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One of the most significant features we notice in the practice of archery,
and in fact of all the arts as they are studied in Japan
and probably also in other Far Eastern countries,
is that they are not intended for utilitarian purposes only
or for pure aesthetic enjoyments,
but are meant to train the mind; indeed,
to bring it in contact with the ultimate reality.
(D T Suzuki)
Books
Unless you supplement tai chi training with some reading, your
understanding could remain quite limited.
Here is a shortlist of books that we feel are particularly useful:
Commentaries on Living Volumes 1, 2, 3 by
Krishnamurti
Short conversations and interviews regarding living, thinking and
conditioning.
Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain by
Chungliang Al Huang
A light-hearted look at how taoism and natural movement can infuse the art of
tai chi.
Tao of Being by
Ray Grigg
A well thought-out Tao Te Ching adaptation designed to promote
awareness and contemplation.
Steal My Art
by Stuart Alve Olsen
A quirky, amusing look at the master/student relationship.
The
Way of Chuang Tzu
by Thomas Merton
Perhaps the most accessible interpretation of Chuang Tzu ever written,
this collection of anecdotes, stories and aphorisms offers taoism to people with
a sense of humour.
Zen
in the Art of Archery by
Eugen Herrigel
A fascinating study of how the spirit of zen can infuse a martial
art.
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching by Timothy Freke
A fresh, simple, modern translation.
There Are No Secrets by Wolfe Lowenthal
A candid account of one man's experience of Cheng Man Ching in New
York. This is well-balanced appraisal of the man and his tai chi. It is both
complimentary and critical.
Sword and Brush by Dave Lowry
An elegant consideration of how Japanese calligraphy, words and meaning apply
to the practice and study of martial arts.
Tai Chi Secrets of the
Ancient Masters by Yang Jwing-Ming
A particularly good book by this prolific teacher.
The
Tai Chi Journey by John Lash
An interesting exploration of Tao Te Ching and how it pertains to
both tai chi and living.
The Power of Internal
Martial Arts by
Bruce Frantzis
An engaging account of Frantzis' journey through the martial arts.
Back to Beginnings
by
Huanchu Daoren
A gem of a book that combines taoist, Buddhist and Confucian insights.
Barefoot Doctor's Handbook for the Urban Warrior by
Stephen Russell
A humorous introduction to tai chi and taoism.
The Book of Five
Rings by
Miyamoto Musashi
One of the most thorough books on combat ever written.
The
Essence of Tai Chi Chuan - The Literary Tradition by Lo et al
Detailing the tai chi classics.
The Inner
Warrior by
Lau Kim Hong
A very good read with many examples of tai chi wisdom.
The
Inner Way by
Cheng Man Ching
A practical collection of tai chi insights.
The Little Zen
Companion
by David Schiller
A very useful book that offers traditional and contemporary examples
of zen insight and wisdom.
Tai
Chi Chuan: The Internal Tradition by Ron Sieh
An interesting book that discusses some of the basic principles of
tai chi. Thoughtful and considerate.
The
Way of Energy by Lam Kam Chuen
A qigong classic. Detailing a range of basic standing postures and ba
duan jin. This book was followed by The Way of Power which demonstrates
how Lam's qigong is the foundation for da cheng chuan.
The Way to Love by
Anthony De Mello
A beautiful book which examines our conditioning and questions how we
perceive our reality.
The Art of War
by
Sun Tzu
The quintessential study of warfare.
The
New Lao Tzu by Ray Grigg
A well-written modern version of Tao Te Ching.
Wabi-Sabi: For Artists, Designers, Poets and
Philosophers by Leonard Koren
Concise, detailed and thorough.
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Reading list |
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Please note that tai chi cannot be learned from a book.
Page created 4 October 2001
