Affinity & The Way of the True Teacher ~ Sheng Ren Wu Wei Shifu (圣人 無為 師傅)

 

The Sheng Ren Wu Wei Shifu ( 圣人 無為 師傅) refers to the following: 

 

Sheng Ren ( 圣人): The one that follows the saintly way; is one who embodies the path & lives, breaths its wisdom.

Wu Wei ( 無為): Non impulsive actions, commonly referred as "empty action". The life code of the wise ones in which they follow ~ leading without pushing, doing without striving, living daily with what seems no agenda/goals or end in mind.

Shifu ( 師傅): A skillful Master of the tradition of their art they had embarked on many years in the making. A true Shifu is a longtime student before they are chosen for path of the skillful teacher.       

The teachers of the way generally don't advertise themselves, they will seem as a simple non de-script people. The Sheng Ren of "Tao & Buddhist Ways" look indifferently at fame, wealth, and personal glory. In many ways its against their code to recompense for teaching of Healing Meditation and Arts. They will generally accept donation system of "Dana"(pronounced "Donna) the way of generosity and allow the receiver to decide what it is worth to them and their personal situation. Recompense although is never demanded. This is how it always has been, but sometimes not followed by people of hubris and greed. 

For the teacher and the student of the way, there are almost Eight Billion humans (Fall 2020), of planet Earth! How many are we destined to meet? The true teachers you mentor under and students you teach is for sure a predestined affinity arranged by the Tao. If the teacher & students learn the transmitted traditions well, and utilize it for the better of humanity, people will become happier and more peaceful people, in this way the world can become a better balanced existence at some level.

 

GWA

 

Reader Request~Tao Teh Ching Chapter : Wu Wei

 

In the Traditional Tao Teh Ching Chapter 2 "Wu Wei (無為) " is first encountered. The Tao Teh Ching is a embedded loaded manual with many levels of meaning. Wu Wei is obviously a important topic to Lao Tsu to appear so early on his teaching in this writing. 

Wu Wei (pronounced "Woo Way" roughly) simply refers to on the basic level, not to act with impulsiveness, for one to follow a life path of acting without striving, leading and demonstrating without pushiness or ego, almost living ones life without no end or mind; or goal. Which leads back to controlling ones impulsiveness.

How does one achieve this? The practice of non conceptual meditation and practicing the art of Wuji Qigong for sure can help. Sifu Fong Ha use to explain Wuji cultivation as the "The fine art of doing nothing; & achieving everything"...which leads you to Wu Wei in action.

 

GWA     

Wu Wei is advised in Six Circumstances in the Tao Teh Ching

1. Avoiding Competition: "The Tao of the Sage is to act but not to compete with others" (Ch 81)

2. Avoiding Creating Hardship: "Those who avoid creating problems are clever & donot act" (Ch3)

3. Avoiding emphasis on One's Ability: "Acts but does not absorb credit" (Ch2)

4. Existing in accord with Tao of all things: "I follow "Wu Wei", and people
    transform themselves (Ch 57)

5. Following Nature: "The Tao always exist in "Wu Wei", but leaves nothing undone" (Ch 37)

6. Pro-activeness to anticipate dilemma's: "Act before the problem happens; manage before disorder arises" (Ch64)

The above is taught as follows "Wu Wei" has two meanings. One is the highest state of our mind, free from habitual patterns, free from desire and attachment. Two is is the quality of acting according to nature. The above illustrates six circumstances as advised by Lao Tsu in the Tao Teh Ching.

Taoist of China teach that wise people choose to follow Lao Tsu's method of the Path of Tao. Supporting and educating the common householder's by one's living example. People who follow "Wu Wei" essentially all anyone to live their lives as they see fit with unabridged freedom to grow and flourish. The Sage of the Tao holds nothing against anyone or anything from the smallest silk worm to the soaring Dragons of Heaven. People who cultivate their lives through "Wu Wei Tao" learn how to actualize all things to life, but does not hold to them as well. They follow a path of balance and non assuming action, which brings contentment and success with ease.

Notes: Chinese Spiritual Traditions emphasize "one culture three practice systems" meaning Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Common features among the three systems are as follows. Taoism Wu Wei encourages and permits everyone to follow their own true nature. Chinese Chan and Japanese Zen guides everyone to awaken to their own true face. Confucianism teaches no worshiping of gods, Gurus or my spirituality/religion. Therefore historically anyone or everyone could in Chinese culture can become a Master, Sage or God to the people who think they have  great merit or special skill in some cases.                           
 
