Spirit of Shaolin: A Kung Fu Philosophy [Paperback]

David Carradine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1991

A well-known martial arts expert describes the philosophy behind Kung Fu, discussing the ancient wisdom of the Chinese masters, the principles of Shaolin thought, and the inner meaning of martial arts. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

At first glance, this book appears to be a historical and philosophical treatment of Shaolin Kung Fu. But the reader soon discovers that it is more the story of Carradine the actor/martial artist, plus a limited philosophy of Kung Fu. The first half of the book is interesting. It gives an account of Carradine's initiation into the martial arts and his work on the TV series Kung Fu . Carradine comes across as very self-assured and completely devoted to the arts. The second part focuses on the philosophy of Kung Fu, but the narrative is disjointed and rambling. Points are not always clear and some bits of "wisdom" sound as if they came out of a fortune cookie. Carradine fans and martial arts supporters will probably enjoy this book, but those looking for instruction will not find it here.
- Jennifer Langlois, Missouri Western State Coll. Lib., St. Joseph
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Charles E. Tuttle Company (1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804818282
• ISBN-13: 978-0804818285
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #790,184 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an earnest attempt to open doors, September 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Spirit of Shaolin: A Kung Fu Philosophy (Paperback)

The original Kung Fu television show inspired me to begin studying martial arts: 24 years later I am still as fascinated by the martial arts as ever. David Carridine is no expert and much of his information on styles and systems is grossly inaccurate; overlook these flaws and what you find is a very interesting, heartfelt account of how the spirit of the martial arts affected, almost in spite of himself, a very intelligent but flawed man. Carradine no doubt ruffles the feathers of the Bruce Lee cultists who want to deify Lee, they should remember that Lee was a brilliant martial artist who deliberately chose to become a movie star. Carradines' advice seems very genuine and sincere. No, he is not a sensei, sifu, or master; he is simply a very complex man whose journey into the martial arts (a journey which seems to have not always been a pancea for his own demons) fundamentally changed him. Read this book not as a definite guide to Kung Fu, but rather as an exploration into personal change and growth.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book has something that many martial art books do not, July 20, 2004

By 

John (Ohio, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirit of Shaolin: A Kung Fu Philosophy (Paperback)

It has authentic convictions that are expressed out of personal experience regarding many spiritual, motivational and practical matters. The content veers away from trying to express what is most commonly accepted through traditional teachings and instead offers an honest insight into the personal take on the full spectrum of the martial arts as a very human way of life.
I give David Carradine credit for placing personal truth with a greater priority than acceptance from others in his writings. I am a little critical myself of some of the comments made regarding some other styles and have found what I would guess to be some inaccuracies. Maybe even a couple of differences of opinion on some material. But what is here is like listening to someone who is real, like a friend who is sharing what he is made of. There is a lot of perspective here that is surprisingly uncommon yet enlightening and precious.

The book is basically divided into three sub-groupings.

Book One-The Stories: A biographical history of the author's experience in the martial arts.

Book Two-The Ancient Wisdom: A history and overview of Shaolin ways and David's take on what shined through to him.

Book Three-The Lessons: A practical breakdown of wisdom and advice on a variety of levels.

Like Bruce Lee has said... "All knowledge is ultimately self knowledge" and with this book a deeper knowledge of one's self can certainly be had as well as a deeper knowledge of David Carradine.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drift with the wind, float with the clouds, May 15, 2006

By 

Steve Amoia (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Spirit of Shaolin: A Kung Fu Philosophy (Paperback)

David Carradine was an actor in the original "Kung Fu" television series of the early 1970s. Although Bruce Lee introduced martial arts to mainstream American living rooms as Kato in "The Green Hornet," this program had a deeper martial arts theme, and the show was very popular. Mr. Carradine was asked by his martial arts master, Sifu (Master) Kam Yuen, to write a book that would present the teachings and principles of Kung Fu. The book is divided into three parts: Stories, Ancient Wisdom, and Lessons. I will devote more commentary to the last two sections. This work was published in 1991. At the time, Mr. Carradine had studied Kung Fu and related martial arts for 18 years.

Book One: Stories

Ironically, Mr. Carradine, who never had any martial arts training prior to the television series, beat out Bruce Lee for the part of "Kwai Chang Caine." Sifu Yuen was hired as the Kung Fu consultant, and Mr. Carradine remarked, "We concentrated on what I did well, and stayed away from the stuff that looked awkward on me." Mr. Carradine did not begin to study Kung Fu rigorously until the third season of the program.

