Product Description
This complete guide to "street smart" self-defensecovers a wide range of subjects including: rapid assessment ofpotentially dangerous situations, fast and simple response to anattack, continuous flow of defensive techniques, vital strikepoints, first strike advantage, fighting techniques and bodyweapons, specific attack responses, grappling and groundfighting, defending against weapons, and home training exercises.185 photographs. Introduction. Index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good Book on a Complicated Subject
Most books on self-defense are page heavy in photographs.Obviously, most martial artists don't read. Though this book has its share of photographs, providing the necessary how-to, what I like most about this text is its presentation of a self-defense mindset not dominated by the macho kick-butt attitude which most books on the subject present.Instead, this book details a way of encountering each type of self-defense circumstance from a conscious frame of mind.This is something I have not seen presented in other texts on the subject.I also like the fact that the author, Scott Shaw, goes back into history and references the more mindfull self-defense idealogies of ancient masters. Shaw then brings these concepts to this modern era by commenting on their applications.

This book may not be for the macho martial artist who thinks he or she can kick everybody's butt.But, it is for the martial artist, like myself, who appreciates the deeper understanding of the true art of self-defense.

Do Not Waste Your Time orMoney On This Book !
My Instructor told me not to waste my $$$ on this book. The first two or three chapters are acceptable, yet the remainder of the book is very poor. It has the simple basic strikes and counters that all "How To" books of Karate manuals have.
It is not the Way of Self Defense as the title would attempt to allude one.

100% Worth the Read
As a martial artist virtually forever, I really enjoyed this book. It is not one of those books on self defense that you pick up, skim through the pictures, and then put on your bookshelf. Nor is it one of those macho who can kick who's butt the fastest type of mindless self defense manuals. This book really needs to be read.I think any martial artists, or for that matter, non-martial artists, who really wants to gain a new insight into not only the realms of self defense but a new and different way to look at life and life encounters should read this book.

More Than Techniques
The reason I like this book is that it is not just another martial art book which simply presents a bunch of photos on hand-to-hand combat techniques.As martial artists, we already know a bunch of those.What this book does present, which is absent from so many other texts on self defense, is a way to encounter combat situations with a more complete understanding of how to deal with your opponent and your environment.It is not just a bunch of photos on how to kick somebodies butt.If you get this book, Read It.Don't just look at the pictures.

Positive Self Defense
What I like most about this book is that it teaches a very refined method of self defense. This book is not about how to develop the hardest punch or the fastest kick. It details a much more subtle style of self defense than that. As a female martial artist, I really appreciate the way the author outlines a method where your victory is based more in a calculated understanding of fighting than a fist to fist, knock down brawl. In fact, I have taught several of the techniques presented in this book to my students. I hope to see more on this subject from the author ... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to call up extra energy on demand! Shaw shows you how to strengthen the Ki you were born with, so you can harness the Ki around you to help you through the many periods of stress in daily life. He gives suggestions for changing your diet to improve Ki flow, and discusses how to actively focus Ki into specific regions of the body or into your mental functioning. Includes breathing, concentration, and relaxation exercises. Illustrated. Index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Easy Ki
What is most interesting and impressive about this book is the way that Master Shaw makes the practice of Ki easy.The Ki development techniques in this book are precisely described and easy to use.Great Book - Great Read - Recommended!!!

The Only Book on Korean Ki
First and foremost I have to say that this book does a great job of presenting the Korean understanding and usage of Ki.Though Korean Ki is mentioned in a number of other books, this is the only text that truly provides the complete historical foundations of this understanding and the complete how-to.Not only is this a very interesting book to read, but the reader can truly come away with something that they can use.I give this book, "5 Stars."

Not Mr Shaw's best work
Having read the excellent Warrior is Silent, I was dissapointed with this.The book is a worthy introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine but most of Mr Shaw's work here can be found in any text book on acupuncture.

Read This Book!
There is so much nonsense surrounding Ki -- in the movies, in books, in magazine articles.This book has none of that.This book presents a Straight-Ahead approach on how to understand Ki, develop it,and how to actually use it in every day life. Read This Book!

