Vital Breath of the Dao

Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong - Laohu Gong

Master Zhongxian Wu
Foreword by Chungliang Al Huang

Vital Breath of the Dao is a fully illustrated guide to the historical background, practical application, underlying principles and techniques of Qigong, a way of physical and spiritual cultivation, and a way of life. Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong is a uniquely potent practice designed to bolster health and deepen spiritual connection to universal energy. Lineage holder Master Zhongxian Wu uses story-telling and a wealth of practical examples to introduce this powerful 24-movement Qigong form, which combines the traditions of ancient shamanism, Confucianism, Daoism, classical Chinese medicine, and the martial arts.

An excellent introduction for Qigong beginners, the book will also be of interest to experienced practitioners, students of classical Chinese Medicine and anyone interested in Classical Chinese culture and anthropology.

Contents

Introduction. Part I. Pin Ming Lun Dao - Tea and the Dao. 1. Dao Fa Zi Ran - The Dao Models Itself on the Way of Nature. 2. Tian Want Hui Hui - The Universal Network. 3. Don Xi Yuan Tong - The Pathway of Yin Yang. Part II. Han San He Yi - Holding Three in One: The Fundamentals of Chinese Shamanic Qigong. 4. Xiang - Symbolism. 5. Shu - Numerology. 6. Li - Theory. Part III Laohu Gong - Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong Form. 7. Men (Doorway) - Learn the Name. 8. Gen (Root) - The Background. 9. Dou (Shaking) - The Ritual of Heart. 10. Fa (The Way) - Shamanic Tiger Qigong Movements. Afterword. Index.

Reviews

'In this beautiful book, Master Zhongxian Wu communicates to us his great understanding of and experience with Qigong - not as a mere technique but as a perspective on life itself. He presents this material in a timeless way that engenders open awareness and ease of being in the reader. I recommend this book to all practitioners who have a serious interest in the deeper traditions of Chinese Medicine.'

- Lonny S. Jarrett, author of Nourishing Destiny and The Clinical Practice of Chinese Medicine

'Provides a fascinating glimpse into the correlative and symbolic thinking of a traditionally trained Qigong master. The book weaves a fabric rich in traditional stories, concepts, and terms, applied in a variegated pattern to the complexities of modern life.'

- Livia Kohn, Professor of Religion and East Asian Studies, Boston University, author of Daoism and Chinese Culture and Chinese Mysticism

'A remarkable blend of interesting scholarship, valuable healing practices, and a gateway into the deep authentic tradition of Chinese Shamanism and the internal martial arts. It would take the journey of a lifetime in China to find such teachings and sincerity.'

- Michael Mayer, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Qigong teacher and author of Secrets to Living Younger Longer: The Self-Healing path of Qigong Standing Meditation and Tai Chi

'This lovely book explores the symbolism, numerology, and theory of Chinese Shamanic Qigong in a way that will expand the horizons of both Qigong beginners and long-time practitioners alike.'

- Dennis Lewis, author of The Tao of Natural Breathing and Free Your Breath, Free Your Life

Author information

Master Zhongxian Wu, a lifelong Daoist practitioner, is the lineage holder of four different schools of Qigong and martial arts. Since 1988, Master Wu has instructed thousands of students, both Eastern and Western. He has authored 11 books (five in Chinese) on Chinese wisdom traditions.