The T'ai Chi Ruler: Chinese Yoga for Health and Longevity [Paperback]

Terry Dunn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 1990

T’ai Chi Ruler presents a unique system utilizing a unique tool—the wooden T’ai Chi ruler. It is an ancient system of Ch’i-Kung and martial exercise that develops internal energy through a series of seven powerful meditations. Unlike many disciplines with a narrow focus, the T’ai Chi ruler will improve and enhance the practice of any other T’ai Chi form or any form of martial art. These uses of the unique device will appeal to martial arts and T’ai Chi enthusiasts; Ch’i-Kung Yoga and meditation practitioners; students of Asian philosophy; and chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"T'ai Chi Ruler: Chinese Yoga For Health And Longevity presents an ancient form of Taoist ch'i-kung, using a specially carved wooden dowel, or ruler, held between the palms. The ruler acts as a focusing device to integrate mind and body. Eight internal exercises coordinate movement, breath, mind and vision...Advanced students practice at respiratory rates of two breaths per minute, with complete relaxation, to dynamically complement their t'ai chi chuan or other martial art. Beginners use the ruler as an easy-to-learn and simple-to-perform set of invigorating, yet calming exercises. Others may use it as a ‘gymnastic medicine’ to recover from illness or severe stress. The core exercises can even be practiced lying down, for those special health challenges."
-Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Terrence Dunn was born in 1954 and immigrated with his parents from Hong Kong to the United Stated when he was a child. With more than eighteen years experience and instructor’s credentials in three schools of kung-fu (Tao Tan Pai, Sil Lum Five Animals, and Six Harmonies/Eight Methods), Terry creates greater awareness of these cultural treasures through his T’ai Chi for Health school, numerous publications, and Interarts Video. A senior student of t’ai chi ch’uan master Abraham Liu, he teaches t’ai chi ch’uan, Taoist yoga, and healing arts in Los Angeles, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books; First edition (September 4, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556430671
• ISBN-13: 978-1556430671
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,036,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great little book on little known facet of tai chi, November 23, 2007

By 

magellan (Santa Clara, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tai Chi Ruler: Chinese Yoga for Health and Longevity (Paperback)

The original Tai Chi art (not the modern, watered down versions) can be so frustratingly difficult that it's nice when you can learn an aspect of it that really isn't that hard such as the Tai Chi ruler.

This book is on such a topic, it's a fine book on a little known aspect of tai chi. Dunn covers all the exercises, of which there are only about 10 so it's not that much to learn (at least compared to the 300 move old Yang style tai chi form that I do) and I liked that part of it. These are moving exercises rather than static chi gung, which will probably appeal to more people than the stationary type of chi gung, but the static types of chi gung are still important, too.

However, for me the best part of the book was the last chapter in which Dunn does a really great job of discussing the history of some Taoist and Buddhist philosophy, and the meaning of some of the more abstruse concepts, such as the ultimate perception one's being and reality, which is one of the goals. This is probably the best short description I've read and wanted to mention that, and it's worth buying the book just for that.

I wanted to mention that I also have Dunn's video on the 108 move form, which I liked. He does a very nice, smooth performance, but he doesn't keep the upper qua (the armpit) open, which one should do. But overall, a nice presentation of the middle length form (the 300 move form being the long version).

4.0 out of 5 stars Great backgound information and good instructions, July 13, 2011

By 

Ronald E. Driesbach "Ron the Saver" (Fairhope, AL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tai Chi Ruler: Chinese Yoga for Health and Longevity (Paperback)

This book gives very good instruction on the exercises of the taiji ruler. The text provides a great deal of background information on the ruler as well. I did not find the "scientific" explanations to be of great interest though. The photos showing the exercises were very helpful but the Taoist material was of no great value.