Chungliang Al Al Huang

Immersing the reader in Daoist philosophy and its impact on life, this new edition of Vital Breath of the Dao by Master Zhongxian Wu is a fully illustrated guide to qigong, a way of physical and spiritual cultivation, and a way of life. The book includes the historical background, practical application, underlying principles and techniques of Daoist cultivation practices to bolster health and intensify spiritual connection to universal energy. Lineage holder Master Zhongxian Wu uses storytelling and a wealth of practical examples to introduce powerful qigong and internal alchemy methods and offers previously unseen personal stories to deepen his explanation of Daoist philosophy.

With simple and evocative words, calligraphy, and home photos of the words in action, grandfather and granddaughter team Chungliang and Sylvia bring the spirit of Tai Ji to life. Written and conceived by Master Chungliang Al Huang, in collaboration with his granddaughter, Sylvie, it brings to life the five elements underpinning Chinese thought - Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal - and how they can be simply and instinctively expressed through the body. Making Tai Ji fun and simple, with the possibility of learning through repetition, the book offers a wonderful foundation for developing intuitive understanding and is a great way of keeping kids active, and improving their wellbeing and mindfulness.

First published over twenty years ago, this classic book distills the basics of the art of Tai Ji, lovingly presented in eloquent writing, and accompanied by splendid full colour photography and beautiful calligraphy. Master dancer, brush calligrapher, bamboo flute player and philosopher Chungliang Al Huang shares the basic movements of Tai Ji - and its relationships with nature, space and time - alongside stunning, inspirational photography by Si Chi Ko. The book promotes strength, relaxation and clarity, as Master Huang teaches how to unify mind and body, achieving a healthier and more fulfilling state of being. In doing so, he touches on everything from the origins and meanings if Tai Ji to the vocabulary, basic moves, practice, and the Tai Ji dance. This beautiful and inspiring book has an essential place in any Tai Ji library, and will be of interest to students, scholars, academics, professionals, and the general reader.

To work with Al Huang is to learn to move with wind and water... in the course of everyday life... a truly superior and gifted teacher who works upon others as the sun and rain upon plants.' - From the foreword by Alan Watts, one of the great writers of Comparative Philosophy and Religion and Taoist and Zen literature. First published in 1973, this all time classic of Tai Ji literature remains as fresh and illuminating today as when it was first published. Written with true passion and eloquence, the book richly conveys the subtle yet profound principles underlying Tai Ji. Movement, stillness, joyfulness, and the ability to live in the moment are the threads running through the text, as well as the humor and compassion to acknowledge the impossibility of human perfection. Containing the original foreword by Alan Watts, the book is illustrated with beautiful calligraphy by the author, and photographs by Si Chi Ko, one of China's "National Treasures". This timeless masterpiece is essential reading for anybody interested in Taoism, Tai Ji, or the Tao philosophy of "Living Our Own Tao", and the author is a wonderful, dramatic, and inspiring presence throughout the book.