Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit’s New Books.

[Guest]

<FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>Which of the 4 new titles by Sifu do you like the most?

I personally like Complete Book of Shaolin the most, I think that along with Complete book of Zen these are the greatest books by Sifu.

Recently Ronan asked me if I was stranded on a desert island with him what one thing would I like to take with me, I said a large Tesco’s store (a supermarket) with all the contents, which did not qualify, I then thought about a satellite phone, or a boat, but that would only get me away from a desert island, which would be a perfect training retreat (no email, phone calls, bills etc.).

Then I thought Complete Book of Shaolin, but paused and thought of Complete Book of Zen, then paused again and said Complete Book of Shaolin.

Ronan thought it was most amusing.

Regards,

Dan
Shaolin Wahnam Institute
Dan@Wahnam.com
</FONT><FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>Results (total votes = 7):</FONT><table bgcolor=#FFFFFF border=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width="75%">
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<FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>Complete Book of Shaolin</FONT>&nbsp</td>
<td height><FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>6&nbsp;/&nbsp;85.7%</FONT>&nbsp</td><td><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/bar.gif width=257 height=10 hspace=3>&nbsp;</td></tr>
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<FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>Complete Book of Chinese Medicine</FONT>&nbsp</td>
<td height><FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>0&nbsp;/&nbsp;0.0%</FONT>&nbsp</td><td></td></tr>
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<FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>Sukhavati: Western Paradise</FONT>&nbsp</td>
<td height><FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>1&nbsp;/&nbsp;14.3%</FONT>&nbsp</td><td><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/bar.gif width=42 height=10 hspace=3>&nbsp;</td></tr>
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<FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>Master Answers: The Shaolin Arts</FONT>&nbsp</td>
<td height><FONT FACE="Verdana,Arial" SIZE=2>0&nbsp;/&nbsp;0.0%</FONT>&nbsp</td><td></td></tr>
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[Guest]

I prefer Asda

[Guest]

I like all of them. I imagine that that's not surprising.:lol:

It is interesting because I have found that each one of the books has had profound impact on my life at different, varying intervals.

To this day, I swear by "Art of Chi Kung". It is the best Chi Kung book I have read yet.
The "Complete Book of Zen" is well-researched, precise and inspiring.
The "Sukhavati..." book was particularly eye-opening as it answered certain questions I had had from other meditation practices (learnt under other teachers). Also, I feel that Sifu's explanation of the various teachings given by the Buddha, along with the description of the different stages he underwent, is the clearest one I have ever read.

Beside my bed, I currently have two books: "The Complete Book of Zen" and "The Complete Book of Shaolin". They are my 'delicious' bedtime reading.:lol:

For your poll, Dan, I picked Sukhavati, just because it really did help me to understand the teachings of Buddha more deeply.

Cheers,
Emiko

[Guest]

Emiko,

I know what you mean – Sukhavati answered a lot of questions that other books on the subject have not even approached, but that I was searching for answers for. The first time I read it was the day after I got it, I arrived in Thailand from Malaysia, I sat on the balcony to our bungalow and read it cover to cover then went and sat on the beach and watched the sun setting in the West and thought of Amitabha Buddha, Guan Shi Yin, Jade trees, gods and the next life.

At the moment I am re-reading parts of Complete Book of Chinese Medicine, this book I have found to be the hardest to read of all Sifu’s books because I lack any practical experience or understanding of medicine, and because there is so much information in the book. I read it a little at a time and try to assimilate the knowledge. With Chi Kung and Kungfu I have a practical frame of reference – I can stand up and do a Kungfu set, or a Chi Kung exercise – I cannot go and try out acupuncture on someone (unless…. Where is Ronan?..... )

I have a student who absolutely loves Complete Book of Chinese Medicine, and I have made all of them purchace copies of Complete Book of Shaolin (and read it). It is quite something when they come in excited asking what the pattern “catch a tiger in the mountains” looks like!

Personally I hope Sifu will write a book on the Heart Sutra, if he does then I imagine that will become my favourite book. I love the heart sutra and I would dearly love to read Sifu’s commentary on it.

Regards

Dan
Dan@Wahnam.com

[Guest]

Dan,

Could you expand on
............................................Sukhav ati answered a lot of questions that other books on the subject have not even approached, but that I was searching for answers for....

I haven't had the opportunity to read Sifus books on the Western Paradise but I am reading a couple of books now. Just interested to hear more! And get some perspective on the books I am reading.

Thanks
Paschal

[Guest]

Hi, Paschal.

I know you asked Dan the question about Sifu's book, "Sukhavati...". I hope you don't mind if I offer my opinion here.

I think that what is special about "Sukhavati" is the
"way" in which the truths are linked and presented.

