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Yang, Jwing-Ming Ph.D., is a renowned author and teacher of Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Born in Taiwan, he has trained and taught Taijiquan, Qigong and Chinese martial arts for over forty-five years. He is the author of over thirty books, and was elected by Inside Kung Fu magazine as one of the people who has "made the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 years." Dr. Yang lives in Newton, Massachusetts.
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For those of you who have struggled to obtain correct and lucid information on Qigong Meditation, then this is one of a series of books that will lead you in the right direction. As those who are familiar with Dr. Yang's publications, the book is written in a style that is accessible and accurate. Much of the previous material available in English was short on explanation and long on symbolism and obscure terms that seemed to have no clear interpretation.
Dr. Yang possesses an incredible history, with a background in martial arts combined with an unceasingly inquisitive, curious and intelligent mind. His goal, as I understand it, to make available accurate and true information on various martial arts styles, is commendable, to say the least.
The book presents a wide range of information, with the following sections:
Chapter 1 General Concepts
Chapter 2 Theoretical foundations
Chapter 3 Four Refinements
Chapter 4 Five Regulatings
Chapter 5 Theoretical root of Small Circulation
Chapter 6 Embryonic Breathing
Chapter 7 Important Points in Meditation
Chapter 8 Small Circulation Meditation Practice
Chapter 9 Questions and Possible Human Future
Chapter 10 Conclusion
Chapter 6, Embryonic Breathing, is not a complete study of the subject. As Dr. Yang mentions in the book, the reader would be advised to purchase the book Embryonic Breathing and study it, preferably before beginning this book, or at least the chapter on Embryonic Breathing. It is an excellent book and provides the student with a solid understanding of the role of breathing in Meditation and qigong.
As the capable and talented editor David Silver mentions in the Editor's Note, some of the readers might already be familiar with some of the chapter topics. However, although it might be tempting to skip these chapters, especially if one had already read some of Dr. Yang's previous coverage of the topics, the reader would be well advised to read the book in its entirety. A true scholar, teacher, or any member of any profession, should constantly be trying to improve and correct their understanding of their relative field. Dr. Yang is one of these true scholars and his explanations continue to grow and improve with time. As David mentions, fundamental training is the heart of any system and should never be skipped, regardless of one's skill level.
It's amazing to me that what seems the most complicated at times can actually be simple once it is understood, and what seems on its face value to be simple in nature is at its heart complex. I think of the saying, "find stillness in movement and movement in stillness". Just as in the Yin Yang symbol, each of the two opposites have the seed of each other. Such is the nature of meditation. I used to believe that there couldn't be very much to know in order to practice meditation. Yet, when one looks at the size of this book, coming in at 402 pages, it is obviously a subject of great depth.
Thank the Taiji gods for Dr. Yang and his numerous contributions to the martial arts world. Along with this book, I would recommend to the serious student to purchase Dr. Yang's DVD titled "Understanding Qigong". As I began to watch the DVD, I found that I couldn't turn it off until it was complete. Although I have read numerous books on Qigong, including all of Dr. Yang's publications, as well as practiced Qigong for many years, I found that watching Dr. Yang talk brought a level of understanding that I had never before achieved. I was amazed at how effective he is as a classroom teacher. It is truly an excellent companion to the study of Meditation.
I have not yet met Dr. Yang in person, although I have talked to him on the phone on a couple of occasions. When I do finally meet him, I will probably find myself bowing to him and stating "I am not worthy". And I mean that with the most respect. If you mediate already or are interested in learning about qigong meditation, then this is most likely one of the best books available on the subject.
Copyright 2007 Patrick H. Dickson • All Rights Reserved
