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Daoist Body Cultivation: Traditional Models and Contemporary Practices

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Daoist Body Cultivation: Traditional Models and Contemporary Practices is an anthology of eight works exploring various facets of Daoism, including acupuncture, qi manipulation, and breathing exercises, covering various schools of thought throughout with chapters dedicated to Taiji Quan and Qigong. The chapters all focus on various forms of Daoist cultivation, with an eye towards tradition and change. This work is a valuable resource on contemporary forms of Daoism and the impact of modernity on the tradition. Prior knowledge of the tradition is recommended.

In terms of analysis some authors are more convincing than others, but the overall work was informative and important. Many modern forms of religion have yet to gain recognition as distinct traditions and Daoist Body Cultivation explores some of these underrepresented groups and their practices. In terms of improvement I would suggest the authors embrace the changes of this ancient religion as the natural outgrowth of a living tradition. The perspectives range from historical to cultural-anthropological, but the philosophical modifications of contemporary practitioners are not extensively covered. This work will largely appeal to those with an academic interest in contemporary religion.

You can see my reviews on Amazon. Just shy of 50. Mostly pot-boilers consumed for ephemeral amusement. How could my readers discern that Scott Bedford is a 20 year student of Tai Chi/ Chi Kung ; and, a mendicant on the path of the way? This book came fast and by itself from Amazon . The first thing that jumps out is that Livia Kohn is the editor of an anthology by many authors not the sole writer ; and that's ok. I have read many works on The Tao and Tai Chi/ Chi Kung. Most are obtuse and inscrutable. There are many reasons. They are translated from archaic Chinese; sometimes ancient works. These are forbidden, secret family treasures ; transmitted orally for generations from father to son. And, intentionally kept obscure. Even a brilliant scholar like Thomas Cleary can translate the words in a workmanlike manner but yet fail to transmit the meaning of the text. This book starts off strong in a firm, clear and direct voice. The introduction gives a worthwhile description of the Daoist creed; to wit, daily cultivation of bodily chi and ultimate merger with universal chi. The work is scholarly, yet approachable. It is an esoteric work and I shall read it slowly and one page at a time. My impressions shall be fresh as I compose this review contemporaneously. I am excited that in my many years of bodily cultivation and study of scholarly works this book holds the promise of being the most relevant and authoritative to a normal reader and practitioner. I skip to 6 HEALING BREATHS. This is my current Chi Kung practice. The book is interesting as it traces the history of this DAOYIN practice from 400 B.C. to the present iteration in America under Mantak Chia. But it suffers from the obtuseness of prior works I have referred to in this review. It is choppy, as if this article is edited and revised by multiple authors. It can add information to ones practice. But, it does not meet my early expectations. It is not a user's guide for a modern American; nor is it a substitute for a good sifu (teacher<father>) . It can only layer some information on to ones practice who already has a foundation; therefore I still deem it valuable because it is nonetheless a light in an area where there is not much information. Now I digress from this text for the benefit of seekers on the way. I currently practice LIU ZI JUE SIX HEALING SOUND QI GONG as taught by sifu/Malaysian stick fighter/ Dr. TCM and accupuncture TOM BISIO. Sifu does not require formal address. Like Taoist immortals he will laugh and say call me Tom. But Tom is old school and capable of true transmission. He taught me This DAOYIN through word and deed. Sometimes his movements are more advanced than his words; because he has an abundance of pre-heaven chi and explosive jing. As I previously stated 6 Healing sound qi Gong is practiced from 400 BC until now. It is currently practiced in hospitals in China for its healing capabilities. So here's the deal-- there are six organs which are healed by breathing in and out when accompanied by specific movements and specific sounds. XU Liver HE Heart HU Spleen SI Lung CHUI Kidney XI San Jiao(Triple Burner). Practice these movements and sounds for 100 days and you will then have them for all eternity. I have personally witnessed many Grandfathers who practice this DAOYIN and they are much older than 1oo years. They have told me that age is no longer a problem when you practice this Qi Gong and you will be free of sickness and pain; and that becoming Immortal is guaranteed. They always laugh when they assure me of immortality. Good luck! The first step along the path of the way is to find a good teacher. Remember, there are many false masters. So be careful and choose wisely.