         

Seven Teachings of Tao within Tao Teh Ching

Seven Concepts

of 

Tao 

Tao has been translated as Way, principle, nature, road and many other related terms. For practitioners of Tao ( 道) it is the source of everything; the original ingredient to life as we know it. It is so vast and mosaic none of us can tell how it started. It is by itself ~never born nor dying.  Tao is so grand it is limitless; at the same time it is so subtle and fine it travels through anything. Lao Tsu tried himself to see it but it's invisible; he tried to feel it but could not feel it; He asked for it's voice but nothing responded in a communicable voice.

The general ideas here can be found in the Tao Teh Ching found in chapters 4, 23, 32,34,35,41,53,62, and chapter 77. Here you will find citations to the generic term Tao within the chapters themselves, within the theme of lessons.

With that being notated although, there are although, seven key conceptual meanings that are used in many Taoist of China teachings of the Tao Teh Ching or a.k.a. the "Lao Tsu". Taoist of China are simply my terms for teachers and friends whom are a lineage of Taoist whom use Lao Tsu's teachings as a foundational source of transcendence to the source.  Below I will list them for anyone's own personal meditation & contemplative practice:       

 

 

1. Truth/Eternity: "The Tao which one can explain is not the unchanging Tao". (Ch. 1)

2. Creator/Creation: "The Tao gives birth to all things; virtue rears them". (Ch.51)

3. Energetic Power: " Returning is motion of Tao". (Ch.40)

4. Omnipresence: "Its alone stands without changes. It is omnipresent and endless. It may be the mother of our world. I don't know it's name, but name it the Tao; source of all things". (Ch. 25)

5. Foundations & Principles: "If you hold to the Tao of ancient life, one will manage existence in the present. If one can know the origin;..it is called the precepts of the Tao". (Ch.14)

6. Supreme Standard: "Our greatest virtue expression is to only follow and practice Tao". (Ch.21)

7. Nature: The Tao follows Nature. (Ch. 25)

  

Passing of my Father

Thomas W. Abersold

4-7-36 ~ 9-7-17

Dear Students and Friends of Qigong Healing Center,

This past week Thursday 4/7/2017 my father passed away with me at his side at 4pm, after 15 months battle of Brain Cancer. He told me he is ok, and took his last three breaths and released ; he fought a good fight and had enough of this crap to say the least. I had transferred him yesterday from the V.A. as one last wheedle attempt to buy him more time and possible give him a few more month's of peace; but I knew it was a long shot at best, it was just too late he was already transitioning as early as Wednesday night. Labor Day was the last day we had fluid conversations...and it became apparent what was happening.

The last two weeks he started losing alot of weight and my last four visits we said our goodby's. It was the hardest thing to see a man with great health, wisdom, wit and zest to shrink away so quickly. I brought him back to the area so my family good be there and he wouldn't pass without us at the V.A.

My father was/is the behind the scenes hero in my life; a great motivator, caring man and the best friend anyone could ever imagine. I was lucky to have him for the first half of my life so far and will have his energy and spirit to forge forward in coming years. He loved everyone I knew and was interested in everyone as well. He came from a era when people where just good quality people you could always count on.

I am very proud that we were able to spend the last 18 years together day in - day out; he had a great retirement. I am also very proud that I was able to take care of him to the very end and he knew he could count on me matter what. I never let him down on any aspect, with that he had a easy time with it all. He fought a good fight and went out on his terms.So obviously I will be taking a few weeks off from classes, possibly longer to self heal and regroup for the future. I will still work on website and forum although and will email updates.  I appreciate everyone that  gave me support to stay in the fight with my dear father; and for that I will never forget. :) Be happy celebrate his life, everything will be ok.

 Sincerely,

 Gary Abersold      

For anyone whom like to donate to his funeral please use the gofundme.com link below. We appreciate everyone's generosity in any amount. The funeral cost is $3,100 outside the V.A Benefits. 

 https://www.gofundme.com/4egyc7k

Bonafide Systems are of Value

Fuel for Practice

  

The most important part of studying and partaking in East Asian Culture and - I would add in life in general - is what is commonly known simply as walking the path of "ethicality". This simply means to follow a personal code of conduct of goodness, uprightness, decency, honesty, integrity and tradition. How one carry's themselves personally will manifest outwardly to all they encounter. 

