June-July 2011 Issue

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 6-7

June/July 2011

Mastery Journal

The International Ezine on Mastery in Qigong, Internal Arts, and Life

Alignment of the Torso Lama Tantrapa

Tai Chi Principles Ji-Jian Cheng

Energy Enhancement System Dr. Sandra Rose Michael

Cultivating Qi Energy Ricardo Serrano

Qigong as a Portal to Presence Gunther Weil

Nature of the Tao Jon Weston

The Ins and Outs of Breathing Pt III Gary Gamboi

June/July 2011

Volume 1

Issue 6-7

Mastery Journal Readers,

Letter from the Editor Articles

Alignment of the Torso Lama Tantrapa

Tai Chi Principles Ji-Jian Cheng

Energy Enhancement System Dr. Sandra Rose Michael

Cultivating Qi Energy Ricardo Serrano

Qigong as a Portal to Presence Gunther Weil

Nature of the Tao Jon Weston

The Ins and Outs of Breathing Part III Gary Gamboi Click Here to Subscribe and Receive a Bonus

Brought to You by

With summer finally having arrived to the Northern Hemisphere, our sights are more and more directed outdoors. Out in nature, we can rediscover the sense of harmony with the world that otherwise often appears to be crazy, busy and stressful. Exposing ourselves to the sun rays and enjoying the elements is essential for our wellbeing and wellness; besides, most people tend to feel more “in the flow” outdoors.

Please enjoy reading about the variety of empowering and enlightening practices presented in this doubleissue of Mastery Journal, as well as make sure to get some fresh air and enjoy communing with nature this season. You will find many wonderful opportunities to do so in the company of like-minded people in the Calendar of Events.

The Secrets of Qigong Master talk show also introduces a number of new guests and invites you to expand your perspectives on Energy Arts and Spiritual Awakening. Please join us for the dynamic dialogs with different Qigong masters and healers every Monday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm PST (9:00 to 10:00 pm EST) at http://mastery-journal.com/page/radio. And if you have not subscribed to Mastery Journal yet, please subscribe now at http://mastery-journal.com/subscribe.

Namaste, Lama Tantrapa

Publisher: Lama Tantrapa Production Designer: Thomas Pamelia The Cover Composite: Copy Editor: Lucas Meyer Information is correct at press time.

Mastery Journal is published monthly by the Academy of Qi Dao in Portland, Oregon. Signed articles do not necessarily reflect the official company policy © 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole without permission is prohibited.

The Secrets of Qigong Masters Talk Show

Mondays 6:00 pm PST (9:00 pm EST)

Email Us Your Questions Call-in to Ask the Masters Listen by Phone on the Go, Stream to Your Computer Subscribe to the Podcast Download to Listen Later Share Our Show with Friends Volunteer to Transcribe

As the host of this enlightening talk show, Lama Tantrapa interviews prominent experts in the fields of Oriental Medicine, Energy Healing, Meditation, and Internal Arts. He also shares his unique perspectives on the principles and applications of energy awareness.

Join us every Monday at 6:00 pm PST (9:00 pm EST) for a friendly and mindful exchange of ideas and “secrets of the trade.�

Call in during the show with your most burning questions for our guests at 347-327-9635 or email us at qigongmasters@gmail.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS BASIC QIGONG HEALING WORKSHOP If you practice or want to practice Qigong as a healing modality in its own right or in conjunction with other modalities, you will definitely want to attend this special event followed by the open house at Academy of Qi Dao. Please join us for exploring and discussing the most fundamental principles specific to the healing applications of Qigong practices and techniques. These principles can apply to many other modalities of alternative healing, including massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathic and Oriental medicine.

Find out how Qigong can enhance your healing abilities, help you heal others without spending your own energy, as well as avoid being affected by the energies and illnesses of the people you work with. This workshop can also serve as an important introduction to other aspects of Qigong studies that are available at Academy of Qi Dao, including wellness, spiritual, sexual, and Martial Arts Qigong.

After this workshop, you are welcome to participate in the potluck lunch and community gathering at the Open House dedicated to the tenth anniversary of Academy of Qi Dao in Portland, Oregon.

Every participant will be presented with a gift certificate valued twice as high as the workshop admission!

Where: 3516 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97229 When: Sunday, July 17 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (followed by the potluck lunch/open house) How much: $97 per person or $150 for two (call 503-719-6110) Register at http://qigonghealingworkshop.eventbrite.com. The space is limited to 12 people!

CONTRIBUTIONS Our publication accepts unsolicited contributions from professional and amateur writers. We are looking for articles and interviews that fall under the broad concept of mastery in Qigong, Kung fu and related disciplines. Please send us your stories on the best practices, masters’ profiles, as well as product and service reviews.

Additionally, you are welcome to submit anecdotal stories about personal breakthroughs, discoveries, inventions, new approaches and applications. We will be glad to publish well written stories about Qigong, Kung fu and other masters from any place in the world capable of boosting health, well-being, and prosperity with specific approaches or methods that can be explained in writing.

If you who would like to contribute to our future issues, you may submit articles, columns, profiles, stories and reviews electronically by emailing us at masteryjournal@gmail.com. Please provide your brief bio (a couple of paragraphs) and color head shot along with your piece of writing. Once you have been accepted as a contributor, you will be able to submit further contributions online by using our content management system.

ADVERTISING Mastery Journal reaches out to thousands of Qigong, Energy, and Martial Arts enthusiasts from around the globe.

Our market research indicates that the prospect subscribers to Mastery Journal are 55% male and 45% female. The average age of our readers is between 35 and 55; the majority having a college degree or higher. Most are avid wellness enthusiasts and have primary interests in Qigong, Internal Martial Arts, eco-conscious living, holistic health, and naturebased spirituality.

Your ads can be placed in two locations: on the interior pages of the ezine, and on the webpages of our site. The first option is more prominent, as it allows for larger size display ads. The second option is more persistent, as it appears on all webpages of our site. If you would like to place your advertising in the future issues of Mastery Journal please email us at: masteryjournal@gmail.com and we will be happy to help you choose the option that would best suit your needs.

WHITE WATER RAFTING TRIP Join us for an AWESOME trip and a great way to get out and enjoy the sun, the river and a fun time for half a weekend! The short version is a Friday night of car camping just outside of Maupin followed by a day on the Deschutes River rafting!

We will be camping at a BLM campsite along the Deschutes River Friday night! The plan is we head out of Portland Friday, camp overnight along the river, raft on Saturday and then head back to Portland. The weather this time of year in Maupin is hot! So a day spent on the river is awesome!

This 14-mile day trip begins at Longbend (5 miles South of Maupin) and ends at Sandy Beach. This stretch of the Deschutes River contains several of the best whitewater rapids, including the Boxcar, Oak Springs and Elevator rapids.

We stop half-way to serve up a classic river-deli lunch. After lunch we will stop for some extra fun at the white river natural water slides.

Where: Rafting down the Deschutes River, meeting at 3516 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland When: Friday, July 22, 2011, 4:00 pm PST How much: $97 per person (must reserve the spot by July 20) Register at http://raftingtrip.eventbrite.com. The space is limited to 12 people!

TAKE A HIKE ON THE WILD SIDE OF PORTLAND!

This summer, we continue offering our unique “walkshops,” or Qi Dao workshops outdoors, which are always well attended and appreciated. Our walkshops usually cover several miles of hiking at various exciting locations in Oregon and Washington and allow time for informal discussions and practice of Qi Dao in nature, as was originally practiced by Shamans for millennia.

Please join us for a walkshop on Sunday, July 31, when we will hike a portion of Forest Park’s 30-mile Wildwood Trail in the outskirts of Northwest Portland. Please contact us for more information by email at academyofqidao@gmail.com or by phone at 503-501-8116.

Where: Academy of Qi Dao, 3516 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR 97229.

When: Thursday, January 31 from 10:00 am to approximately 5:00 pm.

How much: Suggested donation - $10, bring your own lunch and plenty of water.

THE TICKET COVERS ALL OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) Your Day Of Rafting 2) Lunch On The River 3) Digital Photos Of You Rafting 4) Tips For Our Guides 5) Reserved Campsite Friday Night All of the above is included at a cost less than what just rafting normally costs! So grab your gear for car camping and come join us! You will also need the following for the river: * River sandals, tennis shoes, or neoprene booties (not flip-flops) * Waterproof Sunscreen and chapstick (SPF 15+) * Sun hat or visor * Sun Glasses with a strap * T-shirt and nylon shorts or a bathing suit! * Synthetic fleece sweater and windbreaker in case the weather is cool or cloudy * Change of clothes for drive home, including a second pair of shoes * Water bottle(s) * Disposable waterproof camera (optional)

WILDERNESS QI DAO RETREAT How often do you get an opportunity to commune with Mother Nature directly? How much do you need to recharge and refresh you body, mind and spirit? How well do you want to master the art of being in the flow of your life?

