"Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life." -Rumi
Qigong
“The essence of all evolution in nature emerges from chaos.
By understanding the infinite energy that is always available to us,
we can flow naturally with the chaotic rhythms of the Universe.
Try to avoid patterns and repetition, mix things up and let Qi flow
smoothly ….remain flexible and relaxed in all you do.
This is truly to understand Qigong.”
Master Duan Zhi Liang.
The origin of Qigong is steeped in prehistory, and like a bubble which rises silently and invisibly out of the deep, we only have record of the time after the bubble broke the surface to imprint on our recorded history.
All paths, when traced back far enough, come back to the same point - a seed, a source, known as Wuji, or the Dream-time. This Origin is buried so deeply it is barely remembered, we are barely conscious of it's existence, it is like a dream fading out of our grasp - yet it is only asleep, just around the corner. Qigong, as a path of spiritual evolution, brings light to the depths and wakes us up and returns us to the source.
"The Wu - Shamans of Ancient China
Their relationship to the cosmos was a shamanic one. At least some among them were able to communicate directly with plants, minerals, and animals; to journey deep into the earth, or visit distant galaxies. They were able to invoke, through dance and ritual, elemental and supernatural powers, and enter into ecstatic union with them. The class of people most adept at such techniques became known as the wu the shamans of ancient China."
The earliest recorded qigong-like exercises are the animal dances of the ancient Chinese shamans.
Over eons, in ancient China, during long struggles with the harsh environment, Chinese people realized that through certain body movements and mental concentration, combined with various breathing techniques, both physical as well as mental bodily functions could be adjusted and enhanced. This accumulated Qigong knowledge was then passed down from generation to generation.
So, from an original seed, grew a very large tree with many branches. Today, we have hundreds of systems broadly categorized as Medical, Spiritual and Martial, with influences from Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Each category is extraordinarily complex.
The purpose of Qigong is to reform, perfect and improve the capacity of human life. Specifically, it improves physical fitness, enhances creativity, uplifts emotions and uncovers hidden potential thereby offering a path to liberate us from our own limitations and social conditioning, to rediscover the state of freedom based on consciousness and wisdom.
Qigong's function is to heal disease, prevent illness and prolong life. According to the ancient integral theory of human life, human and nature are intimately connected. The beginners' Western mind has a period of time to adjust to the deeper implications of the Eastern "holistic" approach to life. We say "body, mind and spirit" so cleverly, but in essence, this is very far from a mental conception and words. It is an actual experience and way of life, a Knowing that is rooted in Oneness.
The attitude and understanding of qigong is so widely varied: many use qigong only as a way of curing disease, therefore treating it as a branch of traditional Chinese medicine; others think of Qigong as a form of physical exercise; while others use it as a modification of martial arts.
Medical Qigong mainly investigates the functions of chi through the meridians and viscera within the body in order to prevent and cure illness, prolong life and to understand the mystery of life from the point of view of human science. It is the basic foundation of Chinese Medicine. It was the development of the understanding and awareness of Qi which led to the discovery of energy channels or meridians which run through the body and from which the system of acupuncture was subsequently developed.
The exercises first relax all parts of the body by reducing stress and tension. Then the mind can induce circulation of Qi throughout the body and especially to parts of the body that are tense, diseased or injured.
Taoist Qigong is more profound than Chinese Medicine. It is esoteric, mystic - its theory is based on the Taoist cosmology. Its final aspiration is to achieve the Oneness with the Tao, through cultivation of the Heart/Mind. It is the richest treasure in the Qigong palace and includes many different methods.
Buddhist Qigong's main focus is to achieve "enlightenment that realizes emptiness" as the original source and the true form of all existence and phenomena. That consciousness is attained through mindful meditation and renunciation.
Confucianism Qigong stresses the development of moral character - Cultivation of Virtue - and responsibility through the cultivation of Xian Xing (heart and its motivation and its intended deeds). The practice trains one's wisdom and capacity through daily living: implanting the heart's intention and will, purifying heart and refining mind, nourishing great benevolence, thereby attaining true freedom.
Wushu Qigong is often referred to as Martial Arts. It integrates the physical strength and mind's attention, and emphasises movement and stillness, external force and internal power in the practice. It is a way to train warriors in the old ways.
Qigong, a five-thousand-year-old "state of being", an ancient self-healing art which combines mindfulness, breathing, posture, touch, sound, intention, movement, stillness, consciousness, cosmology, numerology, virtue cultivation and visualisation to not only build vitality and improve health of the body, but to reconnect the spirit to the source of all things.