 Question: A student asked me this week in my morning class is making your "own qigong form" or "hodge podging" different methods together ok?.. like East Indian Yoga with Qigong?

Answer: It's very risky, possibly dangerous if you donot have professional training and certainty.  Most of the modern Qigong that developed during the late 1950's through current era where vetted and scrutinized by many Qigong commissions and society's, that had the top experts within. There did exist many lesser practices that never where approved. They ran into what we have in our western culture the problem of "self identified masters"; that have no link to any credible lineage, Teacher or credentials of any type. In those cases they were banned from the whole movement and unable to teach their brand of Qigong.
    

       The Way of Tradition

Following a path of "ethicality" is honoring and venerating the ancestors; even if they are from a land not of yours. Honoring tradition and ancestors is a integral part of the East Asian household in general. It is also not uniquely just found in Asia, can be found in many traditional cultures. Western culture is "culture-less" in the aspect that it is a land without tradition, except for Native Americans. Let's not forgot the truth is that United States was/is  hijacked from it's original inhabitants.

 The history is sad but true. For many modern practitioner's you may never been exposed to this teaching before, but it's important, lineage and time tested traditions are highly valued. I would say beware of anything that cannot be backed up. It's really easy to understand... without tradition, lineage, and ancestors we would not have anything today, nor practices or anything concrete or credible.  This is a big point what Chinese Medicine in general is built on, a venerable system with a long history of success. 

In the household traditions it is taught by the elders, that our spiritual ancestors are still present observing our deeds and actions and truly assisting to help us all the time. How you carry yourself in life, and in traditional practices will determine how successful you will be in the future. A clear map is better than trying to plow your own way; follow the tradition and one will be successful, as the thousands that have been before you. Any aspect of East Asian Culture of today is only great and time tested because of the personal skill and ability of many gifted enlightened practitioners and followers of the Way loooong before us. :) 

GWA

Sterling Heights Michigan - Qigong Classes with Gary W. Abersold

Late Summer - Autumn Qigong Classes

 with

 Gary W. Abersold

Introduction: There are new Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow Classes being held in Sterling Heights Michigan. By end of September I will have three teachers Certified whom after a 1 1/2 years practice and learning with me can effectively begin to teach the Energy Release, Chi Cultivation and beginner Flow Forms. So until then I am the only one that can properly teach this tradition. My goal is to be able to offer this abroad in Health Clubs, Community Centres, Gilda's Club, Youth Homes, people that are incarcerated, Military personal and Veterans. It's easy to learn and I have a vast amount of resource material for the serious student, that comes with the practice.    

    This is a perfect practice for anyone looking to truly have a Qigong routine that delivers and one can count on, each and every day. There are many practices that I have taught over the last 21 years of teaching; the Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow System is a genuine approach for beginners or experienced practitioners looking for something different. The brilliance of the tradition is that it is very tangible, new students feel their energy very quickly. This is taught in China and abroad even in Wutang Taoist Temples, Groups. A friend of mine that is a Monk teaches his version of it to all his personal disciples as a base for their Tai Chi Chuan understanding.              

Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow (太極氣流): Syncretic System of Tai Chi Chuan, and Healing Qigong practice, which has became very popular, over the past 40 years in China. Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow is not "Tai Chi Chuan" (Martial Art Tai Chi) , it is a healing form of Tai Chi, emphasizing Chi Flow - "life force energy". It is the best practice for anyone looking for health and wellness; and will prepare one better for traditional Tai Chi Chuan Systems as well. It's the Tai Chi training that almost no community centre class will ever offer, that are all so needed .

