Can one learn and practice Qi Gong from books, tapes and DVDs?
With the freedom of speech and the information-flood in our time, it is crucial to read about Qi Gong, especially the serious writings, as much as possible. Therefore, one can ask many good questions to find out more about the prospective Teacher/Master, and to clarify what is expected from the practice of Qi Gong. But, one cannot practice from these mediums. The central point of Qi Gong practice is to enhance the Qi, or the internal energy flow. Qi is not an intellectual understanding nor a psychological effect but a substance, in a sense, similar to rays or waves. Qi flow has to be stimulated or generated by certain precise methods, and/or under the help of the achieved/experienced Teacher/Master in the practice. Without the proper help of a Teacher/Master, especially at the early stage of practice, it is very much like having a nice cell phone set without service connection-it looks good but it is useless.
