Wuji Qi Gong and the Secret of Immortality

This is a very short book, less than 76 pages long, plus appendix, index, etc. The pages are small, too.The book is written assuming that you have some familiarity with TCM, the Yi-Jing (I Ching), Taoism, Chinese martial arts, etc. Although the book is written very clearly, and the practices described seem quite simple, I think this book is best for someone with a lot of background in this area.The first section is an extensive discourse (36 pages) on the 8 trigrams of the Bagua (Pakua), mostly about the four cardinal trigrams Heaven, Earth, Fire and Water. There is a long discussion of how these four relate, and how this relates to alchemy - the Taoist process of refining and transmuting the energies of the body to create the `elixir of immortality'.Most of the discussion of the trigrams, the bagua, and the relative positions of the trigrams in the bagua is over my head. Second, the author talks in terms of earth, air, fire, water, which I believe is a western perspective. My (limited) understanding of Chinese alchemy is that it is based on the five elements (metal, fire, water, wood, earth). While I think it is possible that the author is mistaken in some way about the relevant symbolism, this does not (to my mind) in any way invalidate the techniques.Next there are 36 pages on the five techniques. All five are the same posture - wuji standing - zhan zhaung standing in the wuji position, and the book gives instructions on how to stand. Each technique must be mastered (and the result obtained) before moving on to the next one, and the expected results from each technique are described pretty clearly.The first technique is `man united with heaven and earth" and the book claims that correct practice of this will result in the eventual opening of the ming men. The next, the `practice of air' involves sinking the qi down. The practice of fire involves awakening the navel; the practice of earth, surrendering to gravity; the practice of water involves accumulating water and starting the process of making steam."The practice of wuji qigong is a long term undertaking...years not months." The book is full of very realistic and very practical information as well as extensive cautions and warnings not to over-do the practices - he talks about building up to 10 minutes a day and eventually 10 minutes twice a day.I found this to be a very interesting book. Since I do not have any personal experience of the alchemy of fire and water ("kan & li") all I can say is that the descriptions sound good to me. I have been studying the lower levels of Taoist alchemy with Mantak Chia, whose books on the Fusion meditations and lesser Kan and Li ("The Taoist Soul Body") spell out another set of methods of Taoist Alchemy.The question is, of course, do the methods in the book work? They sound plausible, however I was left with the feeling that the author has rediscovered a fragment of a larger picture.

Nice book with a lot of info

Within a few weeks, the information in this book accelerated my qigong sessions.If it is, indeed, a "shortcut" as suggested by another reviewer, it is effective.Curious why the author chose to associate this practice with the Western four elements, rather than the Chinese five, but really it is of no consequence. The practice works, and works well.

Straight to the point, this little book contains the secret of “The Great Work”, the veils of Alchemy are removed if one has been a student and has done enough work to have eyes to see.

I appreciate the simplicity of this book. Indeed it is so simple the pertinent points might sneak by. Though you could read it in one sitting it is best to take small chunks and assimilate before going to the next step. No hurry with this practice.

I really love this book. It is easy to understand, but the material is deep. I highly recommend getting the paperpack version because it will serve as a references and loaner to others. Priceless for the valuable information it contains. Buy it, keep it, live it. This one is a keeper.

This is a rare book: wujishi breathing made accessible. Follow the instructions, be patient, feel the fog in your body, do not judge. May the gem catch your eye, may it ripen as you go.

An simple, direct and amazingly profound book

Very GoodThank You

Well written instructions, clear and simple, on how to 'align' the body and mind in the wuji state. Personally, I prefer Jan Diepersloot's 'Qigong of the Center' on the same topic, but nevertheless, five stars for the effort of sharing this one! Thank you Stephen!

This is a very nice, simple and well illustrated little book. Recommended for anyone who knows the essentials about Qigong (Ch'i Kung) and inspirational for those who do not. Personally I thought it could have done with a little bit larger format and padding out with a bit of dicourse, "do's and don'ts as well as maybe some general tips, personal observations. Good book, unusual Form of Qigong and the author is knowledgable about his subject.