Mysteries of the Life Force: My Apprenticeship with a CHI Kung Master

By Peter Meech and Peter Meech

Book Overview

This book chronicles the first seven years of an extraordinary apprenticeship that took place in Toronto between the author and a celebrated chi kung master from Shanghai.

Chi kung is sometimes described as an internal martial art, and during the author's apprenticeship, he learned how to manipulate the mysterious life force called chi.

Originally, the author wanted to interview the chi kung master after watching him perform on Ripley's Believe it or Not. Instead, the author became an unwitting apprentice and embarked on an incredible journey of inner exploration that continues to this day.

Many astonishing events occurred during the apprenticeship, such as frequent telepathic exchanges between master and student, the throwing of chi-energy over great distances, and at least one instance of what could be called Jedi mind control, right out of the movie Star Wars.

To complete the first phase of the apprenticeship, the author had to pass a big test, but the nature of the big test was never disclosed. In fact, an important part of the big test was discovering exactly what the big consisted of, and this detective work is the narrative thread that pulls the reader through the story to its startling conclusion. By turns, suspenseful, philosophical and humorous, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey into the mysterious world of chi kung.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591810558
• ISBN13: 9781591810551
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Sentient Publications
• Length: 151 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.6" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Dr. Chow Would Be Proud

Just finished this book, which took longer than expected because I found I was enjoying it so much that I decided to sip it rather than chug it down. It's truly a wonderful book: unpretentious yet artful, touching yet substantial, informative yet humorous. Peter Meech manages to maintain the same light touch throughout his very memorable tale -- offering readers a uniquely personal look at his experiences with Dr. Chow and the mysteries of Chi Kung. Certainly not a how-to book, unless the subjects are how to be a mindful student and write a charming book.

Informative, insightful and a fun read

This is a great little book. Well written, concise and the author did a great job of making you feel like you were observing and interacting with the characters yourself. This book was hard to put down and one I didn't want to end. Wish it was the first in a series! Definitely would make a good movie. Regarding Medical Qigong apprenticeships; this is one of two books that openly discuss the practice of receiving qi emission directly from their teachers as a means of raising the bodies energy and transmitting knowledge. The other book is Michaels Lomax's, A Light Warrior's Guide to High Level Energy Healing. In my opinion both are worth having on your shelf.

A great book about a qi gong apprentice

I thought I would really enjoy this book and so it proved. Qi Gong can be a bit of a dry subject. Studying Qi Gong is a lot of still postures, and lot of patience cultivating your Qi. One needs a really good reason to do it and some inspiration. Stories like Peter Meech's apprenticeship with his Qi Gong Master is inspiring and motivating. Above all this is very readable. As I said in the beginning I find Qi Gong books quite dry and difficult to bring about self-motivation. Nearly all of them I've been unable to finish. This book for me was a personal account that made it very interesting. There is no Qi Gong program in here but a lot about Qi Gong, the benefits and the mysterious. If you've read any Carlos Castaneda's books then you'll enjoy this one as well. I found Meech's Master to be presented as very modest and Peter is also this way. This is a true transmission of knowledge and energy I highly recommend it.

Read this book if you are interested in qigong!

Most books about qigong try to demonstrate a movement or breathing style that folks can't actually learn from a book. Peter Meech's experiences reveal what is REALLY required to learn qigong. The traditional teaching method utilizing the art of energy projection, combined with student dedication, is THE way to learn qigong. Way to go, Peter! I am making this book required reading for all my qigong students. This is the best book about qigong I have read in a long time. Michael Lomax, author of A Light Warrior's Guide To High Level Energy Healing: Medical Qigong & A Shaman's Healing Vision

Enchanting, Witty Journey

In 1985, the author encountered the world of Chi Kung, an eastern discipline which supposedly involves tapping into a mysterious and immensely powerful "Life Force". In MYSTERIES OF THE LIFE FORCE, the author is not trying to convince us that Chi Kung exists nor is he attempting to proselytize us with a "Why You Must" tract nor is he offering us an illustrated "How You Can" manual. The book is more of a "Let me tell you a story about some strange things that happened to me." In the end, it is up to the reader to make of the account what he or she will. The story relates the author's experiences as he enters a rather weird and magical landscape filled with things that Western science can not contemplate, let alone explain. Because of the author's intelligent, articulate, engaging, non-judgmental and very witty approach, we gladly accompany him along on a journey which traverses a landscape somewhere between GULLIVER'S TRAVELS, ALICE IN WONDERLAND and THE DANCING WU-LI MASTERS. The slender book is populated with quirky, humorous characters who are presented with grace and generosity. As we accompany him on his narrative journey, the author draws on excellent background in literature, lore, philosophy, Eastern traditions and shares with us a delicious treat full of whimsical insights and little known facts. The story itself is highly readable, wise and witty. Whether one believe in the Chi or not, one can not help but be enchanted by this charming, well-written book.