Eternal Spring Chi Kung Spiral-bound – July 1, 2004

I had purchased Master Chu's Book of Nei Kung earlier and was amazed at how effective the exercises were. I felt better much after only doing them a few times, and could feel some kind of energy flowing. I could not do all of the exercises and hope to attend Master Chu's workshop to get instruction on how to do these, but what amazed me was that the ones I could do were not very complicated, yet yielded such noticeable results. There was no need to do complex visualizations or "circulate chi" or any of that.I bought this book, knowing that it was originally designed for older folks and people with disabilities or in poor health. Since I am not currently in any of these categories, I thought perhaps it would be too easy for me. It turns out not all of the exercises are that easy, at least for me. I have difficulty maintaining the frog stance for the suggested duration and it has taken some time to develop the flexibility to do the Sleeping Lion form. But the exercises are simple, and I feel I can do all of them more or less correctly, unlike the Nei Kung book.They are also very effective. I feel energized and limber after performing this set, which can take a little over an hour to complete if I am thorough. My posture is better, and I feel more flexible and relaxed. My lungs feel much more powerful and it seems my lung capacity has greatly increased. I keep records of my performance on various exercises, including strenuous interval/weight training exercises. I stopped those for a while, but recently tried them again, and was able to easily surpass my previous records. The exercises in this book and the Nei Kung book are probably the main reason for this.As with the Book of Nei Kung, Eternal Spring Chi Kung is spiral-bound and therefore very easy to read as you practice. The photographs and instructions are very clear and simple, though I could use some more clarification on the breathing and movement for the Roaring Lion form. But you can begin using the book right away, and see benefits in a short time.There are so many charlatans out there with wild claims and boasts about their methods. This book contains none of that, though it actually works. I don't know why C.K. Chu and his teachings are not more well known.

I have been practicing the chi kung system for more than 10 years in mornings and it has served me very well. It's an outstanding way to start the day. The Eternal Spring Chi Kung system gets more powerful with consistent practice. I do not agree with the poster who said it's for people who can't practice tai chi. In fact, I often use Eternal Spring as a set of warm up set of exercises before tai chi. So, it can be done as a standalone chi kung exercise set, or before tai chi....you'll get excellent results either way. Strongly recommend this book.

I have learned a few chi kung systems. I tried this out because I am located in nyc where master chu teaches. I did not realize that this systems is supposed to be for people who are so weak they can't do tai chi chuan. This is the worst qi gong system I have come across. Also, the photos reveal that master chu has bad posture with forward hip lean. Most americans suffer from this, but you would expect more from a master of an art.

I'm not objective -- I've been studying tai chi with Master Chu for many years -- but I wanted to share some context about how the Eternal Spring exercise system was developed as part of a non-profit outreach program (...) to bring the benefits of tai chi (and nei kung, and meditation) to the wider community. Volunteers have been teaching Eternal Spring in senior centers around New York Ciy since 2001, and to the general public for free in Bryant Park right behind the main branch of the New York Public Library. The system was born as a more accessible distillation of tai chi and nei kung exercises for those with more limited physical abilities but what's been especially interesting to me is that it's also been taken up enthusiastically as a challenging form of training even for advanced practitioners. What was supposed to be easy, in other words, can also be used to challenge the most advanced students. I take this as testament to its power -- a nice example of simple being the opposite of watered down. As for the book itself, it's beautifully designed with clear, bright pictures that are easy to follow. A single run-through of the exercises (ever try "the frog" position"?) and you'll be a chi believer, whether you're trying to get more activity into a sedentary life or just looking for new ways to train. For people in the New York area, there are also opportunities to experience Eternal Spring as a student or even volunteer teacher.

This book along with Master Chu's  Tai Chi Chuan Principles & Practice , The Book of Nei Kung  and  Chu Meditation  form a complete system for self-cultivation of body and spirit. This book is the entry point.Also for more advanced practitioners, the exercises will fill in the gaps of your training. The exercises will heal and strengthen the body and revitalize old and deteriorating joints and bones. They train your breathing and balance to levels you would not have thought possible. Furthermore I have read testimonials of elderly women who have increased their bone density by 60% by practicing this chi kung.Any one at any age will benefit greatly from these exercises.