ORIENTAL EXERCISE
Dedicated to maintaining
health and vitality through movement
The Taoist Bookshelf
There are lots of books out there.
The trick is knowing which ones to choose! Welcome to my online
bookshelf, where you will find a number of very special books
that deal with the oriental approach to health and fitness.
I have included several titles on Taoism
and Chinese philosophy here because these topics have a strong
practical dimension, and an understanding of them can be very
rewarding for those engaged in what might otherwise appear to
be purely physical pursuits.
The following titles are all ones I
have enjoyed and found of immense value over the years and I
recommend them without reservation. Happy reading!
The Tao Te Ching
Lao Tsu, translated by Gia-Fu Feng
& Jane English
Vintage Books. The Tao Te Ching is the
beginning and the end of all our studies, whether it is tai chi,
feng shui, chi kung or oriental medicine. There are many translations
of this great classic of Taoist philosophy - but this, in my
view, is one of the best. This particular translation has, I'm
delighted to say, been reissued recently after a long absence.
Clearly presented, it also contains some evocative black and
white photography that captures the simplicity of the Taoist
view of life, a philosophy rooted in the natural world that teaches
us humility, spontaneity and originality. This is a treasure
of a book, that you will want to return to again and again for
inspiration.
Cheng's Thirteen Treatises
on Tai Chi
Cheng Man Ching
Published by North Atlantic Books. For
those who are familiar with the Short Yang Form of tai ji, this
is an excellent source book for examining many of the movements
as demonstrated by the master who created them (or at least adapted
them from the original long form of tai ji). Contains thoughts
on the development and projection of energy, on correct posture
and mental attitude. Much of the writing is insightful - though
perhaps best appreciated by those with some degree of experience
of the practical side of the subject. Highly recommended, however,
for the original thoughts of a brilliant, modest and formidable
man who has inspired generations of tai ji enthusiasts.
Lawrence Galante
Published by Red Wheel/Weiser. Quiet a few years have passed since the first publication of this excellent practical guide to the Short Yang Form. As well as having a balanced approach, it has the great advantage of having been written by a first generation pupil of master Cheng Man Ching. Comprehensive photos (black and white with instructions and feet placements) are preceded by several chapters dealing with health, philosophy, spirituality, scientific and medical research and tai ji history. And for those wishing to bring more strength and balance into their tai ji form, Galante also demonstrates some basic martial applications. An ideal companion to those already taking tai ji classes.
Lam Kam Chuen
Sub-titled: Mastering the Chinese Art of Internal Strength with Chi Kung Exercise. This is an excellent introduction and source book for chi kung (more correctly rendered as qi gong). The author is modest and sincere and makes it clear that regular practice is essential to gain any benefits from the postures themselves. The photography is excellent and the design uncluttered and simple, reflecting the economy of movement and the Taoist philosophy underlying chi kung itself. A carefully structured plan of practice and development is set out for each exercise or posture. Chi Kung requires enormous patience and dedication - but a book like this is certainly a good way to start.
The Acupuncture Handbook: How Acupuncture Works and How It Can Help You by Angela Hicks
A simple, easy-to-read beginners guide to acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The basic working principles of treatment are explained along with information on how the whole of the body, mind and spirit are used by the experienced practitioner in diagnosis and healing. The book also explains what to expect if you go to an acupuncturist, along with useful and information on the causes of many common illnesses and even some self-help quizzes to help work out your own imbalances. How to maintain a state of harmony between the elemental energies of the body, with practical tips for daily health maintainance. Written in simple, easy-to-understand language. It also takes a beif look at specialist treatments during pregnancy and for postnatal care; plus acupuncture for children, and even for pets!
The Tao Te Ching translated by Cheng Man Ch'ing
Published by North Atlantic Books. This is an alternative translation of the Tao Te Ching classic - made by the great tai ji master, Cheng Man Ching (see other books above). It is easy to forget when considering the life of this great exponent of tai chi that he was also a professor of literature and a doctor of oriental medicine. A highly educated man, he was ideally placed to write a translation of this great and venerable masterpiece of ancient Taoist literature. His approach is based on considerable practical experience and brings a welcome sense of reality to the text. A very worthy addition to any bookshelf!
John Heider
Published by Bantum. If you ever wondered - and we all have - about what so much of the great classic of Taoist philosophy, the Tao Te Ching is trying to tell us, then you will welcome this book and the spcial insight it offers. It is not a direct translation, but a very exciting look at the meaning of the text from the perspective of modern life. The Tao Te Ching teaches us how to govern ourselves, how to inspire others and how to lead - in all walks of life. The author has a very special understanding of this and conveys his ideas with practical insight and refreshing simplicity. This is a thought-provoking and inspirational journey through the great work.
By Fritjof Capra
Published by Shambhala. An Exploration of the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism. The author has for his point of departure a very personal mystical experience which changed his life as a young man. What this book demonstrates is the confirmation from a highly qualified scientist that the mystical dimension of life is a reality. At the highest levels of scientific thought, therefore, there is an understanding of the unity of all things and of an underlying meaning to the cosmos. Once this understanding is reached, all manner of things then become feasible and worthy of study, including of course, the intricate workings of the human body.
Stephen T.Chang
Many people are surprised that a whole branch of yogic exercise exists in China. This book, sadly out of print - thought still available - explains in simple terms the techniques and ideas uderlying this highly interesting subject. Chinese yoga freely lets us into the secrets of energy movement, what actually is taking place when we exercise in this special way. In my view it is a wonderful companion to instruction in classical hatha yoga, and both can easily be used together. Information about specific health conditions can be found throughout this excellent book, along with ideas on how we can all help regulate our health and well-being through the application of nature's laws.
I Ching
Translated by Richard Wilhelm and
C.F.Baynes
Published by Arkana. With a forward written by Carl Jung, this early translation of the ancient Chinese classic of philosophy and divination is still, in my view, one of the best. You can question whether divination is a valid pursuit, but the practice of consulting the I Ching is in itself, each time, a lesson in the working of great spiritual realities - the polarities of Yang and Yin, the 5 elements, the placement of Heaven/Earth/Man, the cycle of the seasons and the 8 directions of the compass, and so on. By immersing ourselves in these concepts we gradually evolve and expand our consciousness. It is also the first time we meet with the term 'Tai Ji' or Tai Chi in written history - describing a philosophical concept of unity and wholeness in nature.