Book of Illusions: Mysticism, Manipulation and the Making of Modern Kung Fu
The Book of Illusions examines how secrecy, mysticism, mistranslation, psychological manipulation, commercial incentives, and modern media shaped popular ideas about Kung Fu. It investigates extraordinary claims while presenting a practical framework for verification, honest internal training, ethical teaching, and responsible preservation.
Living Wude: The Modern Path of Martial Virtue
Living Wude: The Modern Path of Martial Virtue is a 2025 book by Dustin Shane Bunnell that applies the ethical principles of Chinese martial arts to contemporary life. The second volume of The Martial Virtue Series examines how Wude can guide relationships, work, leadership, digital conduct, conflict, emotional discipline, service, and personal development.
Wude: The Ethics of Kung Fu
Wude: The Ethics of Kung Fu examines the meaning, history, and practical application of Wude (武德), or martial virtue, within Chinese martial arts. Drawing from Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist, and martial traditions, the book explores how ethical principles developed alongside martial practice and how they continue to shape the responsibilities of practitioners today. Its central virtues include respect, humility, loyalty, integrity, righteousness, self-discipline, trustworthiness, benevolence, courage, and perseverance. Moving from historical foundations to modern application, the work argues that martial skill and ethical development should remain inseparable, and that Wude must ultimately be demonstrated through conduct rather than claimed through rank, lineage, or tradition.
Zheng Huangu (鄭還古)
Zheng Huangu (鄭還古) was a Tang-dynasty scholar, official, and writer associated with supernatural literature and the collection Boyi Zhi (博異志). Remembered for his literary talent and interest in extraordinary narratives, Zheng occupies an important place in the development of Tang chuanqi. He is also one of the historically attested authors to whom The Tale of Du Zichun (杜子春傳) has been attributed, although the work’s authorship remains disputed.
The Tale of Du Zichun (杜子春傳)
The Tale of Du Zichun (杜子春傳) is a Tang-dynasty tale of wealth, moral transformation, Daoist alchemy, and the limits of spiritual detachment. After repeatedly squandering extraordinary fortunes given to him by a mysterious old man, Du Zichun finally reforms and uses his wealth to fulfill his obligations to others. His benefactor then reveals himself as a Daoist adept and leads Du to Mount Hua, where he faces a severe test of silence. Du withstands terror, torture, death, hell, and rebirth without speaking, but ultimately breaks his vow when confronted with the death of his child. The tale explores a difficult question at the heart of cultivation: what remains when fear, desire, suffering, and even death have been overcome, but love cannot be abandoned?