Liuhebafa Five Character Secrets: Chinese Classics, Translations, Commentary (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: great emptiness, nine joints, eight methods, Life Force, Mount Hua, Main Form (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The origins of Liuhebafa (also called Water Boxing) can be traced back to the Daoist sage Chen Tuan (c. 871-989 A.D.). Chen is a mystical figure whose advice and perspective was sought by ancient Chinese Emperors.

Liuhebafa was the last of the internal methods to be taught outside China. Even inside China, Liuhebafa had an almost mythic quality. Among the groups of inner circle students, Liuhebafa was graduate study in the internal arts.

Liuhebafa's Five Character Secrets (of Li Dong Feng) are the original precepts of this rare internal martial art known as Huayue Xinyi Liuhebafaquan. Li Dong Feng discovered aged manuscripts of Chen Tuan, during an expedition to Chen's ancient mountain home. Realizing the importance of what he had found, Li remained on Mount Hua until he mastered the material in the manuscripts.

Li returned to his home and then recorded all he had learned on Mount Hua in one hundred and thirty-four verses now known as The Five Character Secrets of Li Dong Feng. This is the only existing treatise on the original principles of Liuhebafa.

This book contains the original Chinese treatise of Li Dong Feng, Pinyin Romanization of the Chinese characters, word for word translation, literal translation, interpretive translation and the author's commentary on the meaning of each verse.

There is more here than meets the eye. It is wise to approach the Secrets with a beginner's mind. Imagine being beckoned to sit by the fire. Lean a little closer to better hear the master as he recites the lines that will open the doors of your mind and heart.

About the Author

Paul Dillon was born in Montgomery, West Virginia. He attended West Virginia Institute of Technology, majoring in Printing Management. His Chinese studies were at The College of Far Eastern Languages / Yale University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: YMAA Publication Center; illustrated edition edition (October 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886969728
• ISBN-13: 978-1886969728
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #120,759 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essence of Internal Martial Arts and Spirituality, November 13, 2004

By	T. D. Schott "Shen Tianrong" (Santa Clarita, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book awhile ago, with every intention of reading but just never got to it until now. However, I should have started to read it the moment I purchased it. It really helps with those who are advanced in their martial arts practice to truly understand finer things of their art. I've also enjoyed some of the discussions of the more spiritual aspects that were handed down from the Immortal Chen Tuan. It's vital to every serious martial artist to have the spiritual dimension in their life or else they may find themselves out of control.

I would not however recommend this for beginners right away. It's important that you have a good teacher and that you listen to him/her because they will be able to impart their experience so that you may gain some yourself. Later it will be up to you to investigate in things yourself.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A bit of an irony, August 16, 2005

By	R. Directo "HealingMindN" (Mid-Peninsula, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The five character secrets should definitely be reserved for those who practice advanced internal martial arts, therefore, this book is perfect in branching one's understanding of the deeper intricacies of living as a martial artist as well as being a practitioner. Paul Dillon admits that this information is usually only passed down from the master to his most advanced students and only a little at a time, so it is more easily digested. Yet how many people have obtained this advanced level that the five character secrets should be easily obtainable through a bookstore for anyone? Most people are not ready for this. For a guy like me, I love it. Dillon provides word for word, literal, and interpretive translations including commentary. One translation is usually easier to ponder than the other and Dillion says to take a realistic fortnight to digest each secret: Very Doable. This book reminds me of "Liang Zhen Pu Eight Diagram Palm" which provides intricate information through written song and poetry; too advanced in thought for most people, yet definitely for the advanced.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the ESSENCE of the ARTs, May 8, 2004

By	Naga "Zanshin" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This excellent book by Paul Dillon is an extraordinary resource and doorway into understanding how energy becomes matter and matter transforms to energy. In a very real way, it is the heart of the teachings of the internal martial arts - it is a transformative practice, not for defeating others, but for the spirit of protection, compassion and spiritual development. If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study with Paul, you will find him a generous and knowledgeable teacher.