Daoist Nei Gong: The Philosophical Art of Change

by Damo Mitchell

Nei Gong has been a well-kept secret within the Daoist sects of China for centuries. Based upon the original teachings of the great sage Laozi, it has only ever been taught to close students of the masters chosen as the heads of the ancient orders. This book provides a breakdown of the entire Nei Gong process, and explains in plain English the philosophy which underpins Nei Gong practice, and which is based on the original teachings of the ancient Daoist priests. The methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice which has until now been reserved for 'inner-door' students is described, and the book contains an entire set of Qigong exercises accompanied by instructional photographs and drawings. This book will be of interest to all practitioners of Qi Gong, martial arts and meditation, and will be a rewarding read for anyone interested in Eastern philosophy.

Genres: Taoism, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Martial Arts, Religion, Health, Spirituality

240 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2011

Reviews

[Foxthyme · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely stellar. Damo Mitchell has the ability to write very simply about nei gong theory and practice. I am now at the point where I’m finished ‘reading’ and am beginning to work with the practices. I’ll keep you updated.

I’m including some vid links of Damo demonstrating Nei Gong, as well as other internal martial arts:

Dragon Dao Yin Exercises at /www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qql2Utycvjs
Daoist Nei Gong at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkWtU7n4wPc
Xingyiquan - Elements & Animals at www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAB_RzMPCRE
Yang Taiji (Tai Chi) Sword www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ct8rN6UzvU
Xingyiquan - Five Seed Techniques at ww.youtube.com/watch?v=L3KMk3RUogw

When have you ever seen anyone move physically and internally like that? For most of us, never. That is a lifetime of dedication and practice. And he’s young yet. Not even close to 90 years of age. Tongue in cheek.

I only know about this book because a fellow tai chi/lokhup bafa student brought the book to class. At dim sum lunch we all got into a discussion about it. I headed home and ordered it and have been studying it ever since. It has brought the qigong/nei gong back into my regular form practice (major work in progress). Qigong/nei gong makes all the difference.


A few weeks back:
Okay, this book is like a progression of many learnings. At least for me. Still reading, so this is not my full review as of yet. The details and detailings in this book of the process of Nei Gong have filled in many holes for me in my present knowledge working with books, DVDs, and more importantly workshops with high level instructors and practice. I now know how certain practices are or should be working. This allows much better practice, with really excellent results.

If you are a newbie, I'll let you know if this is a good place to begin, or a progression. If you're into practice, this will definitely fill in some gaps.

Sorry, you can't speed this stuff up. I'm working through the book, and..here's the thing with this kind of practice, your life changes. In the past with practice it changed too fast much for me sometimes. Now, it's simply clearing blockages from my student stint and I'm getting back on track, which is...rather magical. As my life has never been easy, I at once love and am cautious about it, because practicing in this way can make profound changes to your life.

No matter, I am doing the work! You "gong" people of any kind will understand that. What else is there? Just this. Just this.

[Sergio Ledward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me gustó muchísimo, probablemente es el mejor libro de arte marcial que he leído.
Es un libro breve que permite observar la profunda conexión entre el taoismo y el arte marcial interno.
Con frecuentes citas al Tao Te King, ejercicios prácticos y descripciones detalladas.
Hace una invitación a no abandonar la práctica de cada quien (taichi, qigong, kungfu), sino más bien a profundizar en el camino interno.
Felicidades al autor

[Emily Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Damien "Damo" Mitchell is known as a fraud and plagiarist throughout the Qigong community. Did you know he was also in a circle of friends of a convicted child rapist, Jason Mizner? https://www.news.com.au/national/quee...
You can see in-depth how his fraudulent Qigong works here:
https://ancientmasters.org/library/da...
Good review on him as a person here
https://damomitchellqigongscam.wordpr...

[Kaberoi Rua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nei Gong is the attainment of real internal skill through the practice of the internal arts. It is the awakening of the energy body and cultivation of our consciousness. It is the philosophical art of change which permeates all Daoist practices. I highly recommend this book to any reader of Taoist/Daoist philosophy, any meditator, and/or anyone on the spiritual enlightenment path. A wealth of knowledge presented in this book.

[Brandon Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and clear

Having studied taiji and qigong for several years, this book clarified my understanding of the processes of internal change that can result from a serious practice beyond just the dynamic forms.

[Pascale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is very well written and concepts are easy to understand. I have finished reading but definitely not done with it as the exercises provided will take quite a long time to master.

A great read.

[Mr David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, very detailed

Very interesting and detailed presentation of nei gong. This book will appeal to practitioners of tai chi, qigong and other systems who want to deepen their practice.

[Josh Iley · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy read easy to understand will be reading the rest of his book, good intro to Taoist inner alchemy

[Voldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell of a book :)

[Joseph Wickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide and introduction to the subject matter

[Taylor Ellwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to Nei Gong. While I've already had some experience with Taoist meditation, I found that all of the material was presented was very helpful in either introducing me to new concepts or getting me to think about what I already knew from a different angle. The exercises have also been helpful. I've integrated them into my daily process. I like the author's emphasis on tactile awareness. Too many books on this focus on visualization, so reading a book on this topic with a focus on tactile awareness was refreshing and helpful.

[Luaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most profound read I've ever read. This book has enrich my "spiritual quest" and added new aspect to that journey. The best explanation of the human energy system of meridians and centers are organized I've come across so far. Great straight forward explanations, great positive read, I've loved it. Thanks Foxthyme!

[Annabelle Herter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book complements my personal chosen way of further conditioning, cultivating and maintaining the inner development of my own body and mind. Straightforward and practical exercises that goes with any endeavor are provided for by a sincere and dedicated practitioner of the Art.

[Jamie Rafeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy to read and the most informative on Nei Gong I've personally read. Written from personal experience it really comes across that he knows what he's talking about. If you're reading this then you're interested enough to buy it, it's worth it.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good systematic presentation of traditional Taoist concepts. Helped me gain perspective from exposure to same via Bruce Frantzis. Want to go back and read the rest.

[Joshua]

Fantastic stuff. I'm not sure I can follow the external exercises based on the instructions/photos (my fault, not MItchell's), but the Sung breathing is remarkably clear.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt the best introduction to Nei Gong I ever found. Clear and complete for what a book can give. Helped me clear a lot of doubts on Nei Gong practice and theory.