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Taoist Self-Development Training - more information Tai Chi - Chi Gung - Meditation - Taoist Origins WHAT IS TAI CHI? Tai Chi is a highly sophisticated, long-established system of mind/body integration and development, as well as an extremely effective martial art. It takes the form of a series of postures and movements practiced slowly in a flowing, continuous way. Its primary methodology is to move the body from the inside - using the deep muscles, ligaments, joints and internal spaces - whilst relaxing the external muscles. This may seem a strange concept at first, but it is a natural human ability that can be regained. Observe a baby moving: they have completely relaxed muscles, yet they are incredibly strong for their size. Their back and shoulders are unbound, and their spine is flexible and straight. They they can scream for hours without tiring, long after they have exhausted an adult. That's due to internal power. By the time we reach adulthood we tend to lose these natural attributes. The main goal of Tai Chi is to regain them. Hence the traditional way of describing a Tai Chi practitioner's body: like an iron bar wrapped in cotton wool. Soft and flexible on the outside, strong and energetic on the inside. Relaxing the body allows the mind to relax, and vice versa, eventually creating a meditative state. At the same time, specific physical alignments are maintained to maximize the internal motion and flow of energy within the body. Continuous, effortless circular motion is developed. Progressively, all 16 Taoist Nei Gung (Internal Cultivation) principles are eventually incorporated into the form. This may sound complicated, but it is important to remember that Tai Chi is multi-layered. It operates at many different levels, from the physical (such as releasing tense muscles), to the subtly physical (such as moving and massaging the internal organs), to the energetic (moving energy into, through and out of the body), to the more subtly energetic (transforming energy), to meditation. With practice these abilities can be gained and refined. However, you do not have to master all the aspects of Tai Chi to benefit enormously from the practice of it. The benefits simply amplify as you progress. WHAT WILL IT DO FOR ME? Specific benefits will depend on the individual. Known benefits of Wu style Tai Chi are: Tai Chi develops balance and coordination. The complex, slow-motion movements dramatically increase your physical balance and coordination - you learn to move the left and right, upper and lower part of your body in different directions simultaneously, while completely in unison.
Tai Chi strengthens the nerves
and eases stress
As you get stronger through continued practice, your nerves are strengthened and your body awareness is enhanced. Most importantly, as your ability to relax improves, and your health is enhanced, work capacity is increased enormously, and you find yourself less tired than you used to be. Moreover, the deep breathing induces bodily and mental calm. The blood is circulated without stress on the heart Concerning the circulation of blood, the object of Tai Chi is not to make the heart pump more strongly, but to increase the elasticity of the vascular system so the heart doesn't need to pump as strongly, which provides it with more rest. Tai Chi improves cardiopulmonary function Most people think that aerobic exercise is necessary to strengthen the heart and the lungs. While aerobic exercise does accomplish this, so does Tai Chi. Slow, deep, regular breathing and energy movement combine to work oxygen deeper into the tissues than regular exercise. The lymph pump, hence the immune system, is strengthened The lymph fluids are moved primarily by tiny muscular contractions. The relatively fine muscular contractions improved by Tai Chi move lymph efficiently through the entire system. These actions, as well as the overall increase in energy that Tai Chi brings, strengthen the body's immune response. The synovial fluid is vitalized, bringing flexibility to the joints Synovial fluid is found in the joints. It lubricates the joints, allowing joint flexibility, and when functioning normally helps prevent arthritis and rheumatism. Tai Chi works with the synovial fluid by compressing and expanding it, preventing and reversing all sorts of joint problems. The muscle tissue gains elasticity Tai Chi also causes muscle tissue to elongate. With the stretches of Tai Chi the muscles eventually attain a state akin to that of a springy rubber band. The tendons are strengthened. Tai Chi also adds greater strength