This is a masterful book by Grandmaster Gary Khor, the Founder and President of the Australian Academy of Tai Chi and Qigong and the Feng Shui Academy of China, on Qi (also spelled as Chi or Ki) the universal energy or life force that undeniably permeates all beings and defies finite definition.

Though Qi literally means “breath,” it has come to mean “the inspiring or activating force” and is explained simply by those accustomed to its flow as “The Way of Energy.”

The Way that can be described is not the eternal way
The Name that can be named is not the eternal name
The unnamable is the source of the universe
The namable is the source of all things within the universe
Contemplate the way for its own sake and you will see the mystery
Contemplate the way for a purpose and you will see the effects
Mastery and effects spring from the same source.

This 2,500 year old quote from the Tao Te Ching is used by Khor to begin to explain Qi force, however, it also describes the “recent” discovery of what scientist and astronomers have termed, “Dark Energy” and “Dark Matter.” It appears the existence of this Qi energy has finally received official recognition from the present powers that be.

In this book, Khor acts as a very systematic guide helping you navigate your way into and around this energetic ocean. He explains the use of such tools as the I-Ching, as a map of the currents and rhythm of this mysterious flow.

His concise explanations of Li, Yin and Yang, The Five Elements and The Eight Directions make this an essential handbook for all Fung Shi practitioners.

An understanding of Qi, a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese philosophy, is crucial to success in the practice of all East Asian healing and martial arts, from Tai Chi to Taekwondo and Reiki.

Khor’s explanations of the origins of the Shaolin Temple and the origins of martial arts are one of the best and most concise I have seen. Khor explains and names the various forms of Qi as they exist in inanimate and animate objects, in various parts of the human body and nature, and that Qi is even present in dead things.

He traces the history of the philosophy of Qi back over 5,000 years, yet shows that Qi has far broader and deeper applications: its proper understanding and utilisation can bring harmony and balance to our modern lives. The power and focus it generates can be put to use in the myriad tasks in which we engage daily, such as cooking, writing a book, designing a house, or preparing a business strategy.

He shows how to put this Qi force to work for your benefit, and explains that Qi-Gong literally means Qi-Work. Chapter five brings it all back to the individual’s life. He shows how to put Qi to work for you in your breathing, emotions, spirit, nutrition, the way of eating, drinking water, environment, art, handwriting, music, dance, relationships, mind, mediation, self actualisation, healing, touch, the microcosm and the macrocosm. He also gives a delightful account of the use of Qi in the classics of Bonsai and The Art of Tea.

Sumptuously illustrated and presented in a format that is easily assimilated and referenced, this book is the perfect reference for anyone interested in Eastern thought and wanting to incorporate its key beneficial elements into a Western lifestyle.

– Reviewed by Rev. Dr. S. D’Montford in New Dawn No. 97