Nei Kung: The Secret Teachings of the Warrior Sages

Rating:
Summary: Misleading and rudimentary
Review: After spending so much effort in his first book, talking about how important it was for the world to know the Mo Pai tradition and that was why he was entrusted with it...this book yields none of it. Apparently its SO important to give to the world, but perhaps only at his school.

This book's misleading title (yes, I read the review of WHY it was mis-named and NOT the author's fault...but this does not detract from the empty title) has nothing to do with Nei Gung. You get a couple of Chi Gung meditation forms in the back that ANY book has. The rest of the book is pure speculation that talks about how the Greeks and western world were aware of chi (there exists far more evidence than what Kosta came up with, if you do the right research...his stuff is tenuous at best).

All in all, I'm disappointed at the time I spent WISHING for this book (eager to see a touch of what the Mo Pai tradition was), and the money I wasted.

Rating:
Summary: Don't bother
Review: Amazing, how people who like this book are telling the rest of us to get real! Surely they must realise there's nothing here, nothing at all... not a single shred of actual technique or practice. I don't doubt that Mo Pai is deep nor do I doubt John Chang's excellence - but they are neither here nor there, since through this book you won't take a step closer to them.

Is it possible everyone is still overlooking the fact that 'secrets' of this kind are indeed being taught openly already? Read the works of Mantak Chia or Glenn Morris or Michael Winn. They are just as real as John Chang, but unlike him they are not secretive! They don't treat people like babies but assume you have some common sense and responsibility. They also don't present themselves as immortal wizards but as teachers, human beings like you and I.

For example: John Chang's claim of being able to survive a car crash unscathed. This is down to Iron Shirt/Golden Bell qigong, books on which by Mantak Chia are already available. (See Glenn Morris for a description of actually being IN a car crash having practised it...)

The title of this book is a mis-sell, and it's really amusing to me to see how many fell for Danaos' whole I-would-teach-it-but-the-world-isn't-ready line of marketing! The actual reasons for his not teaching anything are probably: a) he doesn't know a whole lot yet (you need to be a real Master before you can teach anything responsibly), and b) unlike authors who really are putting what were formerly 'secrets' into the public domain, he hasn't spent time thinking about how to teach energy work in book form. Which is not easy!

Glenn Morris (in 'Martial Arts Madness') specifically warns sincere innocents about the kind of teacher who promises everything in the universe - if you just pay for the book/training fee, etc. Also about misuse of the potentially codependent teacher-student/guru-disciple/sensei-deshi relationship. That can happen when people ignorantly deliver themselves completely into one teacher or teaching's hands, agreeing to switch off their natural freedom of will and idividuality.

In our modern world things are very different from how they were when such teaching methods became the rule and were necessary - for example, we can all read now, we are all educated, we all have freedom, we all have the makings of responsible adults. In a climate like that of the today there is no real need for secrecy unless the author's intent is to keep people ignorant. Mantak Chia's Taoist teacher, also a real master, would have agreed with this I think - it was he who advised Chia to teach openly in the West and that the time for secrecy was over.

I suspect that the 'Castaneda Principle' really is at work here... it's so easy to have romantic notions about the marvels of Java, etc. (and they really are marvels I'm sure). It can be harder to imagine doing anything like this in a contemporary urban setting, or to see that there's plenty to be getting on with in your 'ordinary' world which doesn't involve packing in life as you know it. But doesn't the city need this stuff even more than the countryside?

I encourage you to read widely, into all mythologies, all systems of meditation and spirituality. Don't simply follow! Be interesting, be smart, be civilised, use your head, follow your heart, strengthen your body, compare, contrast and experiment! (I don't need to tell you to be careful I hope). Any of the following will help with practical techniques: Glenn Morris, Mantak Chia, BK Frantzis, Michael Winn. (There are others but I haven't tested them - yet!) And the next time someone tells you it's too secret or you wouldn't get it - but buy my book, it's the one true way - fold your arms and grin!

Rating:
Summary: Yet another great book from Kosta Danaos
Review: Great book I should say. As a student writes, the choice for the title was publishers. I am happy to note he shows us the first few steps in the right direction for anyone who wants to start. I understand that for precise training in the esoteric stuff a book can never replace a living teacher moreover it could be dangerous. I also understand the author is bound by Mo-Pai tradition and cannot reveal all the details.
It gave me a good understanding of how similar practice existed in various parts of the world and how today we have forgotten this side of ourselves. It's interesting to note some of the experiences of Mo-Pai students and of Kosta. I am sure serious
students will seek him and I think that's the right way to learn and not from the books as Kosta himself sought and found his teacher. He is a fine example and we out to learn from that.

Rating:
Summary: Truth Or Lies?
Review: How can we believe anything this man tells us in the book when he lies about this john chang,not his real name.

Rating:
Summary: 180 pages, and not any significant value
Review: I don't really recommend this to someone who has not read 'The Magus of Java' by Kostas. I thought THE MAGUS was an EXCELLENT book, and got this one only because I wanted to get as much information as possible, since it is sort of a Sequel to it!

This is more of a recount of his own thoughts, and experiences during training, etc. He presents many references to historical, and mythological figures, and tries to put forth his own scientific theories to classify the phenomenon of Chi.

It seems kostas said about everything he could in The Magus of Java, and there isn't much left to say... He may have just been cashing in on this opportunity because of the success of the first book.

I still enjoyed the book, since it's hard to find genuine information on this topic, but I don't think about getting this book before the Magus of Java, the first far outweighs this one, and only if you become a fan of it, might you want to consider this 'sequel'. Also, it's true the title can be misleading. It does not reveal any secrets or training regimes exactly.