You can achieve all of these and many additional benefits by attending our Annual Qi Dao Wilderness Retreat on the Oregon Coast in the middle of August. The people who attended the previous retreats were quite surprised to discover how much getting exposed to the elements and becoming more natural helped them with much-needed release of tensions and letting go of stress. If you have not registered yet, you need to do it now, because following the numerous requests, we offered the $50 “early bird” discount through July 31, 2011.

Not only can you get $50 off your registration now; if you are among the first ten registrants, you will receive a fantastic bonus: Basic Qi Dao Home Study Course ($150 value) for free.

Register now at http://wildernessretreat.eventbrite.com.

Should you have any questions or requests, do not hesitate to email us at academyofqidao@gmail.com.

Alignment of the Torso Lama Tantr apa Just like the alignments of your head and limbs, the alignment of your torso is crucial for your health and well-being. A naturally aligned human body has maximum stability and balance and is free of tension.

As the key alignment, torso alignment affects the alignments of all the other parts of the body and vice versa. When you stand, your torso needs to be balanced on the support system of the legs. If your body’s weight is habitually distributed on one leg more than the other, the pelvis will have a tendency to tilt away from the weight-bearing leg. This tilt of the pelvis will inevitably create a curve in the lumbar or lower spine.

To compensate for this misalignment, the muscles on the weight-bearing side will have a tendency to pull the thoracic or upper spine in the opposite direction bringing the shoulder down on the same side. The neck will usually compensate by pulling away from the lower shoulder. Such habitual shift of the weight away from the center may result in developing a chronic pattern of holding tension in your body, which we may explore in future articles.

Ask your practice partner to test your stability by gently pushing you into your hips from the one side and then, with equal amount of effort, from the other. Notice whether your stability is more challenged when being pushed from one side than the other. Then slowly shift your weight side to side in order to feel which side habitually bears more weight. Notice an increase in tension in the side muscles when shifting the weight off center on that respective side; notice relaxation when returning to the centered position. As you experiment with slowly rocking your pelvis, pay particular attention to the position of your center of mass in the middle associated with relaxation of both sides, for this is where your torso is most aligned and centered.

Do not forget to check whether your pelvis habitually tilts forward or backward – this may be an invitation to explore your alignment in the frontal plane of your body. Slowly thrust your pelvis back and forth, noticing alternating tensions in the muscles of your lower back and abdomen. Pay specific attention to the point of rest in the middle, when both of those groups of muscles relax. That is the neutral position of the pelvis that aligns the spine and requires the least amount of tension and effort to support your body upright. The weight of your entire upper body can peacefully rest on your skeletal structure as long as it is in alignment.

The next step in your exploration of Harmonious Culture of Movement is going to involve learning to apply this effortless

way of standing to meditation. Let us explore one of the most popular and widely appreciated meditative practices called Zhan Zhuang, which can be translated from Chinese as Standing like a Pole, or a Tree, a type of standing meditation dedicated to finding the sense of physical and mental equanimity while standing in a Natural Stance. There are many variations on the theme of standing meditation, so I would suggest experimenting with all possible ways of doing it. The main point of this exploration is to find the particular method that

resonates with your energy better than others; however, it may also be subject to change from day to day.

To start this meditation, take a Natural Stance by simply jumping and landing softly. You can absorb the shock of landing best by slightly bending your knees and using the thigh muscles, which is the largest muscle group in the human body, to land without a loud thump. This will mean that your knees are sufficiently bent, which should allow you to check the alignments of your legs.

I don’t believe that one type of alignment is ideal for everyone, so you’ll have to find what works best for you. Generally speaking, though, when your knees just barely cover your toes, the bones of your upper and lower legs as well as your feet will end up in the same plane, which will provide you with a maximum support.

I am not going to tell you how far your feet should be apart from each other or how much you should turn your toes, because all of that depends on your unique physique, energy and state of mind. But I strongly believe that by jumping and landing a few times you will empirically find the most natural way to stand. Hence the name – Natural Stance – which means that all you need to do is be natural.

With practice, you will no longer need to look down at your legs; rather, you will feel the connection between your feet and the ground underneath. The pressure points in the centers of your soles – Yang Quan pressure points – are the major gateways energetically connecting you with the ground. That is why the more your weight is distributed on the centers of your feet (rather than on the toes, heels, inner, or outer edges of the feet) the more Grounded you will feel.

The way your weight is distributed between your feet and whether your center of mass is in the middle will indicate how Centered you are. To improve your Centering, you can pivot about 180 degrees on your heels just lifting the toes of the pivoting foot and bringing them down, one foot at a time.

Allow your arms to swing freely so they touch the opposite hips as you pivot side to side. Close your eyes and bring one hundred percent of your attention to the axis of your body, around which it pivots. The Center of your body is the line

extending from the Bai Hui point on the top of your head, down the spine, all the way to the Hui Yin point on your perineum (the pressure point between your genitals and anus). In Oriental Medicine, it is called the Central Channel and often referred to as “Taiji Pole.”

You may breathe naturally, allowing the breath to synchronize with the movements of your body. You will know that you’ve become Centered when you notice that your breathing pattern changes becoming deeper and smoother due to the relaxation of the muscles of your abs and diaphragm. With practice, you’ll discover a greater sense of equanimity, or Centeredness, preventing stress from building to the levels harmful to your health and well-being.

Keeping your eyes slightly closed; imagine yourself outdoors, in nature, perhaps, in an old-growth forest, surrounded by ancient trees. In this visualization, you may be able to feel the energies of those trees, and when you find one tree that you resonate with, give it a big hug.

As you imagine feeling the bark of that tree with your palms, you can sense the flow of tree sap underneath the bark.

You may even pretend to be a tree yourself, imagining what it would be like to grow on one and the same place for hundreds or even thousands of years, being washed by rains and dried with the sunrays. Imagine growing a root system deep underground that provides you with nourishment and support. Visualize your roots growing deeper and deeper through the layers of the top soil and dirt, underground water and rocks, even through hot magma – all the way to the center of the planet Earth. And once your roots tap the energy center of the element of Earth, this benevolent force begins to flow up your roots into your trunk, empowering and rejuvenating your entire being. That’s right; you may receive as much of this powerful energy as you need at this moment in your life.

You may also let go of any energies you no longer need recycling them into Mother Earth to make them usable again.

Take your time to receive all the energy you need from the Earth… Only when you feel like retrieving your roots can you start retracting them from the center of the planet Earth going back through the layers of magma, rocks, underground water, dirt and top soil back into your feet, as you slowly regain your human shape and form. Stay Rooted for a while and enjoy the sense of the free flow of energy in your system, empowering each and every cell of your body. It doesn’t really matter what you did with your arms, whether you kept them relaxed by your sides or up in the air, wrapped around the trunk of your dream tree. With practice, you will probably feel like letting them slowly sway whichever way they will, as though they are the limbs of the tree gently moved by the wind. Whatever you do, just remember to be natural and spontaneous, rather than following any strict routine. The amount of time you need to dedicate to this meditation may also vary from a few minutes to a quarter of an hour or even longer if you wish.

Recently, I have developed another variation on the theme of standing meditation based on my observation that some of the most profound, meditative experiences seem to happen to many people spontaneously when they are taking a shower.

Have you ever noticed that showering is one of the few activities that allow you to focus all of your attention on yourself? Maybe, you are one of those folks who would never sing in public but feel uninhibited enough to sing or hum when taking a shower, huh?

Being completely naked and touching the intimate parts of your body while washing yourself also provides you an excellent opportunity to direct your attention to those parts of your body that are usually covered up and don’t receive enough appreciation.

You can just imagine yourself taking a very nice, long shower.

As you visualize the pleasantly warm water pouring onto you, its imagery obviously consists of the pure energy of your consciousness. Great . . . let this energy pour all over your body, cleansing your skin, relaxing your muscles and refreshing your

spirit. Imagine washing yourself with gentle, circular motions that massage and caress each and every square inch of your body. If you find any areas that require some special attention, please spend a little more time rejuvenating and energizing them by giving them as much attention as they need. As it were, where attention goes – energy flows.