and elasticity to the tendons which contributes to the tremendous flexibility many Tai Chi practitioners have. Tai Chi loosens the muscles and builds power Tai Chi works with the muscles quite differently than typical exercises do. Tai Chi and other internal exercises build effortless power and looseness; the goal is a feeling of relaxed power. Relaxed power comes when the muscles just loosen up and allow the energy to flow through. IS IT HARD TO LEARN? Tai Chi is capable of being an extraordinarily complex, multi-layered art. To become a master is hard. But to become good enough to gain the majority of the health benefits Tai Chi has to offer is well within most people's capabilities, assuming they are properly taught. Over 100 million Chinese practice Tai Chi every day - twice the entire population of Britain! IS IT SAFE? Yes. Tai Chi is remarkably safe. It is low impact and avoids over stressing the body, yet operates at a very deep level. Nevertheless, responsible and knowledgeable tuition is of course essential to ensure correct practice. Please note that persons with a chronic or acute medical condition should seek a physician's advice before undertaking any system of exercise. IS IT MEDITATION? While Tai Chi does produce a meditative state of mind, it is not in itself meditation. However, at a more advanced level, meditation can be practiced while doing Tai Chi. This is a moving form of Taoist meditation. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM YOGA? Fundamentally, Tai Chi and Yoga have the same goal - to clear blockage in the body's energy channels, release emotional tensions, and increase physical and mental health. Tai Chi has particular emphasis on the flow of energy and movement from yin to yang and back again, while yoga has more emphasis on specific postures (asanas) that allow for breath/energy techniques (bandas & pranayama). The feeling you get from practicing the two can be quite different, and it can be useful to cross-train in both methods. HOW, WHERE & WHEN DO I PRACTICE? You can practice anywhere big enough to take a few steps in each direction - Wu style Tai Chi is a compact form. Obviously, calm and healthy surroundings are preferable. You can complete the form in five minutes - longer if you choose. Any time of day or night is suitable, although certain times can be optimal. Loose, comfortable clothes and comfortable, flexible shoes or bare feet are all that are required. Gym kit is fine. Ideally, you should be neither full of food nor very hungry when you practice. You do not need to speak Chinese, know anything about Chinese culture or wear a uniform to learn Tai Chi. Further guidance on training methods are given during the tuition. HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE RESULTS? This depends on the individual: their aptitude for Tai Chi, their state of health, and above all the amount they practice. An increased feeling of physical and mental relaxation can be gained in just a few weeks. Sometimes even faster. Deeper benefits will come with time and practice. What can be said with certainty is that with patience and perseverance, you can benefit substantially from the practice of Tai Chi. Remember - you are gaining a skill which you can use for the rest of your life, not just a one-off treatment!
WHAT IS CHI GUNG AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Chi Gung (meaning "Energy Work/Cultivation" in Chinese) is a system of exercises designed to work with the energy channels in the body (including the acupuncture meridians) in order to remove blockages and allow for the healing of injuries, rebalancing and revitalization of the body and mind. The energy that this refers to (known as 'chi') relates to the physical body, and put simply is what distinguishes a living body from a dead one. The more chi you have and the more freely it flows, the more alive you are - quite literally! Chi flows through specific channels in the body, from the deeper to the more superficial. The central and the side channels are known as 'pre-birth' because they are formed at the stage of the dividing egg and embryo, respectively. From these channels, the twelve ordinary and eight extraordinary meridians are formed in the womb. It is these meridians (channels) with which acupuncture works. Stress,
illness and injury affect the flow of chi
through the channels of the body. In turn,
blockages in the flow of chi cause illness
and adversely affect the endocrine (hormonal)
system and the brain, causing stress and emotional imbalance. Chi Gung is
designed to remove these blockages and enliven all the systems of
the body.
