We have many Qigong books available in English now, which has not always been the case. There are although very few must have books on Qigong although. If one were to view what was published prior to internet you will only see credible teachers published, if you know what to look for. Most Qigong books are equal in the sense they give only a introduction on the view teaching and one must truly study with the teacher of the text or a genuine teacher with references, to make it come alive. This is important so one can continue and make progress, receive pointers and motivation to excel forward.
The Age of Self Identified Masters of the Way
Back in China throughout the Qigong boom of the 1980's through early 2000's there were many frauds. To publish a book in China on Qigong one had very high scrutiny and were generally presented before peer review groups before the final manual was done. There is now what I call "Self Identified Masters of the Way", the internet, has exploded a whole range of questionable teachers, books, videos, web forums and online marketing. For the novice and desperate seeking information one could be overwhelmed very easily. Many are taken advantage of as well.
"Rujing and Still Qigong - The Key to the Qigong Meditation State", is a genuine book on Qigong for it explains in much detail on many aspects of standardized Qigong meditation. There are many terms and explanations here that are not available in English elsewhere.
Practitioners will get much use out of this wonderful book for practices such as Taoist Zuo Wang Meditation, Zhan Zhuang, Standing Meditation or Postural Qigong or even simple natural meditation done as you know it. For Buddhist Meditation students it give them access to different perceptions of specialized terms and ideas of practice which is generally from Taoist Lineage practice. The term "Rujing" which is used mostly in Taoist lineage traditions means training/cultivating the mind to exist in tranquility, and one to feel fresh and alert . The book is a good book for non experts also - for it also explains concepts in modern terms and uses perspective's from western psychology, parapsychology and cognitive research. So I give it "two Thumbs up", get the book while it is in print!
Gary W. Abersold
