Customer Rating: 
Summary: An Excellent Guide to Nei Kung (a little known art)
Comment: In the late 1990's, I took Nei Kung classes from one of C.K. Chu's student's in California. The instructor used the ten forms illustrated and explained in this unique book. Though I have always exercised regularly (mainly lifting weights, jogging, and practicing karate), I found Nei Kung to be one of the most strenuous exercises I have ever done. But even though it was tough while doing it, I always felt great afterwards. We used to finish the session with seated Tan Tien breathing exercises.
So when I decided to start practicing Nei Kung again recently, I bought this book, as I had forgotten many of the forms. And I have found it invaluable. I was able to quickly remember the forms I had forgotten and restart my Nei Kung practice.
But one note of caution: I do believe that this book is best used to supplement a class given by an experienced Nei Kung teacher, as some of the movements can put extreme stress on the knees when not done properly. (Before I bought the book to refresh my memory, I tried to do some of the forms I still remembered; but then my knees really started hurting. After getting the book, I realized this was because I was not positioning my knees correctly.) But of course in a class, the instructor will correct these mistakes and one can practice safely.
In short, I don't know if this book would have been that useful to me had I not studied Nei Kung with a qualified teacher before. But for me, this is similar with yoga and Tai Chi--very difficult to learn from just reading a book, or even viewing a videotape; but if these are used to review and study what was learned in class, then they can be very helpful.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great Foundation Building Book.
Comment: There is 10 exercises in the book. Images and descriptions on How to stand/breath/align the spine and head properly.
The philosophy behind the book is that while in the proper stances, you will be like a sponge and absorb chi. There is no meditations to bring in the chi in the book. So, just know that the 10 different exercises will gradually build your stamina/strength/chi/deep breathing/patience/and staying in the moment. You would hold each pose for 1.5-3.0 minutes at the beginning and work your way up. You may begin with just 3 of the poses and get those down then move on to add a couple more. You really don't move thru poses as you would in Qigong. Meaning, in Qigong you may do 20 poses fluidly. Neigong you hold the poses. I like having both practices in my daily routines. And if you continue the Neigong from this book, you will be able to do most any other Qigong, Tai Chi. This is a Great foundation book in my opinion.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Classic Manual for Health, Vitality, and Longevity
Comment: Like an exquisite musical instrument the human body requires the daily tuning of its tendons, cords, nerves, and muscles in order for its perfect harmony and true potential to be fully realized. In the Book of Nei Kung, C.K. Chu presents a sequence of ten easy-to-learn ancient Taoist exercises that effectively and efficiently tune, tone, and work the body towards greater health, inner harmony, and increased physical and mental stamina. Unlike many traditional Western exercises, which at times can be linear and superficial, Nei Kung exercises integrate and strengthen the body and mind. They can be performed nearly everywhere without any equipment and by virtually anyone at any age.
Five introductory sections in Part I serve to define the essence of Nei Kung -- its origins, history, and basic physical and mental principles. Master Chu is a precise teacher who eschews uncertain terms and mystical language. All of the fundamental concepts -- "Deep Breathing," "Head suspended," "Pelvis tucked in," "Body rounded," and so forth -- are clearly explained and well illustrated.
Part II contains the precious Nei Kung exercises that were developed, refined, and handed down from master to student since the Yellow Emperor period (2696-2598 BCE). These exercises work directly with the life force or "Chi" ("Nei Kung" means "inner work" or "internal training"). Some were developed or inspired by observing and imitating the beneficial skills and movements of various animals, hence "Rhinoceros Gazes at the Moon," "Owl Turns Head," "Phoenix Spreads Wings," and so on. Each detail of the individual exercises is carefully described and clearly enumerated across the landscape pages of this handsomely printed book. The descriptions read like a "recipe for health." Actual photos (not drawings) of Master Chu performing the exercises serve as models of excellence. Now entering his seventies, Master Chu is a paragon of health, clear-headedness, and vitality who has obviously benefited greatly from the daily practice of Nei Kung. This ancient system of internal energy cultivation should be more widely known, analyzed, and practiced. For those seeking the way towards vibrant health and increased longevity, forget the philosopher's stone or fountain of youth, the Book of Nei Kung reveals the path.
Customer Rating:
Summary: this book is essential reading
Comment: i took master chu's nei kung workshop for the first time in 1990. i was his student for seven years thereafter and continue to return to him for instruction. if you are interested in the cultivation and refinement of chi, you can find no better book than the book of nei kung and no better instructor than c k chu. everything i have been able to accomplish in my studies of chi energy is due to the foundation provided my by the years of of nei kung practice under the instruction of master chu.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Real Deal
Comment: C.K. Chu takes his reader through a brief introduction of the essence of Nei Kung and the remainder of the book is easy-to-read instruction. He is succinct, but detailed enough for the interested reader to begin the postures. Specific instruction on placement of the head, arms, hands, feet and legs and how to breath while holding the position abounds on each page. I am blessed with a very good Sifu to guide me through these positions, but this book has helped me so much with little nuances of each movement. This is a good book and a good buy.
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