Qi Dao - Tibetan Shamanic Qigong: The Art of Being in the Flow

• Publisher:   AuthorHouse
• Number Of Pages:   160
• Publication Date:   2007-08-23
• ISBN-10 / ASIN:   1434320278
• ISBN-13 / EAN:   9781434320278

In this ground-breaking book, Lama Somananda Tantrapa shares the ancient wisdom of Tibetan Shamanic Qigong in a simple and practical way. Discovering, testing and applying its principles will remarkably enhance your vitality with greater attentiveness, awareness and presence. It will help you transform and enlighten your life by developing a culture of movement that is naturally graceful and harmonious. It will also provide you with profound psychological and spiritual insights into the true nature of health, relationships and other issues that teach you to approach life challenges as learning opportunities rather than problems. By practicing Qi Dao, you will unify your body, mind and spirit, empowering your whole being to live in harmony with the flow of the entire universe.

The practice of Qi Dao is not just another exercise program. It is a process of becoming free and natural. I knew from the first time I met Lama Tantrapa that what he had to offer was very different from anything I had ever experienced before. To my surprise, practicing Qi Dao has far exceeded my expectations. I now live my life with more joy, freedom, and excitement than I ever dreamed possible. If you take the time for yourself, as I did, and continue your exploration of Qi Dao, I am certain it will transform your life and empower you to manifest your dreams.

This book and its companion DVD were a great find that I made researching Qigong materials on the website of the National Qigong Association. The author is the Vice-President of that association and one of the most honest Qigong teachers I have encountered. His approach to the energy work is very practical and down to earth. He seems to have no interest in any alchemical formulas or other nonsensical mumbo-jumbo I have heard from many Qigong teachers. He also does not teach any silly forms that most Qigong books are filled with. I have tested the principles of Qi Dao in my massage practice and mixed martial arts training. They proved to be simple and sound. All the applications are totally realistic. What I especially like about Qi Dao is that everything is supposed to be tested, because otherwise it is just some make-believe stuff. Even if I never get enlightened, which would be cool too, I am going to do everything in my life with more power and awareness thanks to this book.

My search for a discipline combining energy awareness, meditation and physical movements led me to this audiobook. I am glad I bought it together with the Qi Dao Initiation CD that I reviewed too. The teachings of Qi Dao definitely met and exceeded my expectations (I know, I am not supposed to have any, according to Qi Dao). As a yoga professional, I am always fascinated with the ways to embody my spirituality, which is exactly what Qi Dao teaches. The explanations of the principles and practices are very clear and specific, yet leaving room for personal exploration. I especially appreciated the last chapter on the holding patterns, which actually helped me loosen up mine. I also like that I can listen to the voice of the author, which gives me a sense of personal connection with the master. Combined with his CD, this is the best addition to my audio collection in years.

The challenge of attempting to teach movement through the pages of a book is one that is familiar to anyone who has ever tried to learn from one! I have done both: trying to impart movement instruction across the printed page as well as trying to learn movement programs from a book.
Given that experience, I can in all honesty say that Lama Tantrapa has done an excellent job with his book, giving complete and comprehensive instruction using both step-motion photographs that show beginning-to-end motion and written step-by-step instruction, teaching the basics for the kinesthetic, energy awareness, and the foundation of the practice of Qi Dao. He also explains the "why" as well as the "how," knowing that spiritual wisdom, being "in the flow," empowers and strengthens the practitioner.
As both a student and teacher of other styles of qigong, I highly recommend both the practice of Qi Dao and Lama Tantrapa's book Qi Dao - Tibetan Shamanic Qigong. I own the Home Study Course which includes the book and work book, DVD, and two CDs which I have found to be of great value to me in my practice.

The uniqueness of Lama Tantrapa's book is in its emphasis on the foundational principles of Qigong rather than on the details of a particular form. This book is definitely not another exercise book. It is a deep exploration into the nature of "Being" as revealed through movement and energy awareness. This book will help you focus on the process rather than the end results and build the foundation for understanding the importance of movement in shaping the way you are.

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