In this book the fundamental principles of t'ai chi chuan are developed within the philosophical framework of taoism, revealing the fundamental nature of that philosophy and its relevancy to modern man on phsical, emotional and intellectual levels. Inclukded with thebook is a detailed description of the first part of the Yang form with 19 plates of 197 photographs showing not only positions, but also the transitions between them, enabling the practitioner to move from one positon to another in flowing order without guesswork or conjecture. Tao and T'ai Chi Kung is an excellent text for the beginner as well as the more advanced practitioner. Dr. Sohn's background encompasses many areas. He is a pioneer in the field of wholistic health with a doctorate in wholistic health science. In adddition to being the founder and director of both the Wholistic Health Center and Institute for Self Developoment in Manhasset, N.Y., he has helped found the Association for Holistic Health, Eastern Holisitc Health Association and the American Association for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, of which he is Vice-President. He is a master herbalist and acupuncturist as well as a fourth degree black belt in korean karate and master instructor of T'ai Chi Chuan. He has extensive knowledge in biofeedback, computers, music, oriental healing, nutrition and psychology. All of Dr. Sohn's konwledge and interests are directed toward a single primary purpose-helping others to understand the methods of spiritual developoment to evolve Consciousness. Dr. Sohn is the rare "Teacher" who provides the means by which any individual can seek higher Truth and enter the "Great Work," the practice of the development of Being. As Pastor of the Church of the Realization of the Word of God, he draws on his knowledge to teach the practical philosophy necessary for the individual growth of Consciousness. Dr. Sohn's books express more than knowledge; they express the wisdom and understanding of a man who has lived and practiced the Truth all his life.

Contents How to use this book to its best advantage; Introduction; 1 Philosophy of t'ai chi kung; Fundamental description of t'ai chi philosophy; The universe is manifest through motion; Purpose is inherent in the wu chi; Five fundamental forces; Interpretation of Chapter 1-Tao Teh Ching; Meaning of yin and yang; Discussion of materialist viewpoint; Consciousness is intrinsinc in wu chi; The principle of Li (notion); The occurrence of man as a descent from the absolute; Practical psychology; Explanation of Li preceding ch'i with examples; Fundamental ideas are in the body centers; Newly acquired Li; Application of Li to learnnig t'ai chi chuan; Man's tension is psychic armor; The process of enlightenment; 2 Principles of t'ai chi chuan; Excess and insufficiency; Emptying; Sink ch'i to the tan tien; Continuity and connection; Calmness of spirit; Center and integration; 3 Description of technique; Postural correction; Tan tien; Walking technique; Foot weighing diagram; Box stepping; Basic warm up exercises; Self massage; The hand; 4 Description of the yang form; Wu chi; Commencement; Grasp sparrow's tail, ward off left; Grasp sparow's tail, ward off right; Grasp sparrow's tail, rollback; Grasp sparrow's tail, press; Grasp sparrow's tail, withdraw and push; Single wihip; Lift hands; Drop hands; Stork spread wings; Play guitar; Brush left knee and twist step; Play guitar II; Bruksh left knee and wist step II; Step forward, deflect downward, parry and punch; Apparent closure; Separate hands; Cross hands; Terminatin of t'ai chi chuan; Bibliography