Rating: 
Summary: I Love This Guy - Great Teacher!
Review: A superb book by a superb teacher. Check out his videos, too. The best.
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Summary: The Way of Qigong
Review: As a licensed practitioner of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, I often recommend qigong to my patients as a healing therapy. Ken Cohen's "The Way of Qigong" is by far the best introductory work on the subject I have read thus far. In fact, it is in many ways much more than merely an introduction to qigong, since Cohen delves wonderfully into much of the philosophy underlying qigong in a fashion which is more literary and in some ways more comprehensive than even more advanced texts. He is able to articulate the nature of qigong to those unfamiliar with the art. The book provides good background information on many topics, such as research, from which even advanced practitioners would benefit. I highly recommend this book to my patients.
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Summary: One of the most important books in the world on qigong. . .
Review: As Ken's editor, I'm very gratified to see all the smart, insightful comments readers are putting up about The Way of Qigong. When I was "selling" The Way of Qigong in-house to my colleagues at Ballantine, I said all the things that these readers are saying -- "authoritative; one or two of the most important books in the world on healing qigong; the definitive guide in the English language; will bring this ancient and venerable healing practice into the Mainstream; exceptionally clear; brings together best of East and West etc." And of course, it was all true. Not a single word was hype. So I love that readers* agree, and are making other interesting points that I didn't even think of. For example, it's exactly true that Ken writes with "humility and open-mindedness" as the reader from Germany (5/28/98) points out. Like his mentor, Alan Watts, who so brilliantly brought Zen Buddhism to the West, Ken knows how to explain qigong so that it makes sense to us Westerners, while never once compromising the integrity of the Chinese system he has studied and practiced for so long. In fact, Ken is one of a handful of qigong practitioners who has earned the unqualified respect of the Chinese. Consider this amazing comment, from Madame Chu Xing-yan, Professor of Linguistics at the Beijing Academy of Music: "Ken Cohen's mastery of qigong, rooted in a deep understanding of Chinese language and culture, gives him an extraordinary ability to express qigong from the perspectives of East and West. The Way of Qigong is filled with fresh insight and original scholarship. To say that I was amazed by this monumental work would be an understatement!" The reader from Chicago (9/16/98) obviously concurs. Regrettably, in the "editor-heal-thyself" department, my hectic schedule doesn't allow me much time to practice qigong daily--though the intent is always there on the back burner, for when my children go off to college or I retire, whichever comes first. But Ken himself is a walking, talking advertisement of qigong's benefits. Rarely have I met a calmer, more centered person. Ken radiates inner peace. He looks healthy and vibrant, and his skin virtually glows. Is it his genes. . . or proof of qigong's anti-aging benefits? I strongly suspect the later. On second thought, maybe I'll make time in my busy schedule to practice qigong after all. *(Except of course for one): I'm baffled by the negativity of the reader from Tennessee (8/14/98). So singular is this reaction in the sea of five star ratings, just how unusual it is. This reader finds merit in Carnie's "Chi Gung"--in response I can only point to Carnie's own rave review of The Way of Qigong (1/27/99). I would also like to ask this reader to consider this: "The Way of Qigong lucidly plumbs the depths of its subject. . .That an American could attain such depth in traditional Chinese culture, language Qigong, Taiji Quan and classical arts makes people truly admire him. . .Professor Cohen's dessemination of Chinese culture to the Western World is an enormous and glorious achievement.-- translated from a review of The Way of Qigong in the Chinese American Post.
Rating:
Summary: The best for instruction and readability
Review: Cohen's research and analysis of teachings and myths of Qigong show his insight into this valuable practice. He also allows the healing abilities of practioners to remain on a human scale without hyperbole. Cohen illustrates that Qigong is amazing enough by itself without destroying its credibility with impossible claims.
Rating: 
Summary: hard to believe
Review: hard to believe so many people seem to like this book. I read it thoroughly and it gave me a headache. Cohen goes on "blah blah blah" about every little detail in his mind. He extends himself beyond the scope of the subject way too often. I could sum it up this way: If you like BS and enjoy being pulverized with non-useable information that you have to sift and sift through to get to the pertinent crux, then buy this book. But, if you like comprehensive, informative material that is a pleasure to read, then this book will torture you. It is filled with alot of useful stuff but, WAY too much ridiculous non-sense for my taste. In fact, I would rate this book 2nd to worst of all the martial arts, qigong, meditation books I have ever read, ahead of only 1 book, "Complete Iron Palm" by super-weasel mental-case Brian Grey.
Rating:
Summary: From mysticism to memory
Review: I have studied martial arts of all kinds for over two decades. I spent several years in the orient learning from masters that decended from many of the greatest minds in martial arts. Ken has masterfully compiled the necessary information to get you going. He has covered every base, so whether you are a cynic, or are already a believer in qi, or energy healing/martial arts, he has information to help you become all the more enlightened. Highly recommended for beginner-intermediate studentsof this or similar fields of study.
Rating:
Summary: From mysticism to memory
Review: I have studied martial arts of all kinds for over two decades. I spent several years in the orient learning from masters that decended from many of the greatest minds in martial arts. Ken has masterfully compiled the necessary information to get you going. He has covered every base, so whether you are a cynic, or are already a believer in qi, or energy healing/martial arts, he has information to help you become all the more enlightened. Highly recommended for beginner-intermediate studentsof this or similar fields of study.
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Summary: Take Care When Driving
Review: I haven't read this book but I have heard the cassette tape numerous times on my way up and down to Tel Aviv for work and back home to the Galilee. I rate this work as excellent but mainly as an adjunct to live instruction in Qi Gong. There are many insights in Kenneth Cohen's presentation that have helped me deepen my understanding of Qi accumulation and healing. The cassette presentation is so good that I feel myself releasing muscular and nervous tension while driving and arrive at work relaxed and back home after a long day, fresh and energized. Highly recommended - my thanks to the author -I shall now get around to reading the book.
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Summary: A book for healers of any esoteric discipline.
Review: I really like Ken's book and I would like to highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning Chi Kung . Ken has done a wonderful job of reaching out to the public and spreading a healing art that will soon be known around the country as well as the world. Regardless of your experience level, you'll find something of value to learn from Ken.
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Summary: The best Qigong book I read
Review: I started to practice qigong a little over ten year ago when I still lived in China and have read many books on qigong ever since, both in Chinese and English. So far, this is the best book I read. It'll be better if the book has more graph (especially for beginers I think). The book helps me get a better feeling how qigong might work. That will help me to reach a higher level. The book may be little too hard for starters.
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