Customer Reviews

Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation

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I was dissapointed with this book. I expected much more from a whole book devoted to small circulation. It gives you the impression that Yang never learned small circulation meditation from an actual teacher, but seems to have picked up techniques from ancient writings. Only a very small portion of this book is devoted to the actual practice of small circulation, the rest is translations of others writings and qigong theory which is included in his other books. Overall, I think there's some good info, but I found Qigong Empowerment by Shou Yu Liang to be much better.

I just finished reading Small Circulation by Jwing-Ming Yang and I've been implementing the energy practices in it. It hasn't involved changing much that I hadn't already learned from Mantak Chia's work on the Microcosmic orbit. If anything, it's provided more of a concrete explanation of the energetic mechanics involved with internal energy work.

What I find useful about his writing is just how much work he's done to translate documents and explain the processes described in those documents. The illustrations and instructions are straightforward and very helpful in learning how to work with the qi/chi of the body. Overall, I recommend reading this book as it will provide a thorough grounding in energy work techniques.

For those of you who have struggled to obtain correct and lucid information on Qigong Meditation, then this is one of a series of books that will lead you in the right direction. As those who are familiar with Dr. Yang's publications, the book is written in a style that is accessible and accurate. Much of the previous material available in English was short on explanation and long on symbolism and obscure terms that seemed to have no clear interpretation.

Dr. Yang possesses an incredible history, with a background in martial arts combined with an unceasingly inquisitive, curious and intelligent mind. His goal, as I understand it, to make available accurate and true information on various martial arts styles, is commendable, to say the least.

The book presents a wide range of information, with the following sections:

Chapter 1 General Concepts

Chapter 2 Theoretical foundations

Chapter 3 Four Refinements

Chapter 4 Five Regulatings

Chapter 5 Theoretical root of Small Circulation

Chapter 6 Embryonic Breathing

Chapter 7 Important Points in Meditation

Chapter 8 Small Circulation Meditation Practice

Chapter 9 Questions and Possible Human Future

Chapter 10 Conclusion



Chapter 6, Embryonic Breathing, is not a complete study of the subject. As Dr. Yang mentions in the book, the reader would be advised to purchase the book Embryonic Breathing and study it, preferably before beginning this book, or at least the chapter on Embryonic Breathing. It is an excellent book and provides the student with a solid understanding of the role of breathing in Meditation and qigong.

As the capable and talented editor David Silver mentions in the Editor's Note, some of the readers might already be familiar with some of the chapter topics. However, although it might be tempting to skip these chapters, especially if one had already read some of Dr. Yang's previous coverage of the topics, the reader would be well advised to read the book in its entirety. A true scholar, teacher, or any member of any profession, should constantly be trying to improve and correct their understanding of their relative field. Dr. Yang is one of these true scholars and his explanations continue to grow and improve with time. As David mentions, fundamental training is the heart of any system and should never be skipped, regardless of one's skill level.

It's amazing to me that what seems the most complicated at times can actually be simple once it is understood, and what seems on its face value to be simple in nature is at its heart complex. I think of the saying, "find stillness in movement and movement in stillness". Just as in the Yin Yang symbol, each of the two opposites have the seed of each other. Such is the nature of meditation. I used to believe that there couldn't be very much to know in order to practice meditation. Yet, when one looks at the size of this book, coming in at 402 pages, it is obviously a subject of great depth.

Thank the Taiji gods for Dr. Yang and his numerous contributions to the martial arts world. Along with this book, I would recommend to the serious student to purchase Dr. Yang's DVD titled "Understanding Qigong". As I began to watch the DVD, I found that I couldn't turn it off until it was complete. Although I have read numerous books on Qigong, including all of Dr. Yang's publications, as well as practiced Qigong for many years, I found that watching Dr. Yang talk brought a level of understanding that I had never before achieved. I was amazed at how effective he is as a classroom teacher. It is truly an excellent companion to the study of Meditation.

I have not yet met Dr. Yang in person, although I have talked to him on the phone on a couple of occasions. When I do finally meet him, I will probably find myself bowing to him and stating "I am not worthy". And I mean that with the most respect. If you mediate already or are interested in learning about qigong meditation, then this is most likely one of the best books available on the subject.

Qigong is a form of meditation and stylized exercise that has its roots in Buddhism. Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation by Chinese martial arts and Qigong expert Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is an excellent guide for western readers to the practice of Qigong style mediation practiced throughout Asia. Expertly providing readers with the basic concepts underlying this form of meditation for the improvement and control of personal energy circulation, Qigong Meditation offers an in-depth and practical understanding of the fundamentals for its revitalizing and energizing practices. A core addition to Qigong, meditation, martial arts, Buddhist Studies, and Eastern spirituality reference collections, Qigong Meditation is very strongly recommended for readers seeking to practice Qigong meditation.

This is THE BOOK for the one who has that desire to meditate, for Real. I have been fortunate enough to have taken all of Dr. Yang's amazing in person Qigong training Levels. I waited with great anticipation for this book to be finally published. It is the work of serveral Volumes all condensed into ONE. This literary gift will enable the serious beginner the ability to truly understand and accomplish real results in their meditation quest. You could just have this one practice, your whole life, and it WOULD BE Enough. It will also make any other door you choose to open that much more effective. It is the proper foundation for any advanced meditation and A MUST HAVE. Hats off to the other accurate reviews of this "Gem"!

The Books or DVD's are graet. They are very easy to understand. I still prefer DVD's to books when it comes to learning movements. All the YMAA products are well worth the money and will take you were you want to be in your training, health, and understanding. Thanks, Brooksy.

Probably author have much knowledge and experience but I do not understand why he spent zillions of words and endless (non consistent) repeating ... just to describe the crucial technique in practically few last pages of the book. Like he wanted to amaze somebody with the length of his book. I must proudly congratulate myself and anybody else who managed to read it to the end.