Lama Somananda Tantrapa is the 27th lineage holder of Qi Dao, also known as Tibetan Shamanic Qigong. He has been practicing Qigong, Dream Yoga, Meditation, and Internal Martial Arts for over thirty five years, primarily trained by his Grandfather who was the paragon of the Russian Martial Arts and Qi Dao Grand Master. His background is complex enough to include serving in the Soviet Army’s Special Forces, being kidnapped in the Ukraine and surviving several near-death experiences.

Lama Tantrapa was ordained as a Buddhist monk in three different orders and initiated into Subud spiritual brotherhood. In addition to being a Tibetan Bon Lama, he studied with a number of Qigong and kung-fu masters, great teachers of Yoga and meditation, as well as Native American, Hawaiian and Siberian Shamans.

He is also trained in Cultural Anthropology, Meta-coaching, Hypnosis and NLP. When living for two years on a small tropical island in the Pacific, 7000 miles away from the majority of his students and clients, he pioneered a novel method of conducting Qi Dao sessions over the Internet called Qigong Coaching. In the last decade, he has provided wellness, peak performance and life coaching to thousands of people of all ages and from various walks of life. He is also a bestselling author of several Qi Dao books, executive producer of the film Qi Dao – Tibetan Shamanic Qigong, creator of CD albums Qi Dao Initiation and The Art of Being in the Flow, publisher of the Basic Qi Dao Home Study Course and other multimedia learning materials available at www.qidao.org.

In addition to being the publisher of Mastery Journal, Lama Tantrapa is also the host of the Internet Radio talk show The Secrets of Qigong Masters that you can enjoy at www. blogtalkradio.com/qigongmasters.

TAI CHI PRINCIPLES Ji Jian-Cheng

strength will be greater than before and your “Qi” (inner breath and essence) will increase with every day of practice. These points should help you to get a solid foundation in the practice of Tai Chi Chuan.

The Five Stages of Tai Chi Practice The first stage is to learn the Tai Chi form and to master its postures and movements. It does not matter whether the posture is static or moving. You must always keep the following points in mind: Feel as if the crown of the head is being lifted from above; the chin should incline slightly toward the chest; the shoulders should be relaxed and the arms should fall naturally to your sides; the spine should be kept straight with the chest very slightly curving inwards; the hips must be relaxed and the buttocks turned under a little; the hips and shoulders should be in line and the spine vertical to the ground which should produce a natural comfortable

If you want to master Tai Chi Chuan, you first need to understand “Wuji” (emptiness or formlessness). And, to really comprehend the inner meaning of Tai Chi, you also have to be aware of its philosophy and principles, and practice according to them. Then, after a long period of disciplined training you will finally understand the essence of Tai Chi Chuan.

When learning Tai Chi Chuan, the first thing to do is to practice “Tai Chi Gong.” This focuses on the fundamentals of Tai Chi “Neigong” (internal training). It is said that “to practice Tai Chi we must first start from understanding ‘Wuji’ and with diligent practice will come the realization of ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang.’” So, before starting to practice the form, you should first do “Tai Chi Gongfa” (Tai Chi basic principles). For example, practice “Tai Chi Zhuanggong” (standing exercise), and you will gradually experience a feeling of silence and peace in your mind and you will feel as if your body is empty. When you hold your hands out you will feel as though you are holding a balloon; you will forget your legs and they will feel like they are not there. When practicing “Tai Chi Gong” you should feel like you are not breathing, but are still in control of your breath. Allow your breath to be natural, long and deep; use your mind to direct the “Qi” to various parts of your body. When you experience “Wuxing” (formlessness or intangibility), you will slowly feel the energy circulating throughout your body. With long and continual practice you will find that your

feeling. When moving, whether it be back, forward, left, right or turning, all movements must come from the hips, but the hips should not sway from side to side; otherwise the body will come out of alignment. Moving forward or backward, you must keep your center of gravity low and also at a constant height so that the body does not move up and down. At this stage and with gradual training, you should let your arms become “lighter,” your legs placed firmly but lightly.

With the second stage of practice, it is important to

place your strength in the roots of the feet. Whether moving forward or backward, left or right, or turning, one must place the weight on the feet and then “deng jiao,” pressing downwards before lifting the foot up, as if compressing a spring, to move forward, back, left or right. Moreover, when pivoting on the heel the force of the movement must be opposite to the direction the heel is pivoting. This way the hips will follow the movement of the pivoting and the hips will lead the body in its movement. After a long period of practice, the whole body will gradually become relaxed, alive and nimble and the body’s energy will come from the feet and the counteraction of the pivoting movement. Once this second phase has been achieved, one can then place one’s force at the base of the feet. The principles of Tai Chi Chuan say, “The force (jing) comes from the base of the feet to direct the waist.” Note that the waist includes the lower spinal area and can also include the hips.

At the third stage of practice, “Fajing” (expressing energy) is the main objective. According to the expression “Rou xing qi, gang luo dian,” when expressing the energy it is very soft until the last moment and then it becomes as hard as iron. When attempting to express one’s energy in each movement of the form, the two feet must “deng jiao” – press into the ground for the energy to come through, as mentioned earlier, like pressing spring to release its energy.

For example, when expressing energy in a forward direction, the crown of the head must be as if lifted from above, the waist must be relaxed and the spine “tail” must be inclined slightly forward, while the lower spine must be inclined slightly back.

The shoulders should be relaxed and the elbows should be facing

downward. When you express energy (fajing), all parts of the body must act together and feel like an iron spring being compressed, then at the very last moment your energy can be released, with the body moving opposite the direction that one’s energy is being expressed. The whole body should feel as though it is being stretched out as if like (five) bows ready to be fired. One bow is at the legs, one at the waist, one at the shoulders, one at the elbows and one bow at the wrist and hands. At this time the eyes must look far outwards in a forward direction so as if to express the explosive energy very far outwards. “Using your mind to express the energy far outwards will in turn let your energy actually be expressed far outwards.” When practicing the form, each movement must be performed in this way of using the mind to express the energy far outward.

At the fourth stage, after practicing “fajing” (explosive energy) for a while, it is best to have an experienced teacher test whether your “fajing” technique is correct.

The teacher will “try” the student’s “jing” (energy) to see if the student is in fact using the whole body correctly to express this explosive energy. That is, to verify that the feet are acting like a spring when expressing one’s energy, the waist is indeed twisting to transfer the energy, the shoulders are being “urged” forward by the energy, the arms and elbows are being “sent” forward and at the moment the energy reaches the wrist and hands is being expressed into the “hard” energy. Whether or not this energy can be transmitted to the teacher’s body will indicate if the student has mastered “fajing” technique and thus the fourth stage.

However, the mastery of “Neijing” is a complex matter and the student must rely on an experienced teacher to correct any faults and to guide the student to the correct execution and understanding of “Neijing.”

Stage five is “Quixujing,” the training to distinguish solidity from emptiness and quietness, the understanding of solid and empty in each movement and the changes involved to bring about a quietness and relaxing of the self while moving and practicing the form.

For the above mentioned five stages of practice, all need to rely on correct body movement and expression of power, but with stage five, one needs to use the mind to master the understanding of solid and empty and quietness of one’s movements. One must use the mind to direct the form as expressed (in the above four stages). That is, using the foot as a spring, twisting the waist to urge forward the shoulders, and sending out

the elbows and arms to express the energy once it has reached the wrists and hands. At the very last stage, one will be using the mind to express the explosive energy and to direct the form. When performing the Taiji movements, one should have a feeling of resistance around the skin of the whole body like feeling the resistance of water when swimming or moving through water.

When you can feel this resistance of air over the body while in motion, then you have improved to a level that, for example, can be used in application or in “pushing hands” so that you will “know” where the opponent’s energy or force is at the moment of contact.

Important Points for Mastering Tai Chi Chuan When practicing Tai Chi Chuan, one must use the mind to direct the flow of “Qi.” Once the mind has directed the flow of “Qi,” then it is the “Qi” that will direct the movement of the body. If one follows this way of practice, then this will invigorate the body’s “Jing” (inner essence – not the same word as “explosive energy-Jing”), which will then create more “Qi” in the body and in turn also stimulate one’s “Shen” (spirit). Again, as if feeding and growing off each other, this will increase the “Jing” and therefore more “Qi” and higher levels of “Shen,” and this constant cycle from “Jing” to “Qi” to “Shen” and back again will help to improve one’s well-being and a healthier state of mind. Therefore, it is very important to diligently practice and carefully notice in each posture the flow of “Qi” and direction of movement. When you practice Tai Chi Chuan, you must have softness as well as firmness in the form but you cannot be too soft or too hard. Regardless of which posture one is performing, one must adhere to this principle of softness and firmness. If too soft, one will not have enough energy and the “Shen” (spirit) will not be aroused. If too firm, then one’s “Qi” will not be able to circulate throughout

the body; it will become too brittle and easily broken.

