Features Book and DVD Reviews Vital Breath of the Dao
Vital Breath of the Dao
Author: Zhongxian Wu, Reviewed by David Radford | 
This is a beautifully presented book. Just to look at the cover gives me enormous pleasure. Zhongxian Wu's postures are so good and the calligraphy enhances the overall appearance of the book. It is not all about looking good on your coffee table though. The book is packed with information and pictures and is good value.
When I think about shamanism I think of sweat lodges and trance dances, but he seems to be referring more to the I ching and the qigong training of internal alchemy, building up the chi in your centre and eventually converting some of it to spiritual energy. There is mention made of the ancient shaman's rain-making skills but in our climate I think that to make the sun shine would arguably be a more valuable skill. This volume is a good source of general information on qigong and Chinese culture, exploring the ancient versions of Chinese characters for clues as to the deeper meaning of terms and ideas.
The book is put together as a series of essays or conversations on various areas of interest. Topics covered range widely from things such as Five Elements Theory, Chinese astrology to how to live your life at different ages etc. Each is well explained in as far as it goes but of course serve only as a brief introduction to the subject. It is a book to be savoured so relax, take your time dip into it when you have the time and let the mind absorb what it needs.
In the second half of the book a series of postures is shown and there are instructions on what sounds to make while adopting these postures. Again the postures look good relaxed and powerful. It is certainly possible to try out many of these and additionally some attempt is made to explain and link the postures into a sequence that can be followed by the reader. I question whether the casual reader will be prepared to invest the time and effort to follow this sequence but they would still have made a worthwhile purchase. For more serious study you need also his DVD which will set you back another £25 or so.
The book is available from the publisher at £16.95 plus P&P
http://www.jkp.com/singingdragon/
ISBN: 978-1-84819-000-9
David Radford
