The Spirit of Tai Chi: Essential Principles

by John Lash

Find harmony in your life by using Tai Chi to journey into the Tao--the oneness of the universe. Tai Chi is far more than a form of exercise; it is a complete philosophy and way of living based on ancient Chinese wisdom. Through an examination of selected verses from the classic text the Tao Te Ching, this concise volume reveals the traditions, philosophy, and essence of Tai Chi. See how to practice Tai Chi every second of the day. Understand how Tai Chi movements help a student achieve inner balance. Find out what transformation must take place in order to realize the discipline's true benefits. Since the exercises in Tai Chi are the physical manifestation of its philosophy, the movements are just one of the ways for achieving the desired fusion of mind, body, and spirit. Essential reading for all students of Tai Chi!

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Endless commentary on individual verses of the Tao de Ching. Very repetitive. Seems the author contradicts his thesis that Tao is the whole not the parts.

[Jabo Alridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish reading this book. I was looking for more of East meets West, more history, more discussion of origins. I was not expecting the author's personal teaching or commentary upon selected verses from the Tao Te Ching. The commentary was presented without support from any other source and with, what felt to me, some contempt for the West.

While I understand that to illuminate the Tao Te Ching one must continually attempt to describe Tao or what is not Tao, I felt nothing new was being said, no new way of understanding was provided as I progressed deeper into the book and therefore I did not continue. I was hoping the author would serve as a better guide to the principles of Tai Chi through the Tao Te Ching as I am a new-ish Tai Chi practitioner.

In full disclosure, it could be my personal rejection of Taoism which prevents me from appreciating this work. Then again I am usually interested, if not fascinated, by respectfully reading about or studying philosophy and religion from cultures other than my own. I cannot recommend this work as even an interesting read.