In the Garden of My Teachers; Essays and Writings on Taijiquan [Paperback]

Arieh Lev Breslow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 4, 2008

Arieh Lev Breslow, a Taiji teacher for thirty years, presents twenty-two thoughtful and at times provocative essays on Taijiquan. These essays cover a wide range of topics including Taiji theory, practice, Chinese philosophy, science, stories, legends and Taiji for seniors and the physically challenged. In one essay he utilizes the science of physical anthropology to demonstrate how the principles of Taijiquan correspond to the specialized criteria of human evolution that enable bipedal human beings to walk upright in the most efficient and practical way. In another essay he explains how the Taiji Classics interpret the development of internal (jing) energy and shows how to nurture this force in the form and apply it to Push Hands. In 'The Taiji Way of Giving Birth' his students recount the stories of their pregnancies in the context of how they used Taiji to enhance their birthing experiences. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the author argues that the ideas of Confucius played an equal role to those of Laozi in the development of Taijiquan. There are also several essays that show how Taiji can improve walking and balance of seniors and the physically challenged. This is a rare book that highlights Taijiquan as a practice with unlimited potential and possibilities for health, self-defense, personal growth and ultimately enlightenment.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In the Garden of My Teachers is a worthwhile addition to the library of all serious students or teachers of Taiji. It provides a good sourcebook and fine summary of important Chinese Taiji Classics that must be incorporated into the practice and teaching of Taiji. Mr. Breslow, in the Jewish tradition Semicha, the practice of handing down traditions from one generation of teacher to the next, provides with clarity many of the fundamental Confucian principles believed in and practiced by Professor Zhengmenqing. He also provides insight into the origins and practice of Taiji that only a trained historian can convey. I recommend this book to students of Taijiquan and the general public, and most importantly to all persons who wish to expand their physical and spiritual horizons. --Journal of Asian Martial Arts

Here is a book that widens the whole concept of what Taiji is and why people might want to practice it. Breslow, through showing deep respect for his teachers and the ancient traditions of Taijiquan, manages to bring this great it into the 21st century. He shows us an art to live by and to be healed by. --Linda Chase Broda, founder of Village Hall Taiji, Manchester, England and the Taiji Forum for Health, which trains teachers to aid people with special needs.

These essays provide welcome insights in the unique way Taiji exercises our bodies and minds and the way in which it enhances the quality of our lives. --Ronnie Robinson, publisher of Tai Chi Chuan & Internal Arts Magazine and author of Total Tai Chi

About the Author

Arieh Lev Breslow grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. He received a B.A. in economics from the University of Nebraksa and a M.A. in history from the University of Wisconsin. He is a thirty-year certified practitioner of Taijiquan and has taught Taiji and Qigong in Wellness Centers and Taiji gatherings throughout Europe, Israel and the United States. Recently he wrote 'The Tai Chi Falls Prevention Manual for Seniors and the Physically Challenged' and produced video that demonstrates the Manual s exercises. The Manual and video comprise a complete program designed with the goal of improving the walking ability for those with balance problems. The Manual includes leg strengthening and Taiji balance exercises along with warm-ups and self-massage techniques. Arieh has also written extensively in the field of Taiji and Qigong. 'Beyond The Closed Door: Chinese Culture and the Creation of Tai Chi Chuan' was his first book. It has been acclaimed for its erudition and accessibility to the general public and is considered one of the best sources for the origins and history of Taiji. His second book, 'When Less is More: Using the Mind to Exercise the Body,' teaches meditation, Qigong and visualization exercises for health from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Accompanying the book, When Less is More, is a video that demonstrates the Qigong exercises found in the book. He has also written numerous articles on Taiji including 'Tai Chi: The Cosmic Mobile,' and 'The Importance of Yielding in Push Hands' which appeared in the Tai Chi Journal and 'Immortality in Chinese Thought and its Influence on Taijiquan and Qigong,' which appeared in The Journal of Asian Martial Arts. Recently an article on his work with Taiji and older adults appeared in Tai Chi Chuan, The Journal of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain. His first novel, 'On the Wings of a Dragon' is a whodunit based on his extensive knowledge of Chinese immortality and martial arts. A new book of twenty-two essays titled, 'In the Garden of my Teachers,' was published in 2008. In this book Arieh discusses a wide range of Taiji topics from the practical to the theoretical. Arieh is married to Anne who also teaches Taijiquan and Qigong along with modern dance. They have three daughters and live near Jerusalem, Israel. Arieh can be reached at: [e-mail]

Product Details

• Paperback: 261 pages
• Publisher: Almond Blossom Press; 1st edition edition (January 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967274826
• ISBN-13: 978-0967274829
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, June 27, 2008

By 

Tricia Yu (Taos, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In the Garden of My Teachers; Essays and Writings on Taijiquan (Paperback)

This book presents the history, philosophy, applications and a great tribute to the author's teachers: Yang Style Cheng Man Ch'ing Lineage master. It includes broad range of ways to practice Tai Chi principles, from traditional push hands to balance training and using its principles during chid birth. The author hs a depth of experience and a profound respect for this ancient art.