The integral theory of Oneness is not only the theoretical foundation of the school of Qigong, it is also the essence of Eastern and all Shamanic Tribal cultures. Qigong's origins go way back into a world which is so far separated from us that it can be bewildering to comprehend, but it is our essence and when the cell memory is switched on, we finally feel we are on our true path, that we have purpose and our lives have meaning.
Further reading about the shamanic origins of Taoism can be found here:
http://taoism.about.com/od/history/a/shamanic.htm
By understanding the infinite energy that is always available to us,
we can flow naturally with the chaotic rhythms of the Universe.
Try to avoid patterns and repetition, mix things up and let Qi flow
smoothly ….remain flexible and relaxed in all you do.
This is truly to understand Qigong.”
Master Duan Zhi Liang.
The origin of Qigong is steeped in prehistory, and like a bubble which rises silently and invisibly out of the deep, we only have record of the time after the bubble broke the surface to imprint on our recorded history.
All paths, when traced back far enough, come back to the same point - a seed, a source, known as Wuji, or the Dream-time. This Origin is buried so deeply it is barely remembered, we are barely conscious of it's existence, it is like a dream fading out of our grasp - yet it is only asleep, just around the corner. Qigong, as a path of spiritual evolution, brings light to the depths and wakes us up and returns us to the source.
"The Wu - Shamans of Ancient China
Their relationship to the cosmos was a shamanic one. At least some among them were able to communicate directly with plants, minerals, and animals; to journey deep into the earth, or visit distant galaxies. They were able to invoke, through dance and ritual, elemental and supernatural powers, and enter into ecstatic union with them. The class of people most adept at such techniques became known as the wu the shamans of ancient China."
The earliest recorded qigong-like exercises are the animal dances of the ancient Chinese shamans.
Over eons, in ancient China, during long struggles with the harsh environment, Chinese people realized that through certain body movements and mental concentration, combined with various breathing techniques, both physical as well as mental bodily functions could be adjusted and enhanced. This accumulated Qigong knowledge was then passed down from generation to generation.
So, from an original seed, grew a very large tree with many branches. Today, we have hundreds of systems broadly categorized as Medical, Spiritual and Martial, with influences from Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Each category is extraordinarily complex.
The purpose of Qigong is to reform, perfect and improve the capacity of human life. Specifically, it improves physical fitness, enhances creativity, uplifts emotions and uncovers hidden potential thereby offering a path to liberate us from our own limitations and social conditioning, to rediscover the state of freedom based on consciousness and wisdom.
Qigong's function is to heal disease, prevent illness and prolong life. According to the ancient integral theory of human life, human and nature are intimately connected. The beginners' Western mind has a period of time to adjust to the deeper implications of the Eastern "holistic" approach to life. We say "body, mind and spirit" so cleverly, but in essence, this is very far from a mental conception and words. It is an actual experience and way of life, a Knowing that is rooted in Oneness.
The attitude and understanding of qigong is so widely varied: many use qigong only as a way of curing disease, therefore treating it as a branch of traditional Chinese medicine; others think of Qigong as a form of physical exercise; while others use it as a modification of martial arts.
Medical Qigong mainly investigates the functions of chi through the meridians and viscera within the body in order to prevent and cure illness, prolong life and to understand the mystery of life from the point of view of human science. It is the basic foundation of Chinese Medicine. It was the development of the understanding and awareness of Qi which led to the discovery of energy channels or meridians which run through the body and from which the system of acupuncture was subsequently developed.
The exercises first relax all parts of the body by reducing stress and tension. Then the mind can induce circulation of Qi throughout the body and especially to parts of the body that are tense, diseased or injured.
Taoist Qigong is more profound than Chinese Medicine. It is esoteric, mystic - its theory is based on the Taoist cosmology. Its final aspiration is to achieve the Oneness with the Tao, through cultivation of the Heart/Mind. It is the richest treasure in the Qigong palace and includes many different methods.
Buddhist Qigong's main focus is to achieve "enlightenment that realizes emptiness" as the original source and the true form of all existence and phenomena. That consciousness is attained through mindful meditation and renunciation.
Confucianism Qigong stresses the development of moral character - Cultivation of Virtue - and responsibility through the cultivation of Xian Xing (heart and its motivation and its intended deeds). The practice trains one's wisdom and capacity through daily living: implanting the heart's intention and will, purifying heart and refining mind, nourishing great benevolence, thereby attaining true freedom.
