A Via Media book about a tai chi student exploring the Dao of Zheng Manqing (Cheng Man-ch'ing) with the aid of his teacher, Laoshi. Through personal accounts, reflection, and dialogue with Laoshi, we witness the novice's evolution in his search for the spirit of the art-and the resulting bond forged with his instructor. Together, student and teacher examine the philosophical and martial aspects of tai chi. They demonstrate what it means to pursue principle, and they see the ease with which it can be lost to that trickster and provocateur, the ego.
Engaging, sincere, and at times lighthearted, this Via Media fictional memoir narrated from the student's perspective addresses themes familiar to all who study tai chi and the martial arts. Laoshi is a journey into tai chi and a meditation on life and living without fear.
Laoshi: Tai Chi, Teachers, and Pursuit of Principle
Jan Kauskas began studying the tai chi of Zheng Manqing (Cheng Man-ch'ing) in 1987, initially in the UK, then in the US and Taiwan. He teaches full-time at his school, Autumn River Tai Chi (Glasgow, Scotland), and also at workshops in Europe.
“Located at the intersection of tai chi and life, technique and principle—the veteran, beginner, and even nonpractitioner will find wisdom that never descends into cliché. Mr. Kauskas delivers a highly edifying and entertaining cornucopia of anecdote, aphorism, and apocrypha, destined to become a modern classic.” — Douglas Wile, Ph.D. (author, T’ai Chi’s Ancestors: The Making of an Internal Art)
6" x 9" paperback, 200 pages, 24 illustrations. eBOOK AVAILABLE from Kindle, iTunes, Nook, and Kobo.