One should not use one’s muscular strength or brute force as if too tense in practice because the flow of “Qi” will be obstructed and the body will feel clumsy.

If brute strength is used, then not only will the flow of “Qi” be obstructed but also one will not be able to “feel” the opponent’s energy and thus will not be able to neutralize it. When practicing Tai Chi Chuan one should not practice with fury or rage. If so, one will be too brittle and firm and will be easily “broken.” Moreover, if one practices with rage then the “Qi” will be retained in the chest and will feel uncomfortable, and this can have detrimental effects on the body and health. Therefore, one must be patient with practice and should be relaxed, and after adhering to the principles of Tai Chi Chuan for a period of diligent training, one will reap the rewards.

When practicing Tai Chi Chuan, one’s shoulders and chest should not be too open, the body should not be too crouched over and the stomach should not be “sucked” in so the chest is protruding outwards. If one practices in such a way then it is possible that the “Qi” will flow in a reverse manner such that it may not be able to return to the “Dantian”; in turn the “Qi” will rise upward and there will be a feeling of imbalance. With the practice of Tai Chi Chuan one should understand a little about Chinese medicine theory. For example, one can understand where the “Dantian” is, where one is directing the “Qi” to, and how to bring the “Qi” back to the “Dantian.” It is important to note that the “Qi” should always be allowed to return to the “Dantian.”

Therefore, there is a constant flow from the “Dantian” to all parts of the body and then back to the “Dantian.”

When you practice the form, you should not always be thinking of how the movements are used to deal with an opponent. Instead, you should be using the “Yi” (mind) and “Qi” to direct the movement. If you are always thinking of how to strike an attacker, then your Tai Chi Chuan will not advance to the higher levels of understanding. Therefore, you must be patient with practice, and with diligent training and the building up of ‘Jing’, ‘Qi’ and ‘Shen’ eventually you will be able to express explosive energy. When you understand the above points, with diligent practice you will be able to improve your inner strength and increase longevity by the cultivation of “Jing,” “Qi” and “Shen.” Then you will really understand Tai Chi Chuan.

Master Ji Jian-Cheng is Director of Martial Arts and Qigong at Zhejiang University, recognized by the Government of the People’s Republic of China as 7 Degree level Master of Wushu, he is a National Wushu Master for China and a National Referee and Chief Master of the Tai Chi and Wushu Association of Great Britain. He has a formidable repertoire of Knowledge and skills in both fighting and internal styles. He is Associate Editor of a 10-volume encyclopedia of Shaolin Temple Martial Arts, has taught Qigong and Wushu on a series of China TV programs and has written 10 books and many articles.  While in the U.S. he started teaching Tai Chi classes at assisted living homes for the elderly and had a loyal group of students that trained at OPT with him three days a week.

Master of the Month Dr. Sandra Rose Michael

Transmutation of Radiation into Radiations of Light ***Extra Special Thanks to Dr. Gabriel Cousens who coordinated & began focusing this meditation at noon daily through the EESystem at Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center & also to Nonnie Chrystal for focusing her energy through her EESystem featured in the “Greenest House in the World”. Please share this updated version of what we shared at the QiGong Congress that has already gone out to over 100,000 people around the world!

THE INTENTION The intention of this visualization is to feel & know the transmutation of radiation into the radiance of the Light of Consciousness. It is an intention of nullifying & transforming the destructive energies behind the radiation as well as the radiation & fallout itself into energetics that can accelerate global awakening, evolution & enlightenment. In a variation of understanding the principle that what we send out with our thoughts returns to us multiplied, the darkness of the radiation that has been sent out returns as transmuting light for the enlightenment of Mother Earth & the consciousness of humanity. As we share this radiation transmutation experience, we send divine love, sound & light to the planet & to the very heart of Mother Earth, connecting our hearts with hers. Radiate

& share the only things we really want to share with everyone: our light, love, joy, peace, health, wealth & happiness... to touch the hearts of every being to feel more love now... Remember: As We Radiate Light, Nothing that is not of the Light can affect us & Nothing is more powerful than Love.

We invite you to do this every day for 3 minutes at noon in your particular time zone. The power of the increasing radiation may be neutralized with the spaced repetition of the shared intention as outlined below.

If we commit just 3 minutes every day to transmute these energies, this gift of service allows us to exude more healthy energy & blessings during this time of transformation. We suggest you share this experience each day at noon using your heart chakra (the main magnetic, electrical, consciousness-transferring field in the body) as an amplifier along with EESystem ‘Qi Technology’ . It may be useful to remember, in sharing these intentions that nuclear radiation is a form of negative light that can be overcome by the blue white light radiating out from within the zero-point of the very center of your DNA. We believe Light Fusion to be the antidote to fission, facilitating Infinite radiations & embodiments of Light, as from within we conquer.

If you share this from within a true Bio-Scalar EESystem, an internet audio and/or video stream can further broadcast our intentions throughout the World Wide Web, the external manifestation of the global mind link, so that people can tune into & feel this powerful connection all over this beautiful planet. Please search YouTube under “Radiation Meditation” to join in!

THE SHARED EXPERIENCE Visualizing & feeling the embodiment of cellular knowing that the nuclear radiation has already been transmuted into the Light & Unified Fields of Consciousness Now! 1. Begin by vibrating 3 repetitions of the sacred Yod or Om sound.

2. Feel the blue white light being activated within your DNA, which naturally transmutes all that is needed into healthy molecules, to regenerate your DNA. 3. If you have had access to the true bio-scalar waves of the EESystem, you know it actively repairs the DNA &

creates unified fields that can nullify & mitigate radiation and other destructive energy patterns for a 2 mile radius.

If you are not actually within an EESystem, project yourself into where you have been in one in a past or future memory. You may also go to www.eesystem.com to see actual EESystems to help with your meditation.

This is an important step, for as we are using our minds, bodies & the Light, scalar waves of this EESystem technology can amplify our intentions. We can invoke Divine Intervention & Guidance to accelerate our results.

4. Feel the blue white light begin to expand from every cell & DNA pattern in your body & begin to let it move around our world. See the world being enveloped in this blue white light, which transforms all that needs transforming into the pure blue white Light of Consciousness.

5. Send this blue white light out from your heart chakra to be carried on all communication wave from internet, TV, radio & even other scalar technologies.

6. Now project the blue white light from your heart into the great central heart of Mother Earth. Feel that deep personal heart connection, peace & Oneness.

7. Visualize a column of Golden Light coming down from the heavens flowing through your body from your crown chakra & entering the earth through your feet.

This Light surrounds you as you allow this Light to flow to the center of the earth & expand to fill all of Mother Earth with the support & Love of our Divine Father. Now visualize a column of Silver Light coming up from Mother Earth through your feet & totally surrounding your body.

See this Light expanding itself to encompass the entire earth into the heavens & back to the Father. Allow your Self & the entire Universe to feel the balancing of all land, skys & seas, all masculine & feminine aspects being aligned by the Light , with the Light & as the Light & Highest Powers of Love creating harmony for the blessings & good of all that is & ever shall be. All Light coming together & radiating Infinite Love here on Earth as it is in Heaven through us Now. 8. End with 3 repetitions of the sacred Yod or Om sound & feel these vibrations filling the galaxy to Infinity.

EESYSTEM SETTINGS If you have access to an EESystem, we recommend using some specific settings in conjunction with the broadcast of this shared experience. To request a copy of these settings, please email our team at: info@eesystem. com or call the Florida Office: (863) 471-6820 for more information.

For more info from Dr. Gabriel Cousens on what you can do about the issues of both ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, visit: Tree of Life

Master of the Month

Dr. Sandra Rose Michael

Having taught holistic health for over 3 decades, internationally renowned Hon. Dr. Sandra Rose Michael is sole Inventor of the patented true bio-scalar EEProcess™ (see www.eesystem.com) covered globally on CNN and Discovery Channel and also awarded Qi Technology of the Year 2008.

