Customer Reviews

Ancient Wisdom, New Spirit: Investigations into the Nature of "Being"

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This book is "an endeavor of authentically investigating the depth and scope of the nature of "being."" How would a person go about doing that? Mr. Ralston answers in the following way. "To the best of my ability my work has always supported a genuine look into our own "event" - uncovering the principles and dynamics that determine our experience of self, body, relationship, interaction, life, and reality. As you may well imagine, such an undertaking would assume many forms and involve a lot of experimentation. It's not an investigation or a communication that happens overnight. It takes dedicated work and serious mind-challenging considerations." I liked this book because we read transcribed tapes of live seminars where students struggle to comprehend their own "event" via dialogues with Peter Ralston. Questions are the method Peter uses to explore that which can not be explained logically. The investigation takes you beyond the rational and irrational into the realm of paradox. Whether you are an advanced student or a beginner this book is an excellent place to ground your search. There is a breadth and depth to the material that allows for multiple readings and contemplations. If you have come this far - looked up the book, read the review and are still undicided - assume that I'm incompetent as a reviewer. You have come to close to the treasure to turn and walk away now. Seize this book and investigate who you are. Honestly, what else is there?

While I immensely enjoyed Ralston's other books I think that this one fails to deliver. The "principles" book clearly laid out guidlines that could be practiced. The "tui shou" book did likewise for push hands. However, in this book Ralston abandons his earlier "grounded in the physical" approach and delves into the ontological/mental discoveries he's made over the years. In my opinion, these discussions will make no sense to someone not involved in the physical practice that he teaches because you need the practice to provide a context in which to understand the material. Even for one with an internal arts/philosophy background I find his discussions difficult to follow. It's almost as if he has something great to communicate but hasn't figured out how to transmit it yet. This is reflected in his interaction with students in the book. This book also reflects a recent trend in taiji which is to get caught up in over-intellectualizing the practice. If you're doing more reading and thinking than practicing you'll never get anywhere. For someone taking his classes this might be a valuable resource but for others I would suggest they look to his other books for insight.

Ancient Wisdom is a great book, one that can be read again and again and again. It's a lot like the Tao Te Ching, but more fun (and more rewarding for and demanding of the reader). Peter Ralston's communication style really comes across throughout the book. It's more personal and light hearted than some of his other works, but is still razor sharp and relentless in its purpose. It's not one of those books that you read and then say, "Oh yeah, I read that one. The answers are all on page 452." It's one of those books that illustrates a process of discovery and that asks questions of the reader which can be used as vehicles (such as chissels and catapults) for real personal change. It's not necessary to have a background in martial arts or philosophy or whatever to make good use of this book. In fact, that stuff would probably get in the way if you try to filter the communication of the book through those paradigms. A willingness to understand more about yourself is all you need to read Ancient Wisdom. I will say that if you have ever worked with Peter directly you will probably enjoy the book even more, but don't let that scare you away from it if you haven't. One of the great things about Peter is his willingness to communicate with those who want to get to the bottom of something. I don't think he would mind me saying that you can always send him an email if you have something come up for you from reading and contemplating Ancient Wisdom (or The Book of Not Knowing or any of the others). That's part of what makes this book better (or at least more accessable) than the Tao Te Ching. It's a communication. A dialogue. You can email Peter Ralston or go to a seminar and get great feedback. Lao Tsu's a lot harder to get in touch with!

While I immensely enjoyed Ralston's other books I think that this one fails to deliver. The "principles" book clearly laid out guidlines that could be practiced. The "tui shou" book did likewise for push hands. However, in this book Ralston abandons his earlier "grounded in the physical" approach and delves into the ontological/mental discoveries he's made over the years. In my opinion, these discussions will make no sense to someone not involved in the physical practice that he teaches because you need the practice to provide a context in which to understand the material. Even for one with an internal arts/philosophy background I find his discussions difficult to follow. It's almost as if he has something great to communicate but hasn't figured out how to transmit it yet. This is reflected in his interaction with students in the book. This book also reflects a recent trend in taiji which is to get caught up in over-intellectualizing the practice. If you're doing more reading and thinking than practicing you'll never get anywhere. For someone taking his classes this might be a valuable resource but for others I would suggest they look to his other books for insight.