An interesting find #2

The second interesting find yesterday was Empty Force, by Paul Dong and Thomas Raffil, which I found in Borders. I’d actually gone there to get a Unix book, but decided while I was there to check out the martial arts books. Borders can be really haphazard in their filing, and books on the internal martial arts are often scattered among the bodybuilding, surfing, yoga, and fitness books rather than in the martial arts section where they belong. As a result, I occasionally take the time to look in these sections as well, and yesterday was one of those times.

The Empty Force book is a slim volume, and it was tucked away in between hefty tomes on sailing; I almost didn’t see it. There was only one copy. Flicking through it quickly, I did wonder how much actual content there would be. It’s very nicely designed and laid out, but I had a feeling that it might turn out to be a big disappointment like another book I bought last year. With a cover price of S$33.95, I probably wouldn’t have bought it, except that right now I’m getting big discounts at Borders through their mailing list; that brought the price down to S$20. At that price, I figured I would get it – especially because Borders also tend to get in just one copy of obscure books like this and never reorder them once they’re gone…

So this book is about empty force, or Ling Kong Jing… It’s a pretty controversial subject, one that’s been discussed here not so long ago. Since I posted that, I’ve been directed to videos of Ling Kong Jing on YouTube, including this one from Nam Wah Pai (who otherwise have no connection that I’m aware of with the book’s author):

Even the mention of LKJ has prompted some vitriolic comments here (which I haven’t allowed to be published, because they weren’t constructive). The LKJ described in the book is as far as I can see the same force as applied in the video. I haven’t previously heard of Paul Dong, the author, and would be interested to hear comments from anybody who has.

You’ll notice that I still haven’t said much about the book; I can’t find much to say. A lot of it is taken up with asserting that LKJ is real, the author has mastered it, and can use it. LKJ can be used to heal as well as to fight, and this is the author’s main aspect. He’s been to see other LKJ masters, and they all agree that LKJ exists, but he isn’t able or willing to reveal many of their names. A number of stories are related of the exploits of LKJ masters of the past. There is a great deal of discussion of qi, and how it does really exist, and how the author has met a number of scientists who have ideas that, if one day properly funded or followed up may be able to prove scientifically that qi exists.

The most interesting points of the book are:

• LKJ has the strongest effect on those who are sensitive to qi; a subject who isn’t particularly sensitive won’t feel much.
• An emphasis that qi for LKJ must be developed through zhan zhuang. A series of qigong exercises are outlined; these will develop LKJ ability if practised for several hours a day, every day, for a number of years (the author rightly points out that most of us urbanites simply cannot have the time needed to develop this skill, which is why it’s more often found in hermits or monks).
• A number of interviews with students or other martial arts practitioners who describe their experiences feeling LKJ. These wouldn’t be worth mentioning on their own, but having they do sound very similar to the student interview at the end of that YouTube clip, which provides some corroboration.

So I’m afraid that this is a poor review, but the book evades strong comment. It’s interesting, is all I can say. If you were a sceptic before you started reading it, your mind would not be changed. If you’re already convinced LKJ exists, then it will support your view, and will provide interesting background information. If you have an open mind, there’s not enough here to swing you either way. Some of the qigong exercises look useful; still, I already knew that I need to do more standing zhan zhuang to strengthen my bagua, and other authors (such as Bruce Frantzis) provide good guidance, in more detail. As to LKJ: just watching the YouTube videos is more convincing.

I don’t regret buying it; it’s a rare curiosity item, and I got it cheap. You might prefer to order it through a local library, though.

Contents:

Acknowledgements
Preface by Thomas Raffill
Chapter One: The mystery of Chi
Chapter Two: The empty force
Chapter Three: The empty force masters
Chapter Four: The great debate
Chapter Five: Martial arts, Tai Chi, and Chi Kung
Chapter Six: The healing power
Chapter Seven: A “how-to” guide to the empty force
Chapter Eight: The students speak: experiences with the empty force and chi kung
Afterword by Steven Michael Matias
Glossary
Bibliography
About the author