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Introductory reading
Exercise your mind by reading our
website
and studying supplementary books.
Constructive reading changes attitudes, improves sensitivity,
encourages insight and deepens
understanding.
Study
To get far with advanced martial arts, study
is imperative.
Tai chi is based on
insights that necessitate deeper study.
Here is a shortlist of introductory titles:
The Sword Polisher's Record
by Adam Hsu
- an exploration of what it means to study and practice
Chinese martial arts in earnest
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Phoenix/Orion books edition)
- incredible wisdom and insights concerning human character, integrity
and wholeness from the Roman Emperor
Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life by Winifred Gallagher
- our experience of reality is shaped by what we pay attention to
The Tao of Being by Ray Grigg
- a well thought-out Tao Te Ching adaptation designed to promote
awareness and
contemplation
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 Essence of Tai Chi Chuan - The Literary Tradition by Lo et al
- The
Tai Chi Classics presented in full
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking by Edward B. Burger & Michael Starbird
- an excellent jump start for anyone seeking to improve how they use
their brain
The Art of War (Penguin Classics) by Sun Tzu (Minford version)
- Sun Tzu wrote a book called
The Art of War in which he scientifically
detailed the principles of combat and strategy. His teachings are as
relevant to individual self defence as they are to the battlefield
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
- Miyamoto Musashi was an undefeated
samurai, famous for fighting using two
swords rather than one. His five
part instruction guide is concerned with conflict and strategy
Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
- a fascinating study of how the spirit of Zen can infuse a martial art
Katz: How do you know
all this stuff?
Bryson: Well, there's these things called books. They're like TV for
smart people.
(A Walk in the Woods)
Page created 3 March 1996
Last updated
16 June 2023