Most recently featured on the cover of the Beverly Hills Times, she is on the PBS Advisory Board for Alternative Medicine, the Global Advisory Board for Medical Safety Solutions, and is the appointed Vice-Chancellor and Senior Director of Energy Medicine for the Global Foundation for Integrative Medicines as well as the appointed Deputy Minister of Health for the Republic of New Lemuria, a new nation in the Pacific islands committed to green building and green living. A researcher in Ap-

plied Integrative Bio-Physics, Hon. Dr. Michael has received numerous scientific awards including from the Prime Ministry of Turkey, the World Summit on Integral Medicine, World Congress for Integrative Medicines, World QiGong & Traditional Chinese Medicine Congress, and Ministries of Health in Ecuador, Panama, and the Ukraine. She is faculty for the internationally accredited Institute of Energy Wellness Studies in Canada and also Integramed Academy and does keynote lectures at Mt. Sinai, University of Panama and other medical schools, Royal Society of Medicine, The Harvard Club, anti-aging, health and medical conferences, and Health Ministries globally. Knighted for her service to humanity, Dame Commander of Honor Dr. Michael is on the Board of Advisors for the Venerable Sovereign Order of the Orthodox Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem. Her patented design unifies scalar energy, bio-photonic fusion, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF), hydro-bifurcation (similar to a hydrogen fuel cell), dense intentional fields, and direct interface with the DNA. Inside this quantum physics phenomenon, you can feel and experience a hyper-healthy, electro-polution free, energetic environment for profoundly accelerated and optimized regeneration, rejuvenation and body-mind-spirit health worldwide. As “Professional of the Year 2010” by the prestigious Presidential Who's Who, Hon. Dr. Michael’s unparalleled background gives her the edge in helping others to achieve true dynamic homeostasis.

Dr. Sandra Rose Michael, PhD, DNM, DCSJ Inventor, Bio-Scalar Technology Researcher, Applied Integrative Bio-Physics US Office: (863) 471-6820 Hawaii Office: (808) 895-2903 Mobile: (760) 272-0989 Email: Sandra@EESystem.com Website: www.EESystem.com

Cultivating Qi Energy Ricardo Serrano “I heard ancient people were able to live to one hundred years and still be the same as when young. But nowadays, when fifty years old our activities decrease.

How is this? Is it due to the times, or have humans lost something?” the Yellow Emperor asked.

“The ancient people knew the way, the Tao, and the rule of Yin <-> Yang and could get harmony of the numbers.

The ancient people could control their eating habits.

They knew the rules of life, waking and sitting. They didn’t overwork. For these reasons, they were healthy and balanced in body and mind and were able to live one hundred years. But today, people are not like this.

They drink too much alcohol and think about sex and after drinking will go to bed and lose their Jing according to their sexual desire. At the same time as losing their Jing, they lose and disperse the truth. They don’t know how to keep the body healthy. They don’t know how to control their mind and cannot control their desires. They are against the living pleasure, the Tao.” the physician Chi Po answered.

From the Huang Ti Nei Ching, Su Wen, Chapter One. “The four seasons and Yin and Yang are the beginning and ending of everything, the root of birth and death.

If ones goes against the rule of this one can get injury, creating general catastrophies, like a flood, which affect all others as well. If one doesn’t go against the rule disease doesn’t occur, this is the Tao.” From the Huang Ti Nei Ching, Su Wen, Chapter Two.

The following excerpts from the book Five Elements & Ten Stems supported by the classics Nan Ching, Ling Shu and Huang Jing Ching show the importance in cultivating Qi energy in the Hara and its energetic pathways through Qigong, meditation, herbs, diet, exercise, acupressure, and acupuncture for stress management, holistic health and well-being: The energies of the Heaven <-> Man <-> Earth

continuum are assimilated and drawn into the Hara.

Located in the abdomen, the center of the body, the Hara is the central point for all of these energies. The Hara is described as the realm of the “Moving Chi between the Kidneys” and is centered around the “Sea of Chi,” Chi Hai or Tanden and the umbilicus. This understanding is found in some of the earliest texts. In the Huang Jing Ching, or “Yellow Jing Textbook,” the following description is given.

“The Yin Chi and Yang Chi meet and cross together (as in sex) and then Jing comes down and Jing alchemically transforms to Shen. Jing and Shen combine together to take on some form, and then come up to the Nine heavens to become the Chi of the Nine Heavens. The Chi coming down to Chi Hai meets Shen and then the person is created.” But today, people are not like this, they drink too much alcohol and think about sex and after drinking will go to bed and lose their Jing according to their sexual desire. At the same time as losing their Jing, they lose and disperse the truth. They don’t know how to keep the body healthy. They don’t know how to control their mind and cannot control their desires. They are against the living pleasure, the Tao.” the physician Chi Po answered.

The Nan Ching specifies the source of Chi as the Hara and the Breath. The Ling Shu ties both the Breath of Heaven and the Chi of food and water to formation of the true Chi. This quote from the Nan Ching tells us that the “source of vital Chi” is the Hara: “The Hara ... the source of vital Chi .... is the gate of breathing.”

Wang Shu He, who wrote a little known but brilliant treatise on the Nan Ching, explicitly states when commenting on this section of the Nan Ching that air when drawn into the abdomen creates Chi: “Breath (gas/air from breathing) reaches to the inside (of the abdomen). The Chi grows and then becomes solid; this protects against evil injuring the body. Protecting on the inside and defending on the outside, this is Chi.” This passage is very similar to the preceding quotation from San Dai Ji Jin Wen Tsun. Both emphasize the distention of the abdomen as air is drawn in from proper breathing. It would follow that the solidity mentioned by each is the elastic flexibility of a healthy Hara.

According to information from the Ling Shu, the energies of Heaven <-> Man <-> Earth interact to form the True Chi. One aspect or equivalent of True Chi is the Source

Chi. It is in the Hara, the area of “the Moving Chi between the Kidneys,” that all energies interact to create the basic or Source Chi of the body:

nourishes the twelve meridians (The Twelve Branches).

“True Chi is the prenatal Chi from the parents, Chi of the breathing from Heaven and Chi of food and water from Earth, mixing together.”

The energetic anatomy is clear. The Hara is the center, the ultimate source of Chi. The Triple Warmer is the energetic connection of the Hara to the Source points of all the meridians. It is the “root” of health and life.

Before any other treatment is administered, we need to treat the condition of the Hara.

The idea of energies coming down to the Hara or Chi Hai (Tanden) pervades the classic references. The Hara was seen as the merging point of the various energies and the source of True Chi. One aspect of this Chi forms, creates, or becomes the Five Elements energies. More precisely, this aspect of the energies presents, creates, or becomes the Ten Stems energies which are described by the Five Elements system. A second or additional aspect of this Basic or Source Chi forms, creates, becomes or

The Hara is the center, the ultimate source of Chi.

The Nan Ching theory of energetic anatomy is centered in the Hara. The energetic nourishment of Jing and Shen, the passage of Chi and maintenance of the pulse are not the only functions rooted in the Hara.

The Gathering of Eminent Acupuncturists and the Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion discuss how the Ten Stems relate to the Source points. At the same time, they present another viewpoint on the relationship of Triple Warmer and Heart MainPericardium to the Ten Stems.

Recognition of the Hara as the “Root,” the center, pervades the practice of acupuncture and all other ideas based on the classical concepts of health. As the center of the energetic system and the starting point from which many techniques of diagnosis and treatment are developed, it completes or supplements the Five Elements system. The Hara itself is seen as an area that encompasses the whole abdomen. It is focused around the area called Chi Hai or Chi Hai Tanden which overlaps the Spleen and Kidney reflex areas centering around CV-5 and CV-6, the Ma Point of the Triple Warmer and the “Sea of Chi.”

Reference: Five Elements and Ten Stems by Kiiko Matsumoto and Stephen Birch, 1983.

Ricardo B. Serrano, R.Ac., is a registered acupuncturist, Qigong teacher and healer from North Vancouver, BC, founder of Maitreya Shen Gong and integrative whole body Enlightenment Qigong. He has been trained by Pan Gu Shengong Master Ou Wen Wei, Wuji Qigong Master Michael Winn, Sheng Zhen Qigong Master Li Jun Feng, Master Pranic Healer Choa Kok Sui, Zhan Zhuang Qigong Master Richard Mooney, Merkaba Master Alton Kamadon, Qi Dao Master Lama Somananda Tantrapa, and Siddha Guru Baba Muktananda.

Ricardo Serrano founded Maitreya Shen Gong based on his knowledge of Qi Dao, Pan Gu Shengong, Sheng Zhen Qigong, Primordial Wuji Qigong, Crystal Pranic Healing, Holographic Sound Healing, and Qigong Omkabah Lightbody Activation Method (QOLAM). He has been practicing Chinese Herbology and Qi-healing (combining Qigong with acupuncture) for over 30 years.

Qigong as a Portal to Presence Gunther Weil “The key is to be in a state of permanent connectedness with your inner body– to feel it at all times. This will rapidly deepen and transform your life.”