The analogy of a baby is often used; babies have enormous resistance to disease and often survive conditions that would kill an adult. How? Their chi is not blocked - it flows strongly and naturally, allowing their organs to function optimally in all conditions. As we age we accumulate, for one reason and another, blockages to the natural flow of chi in our bodies. Chi Gung aims to reverse that process. DRAGON & TIGER CHI GUNG This 1500-year-old traditional Chinese medical Chi Gung practice is a seven-movement exercise. Ideal for any age or fitness level, it is easy to learn and quickly gives you a recognizable feeling of chi in your body. These techniques have been applied for centuries in China to heal people by clearing the blockages in their energy auras. You will learn how to: •
work with the chi connection between your aura and acupuncture •
stretch and move your joints, release tension, stress and pain, • project chi through your body and hands for healing and/or physical power ENERGY GATES This course teaches you how to heal stress-related illnesses, heals chronic joint problems and builds internal strength. You learn to: • focus your awareness to consciously coordinate and control your body's flow of chi • breathe in the basic Taoist manner and feel your energy gates and their functions • align your body correctly in order to achieve the downward flow of chi without blocking or dissipating it • energize your internal organs and adjust internal biomechanical alignments to promote healing •
control the movements of your individual spinal vertebrae and relieve spinal
tension and pain. • maximize energy and range of motion WHAT WILL IT DO FOR ME? Specific benefits will depend on the individual. Many of the benefits of Tai Chi can be gained, but with specific focus on the release of tension in the nervous system (and hence the muscles), release and correction of spinal misalignments, healing of energetic blockages that affect the functioning of the internal organs, and grounding of energy, promoting calmness and clarity of mind. IS IT HARD TO LEARN? It is relatively simple to learn and quickly gives a sense of energy moving within oneself, as well as releasing tension in the nervous system. The more you practice the more you develop your energetic awareness, release your energetic blockages and build vibrant health. IS IT SAFE? Yes. The methods taught here are especially safe and gentle, while being extremely effective. This contrasts with some fire method chi gung techniques which are potentially harmful. Nevertheless, responsible and knowledgeable tuition is essential to ensure correct practice. Please note that persons with a chronic or acute medical condition should seek a physician's advice before undertaking any system of exercise. IS IT MEDITATION? While Chi Gung does produce a meditative state of mind, it is not in itself meditation. However, it does provide the foundation for meditation, most importantly an increased energetic awareness and ability for relaxed mental focus. WHICH SHOULD I LEARN – TAI CHI OR CHI GUNG? Tai Chi is actually a complex form of moving Chi Gung that can also be used as a martial art. It involves learning many more sets of movements than Chi Gung, so at the initial stages less time is spent on developing energetic awareness. Because of this, chi gung normally gives you a sense of energy moving and releasing earlier in the training. However, many people enjoy learning the physical movements of Tai Chi, so it is really a matter of personal preference. Chi Gung does provides an excellent adjunct to Tai Chi, which incorporates all the principles learned here. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM YOGA? Fundamentally, Tai Chi and Yoga have the same goal - to clear blockage in the body's energy channels, release emotional tensions, and increase physical and mental health. Tai Chi has particular emphasis on the flow of energy and movement from yin to yang and back again, while yoga has more emphasis on specific postures (asanas) that allow for breath/energy techniques (bandas & pranayama). The feeling you get from practicing the two can be quite different, and it can be useful to cross-train in both methods. HOW, WHERE & WHEN DO I PRACTICE? You can practice anywhere big enough to swing your arms. Calm and healthy surroundings are preferable. Five minutes is fine, longer is better still - the more you practice the more you get out of it. Any time of day or night is suitable, although certain times can be optimal. One of the advantages of Chi Gung is that some of the techniques are externally invisible, meaning you can practice at the bus stop, sitting on the tube, or even at your desk when tired or stressed. Further guidance on training methods are given during the tuition. HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE RESULTS? This depends on the individual: their aptitude for Chi Gung, their state of health, and above all the amount they practice. An increased feeling of physical and mental relaxation can be gained in just a few weeks - often faster. Deeper benefits will come in time. What can be said with certainty is that with patience and perseverance, you can benefit substantially from the practice of Chi Gung. Remember - you are gaining a skill which you can use for the rest of your life, not just a one-off treatment!
The core practices of Taoist Water Method meditation are taught here. These include Taoist breathing, standing and sitting outer dissolving practices and an introduction to the inner dissolving process. In the dissolving processes an individual uses his or her awareness and intent to release energy blockages in progressive stages, at successively deeper levels of their being.
WHAT
IS TAOIST WATER METHOD MEDITATION?