Tai Chi ~ Chi Flow has been scientifically tested and medically proven. The first entry level practice is designed to improve the general health and well-being of the practitioner. The gentle flow patterns and stretching movements improve circulation and digestion. The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma. And the overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body. What can it do for you:

• Improves health

• Increases energy, agility and flexibility

• Loosens and strengthens joints and muscles

• Normalizes energy congestion

• Rejuvenates body, breath, energy, mind and spirits

• Dissolves stress away

• Develops concentration

• Balances emotions

This Tradition is very effective and easy to learn. It is practiced throughout Asia, and is considered a national health exercise in Malaysia and Indonesia. Come learn about this unique system and my Master Teacher's related healing modalities. A DVD and two Audio Cd's are provided for home learning, away from class. For more information email us at qigonghealingcentre@gmail.com

GWA

Architect of Self

~Create Your Own Path ~ Follow Your Own Aspirations ~

 ~Make Your Own Moves~ 

Message of the Moment: Best to be yourself rather than being a clone of someone else. Follow your path, embrace the aspirations you feel and yearn for. Take action - make your moves . Don't become "I would have, should have, could have been person".  Life will teach you that one must work hard to attain it. Whatever that passion is that has sparked a flame within you go after it! Most important thing is never second guess yourself.

GWA    

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Empower Yourself with the Tools of Preventative Health Care

 Are you ready (drum roll please) ~Tah Dah another President and another stab at trying to fix our Health Care System in the United States good luck, nobody has fixed it yet. President Obama although pointed the Country in the right direction with ACA, imperfect yes, but for the down and trodden gave them hope they would not die on the streets because of lack of economical viability. 

It is a sad state of affairs that we cannot have a national health care system, like that of almost anywhere else. The best chance we had although I believe was with Dennis Kucinich's proposal of  a universal single-payer, not-for-profit health care system, because that would have lift tens of millions of Americans out of poverty. A lofty dream... who am I kidding, our elected officials are predatory capitalist which makes you and me a cash crop for the Doctors, Insurance and the pharmaceutical companies. So lets face it the people that control this industry of Medicine which is great business really are out for just themselves.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Health Maintenance

 Traditional Chinese Medicine promotes health maintenance. Through our spiritual beliefs, foods, herbs and Healing Exercises/Meditations, people have successfully maintained great health. I personally began interest in East Asian Culture at age of 13 due to the very fact problems with limitations of Western Medicine. I had many health issues and have successfully been balanced from them for decades.  Will you still need western medicine?..for sure yes, but for the people whom lack that of economical viability Traditional Chinese Medicine could be a alternative if not a better choice in many ways. 

What the world will need is more properly trained teachers and therapist for the future to meet the needs of the public. Weekly healing support groups in many forms will be the gold for many. Teachers also need to offer the classes to all and not just the wealthy; for money is also a barrier for many to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine. If everyone has the tools of change at their disposal they would see that their need for the doctors will be less and less; stop making them rich, and you going broke! You would be surprised to know you can live a life free of over medication and doctor controlled lifestyle. The Qigong is the one tradition that can eradicate many common illness.

In closing I invite anyone looking to learn Qigong feel free to contact me, it's easy to learn and affordable. My classes are offered at affordable rates for almost any budget and noone is ever turned away because of their situation. I hope all the teachers I have taught will do the same as well. For one persona cannot do it alone. Below is a interesting series of journal articles by the Lancet Journal about US health and health care, which highlights how widening gaps of income inequality are driving increases in health inequity. Other contributory factors, including mass incarceration and structural racism, are evaluated, as is the impact of the Affordable Care Act. The Series warns of a 21st century health-poverty trap unless new interventions are implemented. Click the link below and see all related studies:

 

 

 http://www.thelancet.com/series/america-equity-equality-in-health

The Quest for Orthodox Taoist Tai Chi?

A local student came over to my studio, student seeking advice on looking for authentic Taoist Tai Chi Chuan. He has been a student of "Taoist Tai Chi Chuan Society" and is questioning what they do. Well... for starters I don't like playing policeman, on these types of subjects cause everyone can do what they do. I think if it is helping someone get better health and wellness then that is perfect. It really does not matter per se what is so called "authentic", because once it leaves China and comes here it is a adapted tradition. America the melting pot, not a exclusive one view collective consciousness culture by any means.

I am no stranger to this Tai Chi Association; I have taught many of their teacher's Qigong and Meditation, Energy Healing throughout the years here in Michigan and in Windsor Canada. Many of them do it privately in fear of reprisal from the group, but its cool I understand, there can be alot of politics even in Tai Chu Chuan Groups. Many come to me for supercharging their personal practice, or how to setup  personal shrine for the home. I never ask any questions about the group, or what they do...I do what I do and that's enough! Nobody appreciates a busy body gossiper.