A MUST READ FOR THE TRUE MARTIAL ARTIST
Ki is so often spoken of in association with the martial arts.But, the method for how to actually develop and use Ki is virtually never taught.This is why this book is so refreshing. Not only does this book provide the historical foundations of Ki, from a Korean perspective, but it also provides exact step-by-step techniques to actually learn how to harness and develop Ki and then use it in everyday life.I give this book two thumbs up. ... Read more

Product Description
Pranayama, the practice of breath control, is detailed here in an easy-to-understand and even easier-to-practise format. Professional yoga instructor Scott Shaw introduces 16 breathing exercises and shows you how to get the best benefit from each of the forms by training, refining and witnessing your breath. Try one of the calming breaths, Nadi Sudi or the Nerve Purifying Breath. Have a long day ahead with no breaks until after dinner? Allow Ujayi or the Hissing Breath to work its miracles. Here you will learn how to breathe while moving, standing and leaning and how these variations can affect your breathing practice. Use the instruction offered in "The Little Book of Yoga Breathing" to feel more focused and energized. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Not pranayama!
If high-sounding concept can help sell a book, this Little Book certainly serves as a living proof.This DIY book basically teaches one how to expand and increase the capacity of one's lungs so that one is able to breathe deeply and calmly.These are all good side-benefits of pranayama, but these are only remotely related to true pranayama.

To be fair, the practice of this book is certainly useful to promote good lungs, which benefits however can also be have simply by putting on your pair of Rockport (no commercial intended) and to do some fitness walking at your nearby mall. In comparison, if this DIY Little Book is a reference book for making toy-cars, then "Light on Pranayama" by guru B. K. S. Iyengar shall be an instruction book for making a Ferrari. In short, it depends on what you want to buy and study.

The author of this book wrongly consider pranayama to be simple deep breathing exercises, and prana as oxygen! Here we can do some solid comparisons to show their difference. True pranayama is to use outside-breathing (lung breathing) to drive inner-breathing (generation and movement of prana to serve certain objectives). Nose (nostril) blocking is an important technique of pranayama practice, a yogi will use different blocking techniques to facilitate his mind to drive the (inner) prana along defined channels (e.g. In surya bhedana pranayama all inhalations are done through the right nostril and all exhalations through the left. Prana energy in all inhalations is channelled through the pingala or surya nadi and in all exhalations throught the ida or chandra nadi, according to guru Iyengar ). In the Little Book in which prana is not activated, it will be quite futile to inhale or exhale through one nostril because all air goes through the same lungs irrespective of which nostril it comes from!

For those who are interested to study true pranayama,I suggest them to buy Light on Pranayama: The Yogic Art of Breathing .Otherwise an investment in a pair of Rockport walking shoes might actually be better.

Extremely simple
this book offers a very simplified explanation of Pranayama. If you are the one who never did Pranayama, is looking for not more than a one-hour-read and, wants to get a sense for what Pranayama is and kick start it, this book is for you. For anything else, there are plenty of other resources/books.

A great concept but too many errors
The concept for this book is great - a tiny pocket-sized book with just enough information on pranayama to assist a regular yoga practice.Ideal for a quick reference before all the prananyama exercises are memorized.Although small in size, this book is more likely to harm than help.

Aside from the fact that this book defines prana (life force energy) as "life-giving oxygen", the greatest downside of this book is the enormous amount of incorrect translations and improper naming. Some of these errors are with the most well-known pranayama terms/techniques:

Kumbhaka = breath retention (everyone else) / "pure breath" (author).Kumbhaka is the period between inhalation and exhalation when the breath is held.However the author calls a breathing exercise by this name - the forceful inhalation and exhalation through one nostril.

Ujjayi = victorious breath or ocean breath (everyone else) / "hissing breath" (author).The throat is constricted, allowing a small passage of air that creates a snoring sound.However the author teaches to singular nostril breathing with breath retention between and no mention of throat constriction.

The author closes this book with "pranayama standing and pranayma walking".These seem to be inventions of the author.In my training, all pranayama is done sitting down - for health, concentration and safety reasons.The author also includes two body tension exercises that include the pushing of hands up and in front.These look foreign to pranayama and yoga.Perhaps coming from the author's roots in martial arts.

