind, mind-intent and ch'i; The importance of ch'i; Ch'i and blood circulation; The difference between mind and mind-intent; The role of imagination; Some fundamental principles for cultivating ch'i; The tan-tien and ch'i; Different types of ch'i; Ch'i and the classics; Explanation of key Taoist terms
Chapter Three-Internal breathing methods for mobilizing the ch'i
Aspects of breath and the development of ch'i; Upper and lower level breathing; How to breathe correctly; How breath relates to ch'i; Breathing with the postures; Breathing with pushing-hands; Two ways to mobilize the ch'i; Issuing energy; Heng and ha: the sounds of breath; How to use heng and ha; Commentary on Chinese breathing terminology.
Chapter Four T'ai chi ch'uan and meditation
The role of seated meditation in connection with t'ai chi ch'uan; The value of meditation; The similarities between t'ai chi and meditation; Internal and external cultivation; Correct sitting practice; Four ways to circulate ch'i; Explanation of Taoist meditation terms
Chapter Five T'ai chi ch'i-kung
The methods for developing ch'i and breath; Fundamental procedures for strengthening the ch'i; Reasons for practicing ch'i-kung; The benefits of ch'i-kung; The twenty-one gestures of ch'i-kung
Chapter Six Training exercises
Essential training exercises for t'ai chi ch'uan; How to extend the ch'i; The post stances of t'ai chi; Eight post stance postures; How to perform tsai-tui; Commentary on training terminology
Index
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classic and acknowledged as the Bible of t'ai chi.Cultivating the Ch'i is the first English translation of the chapters that form the foundation for effecive t'ai chi. After an explanation of the overlall benefits of t'ai chi you will learn the relationship between mind and ch'i, how to generate internal energy through correct breathing methods and the role of seated meditation in t'ai chi. Two final chapters, incorporating stop-motion photography, explan the key ch'i-kung exercise and other essential training techniques.
Stuart Olson, a long-time protege of Master T.T. Liange, provides a lucid commentary that allows even the beginner to grasp and apply the principles in their practice.
'If you are interested in physical immortality, practice yoga, meditate or would like to explore a very ancient, revered and effective way of maintaining physical vitality and youthfulness, you can learn lot from this book that you would simply never find elsewhere.'
Contents
Translator's introduction
Chapter One T'ai chi ch'uan and nourishing life
The importance and benefits of practicing t'ai chi ch'uan; T'ai chi and other Chinese martial arts; The role of softness and gentleness; The health benefits of t'ai chi; The Taoist concepts of nourishing life; The principles of correct practice; Important t'ai chi terms explained
Chapter Two-Discourse on mind-intent and ch'i
The relationship between mind, mind-intent and ch'i; The importance of ch'i; Ch'i and blood circulation; The difference between mind and mind-intent; The role of imagination; Some fundamental principles for cultivating ch'i; The tan-tien and ch'i; Different types of ch'i; Ch'i and the classics; Explanation of key Taoist terms
Chapter Three-Internal breathing methods for mobilizing the ch'i
Aspects of breath and the development of ch'i; Upper and lower level breathing; How to breathe correctly; How breath relates to ch'i; Breathing with the postures; Breathing with pushing-hands; Two ways to mobilize the ch'i; Issuing energy; Heng and ha: the sounds of breath; How to use heng and ha; Commentary on Chinese breathing terminology.
Chapter Four T'ai chi ch'uan and meditation
The role of seated meditation in connection with t'ai chi ch'uan; The value of meditation; The similarities between t'ai chi and meditation; Internal and external cultivation; Correct sitting practice; Four ways to circulate ch'i; Explanation of Taoist meditation terms
Chapter Five T'ai chi ch'i-kung
The methods for developing ch'i and breath; Fundamental procedures for strengthening the ch'i; Reasons for practicing ch'i-kung; The benefits of ch'i-kung; The twenty-one gestures of ch'i-kung
Chapter Six Training exercises
Essential training exercises for t'ai chi ch'uan; How to extend the ch'i; The post stances of t'ai chi; Eight post stance postures; How to perform tsai-tui; Commentary on training terminology
Index
Show Less
Genres
ISBN
938045113
Publication
Dragon Door Publications Box 4381 St. Paul, Minnesota 55104