Return to Stillness: Twenty Years with a Tai Chi Master [Paperback]

Trevor Carolan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2003

Trevor Carolan studied tai chi, meditation, and traditional Chinese healing for twenty-three years under the guidance of the late Master Ng Ching-Por in Vancouver's Chinatown. Over his many years of practicing tai chi and learning from Ng Ching-Por, Carolan absorbed the wisdom that comes from studying so closely with a master teacher. Now he offers what the Japanese call "palm of the hand" tales: thirty brief chapters that explore the essential motivations that inspired him to adopt the path of tai chi and persevere in its practice. Among the subjects he addresses are the dynamics of Asian teacher-student relationships, contending with the competitive urges of oneself and others, the student's frustration at making little apparent progress, the humor and embarrassment often involved in cross-cultural learning exchanges, as well as more practical subjects, including the mechanics of breathing and Taoist and Buddhist meditation techniques. Carolan's easy mix of anecdote, insight, drawings, and teachings will appeal to novice and advanced tai chi enthusiasts alike.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Acknowledging that "no book can possibly replace the profound insights one receives from a fine teacher," Carolan (who studied with the same master for two decades) presents his take on the wisdom and benefits of Tai Chi and a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the practice. In friendly prose, he guides readers through chapters recounting things like the origins of Tai Chi, the way it was first broadly introduced to Westerners (in a television commercial for milk), and how it has become woven into all parts of his existence. He also offers his thoughts on the process of studying: there is much to be learned from masters and everyone else in the world, but "ultimately, every seeker must embrace his or her own vision of the teaching and dance his or her own dance." A worthwhile read for anyone with a sincere interest in the traditions and history of Tai Chi, this book is nevertheless a meandering observance of decades of practice and learning. Readers looking for a step-by-step guide to learning Tai Chi would do well to look elsewhere.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"An encouragement and guide to anyone who follows or is considering a practice with the potential to transform their life." -- Bill Porter (aka Red Pine), author of Road to Heaven, translator of The Diamond Sutra

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569244871
• ISBN-13: 978-1569244876
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,179,565 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reading about Tai Chi is like dancing about mathematics, April 16, 2005

By 

F. Theilig (Rhode Island) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Return to Stillness: Twenty Years with a Tai Chi Master (Paperback)

This is not a how-to book. The author, through stories about his experience with his Tai Chi Master, does an excellent job of explaining the Why, if not the What of Tai Chi. Through reading his vivid and elloquent (almost poetic) prose one senses what the practice means to the author and gets a great appreciation for it. This is not a martial arts book. Or a self defense, philosophy, or religion book. This book, like Tai Chi itself, is best understood through the experience. It is a series of vignettes that brings the reader as close as possible to understanding the marrow of Tai Chi. A great feat, indeed.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Marvelous, Luminous Book, March 1, 2006

By 

Dr. Richard G. Petty (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Return to Stillness: Twenty Years with a Tai Chi Master (Paperback)

This beautifully poetic book is an account of Sifu Carolan's twenty-year experience with his Tai Chi Master, leavened with many illuminating tales.

There is no direct instruction in the Tai Chi form, but for all that, it teaches in its own quiet way. Exactly as good teachers have always done, it is not just a matter of understanding how to do certain movements; it is understanding the "Why" of doing them.

This is a book that could be enjoyed by anyone starting to learn the basics of the marvelous arts of Tai Chi and Qigong, and re-read again as you begin to move beyond the basic movements.

I have read a lot of books about Tai Chi and Qigong, and have had the privilege of studying with some outstanding teachers. Years ago, while visiting Malaysia and working with two Tai Chi Masters, I was astonished to discover how many of the old secrets had been forgotten during the various Chinese diasporas. Forgotten but not lost.

This book captures an essence that you will find in very few places. For that Trevor Carolan deserves our thanks, and anybody interested in the "soft" martial arts will find much to learn in the simple stories that the book contains.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I benefitted from "Return to Stillness", May 24, 2007

By 

Hauoli (Hawaii, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Return to Stillness: Twenty Years with a Tai Chi Master (Paperback)

I loved this book! The timeless wisdom passed on from Trevor Carolan's Sifu is priceless. Wisdom so simple, sincere, applicable to our lives, our efforts to "play Tai Chi", and our efforts to be more compassionate. From this book, I took 3 pages of notes for my personal improvement. One can practice the mechanics of Tai Chi, but to embody the "spirit" of Tai Chi is more difficult. "Return to Stillness" captures the essence of pure Tai Chi.