Customer Reviews

Nei Kung: The Secret Teachings of the Warrior Sages

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

After highly anticipating this book, I must say that I was disappointed. After purchasing the book which suggested that it would reveal "Secret Teachings of Warrior Sages" I found out that Mr. Danaos can only share knowledge cryptically (his words). And unfortunately he does not do this well. The amount of actual practical methods taught in the book are condensed to 8 pages of basic Qigong/Chi Kung and meditation. If you are looking for how to achieve any levels in the Mo-Pai nei kung system, then you must actually find John Chang, or one of his disciples. Having said that, I must say that there are good points to the book.

Some of the theory was interesting if you could sift through the esoterica and historical presentations. I do think that Mr. Danaos knows his stuff, but I feel that he is either unwilling or unable (prior secrecy agreements) to share what he has learned. I liked Mr Danaos' first book so much that I really wanted to give this one a good review, but I cannot. Still may be worth purchasing for your library. I think it is.

3 Stars...

I loved the "Magus of Java" and I eageraly awaited this one but I went away with a dirty feeling of being played. He builds you up so much and then leaves you with: His master doesn't take students and doesn't want his whereabouts revealed. Then you are given some photos of seated meditations and encouraged to meditate. Oh and by the way the teachings are secret and not to be revealed for obvious reasons. Duh? Meanwhile you put up with his paying homage to Greek Nei Kung for half the book. What??? If you really practice meditation I think you'd realize when your ego is on a trip. I think Greek people would be offended by having their mysticism defined in Chinese martial art terminology as well.

Realistically, no one expects to master martial arts or Nei Kung from books but an author shouldn't make readers feel "Punk'd" like you're on MTV after reading his book. You can go to your local martial art school and if they teach a traditional system you'll surpass what you get from his books in terms of real application of martial arts. Just doing the traditional warmup exercises and stretches gives you more Nei Kung than both his books combined.

May I recommend these author's and their books:

Mantak Chia: He has a bunch of profusely illustrated Taoist Manuals and videos.

Dr. Yang Jwing Ming: He has many Chi Kung titles with exellent photos and videos as well.

Their books are full of information and they are not stingy or mysterious about it. They also seem interested in improving the health of their students as opposed to having power to kill and dominate people. Above all it seems more practical to find your own teachers and knowledge than to get fooled into thinking Nei Kung is unattainable and that only hidden masters know it and will take it with them to their graves.

Just calling out and summarizing a few good points made by other reviewers already. The key points are (I think)

(a) There is a HUGE discrepancy between the 2nd-hand stories told & heard (about Mr. Chang, Mr. Liao his teacher, and others) and the events and powers actually witnessed on-site by Mr. Kosta personally. It is a gigantic chasm, and Mr. Kosta does not seem to be particularly aware of it.

(b) There is discrepancy in the stated motivations - one the one hand, it is so important and vital to get this material into the public sphere, it might help save the world, realign our values, reconcile mysticism and science, and so forth. In fact however, there are NO specifics given of the actual practices, nor, after having "read everything published in English about Nei-Gong and Taosim" does Mr. Kosta actually give us a point-by-point comparison and evaluation of the actual practices he was taught. This is important information, because he also states that Mr. Chang is in effect a rare genius, a statistical fluke of pure natural ability, on par with a gold medal Olympian. So, we are left unsure - was this super-human result due to a perfect unique marriage of unbelievably rare raw talent and exceptional effective (hitherto secret) method ? Or was one element predominant ? Would somebody of Mr. Chang's raw talent have done as well practicing Yoga or TM ? Or, would just about anybody be able to get to the levels needed to "save the world" one invidual at a time, by following the special secret method of Mo-Pai ? We'd need a much better comparison of Mo-Pai training methods in view of the thousands of other systems and practices that are much more widely described and available. I don't believe that Mr. Kosta's 2nd book has filled this need very specifically either.

(c) Why, if the motivation is to spread the word on the exceptionaly effecive Mo-Pai practices, to help save the Earth, etc. is there no course of instruction mentioned, no way to find a school or a teacher, no way to begin training.

(d) I wish there had been more discussion and justification of the idea of the 72 levels. I find it hard to credit that such an individualized and mysterious realm of human endeavor (energy, awareness, and mind) can be so neatly characterized. I note that even at level 40 or 50 or so, as I believe Mr. Chang is claimed to be, he still needs money, water, food, transportation, and basically participates in life in the same mildly destructive ways that we all do. How that can be a formula or model for a values revolution that will save the Earth is not made clear. If it just an example of a simple, spiritual life we need to steer us onto the higher road, wouldn't the life of Ghandhi (much better documented) or other simple, sprititual people be more ready-to-hand and accessible for that job ? So it is not made clear exactly how, even if everybody in the world suddenly rushed to study Mo-Pai, that would entail an Earth-saving values shift, anymore than if they all started working on TM or Zen or simple prayer anything else. I suppose being able to ignite newspapers without a match is supposed to be more of an incentive to value-shift oneself than the simple presence and words of better known spiritual/inspirational figures ?

Overall, the presentation is SO MUCH like Castenada that, having plowed through about 15 other Don Juan "localized" versions (Don Juan in - China, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Middle East, Berkeley, etc.) I just can't help but feel the presentation is formulaic.