The principles of the Water Method encompass relaxing, letting go, balancing and dissolving tension without strain or force. Taoist
Water Meditation works with
all the body's major internal organs,
glands, energy channels and centres. It teaches you to: • release stress • attain inner stillness • become aware of your intuition Taoist Water Meditation is practiced in four distinct and progressive stages: 1. Chi Gung and certain chi dissolving practices teach you to feel energy and your body's deepest and most subtle physical sensations. These techniques strengthen your body, mind and chi and release the trapped energy that affects your physical health and vitality. 2. Deeper dissolving practices help you to release your embedded emotional, mental and psychic traumas, attachments and aversions. 3. As your practices mature, your mind will encounter occasional experiences of deep silence, until your inner being completely stills. (4. The final stage is internal alchemy.) Much of this teaching is extremely hard to come by, both in China and the West. WHAT WILL IT DO FOR ME? These
techniques have the potential to
release tension at the very deepest levels of the body and mind, allowing
for
complete healing and revitalization and aiding spiritual growth. IS IT HARD TO LEARN? While learning meditation is quite a subtle art, anyone can do it - especially if they build a foundation of energetic awareness through Chi Gung training. IS IT SAFE? Taoist Water Method meditation is very safe, especially compared with many fire methods of meditation, which tend to use forceful techniques, including visualization, chanting (mantras), forced breathing, and even catharsis (screaming, crying, shouting etc.) Please note that meditation is not a substitute for psychotherapy. HOW, WHERE & WHEN DO I PRACTICE? Standing and sitting practices are taught in this course. It is not necessary to sit in 'lotus' positions - a chair is fine. You can practice anywhere, at any time. Naturally, certain environments and times are optimal for meditation. These issues are fully discussed during the tuition.
Something
mysteriously formed,
Born before heaven and earth. In the silence and the void, Standing alone and unchanging, Ever present and in motion. Perhaps it is the mother of ten thousand things. I do not know its name. Call it Tao. Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu The Taoist sage Lao Tzu left China for Tibet about 2,500 years ago. A border guard insisted that Lao Tzu write down the principles of Taoism before leaving. The resulting text - the Tao Te Ching - was the first time the Water Method of Taoism had been alluded to in writing, although it had already been in existence for 1,500 years.
WHAT
IS TAOISM?
Taoism is a spiritual tradition that originated over 4,000 years ago in the mountains of western China, and has been kept alive by a lineage of practitioners stretching forward to the current day. Taoists are concerned with the integration of all aspects of a human being and the harmonization of human energies with the energies of nature, the universe as a whole and the source of all manifestation (the Tao). As such, true Taoism is emphatically not a religion - in fact Taoists seek to achieve freedom from all fixed concepts, instead seeking greater awareness of the actual nature of things and events. These goals are pursued by means of physical, energetic and meditative practices such as Tai Chi, Chi Gung, and meditation. The Taoist approach to self-cultivation is quite different from most other traditions, in that it starts with the physical body, aiming to restore balance and harmony there as the initial goal. After all, it is difficult to have a balanced and calm mind when your back is aching or you are suffering ill health. Also, making contact with the energies of the physical body leads one into deeper awareness of the nature of the mind and emotions, taking one into meditation. Over the millennia, the Taoists also devised Chinese medicine, acupuncture, geomancy (Feng Shui), and several other arts and sciences. The nature of these practices are such that they can benefit everybody, regardless of their cultural or religious beliefs or backgrounds. They simply work! It is not necessary to have any interest in Taoist philosophy or theory. FIRE & WATER There are two distinct approaches to energetic development and meditation: Fire and Water. Fire method practices generally take the approach of forcing things to happen - an 'end justifies the means' approach. This certainly can achieve the intended results, but runs the risk of causing damage, whether physical, mental, emotional, or energetic, in the process. Additionally, the results are often unstable. Examples