New edition-all new photos & instruction.

Justin Stone, once a t'ai chi ch'uan teachr, invented t'ai chi chih ('knowledge of the supreme ultimate') so that everyone, including elderly people, could easily learn and practise the simple movements, with all the benefits that come from circulation and balance of intrinsic energy. It was first taught in 1974, and there are now many accredited teachers in various parts of the world.

Mr. Stone spent years in Japan, India, and Chinese cities studying oriental spiritual discplines. His nine published metaphysical books are well-known, in addition to his t'ai chi chih videotape and several audio tapes. A teacher of eastern subjects at two universities, and originator of a language learning method for Japanese, he has financial background (advisor and allied member of the New York Stock Exchange) and is a composer member of A.S.C.A.P in music. The first one-man show of his paintings took place in 1979, and he has had several subsequent shows.

Contents

Part One
Preface
Foreword
New introduction
Part Two
General instruction
Important points on moving ccorrectly
The t'ai chi chih movements
Forward-back foot positions
Rockng motion
Bird flaps its wings
Around the platter (left)
Around the platter (right)
Around the platter variation (left)
Around the platter variation (right)
Bass drum (left)
Bass drum (right)
Daughter on the mountaintop (left)
Daughter on the mountaintop (right)
Daughter in the valley (left)
Daughter in the valley (right)
Carry the ball to teh side (left)
Carry the ball to the side (right)
Push pull (left)
Push pull (right)
Pulling in the energy (left)
Pulling in the energy (right)
Pulling taffy (left and right)
Pulling taffy-1st variation-anchor (left)
Pulling taffy-1st variation-anchor (right)
Pulling taffy-2nd variation-wrist circles (left)
Pulling taffy-2nd variation-wrist circles (right)
Pulling taffy-3rd variation-perpetual motion
Working the pulley (left)
Working the pulley (right)
Light at the top of the head/light at the temple
Joyous breath
Passing clouds
Six healing sounds
Cosmic consciousness pose
Notes on movements just learned
Part Three
Great circle meditation
Epilogue

A westernized approach to an ancient Chinese martial art, this book offers clear directions on how to do the positions and make the moves. Unlike the Chinese versions, this is a balanced approach that makes it more like physical exercise, repeating the moves with both sides of the body. (I have been a student of a traditional form.) I enjoyed this version in my own practice. ( )

I started working this program in the mid 90's and found it helpful but I haven't delved into the book much. ( )