There Are No Secrets: Professor Cheng Man Ch'ing and His T'ai Chi Chuan

by Wolfe Lowenthal

"Wolfe Lowenthal's quiet little memoir will with window-opening wisdom reinforce, I think, my view of how Cheng stood on Tai Chi. It tells how a young writer reacted to this strange Chinese man when he appeared in New York City in the mid-1960s and stayed there for a decade before returning to Taiwan to die in 1975. In a nickel town where neurosis is a cardinal virtue, the Tai Chi center established by Cheng soon became an oasis of learning. In my visits there I was invariably approached by a quiet fellow with a ready smile and loads of questions. His form and sensing hands improved but he never lost his kindly ways. This led me once to tell the three seniors that the one person in the club who best exemplified Tai Chi was this junior. That man who has since become a teacher of the art is the author if this book."
-Robert W. Smith, from the Preface

Genres: Nonfiction, Martial Arts, Philosophy, Health, Biography Memoir

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 27, 1993

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of everything I've ever heard or read about TaiChi, this book gives the clearest and deepest glimpse into the actual mechanics of chi, the heart of all internal martial arts. There Are No Secrets reveals the importance of dedicating one's life to the cultivation and understanding of chi in order to fully master TaiChi, or, for that matter, any internal martial art. The martial applications of TaiChi, it is shown, come not as a result of practicing the actual techniques of the art, as in most styles of kung fu, but from this cultivation of chi which allows one to correctly respond to any combat situation naturally. The path to cultivating chi is described as simultaneously being a path to understanding and uncovering our true selves, of which the softness which is so critical to TaiChi is a dominating quality.

[Blindzider · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent source of advice for those studying higher level martial arts. Lowenthal recounts many conversations with his Professor in which he asks many of the same questions I've had on this journey of knowledge. Hearing the responses has helped immensely, if anything to get another perspective (although the answers were the same that I had already received myself.)

The easy to read and casual style almost makes you feel as if you are there as well. Highly recommend for both students of Tai Chi and Aikido.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tai Chi is an interesting study. As a martial art it is all backwards, using slow against fast, calm against action, soft against hard, and one technique to defeat many. Successful application is achieved only through complete relaxation and years of investing in loss. To relax and "let go" to this degree will open you up to the issues that block that. Facades and defenses break down...you have to let go of fears behind these things in order to relax to the degree to successfully use Tai Chi. At least, this is the biggest take-away I get from this book. And, I can't really disagree either. I can disagree with the ultimate goals of Taoism and Confucianism...because as a Christian I see it is clear they fall short at their highest. But I can't really disagree with the need for total relaxation, of getting rid of some of the psycho-emotional causes of modern day tension. This book also has quite a bit on push hands...it is just so hard to absorb because it will take years to really be able to function just-sorta-successfully in this backward kind of way. But practicing, is on the surface therapeutic, both for the soul and body. But as with anything man has to offer, it is not the "salvation" we need. This book did get pretty philosophical, nothing too deep, but in thought, but it was practical too. I liked that it was simply written, not high-minded. One funny part was when the professor was saying how Tai-Chi will help you get "it." (I think "it" refers to enlightenment of some sort, which was also said to be correct flow of the chi.) The professor said you can get "it" in yoga too, but you would then have no recourse if someone wanted to push you off your mat. Ha! I found the book practically insightful, philosophically interesting.

[M. Apple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is less a “memoir” than a personal tribute to a small man but a giant in martial arts, Cheng Man-Ch’ing, who has surprisingly been left out of West Coast Tai Chi Chuan literature (most likely because of politics). A must-have for those interested in the philosophy of martial arts, particularly the Tao and the Confucian aspects. I am struck by a phrase at the end of this quiet tome:

“Benevolence does not stand alone. It is balanced with the idea of Righteousness.”

Jen and Yi in Mandarin Chinese. Love and Justice. In my own style, Shorinji Kempo, based on Zen Buddhism, this is expressed as Riki-Ai-Fu-Ni (力愛不二). Love is powerless with justice, just as justice becomes nothing more than a corrupt desire for power without love.

“To live in the world requires knowledge of the Tao of man.”

This is a book to re-read, savor, and bring into one’s self. Slowly, over time.

[John Fredrickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book feels like an introduction to Tai Chi, but presumably for new practitioners of the art, who can be expected to know at least a bit about Tai Chi. The author pays significant tribute to his teacher, and spends significant time talking about correct approaches to Tai Chi and to 'push hands'. The discussion, perhaps of necessity, often comes through as mystical and vague; there may be no way around this.

