Customer Reviews

The Backward-Flowing Method: The Secret of Life and Death

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've now read both of Semple's books and what sets them apart from most in the genre is their direct approach. Many authors with a major publisher would be persuaded to add much more repetition and fluff in order to expand the book. Semple prefers to keep it fairly simple, which is also how he sees the process he's describing. I felt, however, this book had a little too much quoting from other sources, but it's still more to-the-point than most other books you'll find.

The main thrust of the "backward flowing method" is a breathing exercise to slowly, and safely start a kundalini awakening. As the method is taken from a Chinese source, I don't believe many who've tried "kundalini yoga" will be familiar with it. A reader who is familiar with qi gong might find the backward flowing method similar to preparatory exercises for the microcosmic orbit.

In a perfect world, both of Semple's books would be combined into one work. But regardless, they're both available, affordable and inspiring.

As much as I like the first book and like the author, I don't like this book very much. I heard the author speak and he is very impressive.

The information the author is presenting - the meditation techniques - the results he has obtained, and the results he believes the techniques will produce in others - this information is fascinating, and possibly of the highest value.

Unfortunately the book is written in the form of a persuasion, a sales pitch, an argument (?) to convince the reader that spirit and meditation can change the physical body and can change the character of the practitioner. And that there are positive implications beyond that. He also argues strongly that people should consider trying things to see if they work (empirical experimentation) instead of being completely limited by theory (or dogma)

Personally, I already think this is obvious. A large percentage of this small, 133 page book is filled with this dispute, this exhortation. Another large portion of the book is excerpts and reprints from his prior, excellent (IMHO) book. And then there are excerpts from other books. So there is actually not much book here.

The method itself is explained a little more clearly than in the first volume.

The author does not mention if anyone else who has tried his method has succeeded (yet). The method looks quite simple (not necessarily easy) and will take 100 days (or more) of regular practice to get to the point of no return. His personal experience and the experience of Gopi Krishna, [who he cites extensively] were both quite unpleasant, life changing, and temporarily debilitating. Since he has puzzled out important factors - type of diet for example - one wonders if the next wave are having an easier transition - since the author emphasizes that this is a `one way trip'.

Although the realization he has attained is one of my life goals, I have to say that this book and the previous book don't inspire me to follow.

I'm surprised the author hasn't read more of what is currently available in English on Taoist meditations. Having read extensively I would be surprised if many more of the intermediate steps now being published by (for example) Mantak Chia don't correspond to some of the still encoded portions of 'the golden flower', my limited experience with esoteric Taoism is that it is intended to be a 'step by step' process rather than the'leap off the cliff' experience the author had.

I'd agree with the other reviewer who thought this should be a second edition, not a second volume.

The Backward-Flowing Method: The Secret of Life and Death

A precise method with lasting effect is what the author JJ Semple offers in his book "The Backward-Flowing Method", a safe way to awaken dormant Life Force for all those who follow his precise instructions. Not only an instructional manual but a well written syncretic historical and scientific essay as well. The way he dechiffers and puts into practise "the old method of The Golden Flower" including diaphragmatic deep breathing which is a part of old chinese medicine qigong practise, the zen meditational method of "blocking out the ten thousand things", learning to control the heart rate and still the breath, perhaps reviving what may have been early gnostic and arian meditaion methods, referring to the bardos in the Tibetan Book of the Dead as well as the old religious tradition of abstaining from sexual activity for a specific amount of time...and reflecting on modern science and the possibility of an individual blueprint in our DNA science, JJ Semple deliveres a highly entertaining book. Leaving this reader curious to follow his example and start practising. But one should not mistake this easy to read for not being serious, because like he says.."once you have made up your mind there is no turning back, you'll be on autopilot for the rest of your life. It will change your life and it will demand sacrifices". In light of aformentioned connections I see no reason as to doubt his claims, when it comes to the power of youth generation, as for karmic intervention I abstain from commenting since the author does point out the importance of practical proof and await his further in depth publishing in this department. JJ Semple shares with us his personal experiences. It is worth mentioning though that he is not alone in this pursuit, references can be made to Glenn Morris and T.Cleary as well as many others including this reader. I see no reason to doubt that this book really shows how to trigger autonomic self-healing mechanisms capable of correcting defeats related to neural degeneration, still addictions, and rejuvenate your body. It makes sense; instead of escaping the imprisonment of the physical plane, would it not be better to improve the world by "knowing thy self"? It's a great contribution to the choir of pioneers attempting to bridge the gap between east and west, religious pracise and scienctific method in addition to being a simple and clear instructional manual for awakening dormant rejuvenating primal energy.

I'm sure most readers hope for a clear description and instructions for the backward flowing method. They will not find it here. The description of his interpretation of the method is just a little over one page. I thought that that one page was a teaser for more information to come later in the book, but the one page is all there is.

There is a rambling examination of various philosophical issues posed in the secret of the Golden Flower. If you purchase Semple's book, you would surely want to have a copy of the Golden Flower so you have an idea of what he is talking about. Then, you could read the instructions for the backward flowing method for yourself. Actually, there are two different methods described in The Secret of the Golden Flower. Semple only describes one of them.

I find The Secret of the Golden Flower very approachable, with no need for someone else to explain it. Yet it is still a interesting to read someone else's take on it. How many books are there on the Golden Flower, anyway? Not a lot. This one, for good measure, tosses in a method of prostrate massage through anal contractions, quotes P.D. Ouspenski a lot, and goes into the dangers of kundalini activation. I got the feeling the author was trying to fill up pages to justify publication of a book. I don't think it adds a lot, except for reassurance that someone else out there has tried these methods and is reporting on succesful results.

Well organized materials..and the author is right on target with this book's approach..i've practiced a related method for almost 30 years but without this bit of guidance..once using this technique, i began feeling inner movement and changes within a couple days..if you meditate, this book's approach is an excellent addition to your practice..

JJ Semple's down to earth writing makes this book quite a gem to have. It is full of great information concerning waking up. Semple went through Kundalini energy awakening (the body's mechanism for purification and bringing you back into balance) through reading and following the ancient text Secret of the Golden Flower. Semple's first book is worth getting first as that is more biographical and this is more technical. Both are highly recommended by me.

Also check out Glenn Morris's two books Path notes of an American Ninja Master (first) and Shadow Strategies (second) as they deal with similar topics but Glenn goes more indepth but is more esoteric and mystical (if that is your thing)

This book made no sense to me. The more I investigate about this author, the more I believe he is a scam.

I am too lazy to describe my uneasiness with Mr. Semple, but if you are reading this and have faith in me, you will skip this book immediately.

Follow your intuition, if the cover is so ugly, don't expect it to be better inside.

Yes, I know, this is not how an Amazon review should be, but I can't be bothered to waste more time with this guy.