Gateway to Eastern Philosophy & Religion

The single most striking aspect of this book is the depth of its overview of Indian, Chinese and Zen Buddhism as well as the elaborations on Taoism and Yogic practices. It is a delightful blend of both the author's scholastic knowledge, embellished with a brilliant glossary, defining Sanskrit and other terms, and his personal insights and stories stemming from his time pursuing Self-knowledge in Asia and India. Of special interest is the wide-ranging bibliography culled from the author's library, which could be used by Eastern Philosophy Departments to structure their degree programs.

The single most striking aspect of this book is the depth of its overview of Indian, Chinese and Zen Buddhism as well as the elaborations on Taoism and Yogic practices. It is a delightful blend of both the author's scholastic knowledge, embellished with a brilliant glossary, defining Sanskrit and other terms, and his personal insights and stories stemming from his time pursuing Self-knowledge in Asia and India. Of special interest is the wide-ranging bibliography culled from the author's library, which could be used by Eastern Philosophy Departments to structure their degree programs.

Justin F. Stone (1916-2012) originated T'ai Chi Chih ("knowledge of the Supreme Ultimate") in 1974. After spending many years in Japan, India, and China studying spiritual disciplines and mastering T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Justin created this new discipline so that everyone, including elderly people, could easily learn and practice the simple movements. Everyone can receive, and deserves, all the benefits that come from circulation and balance of the chi, or Intrinsic Energy. More than 2,200 teachers worldwide are accredited in this discipline. Justin also was an accomplished painter, ASCAP composer, and financial adviser. He originated a language-learning method for Japanese and taught East Asian Studies at two universities. Justin lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he led regular Tuesday morning T'ai Chi Chih classes for teachers at the T'ai Chi Chih Center in Albuquerque and held informal meditation sessions at his home. Justin believed: "The circulation and balancing of the chi is the great secret of life. And this T'ai Chi Chih discipline, a moving mediation with far-reaching benefits, works with the chi. It's a very valuable exercise that affects the inner organs as well as the muscular structure. The slow, soft movements of T'ai Chi Chih have real effects on blood pressure, weight control, and other physical elements, but T'ai Chi Chih goes much deeper than that. Students who realize that practice is absolutely necessary often experience profound changes during a beginning course. Since most students feel the effects of the practice very quickly, it is not necessary to accept results as a matter of faith."