Eckhart Tolle

Is there an underlying spiritual dimension behind the myriad forms of Qigong that by its very nature, invites us to simply and directly access deeper levels of being, pure awareness and the experience of Presence in daily life? If this is the original intent of Qigong, in what way can this ancient art be practiced as a Portal to Presence?

These questions and the perspective that informs them stem directly from many years of my personal and professional experience as a psychologist, student and teacher of Qigong and Tai Chi Chuan. My own journey through the complex and often confusing landscape of these disciplines and practices has led me to some of the insights and ideas I would like to share in this article.

Having studied and worked for many years with a variety of teachings, and masters of internal energy, martial and spiritual arts, I have personally experienced and observed many of the spiritual blind alleys and subtle dangers that are associated with complex systems of Qi training and hierarchical structures of spiritual development. The obvious risks include identification with a set of formal teachings, lineages, systems, or even the identity of belonging to an elite professional organization. The less obvious, more subtle dangers involve identification with a set of goals, or images of spiritual attainment, no matter how refined or ideal they may be. The result of either is that the seeker assumes a new self-image; an elevated or spiritual ego emerges, an identity framed within the language, symbols or authority of the teachings or lineage. These risks become especially compelling when ancient teachings are highly

commercialized as they are transplanted into Western society. As a result, it is very easy for students of Qigong or meditation to become lost in a forest of techniques, symbols, arcane language, rituals or authority and thereby ignore the simple and direct realization that lies at the very heart or genesis of most formal systems.

This essential realization, which we could describe as Presence or Being, is in complete alignment with the core of Taoist principles ,and is aptly expressed in the aphorism:

“When there is no meditator, there is nothing to meditate upon”

If we are willing to suspend for the moment our conventional understanding of Qigong, our inquiry could lead us into a much simpler and direct approach to working with Qi - a way of embracing the life force that encompasses and employs the most subtle qualities of energy expressed in the body/mind. This approach to understanding and practicing Qigong is more truly aligned with the Taoist principles of Wu Wei (noneffort) and Wu Chi (Formlessness). This approach, more fundamental than any forms or systems of cultivating Qi for the purpose of healing or developing internal power, would at the same time effortlessly incorporate those expressions, and simultaneously point to the field of consciousness or Presence that lies behind all of these phenomena.

I would describe this deeper understanding or more essential quality as the spiritual foundation of Qigong – the ancient intent underlying any forms or systems of internal development whether they are healing, martial or spiritual.

Notwithstanding the numerous health benefits of the conventional forms of Qigong, Tai Chi Chuan, and other ancient mind/body traditions, there is something more essentially authentic in or behind these forms that evokes a deeper level of human consciousness existing prior to the forms themselves.

Before we examine this possibility, it may be useful to briefly describe some background and theory of Qigong.

Qigong, Neigong and the Progressive Path of Inner Cultivation Some classical principles may help us understand Qigong theory and practice in a broader psycho-spiritual context. In some respects, this is an exercise similar to highlighting the richly textured context of Taoist spirituality and healing which lies behind the widespread system of contemporary Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It is generally agreed that the multitudinous systems and forms of Qigong are historically closely associated with the healing arts of Taoism, although it is also acknowledged by some excellent teachers that there are a number of important practices that derive from the Buddhist tradition as well. The most common definitions of Qigong include techniques for conserving, storing, circulating refining and transmitting Jing (pure essence) and Qi (pure energy) for restoring and maintaining health and increasing strength and stamina. Based on the classical Taoist emphasis on a sound energetic and physical foundation for health and longevity, a dedicated practitioner will, through consistent effort, progressively realize the health benefits of Qigong on energetic, physical and even psychological levels.

In terms of spiritual cultivation, one of the distinguishing characteristics of Taoist spiritual practice is the importance of the body as the laboratory in which Jing, Qi and Shen (individual consciousness) are progressively refined and transmuted into increasingly finer levels of energy culminating in the “Golden Elixir” or “Elixir of Immortality.” In fact, this emphasis is a uniquely distinguishing feature of Taoist spirituality. In the Taoist tradition, a healthy body and longevity – the goal of most Qigong and Taoist healings arts - is regarded as the foundation for spiritual realization. The message is a simple one: the longer one lives in health and wellbeing, the greater the potential for realization. There is no obvious parallel in the Buddhist or Hindu traditions, which, with a few exceptions, view the body as an impediment to spiritual realization.

There are also Taoist teachings, sometimes described as Neigong, (inner or hidden cultivation) that take this progression even further in the direction of spiritual attainment. Neigong practices generally emphasize

inner cultivation through a greater focus of attention on the Upper Dantian and the heart/mind. What are sought in these practices is a transformation of Qi into Shen, as well as the further refinement of Shen itself into higher levels of soul and spirit. In some teachings, notably some popularized forms of Taoist Inner Alchemy, this process has become elaborated into a series of complex “formulas” that hold the promise of leading progressively to the highest levels of spiritual attainment. These formulas seek to blend the progressively refined internal energies of Jing, Qi and Shen with “external” energies of a variety of solar, lunar and cosmic forces to arrive at their stated goal of Taoist immortality. Essentially, this is a path that interprets spiritual development as a process of systematically refining the post-birth material energies at different levels of density so that they return to their original nature - the non-material realm of pre-birth spirit. The intent of the practitioner is to return to the void, the Wu Chi, through an intentional, accelerated mental and energetic focus on refinement and transformation of energy.

Risks of the Progressive Approach to Inner Cultivation On the path of progressive cultivation, the seeker strives for higher and higher levels of realization according to a road map often derived from interpretations of ancient Taoist alchemical texts such as the as “The Secret of the Golden Flower.” And “Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality.”

From my perspective, there is a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding attendant to this process.

Although there are numerous classical techniques, as well as contemporary interpretations of these methods, designed to control and manipulate the energies of Jing, Qi and Shen, I consider most of them to be artificial and misleading. Following this path, the seeker is endlessly in a process of becoming or progressing through effort towards an imagined goal. This easily becomes a desired delicacy for the ego and has the real potential to fixate the mind on the mental form of a spiritual goal, thereby subtly creating just another dualistic illusion.

I have observed many otherwise sincere and dedicated practitioners of Qigong embrace internal alchemy as an entree into some kind of elevated spiritual real estate; a

mentally created location characterized by the qualities of voidness, emptiness or the imaged goal of immortality that becomes the desired pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

One result of this is that after many months or years of dedicated practice, many students and teachers become identified with a self-image of attainment. The mental structure of the ego assumes an identity, albeit in this instance a spiritual identity, that superficially replaces the ordinary, more pedestrian, material ego or self. This is a particular danger in any teaching, but especially in those practices that emphasize the manipulation of Qi or Prana in the form of ascending or descending channels or meridians such as Conception and Governing vessels and the Thrusting Channel (Ch’ung Mo), or focus on energizing specific centers or Chakras in the body as in some of the classic and modern interpretations of the Indian Yogic systems. Perhaps even more disturbing is the common phenomena of energy imbalances that often arise in practitioners of these forms. The level and quality of energy suddenly awakened in these practices is not easily integrated into the student’s body/mind in daily life and may result in mental, emotional or physical disturbances. This has sometimes been described as the Kundalini syndrome within the tradition of Yoga or “Running Fire” by Oriental medicine.

To be fair, it should also be pointed out that there are some teachers of the Taoist arts who warn that the mental manipulation of internal energies, channels, etc. is a dead-end. Their emphasis, beyond embodying desired attributes of virtue and morality, is to simply rest awareness in the body, initially in the lower Dantian, and allow the process of cultivation to proceed naturally and effortlessly. In their understanding, not only is this approach more consistent with principles of Wu Wei, it is also safer both physically and spiritually.

Wu Chi (emptiness) & Wu Wei (effortlessness) The central paradox of Taoism - summarized succinctly in the first verse of Tao Te Ching, begins with the warning:

“The Way that can be spoken of is not the constant way.”

It is no accident that one of the central sources of Taoist wisdom should state this proviso at the outset.

Fundamentally, what the Tao Te Ching tells us is that the Tao cannot be explained or fully described by the intellect. The unrefined intellectual or discursive mind, i.e. the categorizing mind based on past memory and future expectation, cannot by its very nature “grasp” the essentially ungraspable Tao. From the perspective of the Tao Te Ching, the mind and language itself, i.e., mental and linguistic forms, even refined forms of spiritual ideas and ideals, can only point to that which is beyond the mind. They can never fully describe this realm of being since it is the very source or basis from which the mind and all other forms of life derive. In this sense, mind, language, the very basis of thought, can only describe itself and other forms, including the subtle forms of energy.