Rating:
Summary: What a let down! I loved "Magus of Java" but this ruins it!
Review: I loved the "Magus of Java" and I eageraly awaited this one but I went away with a dirty feeling of being played. He builds you up so much and then leaves you with: His master doesn't take students and doesn't want his whereabouts revealed. Then you are given some photos of seated meditations and encouraged to meditate. Oh and by the way the teachings are secret and not to be revealed for obvious reasons. Duh? Meanwhile you put up with his paying homage to Greek Nei Kung for half the book. What??? If you really practice meditation I think you'd realize when your ego is on a trip. I think Greek people would be offended by having their mysticism defined in Chinese martial art terminology as well.

Realistically, no one expects to master martial arts or Nei Kung from books but an author shouldn't make readers feel "Punk'd" like you're on MTV after reading his book. You can go to your local martial art school and if they teach a traditional system you'll surpass what you get from his books in terms of real application of martial arts. Just doing the traditional warmup exercises and stretches gives you more Nei Kung than both his books combined.

May I recommend these author's and their books:

Mantak Chia: He has a bunch of profusely illustrated Taoist Manuals and videos.

Dr. Yang Jwing Ming: He has many Chi Kung titles with exellent photos and videos as well.

Their books are full of information and they are not stingy or mysterious about it. They also seem interested in improving the health of their students as opposed to having power to kill and dominate people. Above all it seems more practical to find your own teachers and knowledge than to get fooled into thinking Nei Kung is unattainable and that only hidden masters know it and will take it with them to their graves.

Rating:
Summary: No Substance...
Review: Kosta Danaos continues his mission to carefully mete out selected tidbits of Mo-Pai style nei-kung training in NEI KUNG, the sequel to his riveting book, THE MAGUS OF JAVA. While Danaos gladly shares the foundations for the training he received from nei kung master John Chang, he cautiously avoids providing so much information that readers working without aid of skilled trainers could get themselves into trouble (and spontaneously combust).

Nei-kung utilizes both yin and yang energies to sense conditions in patients' bodies and aid in healing, and can also be used for increasing one's strength and performing astonishing feats. Yin energy is capable of absorbing energy from speeding bullets or cars, leaving human practioners unharmed. Yang energy is noted for how hot it feels (John Chang can set crumpled papers on fire from a distance with it), and it's preference to flow upward through the body. Nei-kung harnesses the yin and yang energies together, and requires regular meditation practice and chakra awareness to master the art of moving yin and yang energy within and beyond one's own body.

Danaos wrote NEI KUNG as a level two practioner of Mo-Pai, which has left matching dark circular scars about 4 mm in diameter on his palms near the pericardium meridian acupuncture points. Danaos explains, "These stigmata are essentially localized hyperemia generated by the flow of bioenergy, which the doctors monitoring me could not explain with Western medicine. I could use those 'wounds' to feel the condition of a patient's body, sensing the flow of the ch'i throughout his or her organs and limbs."

Danaos is a wonderful story-teller who combines fascinating personal accounts with historical overviews and illustrations of ancient art to clarify the significance of subjects ranging from DNA to chakra knots to the warrior elite. NEI KUNG makes excellent reading for energy practioners and armchair explorers alike who are ready to feel yin and yang energy -- and learn more about how these two work together.

Rating:
Summary: Excellant Spiritual Book
Review: Kostas Danaos has done it again! His "Magus of Java" is a spiritual treasure. "Nei Kung" is also a modern-day treasure for the spititually minded. As a practitioner of Nei Kung I found his descriptions of Ying and Yang energy to be brilliant. His descriptions of the first 4 levels of Mo-Pai Nei Kung are also insightful. I must admit that these two books have rocketed my own practice of Nei Kung to much higher levels. However, the person wanting to start their own practice of Nei Kung would have to employ a teacher as no book can get you started in this esoteric tradition. However anyone who practices Chi Kung, Nei Kung, or Kundalini Yoga will find this book a valuable aid. The author also branches out and gives us Taoist History, a taste of Shamanism and a little ancient Western History explaining the Universality of Spiritual practices. Being human is far greater and stranger than we can ever imagine!

Rating:
Summary: Truth Or Lies?
Review: Kostas Danaos has done it again! His "Magus of Java" is a spiritual treasure. "Nei Kung" is also a modern-day treasure for the spititually minded. As a practitioner of Nei Kung I found his descriptions of Ying and Yang energy to be brilliant. His descriptions of the first 4 levels of Mo-Pai Nei Kung are also insightful. I must admit that these two books have rocketed my own practice of Nei Kung to much higher levels. However, the person wanting to start their own practice of Nei Kung would have to employ a teacher as no book can get you started in this esoteric tradition. However anyone who practices Chi Kung, Nei Kung, or Kundalini Yoga will find this book a valuable aid. The author also branches out and gives us Taoist History, a taste of Shamanism and a little ancient Western History explaining the Universality of Spiritual practices. Being human is far greater and stranger than we can ever imagine!

Rating:
Summary: dissapointing
Review: Very little (if any) Nei Kung can be found in this book. Mostly, it is a naive and self-indulgent autobiographical narration of the author's experiences with non-ordinary reality. As such it is a take it or leave it affair and, in the absence of practical information about chi practice, I am inclined to take the book as a yet another fairy tale. Danaos thus missed a chance to make his name as a Nei Kung teacher. Internal martial arts and energy work in general are amazing things and we need good books... however, this is not one for a serious practitioner. To people interested in learning more about Nei Kung I'd recommend any of the books written by Frantzis Kumar, a master with impeccable credentials and someone who does not play hide and seek with his readers.