Pranayama is a very detailed and delicate physical and spiritual practice.Much knowledge is required BEFORE a person begins.Changing one's breathing without proper knowledge can have negative health results.The content in this book, although small, is plagued with errors and improper techniques.In addition, important information in not included.A book this small could not possibly hold the information necessary to begin a pranayama practice.If this book were designed as a quick reference guide to refresh someone's memory - that would be great.However to try to teach pranayama is less than 50 miniature pages is just not possible.

If a person is serious about learning yoga, I cannot stress enough the need to find a real teacher.If a person desires a genuine knowledge of pranayama, I recommend books by actual yogis - BKS Iynegar or Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

In the words of Swami Vivikananda: "PRANAYAMA is not, as many think, something about the breath; breath, indeed, has very little to do with it, if anything. Breathing is only one of the many exercises through which we get to the real Pranayama."

Breathing made easy...
I love this little book; the author's sense of humor is one thing that caught my eye, but his writing is what I really like, not complicated or hard to understand and much easier than the other yoga breathing books that I've tried to read and follow.I'd recommend this to anyone that would like to further their education in pranayama breathing and thank you to the author for his time and his great little book.

Pretty good
Practical, the author links excercises with desired effects: Feeling stressed? do A. Feeling listless? do B...and so on...a very quick pranayama fix. ... Read more

Product Description
If you take a moment to step outside of yourself, movebeyond the melodrama which you are currently involved in, you canperhaps see how life functions and have a realization about how thisuniverse truly operates.In a world where too few people ever lookfor reason, this book is designed to help you find immediate deepermeaning in all of life's situations.By reading the aphorisms withinits pages, you too may come to a better understanding of reality,nature, your mind, and God. ... Read more

Product Description
In the follow-up book to his best selling text, Zen Filmmaking, prolific Independent Filmmaker Scott Shaw takes the reader behind the scenes of Indie Filmmaking and teaches the secrets of how to make a feature film, documentary, or music video in the most refined and expedient manner possible. He also teaches the reader the tricks of how to make a No to Low-Budget feature film look like it has a High-Budget price tag.Shaw leads the reader through all aspects of filmmaking begining with the screenplay, onto financing, casting, producing, directing, cinematography, and distribution.This book is full of insightful filmmaking techniques normally understood only by the advanced filmmakers. Plus, it presents numerous behind-the-scene stories of what occurs on indie film sets and how to make even the most trying of circumstances work to your advantage. ... Read more

Product Description
The Korean martial art of Hapkido is an advanced system of self-defense. It is designed to teach its practitioners exacting methods to defend against all types of attacks.In this book, Hapkido Master Scott Shaw details refined aspects of this martial art, in order to provide the reader with an enhanced sense of self-defense awareness and combat understanding. ... Read more

Product Description
Cambodia was in a state of political and cultural upheaval from the late 1950s through the early 1990s. This was epitomized by the political reign of terror brought on by Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, as he seized power in 1975. His attempt to create a completely agrarian society left the country in chaos and an estimated three million Cambodians dead. With the inception of his brutal rule, Cambodians began to seek sanctuary in less hostile environments. With this, many left their native land and entered the United States as refugees. This movement to America has had one city as a focal point, Long Beach, California. By the late 1980s there were an estimated thirty-five thousand Cambodians living within this cities boundaries. This is Scott Shaw's ground breaking book on the subject, chronicling their plight. ... Read more

Product Description
Developed by Scott Shaw, the primary premise of Zen Filmmaking is that no screenplay should be used in the creation of a film. There are no rules and no definitions. The spontaneous creative energy of the filmmaker is the only defining factor. This allows for a spiritually pure source of immediate inspiration to be the only guide in the filmmaking process. Within the pages of this book, Scott Shaw leads the reader through all of the elements of Zen Filmmaking -- allowing one to emerge as a competent independent filmmaker, possessing all of the necessary skills to create a feature film, documentary, or music video in the easiest and most expedient manner possible.This book also takes the reader behind-the-scenes on several of Scott Shaw?s feature films.This provides a unique insight into the filmmaking process while illustrating how to bypass many of the obstacles of filmmaking. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Most Realistic Book on Low-Budget Filmmaking
I read this book last year, struggling to get my first feature film made. I basically went "Zen" on it...threw away the script, and made a feature film. I can't recommend this book more for people who want to think realistically about low to no budget filmmaking.