Another way of understanding this particular spiritual conundrum is within classical Taoist ontology. This philosophical framework describes Wu Chi, the nameless, formless Void and source of the Tao, as the source of the dual forms of Yin and Yang in all of their countless permutations. This play of opposites in turn gives rise to the Five Elements or Five Energetic Phases, and these, in turn, lead to the forms of life in all of its infinite manifestations. And yet, at the end of the day, so to speak, all phenomena naturally and easily return to the source, the un-manifested Wu Chi. Return to Wu Chi is essentially the model for all Taoist cultivation methods.

If we transpose this “warning”- the inherent limitations of the mind’s capacity to describe the Tao- to the conventional practice of Qigong or Neigong, we may rightfully ask the question: how can techniques or forms that work with energies of Yin and Yang, lead to the formless or the Tao? Or, to put it another way, how can the practice of progressively refined technique, no matter how subtle and sophisticated, lead to that which is by its very nature beyond any technique? Can any progressive practice of self-development, whether it is Qigong, Neigong, including the complex formulas of Inner Alchemy, lead through time to that which is essentially selfless, formless, timeless and eternal? On the surface this seems to be a perplexing paradox – one that goes to the heart of the question of the limitations of systematic, progressive practice of Qigong and Qi cultivation.

of martial or healing skill.

Almost everyone who sincerely practices Qigong, Neigong, or any progressive practice of meditation with a spiritual intent pursues these disciplines with the expectation that these arts will add something to their lives. The goals may range from gaining more calmness and equanimity to immortality. Whatever the level of aspiration, the intent is to add something that is missing.

Yet, the central tenet of Taoism warns us that this is an illusion. How can we become that which in our essential nature we already are?

Any technique or method that is goal oriented implies a degree of effort and tension since it involves a search for something external to the self - some result which is desired to complement or complete the self-image.

Yet, if what we seek is already ours by virtue of it being our essential nature, then methods or techniques that seek spiritual attainment are misguided and may, in fact, obscure the understanding that we are what we seek.

Interestingly enough, this paradox is not exclusive to the Taoists arts of self-cultivation. In fact, this same conundrum is at the center of a number of spiritual traditions. For example, Jean Klein, one of the great Western masters of the non-dual teachings of Advaita Vedanta, as well as a great teacher of Hatha Yoga, makes the point in commenting on the value of Yoga as a spiritual practice:

“If you practice yoga to achieve something…then yoga becomes an obstacle, for it may generate the belief that what you fundamentally are is a goal you can attain through some system of progress. And this belief in progress takes you further away from yourself.”

Qigong as a Portal to Presence As Qigong practitioners, how can we work with this paradox in a practical fashion? After all, philosophy aside, we live in a world of form and duality, and have learned from experience the necessity and concrete benefits of diligently focusing our attention on the realization of a goal. We have all learned that both time and intelligent practice is necessary whether we wish to learn a language, play the piano or develop a high level

Some practitioners and teachers of Qigong have understood this point and suggest that the “highest” or most refined form of Qigong is embodied by standing postures. In this teaching, know as “Zhan Zhuang” (“standing like a tree”) one’s practice is to simply stand, relaxed with as empty a mind as possible, and allow the internal energies to rise or descend and do their work of unraveling tension, knots or stagnation in the body’s muscular - skeletal and energetic systems. Nothing more is required. “Zhan Zhuang represents “effortless effort,” utilizing a minimum of form or technique, embodying principles of Wu Wei and Wu Chi in a very direct way.

This type of practice, of which there are numerous variations, is most closely associated with Wang Xiang Zhai, one of the foremost practitioners of the Chinese internal martial art of Hsing Yi, who describes the philosophy of Zhan Zhuang as:

“Action originates in inaction, and stillness is the mother of movement.”

Wang Xiang Zhai’s statement conveys a deep truth, one that lies at the threshold of understanding how we can directly approach the “practice” of Qigong as a portal to Presence.

A “Portal to Presence” is exactly what it says: a simple doorway or entrance to the field of Consciousness or Presence. It would be stretching the meaning of the word “technique” or “method” to apply it to this idea.

One just walks through the portal as one becomes aware of its existence. There is no effort involved such as a decision to remain in the doorway, or to walk through on one’s hands and knees. In fact, it would be a bit odd to hang out in the doorway itself or to approach it in such a convoluted matter. The portal opens, and Presence arises spontaneously. Gradually, as awareness arises, the practitioner experiences the portal opening more frequently in the spirit of Wu Wei.

Approaching the practice of Qigong in this way, the body and Qi are just objects for attention and observation.

No particular posture, Qigong form, visualization or

breathing technique is required or preferred, nor are we attempting to change the body or the energy in any way according to a pre-determined goal. It is possible to use any Qigong posture for this purpose. A degree of familiarity and comfort with any specific standing, sitting or moving form may be helpful if it is approached as a vehicle for deepening awareness. It is, however, essential to suspend or release any particular expectations, images, reference to past experiences of energy, or expectations of results.

Initially one’s attention may be gently directed to the surface of the body, or various parts such as the palms of the hands, the limbs, or, for those with more Qigong experience, the lower Dantian. As the awareness is sustained, different types of sensation and feeling may arise. No effort is involved in this. There is no sense of doing or activity directed towards an anticipated result. Rather, the experience is one of deep receptivity, stillness or “listening.”

Gradually, attention moves toward the subtle energy field of the body, the Qi or life force. This may be felt in any area of the body or over the entire body. The classical indicators of Qi – tingling, warmth, numbness, etc. may arise and these are simply employed as objects for attention.

With sustained “listening,” a more global sensation of energy arises involving the whole body. The “practice” here is one of effortlessly allowing the attention to rest within the Inner Body , the field of Qi that is manifesting within and perhaps extending beyond the body. Breathing may be experienced over the entire body, as if the cells themselves were inhaling and exhaling. Yet, there is no imaging, description, labeling or conceptualizing involved in any of this. Gradually, the body itself becomes more transparent and the distinction between the doer, the observer, and the object of observation begins to dissolve. Directed attention itself begins to dissolve and what remains is Wu Chi - simple pure, awareness.

As we practice this ancient art with this intent and understanding, utilizing the body/senses/mind and Qi as objects or forms arising in awareness, we embody the essential principles of Wu Wei. Working with the forms

of Qigong in this simple, direct manner, as a Portal to Presence, we enter the natural state of being that is at the heart of the Taoist way.

Gunther Weil is an organizational consultant, psychologist, and educator who is also a 40 year veteran student and teacher of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong. As the founder and Principal of Value Mentors, LLC, he provides guidance and support to executives and their organizations in the areas of leadership, innovation, team-building, strategic planning and executive wellness. He has served numerous institutions in the United States and Western and Eastern Europe in both the public and private sectors for many decades. Gunther was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in Europe and received his doctorate from Harvard University in 1965. Following his graduate studies he was invited to teach at Brandeis University

by Dr. Abraham Maslow, the farther of Humanistic Psychology. In the business sector, he served for 10 years as the CEO of Intermedia Recording Corporation and senior vice president of Intermedia Systems Corporation; a publicly held media production and consulting firm. His credits include the hit recording, Jet Airliner, by his music publishing company, No Thought Music, which received both gold and platinum status for sales exceeding two million. Gunther was the founding Chairman of the US National Qigong Association (NQA). He has studied with a number of leading teachers and direct lineage holders in the spiritual traditions of Gurdjieff, Taoism, Buddhism, and Advaita Vedanta, as well as Yang & Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan, Baguazhang and Qigong. He worked closely with Mantak Chia in the early 1980’s in introducing the Healing Tao system into the West. In 2001, he received the personal approval of Eckhart Tolle, author of the best sellers, “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth”, to teach and facilitate the Practice of Presence. His program: “Qigong As a Portal to Presence”, is an integration of spiritual work and internal energy practices, introducing students to a direct and immediate embodiment of Presence/Awareness through the portal of Qigong.

Nature of the Tao Jon Weston God has never been defined as simply as the way the Tao defines it as nature. Simply put, the Tao is nature or the way or flow of nature. As the tree grows, as the sun glows, as the river flows, as the wind blows, or how a seed becomes a rose, that is the Tao. That is God. That essence, the energy that is flowing is the will of God, infinity or however you want to call it. That same essence is inside you. Once you learn to connect with this essence inside you, you learn to connect with the essence outside of you. Once you learn to connect with it internally you learn to connect with it externally.

