Mysteries of the Life Force: My Apprenticeship with a Chi Kung Master (Paperback)

by Peter Meech (Author)
Key Phrases: throwing chi, standing chi kung, chi kung student, Los Angeles, Don Juan, Peter Meech (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A beautifully written introduction to an ancient Eastern discipline. This engrossing tale provides an adventure more authentic than the Castaneda books." -- Stanley Krippner, PhD, co-author, Becoming Psychic

"A beautifully written introduction to an ancient Eastern discipline. This engrossing tale provides an adventure more authentic than the Castaneda books." -- Stanley Krippner, PhD, co-author, Becoming Psychic

"Sparkles with wit, wisdom, and facts found nowhere else. If another book on chi kung is more engaging, I haven't read it." -- Alberto Villoldo, PhD, author, The Four Insights

Product Description
By turns suspenseful, philosophical, and humorous, Mysteries of the Life Force takes you on a fascinating journey into the mysterious world of chi kung, chronicling the first seven years of an extraordinary apprenticeship that took place between the author and a celebrated chi kung master from Shanghai.

During the apprenticeship, the author learned how to cultivate the mysterious life force called chi, and embarked on an incredible journey of inner exploration that continues to this day. Many astonishing events pushed the author past the edge of his rational understanding, including telepathic exchanges between master and student, the throwing of chi-energy over great distances, and the use of dreams as a medium for instruction.

The author had to pass a big test to complete the first phase of the apprenticeship, but the nature of the test was never disclosed. Indeed, an important aspect of the test was to discover exactly what it consisted of, and this detective work is the narrative thread that pulls the reader through to the story's startling conclusion.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 151 pages
• Publisher: Sentient Publications (May 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591810558
• ISBN-13: 978-1591810551
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #756,672 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting, Witty Journey , July 17, 2007

By	Ronald M. Lieberman (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In 1985, the author encountered the world of Chi Kung, an eastern discipline which supposedly involves tapping into a mysterious and immensely powerful "Life Force".

In MYSTERIES OF THE LIFE FORCE, the author is not trying to convince us that Chi Kung exists nor is he attempting to proselytize us with a "Why You Must" tract nor is he offering us an illustrated "How You Can" manual.

The book is more of a "Let me tell you a story about some strange things that happened to me." In the end, it is up to the reader to make of the account what he or she will.

The story relates the author's experiences as he enters a rather weird and magical landscape filled with things that Western science can not contemplate, let alone explain.

Because of the author's intelligent, articulate, engaging, non-judgmental and very witty approach, we gladly accompany him along on a journey which traverses a landscape somewhere between GULLIVER'S TRAVELS, ALICE IN WONDERLAND and THE DANCING WU-LI MASTERS.

The slender book is populated with quirky, humorous characters who are presented with grace and generosity. As we accompany him on his narrative journey, the author draws on excellent background in literature, lore, philosophy, Eastern traditions and shares with us a delicious treat full of whimsical insights and little known facts.

The story itself is highly readable, wise and witty.

Whether one believe in the Chi or not, one can not help but be enchanted by this charming, well-written book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book if you are interested in qigong!, March 4, 2008

By	Michael Lomax - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Most books about qigong try to demonstrate a movement or breathing style that folks can't actually learn from a book. Peter Meech's experiences reveal what is REALLY required to learn qigong. The traditional teaching method utilizing the art of energy projection, combined with student dedication, is THE way to learn qigong.

Way to go, Peter! I am making this book required reading for all my qigong students. This is the best book about qigong I have read in a long time.

Michael Lomax, author of A Light Warrior's Guide To High Level Energy Healing: Medical Qigong & A Shaman's Healing Vision

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing and intelligent departure from what you'd expect, July 2, 2007

By	S. Ost - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The most delightful and unexpectedly witty tale about the study of chi kung I've yet read. Spare, engaging style gets you in the first sentence. Totally enjoyable, thoughtful, subtle, and unique. No "woo woo". It's just fresh.