Vital Breath of the Dao - Master Zhongxian Wu

This is a remarkably interesting book by a remarkable master of many Chinese arts. Ostensibly about Qigong, this book penetrates deep into the roots of China's ancient shamanism. This alone makes it worthwhile reading, even for those who don't want to learn his powerful Shamanic Tiger Qigong. It is easily accessible even as it explains the complex original meanings of symbols and reveals the Qigong way of thinking, feeling, and moving through life. It explores the art of drinking tea, the I Ching, Taoist numerology and cosmology, and much more. Usually, I tell people to avoid books on Qigong, as you cannot learn the art from them. This book is the exception-don't miss it.-MICHAEL WINN, founder, Healing Tao University, past president, National Qigong AssociationMaster Zhongxian Wu has given us a deeply illuminating perspective on the ancient Chinese Shamanic roots of Qigong. Masterfully described in this book, the wisdom tradition of Chinese shamanism is the source code of all classical Daoist and Confucian cultures. Wu teaches us that the original purpose of Qigong was to model a harmonious way of life by connecting with universal energy while simultaneously pointing to the possibility of spiritual cultivation. Master Wu has ably integrated a biographical, scholarly, and practical understanding of this tradition through story and myth, a deep knowledge of Shamanic symbolism, and his generous sharing of Shamanic Qigong techniques. -GUNTHER M. WEIL, Ph.D.