When you walk into the forest and sit down on a rock, you always feel an inner peace, an inner warming. What is happening to you? As the Taoists explain in the Five Element Theory, you are connecting with your molecular parents and they are embracing you.

The same energy in the trees is in your liver. The same energy vibration of the heart is in the sun. The same energy vibration in the river is in the kidneys. The same energy vibration in the lungs is in the rock or the metal. The same energy vibration in the spleen and pancreas is in the earth. So that is why you feel at peace, at ease with yourself, because you are connecting with

the Tao, because the Tao is connecting with you. Every aspect of nature, the five elements, is inside your body and your energy vibration. When you are born, you take that first breath. As you breathe in, you breathe in that energy vibration at that time and space in the universe, so you have your internal energy pattern. Your liver, heart, lungs, spleen and pancreas, and kidneys are in the same energy vibration at that particular time and space as the sun, the earth, the mountain, the river and the trees.

As we connect with the five elements of earth, we also connect with the five planets. As the heart connects with the energy pattern of Mars, the kidneys connect with the energy pattern of Mercury, the lungs connect with the energy pattern of Venus, the liver connects with the energy pattern of Jupiter, and the spleen and pancreas connect with the energy pattern of Saturn.

We have these five planets connecting within ourselves, their energy vibration connecting with our organs.

These are the Five Elements, but within the Pakua, the eight-sided geometric vortex is the tai chi symbol (Yin and Yang), the duality of positive and negative.

Next in the Pakua are the five elements interacting in the inner structure of the Eight Forces. The fire and the water, Kan and Li, are below and above this post-heaven Pakua. Within the fire and the water, there is positive (yang) water and the negative (yin) fire. Then there is the earth energy: Kun, which is negative (yin) earth, and Ken, the mountain energy, which is positive (yang) earth.

Then we have thunder energy, Chen, which is positive (yang) wood, then above it the wind energy, Sun, which is negative (yin) wood. Opposite that is the heaven energy, Chien, which is positive (yang) metal, and above that the lake energy, Tui, which is negative (yin) metal.

So we have the Five Elements within the Eight Forces of Fire, Water, Earth, Mountain, Thunder, Wind, Heaven

and Lake.

These are the eight forces within our universe and within our bodies. We are the Microcosm of the Macrocosm. Western science has proven with the use of the telescope looking way out into the Universe that you see energy spheres and energy diagrams. When you take the microscope you see microcosms deep in the cell and again you see energy spheres. And as you look, the amazing thing is that both pictures look exactly the same. So we are, as proven by western science, the microcosm of the macrocosm. We are the center, because as we go way out into the universe we have these energy patterns and the same energy patterns when we go way into our cells.

Each one of us is the center of our own universe.

And once we realize this, then we can find our own internal connection within the nature of the universe. This is the Taoist understanding of selfdiscovery, that we are the center of the universe and as we discover ourselves we will discover the universe.

Now, we know how to connect with the Eight Forces, the Five Elements, and the two positives and negatives, Tai Chi (Duality). It all started from nothingness, what the Taoists call the Wu Chi. From there came 2 (Yin/ Yang), then 5 (Elements), then there were 8 (Forces). As you connect with the practices in the Tao you connect with the oneness of nothingness in meditation with the Wu Chi and its emptiness. You connect with a moving meditation of Tai Chi Chi Kung, the moving duality of yin and yang; the Hsing I, activating the 5 elements of the body; and then the Pakua Palm, connecting with the eight forces in the circle movement of the universe.

The Hsing I of Five Elements is practiced in a straight line (Linear), and the Tai Chi (Yin and Yang) is the channeling of energy as we breathe in and breathe out. These are the three internal martial arts helping us connect with ourselves by interacting and interconnecting with our whole being and the universe.

This is the Tao. This is Mother Nature. As the tree grows, as the sun glows, as the wind blows, as the river flows, and as the seed becomes the rose, it is the lifeforce that makes these things move, grow and become.

This is what the Tao is, the Life-Force.

Jon Weston is the true “international man of mystery,” who contributed to the massive success of master Mantak Chia and his organization. In addition to W. U. Wei, Jon Weston wrote under the pen name Wei Tzu and co-authored Living in the Tao, the twelve Taoist poetry books of over 1,200 poems Emerald River expressing the feeling, essence and stillness of the Tao. He also co-created with Mantak Chia the Universal Tao formula cards, “Chi Cards” (6 sets of over 240 formulas) under the pen name The Professor – Master of Nothingness. www.the-professor-mon.com

The Ins and Outs of Breathing Part III Gary Gamboi In the first two parts of this series on breathing, we examined the correct way to breath in normal circumstances. However, there are times when circumstances are not normal, or when we have specific goals to accomplish using our breath as part of the process (we will look at this in Part IV).

those things.

One of the key elements of a stabilized body is constant internal pressure, or at least, pressure which remains constant relative to any changes in the forces working upon it. Our internal air pressure is a vital (no pun intended) component of our structure’s stabilization.

However, as I pointed out (to those who didn’t know) in Part I of this series, our normal breathing pattern causes our internal pressure to rise and fall by constantly creating and filling partial vacuums. Hmm, so what can we do? That’s simple, just stop breathing.

That will keep our internal air pressure from falling.

This time we will look at various kinds of circumstances which can alter the “best” way to breathe.

Unfortunately, that is all too true. Although stopping breathing will keep our internal pressure from falling, it may also cause the internal pressure to rise to unhealthy levels. It may cause internal damage and cause your blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels.

The generation of enormous power is something we all need to do once in a while. Athletes usually need to do it often; martial artists, law enforcement personnel, and military personnel need to do it occasionally and sometimes for prolonged periods.

That leaves us one choice: to change the way we breathe.

How can I include you in with this group? Well, let me ask you this: have you ever tried to stop yourself from falling? Have you ever tried to stop someone else from falling? Did you ever have to pick up or move a heavy object that fell on someone? Did you ever try to hit a home run, kick a goal in soccer or sprint around a defenseman in lacrosse? Spike a volley ball?

Yoga, Pilates, qigong and dance will almost always advocate inhaling when your body expands; and, exhaling when your body condenses.

However, the generation of power requires us to do the opposite: we must exhale upon exertion and inhale upon relaxing.

That leaves us with the following rule of thumb: Every one of these activities requires the generation of and control of power. The generation of power in all of these circumstances (and indeed, in all possible circumstances) requires the body to be stabilized against the counter forces which will arise as the body begins to generate the exact forces we instruct it to.

In other words, in order to produce power we must push against something. Our own body must be one of

If your goal is to move with relaxation, gracefulness and smooth flow, then inhale when your body is expanding and exhale when your body is contracting.

If power is your goal, then exhale upon exertion and

inhale upon release.

Not to confuse the matters, but that leaves us one last major topic to look at: Reverse Breathing or Daoist Breathing.

Stay tuned for a look at this topic in Part IV of this series.

Gary Giamboi founded The Institute of Asian Arts in 1994 in order to continue the tradition of discovering, nurturing and passing on the wisdom of the ancients.

He began his Eastern journey in 1969 and has had the unbelievable good fortune to have become a disciple and personal student of four World Class Masters He has achieved the Rank of Master Level Instructor in Qigong, Taijiquan, Ninpo, Jujutsu, Asayama Ichiden Ryu, Kenjutsu and Yoga in world recognized organizations. He is also certified as a Personal Trainer, as a Pilates instructor, in Ohashiatsu, in Thai Yoga and has several other lower rank Black Belts in various martial arts. He specializes in finding the common thread of Truth in All of these Arts, because at the end of the day â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things Can Only Work One Way.â&#x20AC;? Even though they use different systems of Internal Energy, Yoga works in China and Acupuncture works in India. Each contains a piece of The Truth or The Way Things Are. It is up to each of us to find as much of That Truth, That Way and live by it as closely as possible.

Gary has taught and demonstrated Martial Arts, Qigong, Yoga and Fitness Training in the USA, Japan, China, Canada, UK, Belgium, Germany, and Ireland. He has several articles published a total of over 64 times on various web sites and blogs, produced 2 DVDs on Qigong, 1 on Taijiquan, 2 on Yoga, 1 on Balance and a Point by Point Relaxation CD. He also has two books nearing publication and several new DVDs coming soon. His web sites are www.Genbukan.biz and the new www.Secrets-of-Yoga-Qigong.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Online..stay up to date this Summer with the Qigong Community

Qigong Network Qigong Teachers & Practioners Unite!

Dr. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Energy Enhancement System The Secrets of Qigong Masters Talk Show

Subscribe Today!

Mastery Journal Circulates Monthly