Highly Recommended
This is one of the best books about Filmmaking I have ever read. Zen Filmmaking just is. It has no ultimate definition. It has no script because all of the stories have been told. There are no rules. Just go out and do it! Allow yourself creative freedom.

In the first part of this book Scott Shaw talks about the definition of Zen Filmmaking. He introduces the reader to the best equipment to use, talks about the casting, the producing, filming and editing. He helps and guides the reader through this process like a real friend.

He also takes a look behind the scenes of Zen Film Classics like "The Roller Blade Seven" (which is my favourite Zen Film, just look at the beautiful golden colour, the great shots, the video-style editing and the wonderful actors and actresses), "Toad Warrior" or "Guns of El Chupacabra" (I also love both of them), which he co-created with Donald G. Jackson and his own work as a director, producer, writer, composer and actor like "Samurai Vampire Bikers From Hell", "Rockn' Roll Cops" and "Hitman City", which are all cult movies.

Scott Shaw, who grew up in Hollywood, also takes a look behind the scenes of Hollywood and how the industrie really works. It may disappoint some wanna-be actors but it is the awful truth!

This book includes also a few interviews Scott gave to various magazines, the last was made this year in 2008. For Filmmakers it is more than worth to read, especially if you have made your first movie and it didn't work out the way you thought it would be, for Fans of Zen Films and people who always wanted to take a look behind the scenes it is much more thaninteresting.

Zen Filmmaking is about getting out there and making your film. Be creative and spontaneous, make art, free yourself from the domination of a screenplay (because "scripts are for sissies") and - like Scott Shaw would say - live. Because this is where all the inspiration for filmmaking comes from - living!

I really loved and enjoyed this book. Highly recommended to you! ... Read more

Product Description
These are Zen meditations for modern times—cold comfort, maybe, for some of us who might want platitudes and the promise of peacefulness being handed to us on a silver platter. Because, as Shaw points out, conflict is a part of life. Zen Buddhism was even founded in conflict. No one can give anyone else peace.Peace comes to those who seek it—in the moment and for the moment only. The pace of lives continues to accelerate, with more and more demands being placed on us by both others and ourselves. This collection, aimed at gaining inner peace, is wonderfully suited to the breakneck pace of our lives today. The future is too full of work, laundry, family, and other commitments—not to mention the unknown. The past is gone. There’s no time like the present to make like the eye of the hurricane and choose to be at peace with ourselves.

The 108 meditations in this book offer a very contemporary respite from internal and external conflict. Their number and their form, however, is steeped in tradition. One hundred and eight is a sacred number in Buddhism, where there is also the tradition of meditating with malas, strung beads, which come in multiples of nine—27, 57, or 108. Their form follows Buddhist tradition as well—they’re modern koans, or riddles to ponder, and dharma stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Beautiful
It is exactley what the title says. I will be buying this book for gifts for all my friends from now on.

This book will be with me for life...
I've sold some books on on-line websites, but this is one that I would never consider parting with. I purchased this book when I was on "a mission of self-discovery" and I believe it was a valuable part of that journey. I bought it at regular price, and it was worth every penny. I don't have the book in front of me at the moment so it's hard for me to be specific, but I can tell you that this is a book I will go back to time and again.

The Journey to Peace
This was book was recently introduced to me by a co-worker, who has now become a very dear friend to me. In my never ending quest to feel peace with who I am and where I am in my life, this book is helping me achieve this. I read a page every morning and it truly helps me make the most of each day. Well worth purchasing. Enjoy each day and may there be Peace within always.

appleannie
After reading this wonderful book from cover to cover several times I now include it in my morning meditations by reading one page per day.The words are simple, kind, loving and to the point.Thank you Scott, for sharing your thoughts so that my life is enriched.

