Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #154954 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
The Tai Chi bible in Shambhala Classics format - Previous editions of T'ai Chi Classics sold over 53,000 copies worldwide - From the author of The Essence of T'ai Chi - over 4,500 UK copies sold and 56,000 copies sold worldwide - Describes the entire sequence of T'ai Chi movements illustrated by hundreds of Master Liao's own line drawings - Contains translations of three essential Chinese Tai Chi texts together with commentary and practical instruction - Will teach you how to increase your ch'l, transform it into jing (power) and project it accordingly - Yet another in the series of beautifully produced Shambhala Classics ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: T'ai Chi Classics presents the inner meaning and techniques of T'ai Chi movements through new translations of three core classic Chinese texts. The texts are introduced by three chapters and include instructions on how to increase inner energy, transform it to inner power, and project this power outward to repel an opponent without physical contact.

Customer Reviews

A handy one-volume "root-reference" for the novice
For the newcomer to this art, the selection of core writings on the history, meaning and practice of Tai Chi that are found in this slim book make it worth the price. However, it has still more to offer in the author's own writings and interpretive commentary. His introductory chapters set forth the key concepts which form both the foundation and the "tools" of Tai Chi, and attempt to prepare the reader for the latter chapters containig the writings of three of the great early masters of Tai Chi. The author attempts to clarify the somewhat pithy and obscure teachings of these men, with mixed sucess; this must be expected, given the difficulties involved in attempting to delineate the intangible and express the internalized. If this reader can be said to find fault, it would be with the final section of the book, which outlines the 37 movement Short Form developed by Master Cheng, who felt that too many people simply did not have the time to devote to learning the full form. Rather than using the space to show this form at the expense of the other forms or schools of Tai Chi, it might have been more worthwhile to show more of those exercises which focus on developing specific techniques in the art. However, this does not detract from the worthy qualities of this book. Certainly, if you are looking for a place to begin your journey toward understanding of the "Grand Ultimate," Tai Chi Classics will give you a good home to leave, and a useful place to refresh yourself on the way.

The true essence of internal meditation is revealed here
As a former student of the style Master Liao teaches, I have appreciated what has been put into words here. The true internal meditations are described, perhaps for the first time. This is why it is called "Classics". Also contained are the ancient classics by several masters.A detailed step-by-step of the Temple Style is also included,along with descriptions of the various advanced meditations. This is a must read for all serious students! Although it is a teaching guide to be used in conjunction with formal instruction, I believe anyone interested in the art will gain new insights into this wonderful and complicated art.

Buy Recommendation
I like Tai Chi Classics. What appealed to me immediately is the straight forward manner in which Master Liao explains chi, jing, li, and how concept relates to each other. I would not say the book was written to teach a student to mechanics of Tai Chi, but instead to be an overview of the essences of chi and jing in the Tai Chi movements. Therefore, one should already have a working knowledge of the Tai Chi Movements. The book perfects the application of the Jing in the Tai Chi movements. One of the most interest statements delivered in the book, states that a practitioner may feel chi but not jing. Meaning the practitioner of Tai Chi may go through the movements of Tai Chi without ever really understanding the full impact of the art. I feel the book focuses on how the practitioner can build Jing, and the author seems to translate this approach in to the Tai Chi Form in the latter portion of the book. Does one read the book to discover amazing stories of physical feats or rather does one read the book to improve understand of what internal energy really mean.