Wushu Qigong is often referred to as Martial Arts. It integrates the physical strength and mind's attention, and emphasises movement and stillness, external force and internal power in the practice. It is a way to train warriors in the old ways.
Qigong, a five-thousand-year-old "state of being", an ancient self-healing art which combines mindfulness, breathing, posture, touch, sound, intention, movement, stillness, consciousness, cosmology, numerology, virtue cultivation and visualisation to not only build vitality and improve health of the body, but to reconnect the spirit to the source of all things.
The integral theory of Oneness is not only the theoretical foundation of the school of Qigong, it is also the essence of Eastern and all Shamanic Tribal cultures. Qigong's origins go way back into a world which is so far separated from us that it can be bewildering to comprehend, but it is our essence and when the cell memory is switched on, we finally feel we are on our true path, that we have purpose and our lives have meaning.
Further reading about the shamanic origins of Taoism can be found here:
http://taoism.about.com/od/history/a/shamanic.htm
The class format...
includes a variety of moving and still Qigong forms including
Sheng Zhen Gong, Universal Tao practices, Shibashi forms 1 & 2, The Eight Treasures,
Five Element Qigong, Luohan Gong, Swimming Dragon, and recently added - Wild Goose Qigong.
Content varies and depends on the group’s needs.
We grow together.
includes a variety of moving and still Qigong forms including
Sheng Zhen Gong, Universal Tao practices, Shibashi forms 1 & 2, The Eight Treasures,
Five Element Qigong, Luohan Gong, Swimming Dragon, and recently added - Wild Goose Qigong.
Content varies and depends on the group’s needs.
We grow together.
(harmony)
CERTIFIED SHENG ZHEN GONG TEACHER:
|
THE SWIMMING DRAGON
"A powerful, simple & pleasurable exercise that takes only a few minutes a day
Reduces weight without dieting & stimulates metabolism
Increases & balances energy
Creates beautiful skin & helps eliminate wrinkles
Reduces tension by relaxing the body & calming the mind
Improves muscle tone & enhances flexibility in joints
Adjusts & stretches the spine
Sends energy to vital organs by stimulating meridians
Naturally improves posture
Massages deep muscles all the way to the bone
Frees & deepens breathing"
~Master Tzu Kuo Shih
Below - Master Tzu Kuo shih does "The Swimming Dragon"....
Reduces weight without dieting & stimulates metabolism
Increases & balances energy
Creates beautiful skin & helps eliminate wrinkles
Reduces tension by relaxing the body & calming the mind
Improves muscle tone & enhances flexibility in joints
Adjusts & stretches the spine
Sends energy to vital organs by stimulating meridians
Naturally improves posture
Massages deep muscles all the way to the bone
Frees & deepens breathing"
~Master Tzu Kuo Shih
Below - Master Tzu Kuo shih does "The Swimming Dragon"....
UNIVERSAL HEALING TAO:
6 HEALING SOUNDS
MICROCOSMIC ORBIT
INNER SMILE
“In the Taoist Way of Inner Alchemy, emotional work
goes hand in hand with energy work.
Many of the blockages that occur along the channels are created by,
or linked with negative emotions.
By practicing the Inner Smile, 6 Healing Sounds and the Microcosmic Orbit,
we learn to clear the tension associated with blockages caused by
negative emotional build-up.
Once we clear the blockages, we are then able
to enhance the natural qualities of the organs:
the virtues, which are the organs intrinsic energies.”
Master Mantak Chia
Below - Mantak Chia does "Six Healing Sounds"....
MICROCOSMIC ORBIT
INNER SMILE
“In the Taoist Way of Inner Alchemy, emotional work
goes hand in hand with energy work.
Many of the blockages that occur along the channels are created by,
or linked with negative emotions.
By practicing the Inner Smile, 6 Healing Sounds and the Microcosmic Orbit,
we learn to clear the tension associated with blockages caused by
negative emotional build-up.
Once we clear the blockages, we are then able
to enhance the natural qualities of the organs:
the virtues, which are the organs intrinsic energies.”
Master Mantak Chia
Below - Mantak Chia does "Six Healing Sounds"....
WUJI GONG - Primordial Qigong
(The Enlightenment Form)
800 years ago, so the story goes, a Taoist Master called Chang San Feng
became transfixed by the observation of a battle between a snake and a crane.
Inspired by his observations, he developed the original 13 move Tai Chi Form
from which all tai chi forms were to be born.
All Tai Chi practitioners have heard this story.
800 years ago, so the story goes, a Taoist Master called Chang San Feng,
while immersed in his contemplation of the Tao, developed and practiced another form.
