Taiji Yangsheng Zhang

The book explores an unusual and exciting Taiji Stick qigong form. The book provides fully-illustrated instruction, and includes a brief account on the origins and guidance for practice. It also features online content which provide further resource for learning the form and understanding the roots of practice.

An easy-to-learn but very extremely effective 12-movement qigong form taken from over 50 routines of Daoyin health qigong developed by Professor Zhang Guangde. The book provides fully-illustrated instruction on the 12 movements for both standing and seated positions, and downloadable verbal instruction and demonstrations the form.

Jiangan co-ordinates slow diaphragmatic breathing with graduated stretching and strengthening exercises to promote circulation and stimulate the cardiovascular system. This book offers a concise practical guide to Jiangan exercises, providing detailed instructions and illustrations while also exploring the Chinese philosophy behind the art.

Chinese Shamanic Cosmic Orbit Qigong is an advanced form of Qigong from one of China’s esoteric traditions. Never before written about in the West, this form offers great cumulative benefits from regular daily practice. Master Wu describes the practice in detail, including the meaning and significance of the Chinese names for each movement, with its shamanic roots, and provides the mantra, visualization, and mudra for each as well as explaining the therapeutic benefits and talismanic aspects. The book is fully illustrated, and there is a handy reference quick guide at the end showing the entire orbit. This unique book will be essential reading for advanced students and practitioners of Qigong and anyone interested in Daoism, or the ancient wisdom traditions of China.

Professor Zhang Guangde's most popular form of Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong (DYYSG) exercises are carefully designed to promote and maintain good health and wellbeing. This book presents the movements and offers a means of developing good health, calmness and tranquillity. Detailed guidance and photographs show how the series of eight movements can be carried out safely and effectively, regardless of age or health condition. Accompanying online videos featuring Professor Zhang Guangde provide a useful reference for ensuring that each exercise is being carried out in the correct way. Expert commentary on the form explains the wide range of health benefits, from improving breathing to promoting longevity. The principles shared in this book are also useful in the practice of many other dao yin sequences.

This book uses a genealogical manuscript discovered in 2004 to argue for the historicity of the scholar-rebel-advisor Li Yan who helped overthrow the Ming polity in 1644. It invokes a spiral theory to elucidate his significance in Chinese and world history.

In Taoism and Self Knowledge, Catherine Despeux develops a history of the "Chart for the Cultivation of Perfection" a text containing an array of meditative techniques for individual salvation and thunder rites. This chart was transmitted widely among Taoists in Quanzhen tradition.