Description
Unlike most t'ai chi books, which focus strictly on how to do the t'ai chi forms, T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdom presents a personal, practical view of this intriguing martial art. Lehrhaupt shares illuminating stories from her own life and the lives of her students that show how t'ai chi can be a vehicle for profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. In learning to master each body posture, t'ai chi students often confront self-doubt, frustration, and the desire to compete and compare themselves to others--problems that also arise in daily life. Lehrhaupt shows how these and other obstacles provide valuable opportunities to deepen awareness and recognize the striking continuities between practice and everyday life. Each section of the book includes practical exercises designed to enhance students' understanding of t'ai chi movements, and a helpful appendix answers many frequently asked questions about t'ai chi training such as how to find a teacher and how to balance practice with family life. Full of useful insights and guidance, T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdom will be a valuable companion for all students of this increasingly popular martial art.… (more)
Library's review
'T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdom is not a dry analysis of technique, but a poetic exploratioin of t'a chi as a Tao, a path of raliization. This is at once the most difficult aspect to disccuss yet the most important, for without the Tao, t'ai chi remains an empty shell. Linda Lehrhaupt's wise and compassionate book is as refreshing as a spring breeze.'-Kenneth S. Cohen, author of The Way of Qigong and Taoism: Essential Teachings
'It's a plearure to find a new book on t'ai chi with such thoughtfulness and creative freedom. Linda Lehrhaupt shows us that indeed t'ai chi is a path of wisdom when we are truly dedicated students of life: respectful of the tradition and willing to open our hearts and minds to the magic of the Tao'-Chungliang Al Huang, author of Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain and coauthor of Tao: The Watercourse Way
'This book really describes the spirit of practice, which my teacher, Maezumi Roshi, called 'dan, dan' or 'step by step,' which means to persevere and continue to grow and be open. In a beautiful way, she inspires all of us to want to give ourselves completely to every moment of our lives.'-Genpo Merzel Roshi, abbot of Kanzeon Sangha International and president of the White Plum Asanga, author of The Eye Never Sleeps, Beyond Sanity and Madness, and 24/7 Dharma
Linda Myoki Lehrhaupt, Ph.D., has taught t'ai chi and chi kung since 1982. An ordained zen priest, she leads workshops throughout Europe and is the cofounder, along with her husband, of La Martinie, a center in the Dordogne, France, where retreats in Zen meditation and meditative arts take place.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Invitationo
Part One Preparation
1 Waiting at the entrance
2 Preparing to pay attention
3 The quiet before dawn
4 Standing on your own two feet
5 Not pretty, just chi-Exercises
Part Two Beginning
6 'Shouting at a bud doesn't make it blossom more quickly'
7 Expectations
8 Just keep going
9 On your own: Practicing alone
10 The miracle of mindfulness
11 give yourself a present-Exercises
Part Three Ward-off
12 Take a giant step
13 Not to tight, not too loose
14 'Thank you for not making it easy'
15 'T'ai chi ain't precious'
16 Let the spirit master move you-Exercises
Part Four Push
17 Giving hands
18 The masters of Ting
19 ONly don't know-Exercises
Part Fiv e Get the needle at the sea bottom
20 The tresasure
21 'The secret is to practice'
22 Water babies-Exercises
Part Six Fair lady at the shuttle
23 True grit
24 Just stand up!
25 Stillness in movement
26 Fair lady sowing seeds
27 Pang-Exercises
Part Seven Completion
28 Waiting at the entrance-Again
29 The end of the rainbow
30 Beginning again
31 Wholeheartedness
32 Let your t'ai chi sing
Afterword
Appendix
Notes (bibliography)
About the autho