This form has been buried in secrecy for many generations. Until recently.
Taught to 81 year old Zhu Hui by a 106 year old Taoist Master Li Tong who lived
on Wudang Mountain, this special form has finally reached us.
Wuji Gong (Enlightenment Form) is a beautiful and easy to learn form.
It also comprises 13 moves of Earth and Heaven.
Its nature is simple, flowing, spiralling and gentle.
Its effect is powerful, transformative and enlightening.
Wuji Gong is a powerful healing tool, rich with every aspect of Tao theory; feng shui,
qigong, the bagua, colour, sound, Five element theory, the principles of tai chi
body movement, microcosm/macrocosm and inner alchemy.
Qi spirals in to the core, gently flushing and dissolving old karmic patterns, opening up the inner
space, inviting healing on a profound level.
Healing Qi flows to you for your own healing and outward into your life and the world.
I invite you to learn this extraordinary form which will enhance your life on all levels.
http://www.healingtaousa.com/
Below - Michael Winn does the Wuji Gong form......
became transfixed by the observation of a battle between a snake and a crane.
Inspired by his observations, he developed the original 13 move Tai Chi Form
from which all tai chi forms were to be born.
All Tai Chi practitioners have heard this story.
800 years ago, so the story goes, a Taoist Master called Chang San Feng,
while immersed in his contemplation of the Tao, developed and practiced another form.
This form has been buried in secrecy for many generations. Until recently.
Taught to 81 year old Zhu Hui by a 106 year old Taoist Master Li Tong who lived
on Wudang Mountain, this special form has finally reached us.
Wuji Gong (Enlightenment Form) is a beautiful and easy to learn form.
It also comprises 13 moves of Earth and Heaven.
Its nature is simple, flowing, spiralling and gentle.
Its effect is powerful, transformative and enlightening.
Wuji Gong is a powerful healing tool, rich with every aspect of Tao theory; feng shui,
qigong, the bagua, colour, sound, Five element theory, the principles of tai chi
body movement, microcosm/macrocosm and inner alchemy.
Qi spirals in to the core, gently flushing and dissolving old karmic patterns, opening up the inner
space, inviting healing on a profound level.
Healing Qi flows to you for your own healing and outward into your life and the world.
I invite you to learn this extraordinary form which will enhance your life on all levels.
http://www.healingtaousa.com/
Below - Michael Winn does the Wuji Gong form......
Lift Chi Up Pour Chi Down
ZHINENG QIGONG
- originated by Professor Ming Pang
"A fruit of the five-thousand-year-old Chinese culture, and a uniquely new, highly advance life science - Zhineng Qigong has won the hearts of millions of people. Numerous miracles of healing, virtually unbelievable experimental results, and extraordinary powers have been the rewards of those who practice it. Zhineng Qigong represents a revolutionary leap in the exploration of the mysteries of human life."
Wild Goose Qigong (Da Yan) - Part 1 - 64 moves
Become the Great Bird - Become One with the Qi Field
- This is the original "Way" of the Taoist Shamans, not just to mimic - Become One With.
"Da Yan - Translates as 'Great Bird' and is an ancient cultivation practice originating from the Jin Dynasy about 1700 years ago. Taoist masters from the sacred Kunlun Mountains, in the Northern Himalayan area in south-west China, would observe the migrating geese which descended in the area each year. They would mimic the movements of these great birds and started developing the Da Yan Wild Goose Qigong system.
The first 64 movement set deals primarily with the 'postnatal body' relating to the energy that one gathers after birth. The movements representing the flight of wild geese are slow, graceful movements and strong, quick movements designed to release stale Qi and to gather fresh Qi, helping to restore balance and stimulate the entire energy system of the body".
- Simon Blow
"It is our ultimate goal to disperse our dirty Qi and to gather in fresh Qi.
Wild Goose movements can be divided into 3 parts: Postures, Speed and Intent. Learning to perform the movements is just the starting point. Attention is needed to the speed of the movements as some are slower, more relaxed and some are quicker and stronger. The speed will influence the breathing, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. The breathing varies in rhythm and sets the rhythm of the exercise. Relaxation starts in the joints, then in the spine and then in the other parts of the body.
“Practise relaxation is better than Qigong. Practise emptiness is better than relaxation.” said Yang Meijun
We practise Qigong in order to learn to relax in order to attain emptiness".
