T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdom

by LEHRHAUPT, LINDA MYOKI

• ISBN13: 9781570624452
• ISBN10: 1570624453
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-10-02
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

Unlike most t'ai chi books, which focus strictly on how to do the t'ai chi forms,T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdompresents a personal, practical view of this intriguing martial art. Lehrhaupt shares illuminating stories from her own life and the lives of her students that show how t'ai chi can be a vehicle for profound self-discovery and spiritual growth. In learning to master each body posture, t'ai chi students often confront self-doubt, frustration, and the desire to compete and compare themselves to others-problems that also arise in daily life. Lehrhaupt shows how these and other obstacles provide valuable opportunities to deepen awareness and recognize the striking continuities between practice and everyday life. Each section of the book includes practical exercises designed to enhance students' understanding of t'ai chi movements, and a helpful appendix answers many frequently asked questions about t'ai chi training such as how to find a teacher and how to balance practice with family life. Full of useful insights and guidance,T'ai Chi as a Path of Wisdomwill be a valuable companion for all students of this increasingly popular martial art.

Author Biography

Linda Myoki Lehrhaupt, Ph.D., has taught t'ai chi and chi kung since 1982. An ordained Zen priest, she leads workshops throughout Europe and is the cofounder, along with her husband, of La Martinie, a center in the Dordogne, France, where retreats in Zen meditation and meditative arts take place.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction	xvii
Invitation	xxv
PART ONE Preparation	1	(36)
Waiting at the Entrance	7	(3)
Preparing to Pay Attention	10	(5)
The Quiet before Dawn	15	(3)
Standing on Your Own Two Feet	18	(5)
Not Pretty, Just Chi	23	(14)
Exercises	31	(6)
PART TWO Beginning	37	(34)
``Shouting at a Bud Doesn't Make It Blossom More Quickly''	41	(3)
Expectations	44	(5)
Just Keep Going	49	(3)
On Your Own: Practicing Alone	52	(3)
The Miracle of Mindfulness	55	(5)
Give Yourself a Present	60	(11)
Exercises	65	(6)
PART THREE Ward-Off	71	(38)
Take a Giant Step	77	(5)
Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose	82	(4)
``Thank You for Not Making It Easy''	86	(6)
``T'ai Chi Ain't Precious''	92	(3)
Let the Spirit Master Move You	95	(14)
Exercises	101	(8)
PART FOUR Push	109	(32)
Giving Hands	117	(5)
The Masters of Ting	122	(5)
Only Don't Know	127	(14)
Exercises	130	(11)
PART FIVE Get the Needle at the Sea Bottom	141	(26)
The Treasure	147	(5)
``The Secret Is to Practice''	152	(4)
Water Babes	156	(11)
Exercises	163	(4)
PART SIX Fair Lady at the Shuttle	167	(34)
True Grit	171	(6)
Just Stand Up!	177	(4)
Stillness in Movement	181	(5)
Fair Lady Sowing Seeds	186	(4)
Pang	190	(11)
Exercises	196	(5)
PART SEVEN Completion	201	(32)
Waiting at the Entrance--Again	205	(5)
The End of the Rainbow	210	(6)
Beginning Again	216	(5)
Wholeheartedness	221	(5)
Let Your T'ai Chi Sing	226	(7)
Afterword	233	(2)
Appendix	235	(20)
Notes	255	(2)
About the Author	257