Granted, I have tried to wade through many other sources
that have been written on the teachings of Buddha and the Western Paradise, and while I learnt much from reading them, what stood out for me with "Sukhavati" is that I felt the information was based not only on an intellectual understanding, but most importantly on a strong basis of experiential understanding. (That is not to say that other texts have been written solely on intellectual understanding, but rather I am emphasising the fact that Sifu writes from not only what he has researched, but also, in part, from what he actually "knows".)

The reason why I say this is because there were several questions that arose from certain meditation practices that I had asked of various meditation masters, all of whom were unable to provide me with anything more than "maybe"s. (Or perhaps I wasn't ready to receive them. This is another possibility, and one which I prefer to take.)

Any how, when I met Sifu, those unanswered questions were still there, and I had almost given up hope of finding direction or insight with regard to these queries.

But as I read "Sukhavati", the teachings were laid out so clearly that it was almost as if the words on the page answered my questions directly.

I suppose what I am trying to say, albeit this is very roundabout, is that "Sukhavati" spoke to me as a direct answer to my meditation questions. It also gave me a glimpse of the 'grandness' of this existence, and I was filled with wonder at how fortunate I have been to be able to read and learn such teachings in this lifetime.

Perhaps I am able to feel this way because of the fact that I have studied under Sifu directly, and therefore perceive the words as an extension of Sifu's direct teaching.

But then again, I would hope that "Sukhavati" is equally beneficial and meaningful to anyone who might read it -- even for those who have yet to meet Sifu.

If and when you come to read this text, I would be very interested to hear what you think of it.

Warmest wishes,

Emiko

[Guest]

Emiko,

Thank you very much for your response. I have been reading two texts that are published by the Sutra Translation Committee. Patriarch Ou-i's commentary on the Amitabha Sutra and Buddhism of Wisdom and Faith by Master Thich Thien Tam. My experience is limited but I found these books excellent. They stress the need for faith, vows and practice and help develop a sense of urgency about the need to take the chance given us all by being born human.
I am very much looking forward to reading Sifus book now and I am sure I'll benefit from it.

Kindest Regards
Paschal

[Guest]

Emiko - that is beautifull

Thank you

[Marcus]

I know this thread hasn't been active for a while but I couldn't resist adding my 2p's worth.

I found Sukhavati to be the most wonderful book I have ever read. It gave me so much reassurance that there is a place I can go that is completely conducive to my completing my practice and gaining Enlightenment.
I will endevour to do my best with whatever time I have here on Earth. But knowing that Sukhavati exists and knowing how to get there (thanks to Sifu's wonderfully simple and direct writing) lets me know that I will ultimately achieve my aim. For me this is completely inspiring as it has helped me to stop feeling envious of the achievements and comittments of others.

I also found The Complete Book of Chinese Medicine challanging again because like Dan I don't have any practical experience to hang the text on.

On p325 of Sifu's brilliant "The Complete Book of Shaolin". In the paragraph that begins "The gist of the Heart Sutra that.....". Sifu wrote:

"If you wish to find out more about the Heart Sutra, which will be a very rewarding experience, please read my book The Wisdom of the Heart Sutra. "
Dan, is this book in print yet?

Okay, I have to go, baby bottles to make.

Namo Amitabha Buddha Namo Amitabha Buddha Namo Amitabha Buddha

[raffael]

*Sukhavati book*

Good Morning from Barcelona!

Was very nice reading Emiko´s comment regarding
Sifu´s book Sukhavati, as well the other comments, thanks!
Just about a month an half a ordered the book through amazon as i wanted to give as present, but they told me that was not available! It was my only source.
Can anyone tell me if i want in the near future order any of sifu´s books what is the best and faster way? is it amazon uk?
Can i order a book through the malayasian editor?

thanks in advance,

raffaeL

[Marcus]

Hola! Raffael. There is also a very strong Shaolin Wahnam presence in Spain try:

http://www.euskalnet.net/psicosalud/andorra.htm

http://www.xenoid.com/chikung

http://www.chi-net.com/

They may distribute Sifu's books in Spain. Also you can go to: http://www.cosmospublishing.co.uk/ they offer simple on line purchase and world wide delivery.

Hope that helps

[Dan]

Marcus

"If you wish to find out more about the Heart Sutra, which will be a very rewarding experience, please read my book The Wisdom of the Heart Sutra.
Dan, is this book in print yet?"

Not yet, but believe me when I say that it may well become my personal ‘bible’ when it is available!

Without a doubt the Heart Sutra is the definitive Buddhist text for me, no other that I have read can compare to it.

I think it has to be the most concise piece of cosmic wisdom in existence and we are all unbelievably fortunate to come in contact with it.

Namo Da Bei Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa