Anything by Michael Sasso, and John Blofeld. These two paved the way for foreigners in 20th century China, before communism attempted to erase essential parts of Chinese culture. Their works give us insight into what China has to offer if one is willing to take the time to learn the language and culture. Blofeld's My Journey In Mystic China is probably the quintessential tale of discovery filled with memories of China that have long since vanished. Michael Sasso is a scholar and initiated Daoist priest, as well as an ordained Buddhist priest. His book, The Teachings of Daoist Master Zhuang, may be one of the most important text for anyone interested in learning about true Daoist traditions from the perspective of an apprentice.
For some historical perspective on qigong, and its emergence in communist China, David Palmer's Qigong Fever is a wonderfully written book that details the transformation of nei gong, and esoteric Daoist practices into modern qigong forms throughout the rise of Mao's communist China.
A modern translator and practitioner, Livia Kohn seems to be translating around the clock. I have no idea how she maintains such quality and quantity. She has translated many pieces of Daoist literature, and is a true modern treasure. It's difficult to pick a book to start with, but her book Sitting in Oblivion: The Heart of Daoist Meditation details the practice of zuowang, an essential form of Daoist meditation. She has also edited several compilations with great articles from respected translators and practitioners.
Any overview of Daoist literature would be incomplete without mention of both Jerry Alan Johnson and Bruce Frantzis. Shifu Johnson's list of accomplishments is vast, as is his literary output. I don't think a single practitioner has done more to expose the esoteric practices of Daoism than he has. Mostly retired from teaching, his daughter and senior students now carry on his tradition. Again, it would be difficult to provide a starting point, but his 5 book series on Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy and/or the Comprehensive Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide would be fine additions to anyone's library. Bruce Frantzis also has an incredible output. Relaxing Into Your Being: The Taoist Meditation of Lao Tse, and The Great Stillness: The Water Method of Taoist Meditation would be great places to start. Frantzis teaches seminars around the world, and also offers several at home study courses that are full of useful information.
The Healing Promise of Qi by Roger Jahnke is a tremendous overview of qigong practices with simple, clear examples of exercises that most anyone can do. Advanced practitioners will find some interesting insight into qi cultivation, and beginners will find a beautiful introduction into the vast array of practices available to them. Similarly, The Way of Qigong by Ken Cohen is another great introduction, and overview of qigong, and it's many theories. I always recommend this book to beginning tai ji and qigong students.
Louis Komjathy is a leading scholar in the Daoist world specializing in contemplative and mystic studies. He also studied under Livia Kohn mentioned above. Two of his works live on my nightstand, The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction, and The Way of Complete Perfection: A Quanzhen Anthology.
And finally, the The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk along with The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity by Dan Reid were the first two books I read when I got into the internal arts and discovered Chinese medicine. I still regularly reread The Web That Has No Weaver, even with a large number of Chinese medicine textbooks on my shelves.
Stay tuned for Part II next week….
No comments:
Post a Comment