Peace lives here!
This book lives right next to my meditation cushion. Every morning I read a simple & profound tidbit which sets my heart beating to a rhythm of peace. Throughout these tumultuous past months when the country's political climate creates so much fear, anger and unrest, Scott Shaw's book has been helping me stabilize in a personal peace. He has spoken truth in simple words that go in easily and resonate deeply. I just purchased this book for the Peace & Justice Center Library in our town. We can not create peace out of anger. Thank you for this gem, Scott Shaw! ... Read more

Product Description
At the heart of Zen Buddhism is the practice of meditation.The Little Book of Zen Meditation is as one-pointed as the mind of the meditative Buddhist.It directs the reader in a exacting manner in the techniques of Zen Meditation in order that the practitioner may focus their mind and walk the path towards Nirvana. ... Read more

Product Description
A master illuminates the spiritual foundations of martialartspractice in this fully illustrated guide.* Presents an overview of the spiritual foundations of the martial* arts.* Takes the reader through a well-illustrated series of self-defense* techniques that utilize Ki energy.* An essential guide for anyone interested in a spiritually-centered* martial arts practice.

The attainment of superior fighting technique is not the sole purposeof martial arts training. Just as a Zen Buddhist monk uses movement asa form of meditation, the refined martial artist uses the physicaltechniques of his practice to create a harmonious merging of hisindividual energy with that of the universe. The stages of training torealize this objective are arduous but necessary for the individual tobecome an enlightened being rather than simply an accomplishedfighter.

The Warrior Is Silent presents an overview of the spiritualfoundations of martial arts practice in the East and its intimateconnection with the perfection of the art itself. In addition, theauthor, an accomplished martial artist, takes the reader through awell-illustrated series of self-defense techniques that utilize Kienergy. Establishing a balance between the spiritual and physicalaspects of the martial arts, The Warrior Is Silent is an essentialguide for anyone interested in a spiritually-centered martial artspractice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

For the Spiritually Minded
I actually read the comments from the other readers before purchasing this book myself and the "he" / "she" reference which most of the reviewers mentioned didn't really get in the way of the content of the book itself.(Who knows, that may not have been the writer, but rather the publishing company, like so many other typos in books).I liked the way Scott Shaw intermingles spirituality with the martial arts;it reminds you of how the old Chinese practitioners see the martial arts - as an art and not just for fighting.I learned interesting tid-bits from this book and recommend it for anyone who is spiritually-minded.

Great Book - A One Stop Shop
The is really a great book.It begins by detailing a factual history of the ancient martial arts and their interaction with Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. It then goes on to outline numerous meditation and Ki development exercises.It even throws in a few self defense techniques, just to show how the "Spiritual Warrior" can learn to consciously defend "Him" or "Her" self. This text provides the reader with not only a new and deeper understanding of the physical aspects of the martial arts but a complete how to for Ki development and the various forms of Buddhist meditation which have been developed for and associated with the martial arts over the centuries. I used this book as one of the references for my Master's Thesis.

While doing my Thesis I contacted Master Shaw. He was so nice and talked to me indepth about meditation and how it can become a natural evolution of the martial arts.He possesses a vast amount of knowledge on this subject, which is apparent in this book. I believe this book truly adds a new chapter to the martial arts.

One of the things I like most about this book is that it does not solely reference the martial artist, or "Spiritual Warrior" as Scott Shaw details all of us to beas, "He" or "Him."It also intermingles "She" or "Her"with this delineation. When speaking to Master Shaw he told me that this was not his idea, nor was it the way he had written the book.It was something done by the editors.None the less, I think this interchangable style is great. It acknowledges and gives power to us ladies, something most books on the martial arts never do.

Overall, I believe this to be an important work on breaking down the barriers of the traditional macho male dominated martial arts and taking them to the level where they can be embraced by the more spiritually inclined among us.

Your one stop shop...

Like Sand Between the Fingers
For those that know their martial art history, the beginning chapter of this book is shady.Most of the information is true, but some of the printed material is speculative and not labeled as such.

The mixing and mingling of feminine and masculine pronouns assigned to 'the warrior' throughout the text made the reading...inconsistent and strangely difficult.There is no doubt that both men and women are/can be warriors, and I think the writing would have been more fluent if Shaw had just made that point, chose one pronoun, and stuck to it.