Taoism & Quest for Orthodoxy

In Western Cultures there is a quest for creating fringe Taoist Society's. This is not the only group trying; there are many. The founder of the Taoist Tai Chi Society took up these practices to heal himself and he was successful. Today it really has evolved into a large network of groups worldwide. They even have a Taoist Temple in Canada. But is it true Taoist Tai Chi? Hmmmm read on (lol)

Truth is the form is a adapted version of the Traditional Yang Cheng Fu form of the Yang Tradition. We could say it is follows in the consciousness of  "Taoist Spirit" inspired and follows loosely Yang Family/Style structure. The form follows a nice easy flowing style just like the Yang's. It is not a well oiled performance form that just looks flawless, but it does flow for commoner use. They have the reasoning for how they perform the tradition. They are doing positive work for people and they generally offer the practice inexpensive or free.

Wutang Taoism  is the root of true Taoist Tai Chi Chuan. A tradition with many forms techniques, Martial Arts and Meditation Traditions and even Religious practice. Wutang Mountain is a large place with many Masters and teachers, and so there are countless variations. Wutang Tai Chi is not the easiest way to enter into Tai Chi, but it is the source tradition of Tai Chi Chuan as we know it. The smaller 13 forms are usually the ones people like for basic health routines, but it takes teachers willing to share with students. Many like the Chi Cultivation Meditations over the form, cause the practice works quite fast for stress and illness. Many seek Taoist Identity and like the religious tradition, and mentor under a real Master ordained in all of the Traditions. Taoism is a never ending study of the self and nature. Adopt the "forever a student" approach and be open to learn; work on yourself and you will go far.      

Wu, Sun, Hao and many others are adapted largely from Yang Family. Yang Lu Chan was a genius with his technique and tradition and he became famous all through China. There are many variations of his teachings that even exist to this day that were birthed from his travels and teachings to his sons. The reason there are so many variations like many Master's he and his sons taught students based on ability and interest. Many teachers teach like this to remain open and to serve the many.  

In the beginning Yang Lu Chan was a Chen Stylist in the beginning. The Chen Family is more closely to what Wutang Tai Chi Chuan is, but its more of a family style of Chen Family teachings. Even Chen Family Tai Chi Chuan has a wide array of teachings as well. So it is a endless sea of adaptations today. Each school and practice has their view point how to make their system work. All I will say is follow the ones that gives you desire to practice and joy when you do it. It will take a mentor in whatever Tai Chi Chuan tradition you do to ensure you do the form correctly and not to injure yourself through improper postures and movement. 

Taoism in western cultures is complicated; it is complicated even in China. Daily life in China is not like it use to be before Mao Tse Tung and the Communist Red Flood. All the teachers I have ever studied with left cause of it. Taoism, Buddhism and other practice systems can no longer exist as it was. A sad true story to a once paradise on earth; but it don't matter cause it is omni present everywhere now. The traditions will go on and adapt. What was traditional may not be of value in the future anyhow. 

Many act like they own some rights to the Tao; no one owns what cannot actually even be described; lol...Many get real political with Taoist practice, quest for making it a mission, the "Tao of Dollars" the marketing of Taoism which just really pisses off all the Orthodox Lineage Masters off. True Taoism follows the making the practices available to those in need and not with a recompense price-tag attached to it. This is done in Traditional Buddhism as well-all truths groups I will say. With that said this is the West- if you want your group to survive you will have to support the mission, nothing is free in America! Don't let a good thing die in the "spirit of self sacrifice" and a very Asian way of doing things.

The real Taoist experience is everyone's own experience. So again noone "owns the Tao"; feel free to tag it as such- its your life, live it as you see fit. I think if you like this Tai Chi Tradition follow it. The core philosophy behind any of these practices should be the emphasis of sharing for the masses and helping one another out. As Hua Ching Ni has taught for many years TAO=Together As One.

GWA

  

Importance of person to person connection

IMPORTANCE OF THE PERSON TO PERSON CONNECTION

Regardless of the particular level of teaching or practice that we are attempting to integrate in our modern life; whether it be Qigong, Taoism, Buddhism, it has always been a time honored tradition that there is an person to person connection that takes place. The reason for this is the mentor teaches the student or students; the students learns the teachings, absorbs their meaning and puts them into practice. This is the goal for teaching the next generations.

