The Essence of T'ai Chi (Shambhala Pocket Classics) Paperback – March 14, 1995

Everything I've been looking for... to link Etheric Energy, Chi, Internal Energy, Meditation... in terms of a Taoist Art of Forms.There are many names for Internal Energy, many languages to convey infinite concepts...Reading here about the difference between External (Hard, Combative) Martial Arts, and Internal (Soft, Flowing) Martial Arts, pretty much nailed it. A very brief history of Tai Chi, written for English speaking audiences, helped convince me that anyone can do Tai Chi, because many haven't caught on to the hidden history - Tai Chi Masters forced to teach war-like leaders. Thus the Forms can be reclaimed by practitioners willing to do the practical work. A difference between Wu-tang (sp.) and Shaolin practice is explained briefly. Along with Buddhist and Taoist 'philosophies' briefly shared as way of revealing Tai Chi.Whether this practice of Forms is Traditional Tai Chi, or not, is endlessly debatable; but again, debate is not the point of writing down mystical experiences. Doing, Creating, Becoming the Forms is the point. As the book highlights, some Tai Chi teachers are not capable, or ready, to pass on what they have learned. All this as way of introducing the Three Core texts; essentially, three very old (and short) Tai Chi poetry books.After the brief history, the book starts early on with practical exercises, which use the poetic sensibilities of the Art of War (Mushashi), and the Art of Peace (Ushiba) in a soft way. Exercises that can deepen us into multidimensional awareness through repeated use. Simply put: the first step is imagination. The second step is belief. The third is letting go... beyond belief into the Mystical Self... Something like that...The book is a good raft to get us into "Beginninglessness" or "Eternal Energy". All contained in a pocketbook. Nice!

T'ai Chi is originally and foremost a type of martial arts... with the power deeply centered on ch'i (life energy). This book condensed Liao's " T'ai Chi Classics". This focuses on how practitioners cultivate and use internal energy to create external force (called Jing). The book doesn't give instructions on specific martial arts postures or body mechanics if that is what you are looking. I found this unorthodox content to be refreshing and enlightening. My t'ai chi instructor just doesn't have the time to work with us on learning these precise internal methods found in the book. I recommend the Kindle version, but the pocket sized paperback is just as good if you like tiny books.

Well I'm giving 4 stars because I'm not done reading it. So far I like the layout and it is very clear to understand it.

I have read 73 pages out of 110 this far, and I have been pleasantly impressed: having studied Tai Chi a couple of years by now,I find this book be in harmony with "The meditation in movement"-spirit,that has been often used to describe this science of innerarts exercising. I chose this book much because of it`s cover,which I felt was so convincingly inspiring. I warmly would recommend this book to any sincere wisdom-seeker and to everyone,that is interested of human culture. With warm thanksgivings, Tapio.

Not really the best Tai Chi book I've read. The book is far too short to go into any real detail but for a quick overview this is great. Its a smaller book so great for carrying around. Definitely more of a beginner intermediate level book in my opinion. More Philosophy than instruction, for a quick read I'd definitely recommend, but if you're looking for in depth instruction or higher level philosophy this probably isnt the right book for you. A beginner who wants a crash course on the other hand might find a lot to love in this little guy.

I tried reading other Tai Chi books, and "The Essence of T'ai Chi" is the most perfect one for beginners. It really gives the essence. It is good for passing through T'ai Chi history, explanation of terms, and even giving you some notion of feelings that you are going to feel during practice. I strongly recommend this book.

excellent book, print a little small expected it to be a normal size book. Was received timely and in great condition. Would like to have a more detail boon on sen only.

This is a nice and easy book to read. If you would like to know more about the philosophy behind the knowledge of Tai Chi Chuan, this is the book. Has a clear english and the basics to understand things that your teacher may say but does not explain. I enjoyed it a lot.

Great background to the culture of Tai chi great read glad I brought the book

Muy recomendado para la gente interesada en la parte interna del tai chi, en particular la meditación. La única pena, la ilustraciones: escasas y no de buena calidad.

Great!

This is a excellent introduction to the non physical elements. By that I mean discussion of a little history and focus on what Chi is and how it is cultivated. If you ate looking for a book that discusses the inner elements of Tai Chi this may well be the book for you. If you want to learn forms you need to look elsewhere.

great little insight