Shaw displays his opinions upon the spiritual path to the martial arts very well, but I think that he forgot to stay open to the idea that there is more than one way to skin a cat.When reading this book it sounds as if you are doing everything wrong if not following the path he is documenting, and I strongly disagree.To put it more poetically, "There are many paths up the mountain, but only one peak".

Sprirituality is a difficult subject to write about.It is like sand - when a person tries to take hold of it in a physical manner it simply slips through the fist.I bought this book looking for a truly spiritual text, and was disappointed to find yet another picture filled manual on the martial arts.Shaw's effort is to be commended, but I'm affraid that in his attempt to convey something very esoteric the sand slipped between his fingers.

Excellent resource
This is a surprisingly enlightening book, with historical information on the development of the martial philosophy up to the modern day applications.It's written to be understood but doesn't talk down topeople.One of the best books yet I've seen for martial arts.I recommendit to all new practitioners as well as the seasoned ones.

This book puts in perspective some of our "every day" ideas.
I like this book.It thought me a lot of things.That is to say that it cleared or put in to words some of the ideas I was thinking at the time.The first part of this book is an exelent path for those who are lookingfor a different view on martial arts if not life as a whole. With thegood things said, now I have to write about the only draw back of the book. The second part of the book talks about exercises and meditation technics,and these are fine and easy to follow.However, after these technics comea serious of fighting moves an teachings that quite frankly didn'tsit wellwith me.I don't mean that they are bad technics.I just didn't see areal reason to have them in the book because the fighting technics shownare common to most martial arts that teach some kind of grappling.Maybeafter I mature more as a person and a martial artist the secound part ofthe book will make sense to me. In closing buy the book and payattention. ... Read more

Product Description
Hapkido, "The Way of Coordination and Internal Power," is one of the three major Korean martial arts. Founded in 1963 by Master Choi Young-Sul, it is a complete system of self-defense, encompassing, striking, kicking, and grappling techniques. Conceptually, Hapkido techniques more closely parallel those of Aikido than Taekwondo. In fact, as the author describes, these is a parental link between the arts. In this book, Scott Shaw presents a precise description of the techniques, concepts, and applications of this Korean art of self-defense. Profusely illustrated with 220 clear photographs, this instructional book describes and depicts self-defense techniques against in variety of punches, holds, and kicks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Good Resource
I think this book does a great job of presenting an overview of the self defense techniques and the overall philosophy of Hapkido.I also like the history of hapkido that is presented in this book.It does a good job of providing the reader with a deeper understanding of the art.

This book is a good resource and a good addition to anyone's self defense library.

Not in-depth, but good.
This very thin book covers some good variations on locks & throws as well as some interesting self-defense options. The information is a good supplement if you already have a strong foundation in these types martial arts techniques.
A very big drawback is that the sequential pictures are not clear at all, contrary to what is stated in the editorial review. Fortunately the instructions of each technique should suffice, but only if you are familiar with the type of technique presented.

Understandably Good
As one of the few practitioners of Hapkido in Hong Kong I have read Scott Shaw's articles on Hapkido in magazines like Black Belt and Taekwondo Times for years.So, it was no surpirse to me when I picked up this book that I found it to be well put together and a great source of information on this advanced system of self-defense.There are two things I really like about this book.The first is the presentation of the true history of Hapkdio.The second is that each self-defense technique is clearly and completely described.This book is a great source of reference on Hapkido.RECOMMENDED.

Hapkido is Self Defense
This is a straight to the point book on Hapkido Self Defense. No nonsense, just straight-ahead techniques. Recommended!

Excellent Hapkido Self Defense Text Book
Having practice the martial arts for over ten years, I find this book to be an excellent resource for both the Korean martial art of hapkido and self defense.The history section is great.The ki section is very interesting.The self defense section is very detailed and teaches true hapkido.This book is a necessary addition to anyone library.Recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Harry Shaw's aim is to promote a fuller understanding of nineteenth-century historical fiction by revealing its formal possibilities and limitations. His wide-ranging book establishes a typology of the ways in which history was used in prose fiction during the nineteenth century, examining major works by Sir Walter Scott--the first modern historical novelist--and by Balzac, Hugo, Anatole France, Eliot, Thakeray, Dickens, and Tolstoy. ... Read more

Product Description
Nirvana is.
You are.
Be enlightenment.

