Vital Breath of the Dao: Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong - Laohu Gong

From this book, you can learn a few forms of Qigong exercises as well as concepts and principles of Qigong. But actually, "Vital Breath of the Dao" is more than just a Qigong book. Surprisingly you can also learn a lot of basic Daoist concepts from this book as well, making it a decent introductory work on Daoism (Taoism). Along with his other books, this is also one of the few resources we have to learn the teachings of the Mount Emei school of Daoism.It seems that Master Zhongxian Wu is one of the few genuine modern Chinese Daoist masters whose works we have available in English so far. In addition to Zhongxian Wu's books, I would also recommend checking out the works of similar teachers such as Wang Yun, Tianjun Liu, and Wu Jyh Cheng (all of whose works seem to be supported by Zhongxian Wu as well).

I have to say that I've really ENJOYED this book, which is meant to be savored (as the author explains) like a cup of fine tea. Gems of real wisdom are delivered almost casually in a conversational style that requires us to slow down and sit with them for a while. As with anything REAL, it's not about the abstract information per se, but how you relate to it and make it your own. I especially appreciate how the author is able to relate Daoist and traditional medical ideas to the even more primordial worldview of Chinese shamanism.As far as the qigong sequence is concerned, you'd have to have had a good deal of previous experience to be able to learn it from these pages, even though the instructions are reasonably thorough and clear. Dragon Door Publications has produced a video of the form as performed by Master Wu, but even that is likely to serve best as a reminder of instruction received from him directly. Still, I've found Master Wu's discussion of the individual movements to be both interesting and personally useful. If I give the book only four stars instead of a full five, it's in recognition of the print medium's limitations as far as detailed qigong instruction is concerned.

It is difficult to learn Qigong from a book or DVD but even after a few days I have learned a great deal of deep and useful information.from Master Zhongxian Wu.I also bought his DVD - The Mother Form which is inspirational and useful. I have been practicing Qigong for the past 5 years as taught by Marcus Santer's home study course with great benefit. At age 72 I have found that Qigong is the most significant factor in my increasing vitality, ability to handle and recover from stress as well as general well being on many levels It is hard to communicate how much benefit Qigong can provide from a good teacher and with sustained application. The growing and obvious benefits make the sustained application easy. This book is very approachable and clear and of great value.This is a very good teacher who knows and practices what he is writing about.Thank you Master Zhongxian WuArun Seeley, M.D.

This is a book which provides a good mix of information on Tai Chi and the culture which practices it. It is not a "quick read" and won't make you a Tai Chi master overnight. As a student of Tai Chi and a person aware of the importance of mind/body congruence I have found it a valuable addition to my library and one which causes me to consider ause and effect of my actions on my health and well being. Not for all but definitely worth having for those who are interested in the subject.

The book is outstanding, one of the best Qigong works I have come accross. I recommend purchase of the DVD,too. The form will take some time to learn properly, but every minute invested is well worth it. Nevertheless, I think beginners should first start with Cosmic Orbit practice by Master Wu. Also doing both sides of each form in one session feels much more balanced. Enjoy!

Learning how to do Qigong? Trying to understand it on your own? Teaching yourself? This has wonderful information that will get you started. I myself need a visual (video or class) to get started, but then I like to enhance my learning with a more in depth item, such as a book or advanced class.Enjoyed learning about Qigong through the information and layout of this book.

The book arrived very quickly and was in excellent condition. Master Wu is a very genuine Qi Gong master who spent his life until 7 years ago in China. He grew up in a small village on the Eastern Coast of China in a very traditional surroundings and had direct contact to shamans/wise men. He also is a very modern and cool young master. You will not be disappointed!Thank you!

This book goes with his DVD and it's essential, I feel, for understanding the movements and the philosophy. Highly recommended.

A good book though, and this is not a criticism but an opinion, it contains a lot (and I mean a LOT !) of Chinese Cultural information explaining the origins of Qi Gong through the Chinese Characters. This is all very nice if one is interested in such things and no doubt I will dip into the first 2 Parts (or 6 Chapters) of the book at a later date, however, it is IMHO unnecessary and more time could have been spent actually explaining the technical details of Qi Gong without all the cultural information. Now don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful book into which a lot of work has been expended by the author, and to his credit as well, it's just that I don't need or am interested in so much Cultural background but prefer the technical details, but whatever is to your taste.The description of the form itself (Part 3 comprising Chapters 7-10) is very detailed, photos clearly presented and benefits explained though once again the author does launch into the meaning of the Chinese words in his explinations, again great if you like this sort go thing, basically history.Remember this is not a fault of the author just his style, also reflected in his other books, I mention these things so any potential buyers know what they're getting.If you wish to know about just the philosophy and technical details (the how & why) of Qi Gong along with such pratices without the cultural history and so forth then I would recommend books by Damo Mitchell. Though this authors books do present information you may wish to know about at a later date and is very easy to follow.Happy reading.

Lots of detail and information, really helps to understand the practice. Book and dvd recommended to learn form though