Tai chi & tao books
Form is always changing as you constantly research and progress.
(Cheng Man Ching)
Books
This list represents a sample of the books we have found useful in
discovering the essence of
tai chi and tao.
There is also a
shortlist of books which are required reading
for all students in our school, and a separate list of
Tao
Te Ching translations.
We have listed books that are worth buying and books that are worth reading.
Please note that tai chi cannot be learned from a book.
Recommended purchases
These books are worth buying.
You can read them repeatedly and
learn something new:
A Way of Being Free by Ben Okri
His Beyond Words essay is remarkable.
The Art of Peace
by Morihei Ueshiba
The Art of War
by
Sun Tzu
The quintessential study of warfare.
Back to Beginnings by
Huanchu Daoren
A gem of a book that combines taoist, Buddhist and Confucian
insights.
The Beginner's Guide to Martial Arts by Ron Sieh
A very accessible introduction.
The Book of Five
Rings by
Miyamoto Musashi
One of the most thorough books on combat ever written.
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo
Okakura
Bushido - the Soul of Japan
by Inazo Nitobe
A little difficult to read but the content is excellent.
Commentaries on Living Volumes 2 & 3 by Krishnamurti
Short conversations and interviews regarding living, thinking and
conditioning.
The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan - The Literary Tradition by Lo et al
The Fine Art of Japanese Food Arrangement by Yoshio Tsuchiya
Fix Your Feet by Philip Maffetone
A thorough consideration of the human foot in the context of our climate of
misuse.
In a Japanese Garden by Charmaine Aserappa
A beautiful, simple little book. Clear and direct.
In the Dojo by Dave Lowry
An essential read for any would-be martial artist.
The Inner Warrior
by
Lau Kim Hong
A very good read with many examples of tai chi wisdom.
The Inner Way
by
Cheng Man Ching
A practical collection of tai chi insights.
Keep it simple by
Nick Page
A very nice little book examining ways in which to simplify your life
and start living.
The Little Zen Companion by David Schiller
A very useful book that offers traditional and contemporary examples of zen
insight and wisdom.
Martial Arts for Beginners by Ron Sieh
An introduction to martial arts that is easy to read.
Martial Mechanics: Maximum Results with Minimum Effort in the
Practice of the Martial Arts by Philip Starr
A well-written, well-informed introduction to internal body use.
Nei Jia Quan: Internal Martial Arts Teachers of Tai Ji Quan, Xing Yi Quan,
and Ba Gua Zhang by Jess O'Brien
A very entertaining collection of interviews with a variety of
contemporary teachers.
The New Lao Tzu by Ray Grigg
A well-written modern version of Tao Te Ching.
The Pavement Arena
by Geoff Thompson
Thompson always presents a direct, no frills explanation. Packed with
tips, pointers and questions.
The Power of Internal
Martial Arts by
Bruce Frantzis
An engaging account of Frantzis' journey through the martial arts.
The Prophet by
Kahlil Gibran
This beguiling book offers some spectacular insights.
The Road Less Travelled by M Scott Peck
Steal My Art
by Stuart Alve Olsen
A quirky, amusing look at the master/student relationship.
Stressbusters: 5 Minute Massage
by Robert The
An easy-to-follow book of self-massage exercises.
Sword and Brush by Dave Lowry
An elegant consideration of how Japanese calligraphy, words and meaning apply
to the practice and study of martial arts.
The Tai Chi Book by Robert Chuckrow
A pleasant, well-considered introduction to tai chi with many relevant
topics and themes.
Tai Chi Chuan: The Internal Tradition
by Ron Sieh
An interesting book that discusses some of the basic principles of tai chi. Thoughtful and considerate.
The
Tai Chi Journey by John Lash
An interesting exploration of Tao Te Ching and how it pertains
to both tai chi and living.
Tai Chi Secrets of the Ancient Masters
by Yang Jwing-Ming
A particularly good book by this prolific teacher.
Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power by Yang Jwing-Ming
Probably Yang's best book so far. He provides a thorough explanation
of what each jing means and how they should affect the opponent.
The Tao of Being by Ray Grigg
A well thought-out Tao Te Ching adaptation designed to promote
awareness and contemplation.
The Tao
Speaks: Lao Tzu's Whispers of Wisdom by Chih Chung Tsai
The graphic novel version of Tao Te Ching. Humorous, well-drawn
and quirky.
There Are No Secrets by
Wolfe
Lowenthal
A candid account of one man's experience of Cheng Man Ching in New York. This
is well-balanced appraisal of the man and his tai chi. It is both complimentary
and critical.
Wabi-Sabi: For Artists, Designers, Poets and
Philosophers by Leonard Koren
Wabi Sabi: The Japanese Art of Impermanence by Andrew Juniper
Waking Dragons by Goran Powell
A modest, engaging account of one man's journey
through the external martial arts, culminating in a test of character
and skill.
The
Way of Chuang Tzu
by Thomas Merton
Perhaps the most accessible interpretation of Chuang Tzu ever written,
this collection of anecdotes, stories and aphorisms offers taoism to people with
a sense of humour.
The Way of Energy by Lam Kam Chuen
A qigong classic. Detailing a range of basic standing postures and ba
duan jin.
The
Way to Love by
Anthony De Mello
A beautiful book which examines our conditioning and questions how we
perceive our reality.
Weight
Loss for the Mind by Stuart Wilde
Zen
in the Art of Archery by
Eugen Herrigel
A fascinating study of how the spirit of zen can infuse a martial art. Few
modern classes have any real sense of this.
More...
Page created 4 November 2001