Nirvana is not to be found in the fulfillment of endless desires, the analysis of profound thoughts, or even hours, days, or years of meditative contemplation. In fact, it is the very act of seeking to obtain happiness, peace, and enlightenment that keeps them out of reach.

Nirvana in a Nutshell offers over 150 Zen meditations to help you discover what you might be doing (or not doing) in your life to sabotage your goal of reaching inner peace, your own personal paradise. Let go of the quest and become that which you truly seek and you will find your own Nirvana.

Nirvana is the state of grace where there is no longer any physical suffering, mental anguish, or unanswered questions. Many assume that the only way to achieve that magical state is if they walk away from the world and enter "the spiritual path." But conflict is a part of life — any kind of life. If you allow your peace to be taken away from you by external occurrences or internal disharmony then you will never know contentment. Peace is an inner triumph.

Nirvana is not known, because it has been propagated as the ultimate obtainment. It has been made a desire. But, as Siddhartha Guatama stated, "The cause of suffering is desire." Scott Shaw contends that people are looking for contentment in all the wrong places. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

an excellent and very thoughtful book
It takes endless thoughtfulness to provoke a reader to look for thoughtlessness within himself. And Scott Shaw does a very good job.

The laconic nature of the book can be a unique short-cut to a clear state of mind. What I enjoy about texts lately is attention to words and structure to express a thought as crisply as the limitations of language allow. This book does just that, and it acts like a relaxing massage for thebrain.

At the same time, since a lot of its beauty is in its simplicity, there is no need to be "conditioned" for this book. Everyone will take away something very valuable from the book, as it reflects and crystallizes - like a clear mirror - the thoughts that have already been running through your mind.

Another esteemed favorite... !
Now "Nirvana in a Nutshell" is among my most valued meditation study materials. Yes, it is alongside the Tao te Ching, I Ching, Chogyam Trungpa Rimpoche and Pema Chodron as well as the author's other fine book,"About Peace". Some of the short-and-sweet verses allow one to drop right into an altered state of awareness. I can't thank Scott Shaw enough for his enlightened words & the energetic support provided for the reader. I intend to start from the beginning again once I've reached the end.

Great book on the essence of enlightenment!!!!
This is a great work that points the reader straight to the heart of what enlightement is actually all about.It is full of excellent thought provoking passages that can be read from beginning to end or simply open a page and REALIZE.

It's life in a Nutshell
Short, Sweet and to the point. ... Read more

Product Description
There’s a vibrant source of energy that fuels the universe, and it’s available for you to use to meet any physical or mental challenge. That energy is chi, and you can harness its power through the exacting yet simple methods of breath control and movement known as Chi Kung.
Stop feeling rundown and spiritless. Through conscious interaction with this universal energy, you can revitalize your immune system and store up reserves of strength. Chi Kung for Beginners takes you progressively through the exercises: the preparatory stages; meridian-clearing techniques; mediation techniques; body movements; and advanced techniques of focusing, storing, redirecting, and extending chi from your body.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Resource
If you want to know about Chi and how to use it, then this book is for you.I have read quite a few books on the subject.Some are very good, some are not.This is one of the very good reference books.It provides the reader with a lot of essential information on how to develope and utilize Chi. Plus, it presents a great overview of the history and development of Chi understanding.This book is an imporant resource in anyone's library who wants to learn about Chi.

A Chi Kung primer, theory and exercises for the beginner
Chi energy, the universal energy that permeates the universe, can be accessed for health, physical energy, and spiritual energy by anyone willing to regularly perform a few simple exercises.This is the basis for the book "Chi Kung for Beginners".Chi Kung is the Chinese science of how to access and use this energy.Instead of lacking physical and mental energy you will learn to access boundless energy almost effortlessly.Besides the details of several specific techniques, the book also has an appendix that covers the most important figures in the history of Chi Kung as well as various theoretical foundations.For the beginner to Chi Kung this provides a sound basic understanding without a lot of fluff or diversions to other unrelated topics that is common in so many books of this type."Chi Kung for Beginners" is a recommended read. ... Read more