One thing that I found curious is that the author's instructor, Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing, appears as both sage and fool at different times in the book. Whether this reflects ambivalence on the part of the author, or poor understanding on my part, is unclear.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with a group of friends. Just wanted to highlight a few concepts / quotes

"Tai Chi is a commitment to being present"

"Face life rather than run away from it"

"To love, to express love with the totality of one's being is one of the secrets of life"

"To heal and grow, we often need to suffer pain, to taste bitterness"

"What are the three most important things to a human being? In order of importance: Work, Relationship and Spiritual Discipline"

[Paul Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book (by an ex-student of Man Ching) delves into great detail of the man who - perhaps more than any others - introduced Tai Chi to a non Chinese audience. Fascinating anecdotes, from the 60's/70's, plus insights into practice as well as juicy bites of wisdom - the most apt being the title of the book itself. Worth remembering when looking for a teacher or school of Tai Chi.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a student of Professors form for almost 30 years I found this book to be so enlightening in it's explanations of the phrases I've heard over the years from my own teachers. Four Ounces deflects a thousand pounds, investing in loss, the three treasures, etc. It's as if I've somehow attended with the professors class even though I did not have the honor of ever meeting him. Lowenthals observations and storytelling feel sincere and humble as he honors a great man who helped introduce the west to this beautiful art.

[Atticus · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I believe it suffered at points-the most obvious point of contention being the interplay of Confucian and Daoist thought, that I personally felt to be a bit bewildered, or stumbling, at times. On the whole, though, it was an interesting read.

[Sandy Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's true what he says, there are no secrets! The problem comes when trying to decipher what all the gobbledy-gook means! ie. the English translations of the imagery-based Chinese language makes it really difficult to really understand what they all mean. Having said that, this book is easy to read, short and straight to the point and is one that I come back to again and again, allowing a bit more of the imagery to (hopefully) seep in each time. Tai Chi is all about 'feeling' so how can you learn, or teach for that matter, something which is felt and experienced? For me, this book is the closest thing I've come to finding the 'feeling' in written word.

[Rachel Stroup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a very young student of Tai Chi, this book opened the door to what deep, lifelong study of the discipline can do. It was written with such reverence for the author's teacher and mentor that it made me want to meet the man in person. This book has excellent advice not just for studying Tai Chi, but for living one's life to the fullest. My Tai Chi teacher recommended it to me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a little spiritual enlightenment. It is an easier read than some other Eastern philosophical books I have read.

[Steve Minard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more of a 3.5 rating. While it makes more sense if you've had some Tai Chi training, I don't think that's required to get something from this book. It has more about the Tao than you might expect. It has a few "aha" moments that are more philospohy than practice, but it won't be a go-to for me. It's just okay, although in parts it does remind me of the calm centering of Tai Chi if I ever wanted to get back into that.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK if you practice tai chi. There are some useful thoughts, but it smacks a little too much of sifu worship. Students certainly bond with their teachers over many years, and the two-person practice of sensing hands enlarges the scope of that relationship. Cheng had a profound effect on Chinese martial arts in the US and we owe him a debt.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the philosophical and practical aspects of Qi and the forms of the Cheng Man Ching syle of Tai Chi Chuan, I am becoming good at practising these forms as I now learn Lee Style through Lishi. Qi is a concept that is hard to grasp, it is better felt through practise of the internal alchemy of Chinese or Japanese Martial arts.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

To more fully understand WL, one needs to have some experience in Tai Chi Chuan. WL alludes to many aspects of the practice as he describes his apprenticeship with The Old Man & the Master's teachings in Taoism & Confucionism. Surprisingly, I found solice in much of WL's remarks as I do in practicing Tai Chi Chuan. I noted several passages for quotes to recall. So much to learn, so little time.

[Wizzard · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH, this book is SO amazing. A peek into the mystical ch'i. Does it sound like I am joking- I am not. This book contains things that will take years if not lifetimes to understand and then a long time to master. But it is so helpful to the life and energy process.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started Tai Chi in September. Now attending classes twice a week. Sure look forward to the day I get IT.

Look forward to meeting Wolfe someday. Good read

Attended many a session with Wolfe... Still need to grow my practice.

[Koshin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at one of the most famous modern tai-chi masters from one of his students.

[Kim]

one of my favorites

[Lshapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal look at the life and teachings of a "19th century" Tai Chi master in 20th century New York

[Clarkla Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile read for those with an interest in Tai Chi and for spiritual seekers.

[g0rd0 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written solely for the Tai Chi practitioner, relaying wisdoms of the man who amazed many with his insights and abilities.

[Pacmanguai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como libro de Taichi, sus principios y conceptos es bastante interesante. Tal vez pierde un poco por cierta pseudo-filosofía que introduce.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable text on the teachings of Cheng Man Ch'ing - short and simply stated but lots to take in. Enjoyed it and will be referring to it frequently as I learn.

[Al Maki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this very useful for understanding Cheng.

[Ondřej Jelínek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skvělá knížka o tchai-ti a nejen o tom...

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several of my students recommended this to me. I really enjoyed reading it.

[Joel Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, very accessible, and educational. I'm intrigued enough to read more about Tai Chi.

[Andy Mccarl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for any CMC Tai Chi practioner.

[Ceroth Paul]

Gradually, gradually...