At least, however, we are certain of the bare fact that a kung fu teacher of John Chang's name and general description does exist and has been photographed. In that prosaic sense, Mr. Kosta has delivered more than the usual "Don Juan franchise" formula. Beyond those skeletal facts, however, we know nothing.

Very little (if any) Nei Kung can be found in this book. Mostly, it is a naive and self-indulgent autobiographical narration of the author's experiences with non-ordinary reality. As such it is a take it or leave it affair and, in the absence of practical information about chi practice, I am inclined to take the book as a yet another fairy tale. Danaos thus missed a chance to make his name as a Nei Kung teacher. Internal martial arts and energy work in general are amazing things and we need good books... however, this is not one for a serious practitioner. To people interested in learning more about Nei Kung I'd recommend any of the books written by Frantzis Kumar, a master with impeccable credentials and someone who does not play hide and seek with his readers.

Perhaps Danaos' teacher is real... like Don Juan, you may never know... at least with the teaching of Don Juan you have some amazing practical and mystical teachings.

Here, there is nothing substantive in either of his books. When someone writes with the non-critical enthusiasm of an Eric Hoffer "True Believer", it is hard to take it seriously.

Danaos implies his own greatness with his association to the teacher, John Chang, despite the fact that on the surface he plays down his accomplishment. This book, for me, along with The Magus of Java, has little or nothing of useable value except for an interesting fantasy story about powers and abilities, and `levels' of development.

There is very little mentioned about moral or ethical development or subsequent ethical responsibility, in relation to the so-called levels in the Mo-Pai tradition of Nei Kung.

I'm sorry to say that the scholastic research is dubious as well. Look at the references that Danaos gives and you will see that he is relying primarily on the work and research of other writers, and then makes many far-fetched inferences and conclusions that do not logically follow.

As far as the Taoist meditation instruction goes, you will get more useful information studying the books of BK Franztis or Thomas Cleary.

Sorry Danaos, you are in fantasyland...

This is actually a response to some prior reviews. No responsible person would reveal sophisticated interal energy practices in a book. This is in part because such practices are dangerous. The accumulation of energy and movement could cause great harm if done incorrectly and if done to someone who has not cleared emotional blockages and etc. The most common example would be the accumilation of energy in the head, which can cause people all kinds of mental and neurological problems.

Simply, these practices are not for everyone. It probably takes a year to learn to release and open up to your inner meridian system, strenthen your body, focus the mind, sensitize one to increased energy and etc. One really needs a teacher to evaluate the student and work with a student. The process can be slow and requires a lot of attention and discaplne and etc. A responisble person may reveal things about the teachings but not the teachings themselves. Beleive me, its for peoples own good.

I don't want to be discouraging, but a person has to learn how to walk before they can run. A professional weight lifter begins their carear with light weights and over times builds their body up.

There are a number of people in the US teaching chi kung (internal) and other related taoist or eastern energy practices. If you are inspired by the book, go out and search for a teacher and dive in. Remember however, that it years of practice and big time self discapline to make significant progress.

What do you want? A better experience of life? To share your love and appreciation? Love your body, love your mind, love your soul.

Best wishes!

This book by no means measures up to its predecessor. It seems as if the author has nothing more to write about, but tried writing anyway. Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt John Chang or his abilities. However, this book doesn't seem to promote him or his traditions. Instead, it seems designed to promote the author and his new organization. As opposed to giving testament to skill as in the Magus of Java, the author only offers inferences to his ability. If this book is an attempt to promote himself, he should take a marketing class or two so that he can play, not only to his established audience, but also to those new to the martial traditions.

He attempts to draw parallels between Greek/Roman mythology and Nei Gung. There might be points in common, but that's not why I bought the book. I bought it for more information on the Mo Pai tradition. Not secrets, just more information. The author failed to deliver.

After spending so much effort in his first book, talking about how important it was for the world to know the Mo Pai tradition and that was why he was entrusted with it...this book yields none of it. Apparently its SO important to give to the world, but perhaps only at his school.

This book's misleading title (yes, I read the review of WHY it was mis-named and NOT the author's fault...but this does not detract from the empty title) has nothing to do with Nei Gung. You get a couple of Chi Gung meditation forms in the back that ANY book has. The rest of the book is pure speculation that talks about how the Greeks and western world were aware of chi (there exists far more evidence than what Kosta came up with, if you do the right research...his stuff is tenuous at best).

All in all, I'm disappointed at the time I spent WISHING for this book (eager to see a touch of what the Mo Pai tradition was), and the money I wasted.

Sorry Mr. Danaos.

Let me summarize the book's entire nei kung instructions. Do some - 1) sitting meditation (preferably in the full lotus), 2) standing meditation (horse stance). Start at 10 minutes each and work up.

Well, that's it! The rest of the book consists of Mr. Danaos drawing analogies of Taoist Nei Kung practice with other ancient civilizations - especially Greek, of course and espousing his theories on how the chi paradigm fits in with modern science....

Sorry again, but it was a very disappointing read.

I have a lot to thank Kosta for. I was able to find his master after reading his first book. However his latest book does not share the secrets of the warrior sages. Rather it gives Kosta's philosophy about life and , it is easy to read and entertaining and I share his hope that more and more people through whatever meditation they come into contact with, will evolve and bring mankind to fulfilment.