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Zen Buddhism: The Pathway to Nirvana provides the reader with a complete overview of the history and evolution of Buddhism -- from the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha onto the modern day. It then provides a complete how-to for all of the various meditation techniques employed by Zen Buddhism. Finally, this book details how the practitioner of Zen may rise to the ultimate plateau of Nirvana. This book is a compelling work by one of the most respected authors in the field. ... Read more

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JUNK: The Back Streets of Bangkok is a gritty first-person tale of pulp literature. This book details the life of a California artist who relocates to Bangkok, Thailand where he is seduced into the seedy underworld of sex and drugs. Part literary fiction, part poetry, this book is not designed for the faint of heart. Scott Shaw takes literature to the next level by intermingling poetry with this blisteringly erotic tale. -- Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

steamy sexy and beautifully melancholy
This is by far sheer brilliance. as you read the beautifully written novel, you are actually projecting yourself as one of the characters. You are reading about the life, fantacies, and adventures you haven't even thought up for yourself. And now wish that they would come true in your every day life. Even if it means heart break for the rest of your days. ... Read more

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Characterized by high-flying kicks and punches thateasily shatter thick boards, Tae Kwon Do is one of the world's mostpopular martial arts and exhibition sports. This Korean system ofself-defense offers its students improved cardiovascular fitness,strength, flexibility, balance, self-confidence, and peace of mind.Inside Kung-Fu's Ultimate Guide to Tae Kwon Do offers all Tae KwonDo students--from white belts to black belts--a wealth of insightful,reliable, hard-to-find information from world-renowned experts inevery aspect of the art. Inside, you'll find chapters that inform andinspire, addressing such topics as:

• The history andtraditions of Tae Kwon Do
• Mastering the ten basic movements thatare the foundation for all advanced techniques
• One-step sparring,stretching, competing, and performing great demonstrations
• Findingand evaluating schools, classes, and instructors
• Streetwiseself-defense applications of Tae Kwon Do techniques

Customer Reviews (6)

I Like This Book
I like this book.Most overview books on the martial arts are very disjointed.This book is not.Though it presents chapters written by various authors, it presents these chapters in manner that the reader can truly learn the various subtle aspects and techniques of Taekwondo. I believe this book is a good read, full of important information about how to become a better practitioner of Taekwondo and a better martial artist in general.

Good for Enhancement, Not Great for Basics
As a beginner in Tae Kwon Do, I didn't find this book helpful for learning the basics. It did give some good advice though (assuming) for enhancing your abilities. However, if you are not familiar with all of the basics (i.e. punches, kicks, etc.) then most of this book will go probably over your head. Plus there are not many graphics and they are explaining different excersizes and techniques. If you are a person who learns by being shown like me, don't get this book.

Unique Presentation of Taekwondo
This book presents Taekwondo in a unique manner.It take ideas and techniques from various Taekwondo Masters and puts them all in one book.Whereas most books on Martial Arts only share the ideas and opnions of one individual or one organization, this book combines the thoughts of many.Thereby, making it a unique, all encompassing, way to learn about Taekwondo.

Great Overview of Taekwondo
This is a very interesting book.It is made up of articles which first appeared in Inside Taekwondo magazine between 1993 and 1995.This magazine was edited by John Corcoran, who has made some notable contributons to the martial arts with his editing, writing, and his martial art encyclopedias. So, you can be sure the articles are pertinent and well written.

What this book provides the reader with is a excellent overview of Taekwondo from some of the great modern Masters, including: Hee Il Cho, Scott Shaw, and Keith D. Yates. Moreover, this book is not simply filled with pages of photo techniques.It details the history of Taekwondo, Trainning Methods, and Taekwondo Combat Techniques. This book is a great addition to the library of any discriminating reader.

For the beginner
First, I am a 2nd degree black belt and instructor in Tae Kwon Do, and I approached this book from that perspective.I guess that this book could be good for the beginner as an introduction to Tae Kwon Do, but you could probably do better just by going to your dojang.I certainly didn't buy it. ... Read more

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Bangkok and the Nights of Drunken Stupor presents the gritty, street-wise, and thought provoking poetry and prose of Scott Shaw -- composed during his years of living in Bangkok, Thailand. ... Read more