- Dr Bingkun Hu
Wild Goose movements can be divided into 3 parts: Postures, Speed and Intent. Learning to perform the movements is just the starting point. Attention is needed to the speed of the movements as some are slower, more relaxed and some are quicker and stronger. The speed will influence the breathing, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. The breathing varies in rhythm and sets the rhythm of the exercise. Relaxation starts in the joints, then in the spine and then in the other parts of the body.
“Practise relaxation is better than Qigong. Practise emptiness is better than relaxation.” said Yang Meijun
We practise Qigong in order to learn to relax in order to attain emptiness".
- Dr Bingkun Hu
The Names of the First 64 Wild Goose Qigong (WG1)
1. Starting Posture
2. Spreading (Opening )the Wings
3. Folding the Wings
4. Flapping the Wings
5. Thrust the Wings forward
6. Flapping the Wings
7. Thrust the Wings forward
8. Lift Up the Wings
9. Interlock the Wings
10. Turn Up the Palms
11. Bend Down, Front, Left and Right
12. Rotate the Hands
13. Send Back the Qi
14. Press the Left Foot (3 times) Anti clockwise
15. Push Away the Qi
16. Scooping Up the Qi
17. Turn and Send back the Qi
18. Press the right Foot (3 times) Clockwise
19. Push Away the Qi
20. Scooping Up the Qi
21. Rotating the Hands
22. Circle the Hands to the Back – “Wave hands like clouds”
23. Twist the Waist
24. Lower the Wing to send back the Qi
25. Spread Single Wing
26. Step Forward to Stretch the Wing
27. Twining Past the Head
28. Press Down the Qi
29. Push Up the Qi
30. Send Back the Qi
31. Scoop Up the moon
32. Turn around
33. Step Forward to Look at the Palm
34. Look at the Moon
35. Press Down the Qi
36. Turn and Press Down the Qi
37. Flutter the Wings
38. Look down at the Water
39. Pat the Water (Swoop over)
40. Drink Water 3 Times
41. Fly up to the Sky
42. Give back the Qi
43. Grasp the Qi
44. Scoop the Qi
45. Hold the Ball
46. Kneading the Ball
47. Twist and Knead the ball
48. Hold the Qi (in horse stance)
49. Distribute the Qi (Qi shower)
50. Thrust out the Wings
51. Turn Over the Wings
52. Bring Wings to Back
53. Flutter wings and Fly (7 times)
54. Turn Around
55. Fly Upwards
56. Flying over the Water (7 times)
57. Turn Around
58. Fly Upwards
59. Looking for Food (7 times)
60. Turn Around
61. Looking for the Nest
62. Turn Around and Quiver
63. Sleep Peacefully
64. Final Action - Recover
1. Starting Posture
2. Spreading (Opening )the Wings
3. Folding the Wings
4. Flapping the Wings
5. Thrust the Wings forward
6. Flapping the Wings
7. Thrust the Wings forward
8. Lift Up the Wings
9. Interlock the Wings
10. Turn Up the Palms
11. Bend Down, Front, Left and Right
12. Rotate the Hands
13. Send Back the Qi
14. Press the Left Foot (3 times) Anti clockwise
15. Push Away the Qi
16. Scooping Up the Qi
17. Turn and Send back the Qi
18. Press the right Foot (3 times) Clockwise
19. Push Away the Qi
20. Scooping Up the Qi
21. Rotating the Hands
22. Circle the Hands to the Back – “Wave hands like clouds”
23. Twist the Waist
24. Lower the Wing to send back the Qi
25. Spread Single Wing
26. Step Forward to Stretch the Wing
27. Twining Past the Head
28. Press Down the Qi
29. Push Up the Qi
30. Send Back the Qi
31. Scoop Up the moon
32. Turn around
33. Step Forward to Look at the Palm
34. Look at the Moon
35. Press Down the Qi
36. Turn and Press Down the Qi
37. Flutter the Wings
38. Look down at the Water
39. Pat the Water (Swoop over)
40. Drink Water 3 Times
41. Fly up to the Sky
42. Give back the Qi
43. Grasp the Qi
44. Scoop the Qi
45. Hold the Ball
46. Kneading the Ball
47. Twist and Knead the ball
48. Hold the Qi (in horse stance)
49. Distribute the Qi (Qi shower)
50. Thrust out the Wings
51. Turn Over the Wings
52. Bring Wings to Back
53. Flutter wings and Fly (7 times)
54. Turn Around
55. Fly Upwards
56. Flying over the Water (7 times)
57. Turn Around
58. Fly Upwards
59. Looking for Food (7 times)
60. Turn Around
61. Looking for the Nest
62. Turn Around and Quiver
63. Sleep Peacefully
64. Final Action - Recover