of fire method practices are: Hindu tantric and kundalini yoga (pranayama), western psychological cathartic methods, certain types of Buddhist chi gung and meditation, and Neo-Taoist fire method techniques (to which most chi gung taught in the West belongs). Water method practices take the approach of allowing things to happen - especially with a sensitivity to when things are ready to happen. The principles of the Water Method encompass relaxing, letting go, balancing and dissolving tension without strain or force. For example, if you were surfing a big wave, you wouldn't try to dictate how the wave behaves - you'd find the most appropriate way to use its power. This approach to chi gung and meditation brings the benefits of allowing you to be aware of and work with processes that are naturally taking place in your body and mind, that you might be unaware of if you were practicing a fire method. The results of water method practices are highly stable and permanent, while the process itself is very safe. Additionally, from a western viewpoint, the Water Method practices provide a useful counterbalance to the naturally 'fiery' western mindset. WHERE DOES TAI CHI COME FROM? Exactly where it originated is subject to some debate. Its creation is often attributed to the legendary Taoist sage Chang San Feng; the story being that he saw a snake and a crane fighting while in the mountains and from this drew the principles and form of Tai Chi. A more likely explanation is the following: a Taoist master named Wang Tsung Yueh arrived at an inn in the Chen village. In the course of conversation, he disparaged their Shaolin-like martial art known as Cannon Fist (Pao Twi). Challenges ensued, and he roundly beat all his attackers. The villagers, astounded at this martial art, asked to learn from Wang. Lacking the time to teach them the specific movements of his style, he modified his Taoist martial art to work with the external movements of Cannon Fist. Tai Chi was born. Whatever the historical accuracy of this may be, one thing is certain - Tai Chi first surfaced in the Chen village. The Chen Village style later evolved into the Yang style (named after the great Tai Chi master Yang Lu Chan 1799-1872). Wu Jien Chuan (1870-1942), a Yang style master, then evolved the form into a new style, which became known as the Wu style. The Taoist sage Liu Hung Chieh lived and studied with Wu Jien Chuan and was passed the lineage. My teacher, Master B.K. Frantzis, lived and studied with Liu Hung Chieh in Beijing for many years and in turn the Wu style lineage was passed on to him. WHERE DOES CHI GUNG COME FROM? Chi Gung practices of one form or another have existed back into the mists of antiquity. The Energy Gates practices are part of the Taoist Water Method tradition, that dates back at least 4,000 years. Liu Hung Chieh passed these techniques to Master Frantzis as part of the complete lineage of Taoist Water Method meditation. Dragon & Tiger Chi Gung originated about 1,500 years ago from an amalgamation of Shaolin and Taoist techniques. It is, however, fundamentally Taoist in nature. It is used in China today as a medical chi gung, especially for the treatment of cancer. A NOTE ABOUT PRONUNCIATION Chi
Gung/Qi Gong/Chi Kung... Tai Chi Chuan/Taijiquan Written Chinese consists of ideograms - not a phonetic alphabet like western languages. There are three main systems of writing Chinese phonetically: the Pin Yin, Wade-Giles, and Yale. The latter was created at Yale University and specifically designed to most closely mimic the actual pronunciation of Chinese words when spoken by a westerner. For instance, Chi Gung is Qi Gong in Pin Yin and Chi Kung in Wade-Giles. These are not accurate pronunciations compared to the Yale system (the closest would actually be Chee Gung), therefore I have used the Yale system throughout. FURTHER READING
Taoism:
Tao
Te Ching by Lao Tzu - any good translation. Hua-Ching Ni's version
is recommended. The
writings of Chuang Tzu. The Essential Chuang Tzu, from Sam
Hamill & J.P. Seaton (Shambhala) is especially recommended. The I Ching (Book of Changes) - any good translation. Thomas Cleary's books on Taoism are a good introduction.
Tai Chi The
Power of Internal Martial Arts by B.K. Frantzis.
There is a lack of good, accurate books on Tai Chi - especially Wu style. If I come across any others worth recommending, I'll list them here.
Chi Gung Opening
the Energy Gates of Your Body by B.K. Frantzis.
There are hundred of other Chi Gung books out there - some good, some potentially dangerous.
Water Method Meditation
Relaxing Into Your Being by B.K. Frantzis
The
Great Stillness by B.K. Frantzis
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