Due to FCC censorship laws, "Kung Fu" could only film four minutes of actual fight scenes per episode. The show followed the journeys of a Chinese immigrant in the American West during the late 18th century. "We just kept beating our old drum, by coupling excellent production values with historical accuracy, kung fu fighting, and Chinese wisdom. We documented redneck prejudice and gave an authentic chronicle of the difficulties of the Chinese people in America." After the series ended in 1975, Mr. Carradine appeared in a few movies. He also produced two video tapes with Sifu Kam Yeun. One on Kung Fu, and the other on Tai Chi.

Book Two: Ancient Wisdom

Roots of Kung Fu

The Chinese martial art of Kung Fu traces its roots to the 6th century A.D. A Hindu monk, Bodhidharma, was traveling through Northern China. One of his visits took him to a Shaolin (which means "Young Forest") Buddhist monastery. At this locale, he developed 18 forms called "ahrat" movements that would provide the basis for modern day Kung Fu. Actually, Kenpo was also developed at Shaolin monasteries in Northern China. Kung Fu means "To know what to do." As Mr. Carradine states, "(Kung Fu) continues to teach the body and mind throughout life, and further establishes and strengthens the communication link between the two."

Chinese Teachings

Chinese philosophy traces its roots to two distinct sources: Taoism and Confucianism. Taoism was created by Lao Tzu, a teacher whose name means "Old Master." He published his thoughts in the "Tao Te Ching," which remains a classic in Oriental literature. The word "Tao" means "The Way." The book title means "Changes in the Way." Confucius, who is also known as K'ung Fu-tzu, lived sometime between the 5th and 6th Centuries B.C. He developed a social and familial code of conduct. His philosophies were presented in the Wu Ching, along with the Ssu Shu.

Yin-Yang Concept

The symbol of all Chinese and Eastern religions is the T'ai c'hi t'u, which we know as Yin-Yang. This image, which depicts two fish, one black with a white eye, and the other white with a black eye, describes the passive (Yin: female) and active (Yang: male) energies of the universe that are in perpetual motion. This theory is also found in acupuncture. Some illnesses have Yang elements, while others have Yin components. For example, muscular problems are usually the result of too much Yang. Mr. Carradine provided an excellent explanation of Yin-Yang. "In the darkness is the light. In strength is the softness. In the question is the answer. It is all one thing... Choose the positive to begin with and most of the rest will follow. Choose courage instead of fear. Choose success instead of failure. Choose harmony not conflict. Choose love not hate. Choose life instead of death."

Chi

This is the vital energy or force that flows throughout our bodies. Chi can be developed by deep breathing techniques, coordinated flowing movements found in Kung Fu, along with stance training.

Book Three: The Lessons

Healing

Mr. Carradine views Kung Fu as a way of life. He also discusses the healing nature of this Art. "The use of special massages and pressures, herbs and tinctures, corrective and healing movements and stances, and certain mystical disciplines, having to do with meditation and divination (predicting the future), all of which can be tailored to benefit specific viscera (upper torso region), organs, maladies and conditions, are part of any Master's general knowledge." As we can see, the Kung Fu instructor is much more than a martial arts teacher.

Nutrition

Fresh and/or raw fruits and vegetables are relics of our hunter-gatherer past. Our distant ancestors did not eat much red meat. A diet that minimizes animal products has been shown to reduce the threat of modern day health concerns such as high cholesterol, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer.

Stance Training

Mr. Carradine discusses several important stances found in Kung Fu. The horse stance is a fundamental concept that all Shaolin students would study for at least six months. This is complemented by the forward, reverse forward, heel, toe or cat, and the crane stances. They are better illustrated with pictures rather than words. "The dynamic method is to strike a stance momentarily, and change smoothly to the next, altering the position of the arms as well... Drift with the wind, float like the clouds."

Become Who You Want To Be

Chien: The teacher. "Reaching to Heaven. Creative, strong, the leader."
Kun: The healer. "The Earth power: devoted, receptive, soothing, selfless."
Chen: The warrior. "The arousing thunder. Always moving. Sudden and quick. Ambitious."
Kan: The artisan. "As soft, as vital and as powerful as water: the artist."
Ken: The sage: "Standing perfectly still, strongly based like a mountain, the wind in his ears, the sun in his eyes, wisdom comes to him and stays."
Sun: The musician. "Gentle, penetrating, the entire sweet and terrible story of Creation can be heard whispering and roaring in the wind, rustling in the leaves."
Li: The poet. "Clinging to thoughts and words, giving light to the darkness, shining like the sun, crackling with fire."
Tui: The fool. "Filled with the joy of life, pure pleasure, spreading himself across pain and sorrow like a lake of gladness, the clown reigns supreme."

Which one of these describes you?

Thank you for the opportunity to review this very intriguing book.