There is a reason for this emphasis on live teachings. In most areas of Asia and since the beginning of time up to the present day, the teachings in Taoism, Buddhism and modern conventional Qigong has always been meant to be taught in real time through a mentor/teacher, ensuring that there is a living tradition that is still imbued with the tradition and power of the original teachings. It also guards against the possibility of so-called teachers simply coming up with their own ideas. Instead, the teacher passes on a proven tradition of teachings.

This makes the Orthodox Traditions different from other kinds of learning where it may be possible for people to innovate, fabricate or do it their own way due to lack of traditional teachings. In such realms of learning it may be appropriate to come up with new systems of thought or to introduce new ideas. But when we teachers and students are partaking about Taoism, Buddhism, Village Traditions; teaching must connect with the original teachings of the Orthodox Tradition in order for a teaching to be valid. The teachings cannot be something that someone is simply coming up with on their own. The teachings are something that the teacher passes on. A simple way to find out what is real or not is to ask the view teaching, source tradition teacher and their connection to it. This will eliminate much wasted time.

You can put two students side by side, the one whom values tradition and order will always come ahead the one whom, just prefers to "make it their own". Tradition gives one structure, methodology and eliminates the guessing game. People in life are distracted enough with the technology, webpages and social media. My advice don't try reinvent thousands years of proven techniques. It is youre hubris that is blocking one from becoming a great mentor/teacher or student. Follow the tradition; its simple as that! :)    

 

Inspired Reminders
of
 Lu Tung Pin 

To nourish the chi, enter into formless meditation & achieve tranquility and silence. In order to harmonize the mind, follow Wu Wei Tao and lose your compulsions and return to youre true nature. Be mindful of movement and stillness, be aware of their root and foundation; the origin of their existence. 

True cultivation is effortless, nothing to run after or someone to seek. The true and constant must respond to awakening to the Tao; responding to Tao, you must be balanced and fully harmonized. When balanced, your true nature will stabilize by itself; When the nature stabilizes, energy returns by itself; all in due time. 

When energy returns, the elixir of ever lasting life begins rebirthing by itself; Within the basin at the lower Tantien, the alchemical process begins of  Kan & Li (fire and water begins the process) are harmonized.
 

Yin/Yang energy's arise steaming the body vessel, repeating endlessly over and over again. Every transformation comes like a lighting bolt and with the first crack of spring thunder. The healing white mist forms and assembles at the snow mountain our Upper Tantien.The healing dew of the mouth flows down the throat; nourishing the five spirit organs. Shine your inner golden light into the healing dew of the mouth swallowing  the elixir of healing power and ever lasting life.

We live so effortless, we wander so freely; ​who is able to know you; do you know yourself? Sit and listen to sounds of nature; can you hear your'e own heart beat, do you hear the cicada playing their music? If you are not close to nature - get close to it. One whom lacks must get close to it; become one with nature again. Be like Lao Tsu; become the enlightened student; the master teacher and the one whom will lead everyone back to creation where we come from; our original nature...what we simply call Tao.

Legendary Story for Posterity

Even famous Taoist have stories of being less than what they should of been at different stages in their life. Lu Tung Pin ( 呂洞賓; pictured above) is widely the most popular of the Taoist Eight Immortals. He is one of the icons that is most identified with mortals and guidance. A patron saint to many Taoist alike, he is one that many seek empowerment and guidance from. According to Taoist records and oral tradition, it has been said he was a child prodigy who often floundered through his studies not taking many things seriously. In Imperial China he had flunked his Imperial Civil Service exam at least twice. Legend says that after his second failed attempt he went to a local inn and began to drink extremely heavy, got drunk and passed out. 

In his dream state he had a vision of a life of sadness and disharmony, a very tragic future due to his squandering of his ability and opportunity's. Upon awakening there sat Chung Li Chuan (鐘離權) one of the other famous Eight Immortals and Lu Tung Pin asked to become his disciple. The rest is sealed in history, tradition and Taoist lore; campfire stories of masters of the way for generations.

The practices and traditions of Lu Tung Pin & Chung Li Chuan are legendary; throughout history, oral tradition and many Dragon Gate & Chuan Zhen practitioner's identify and give affinity to Lu Tung Pin. The story does illustrate that everyone will have periods in life that are less than what can be. Also it illustrates that a mentor more seasoned than yourself is crucial, for advancement. Can you surrender your compulsions and know when to ask for help is the key here. 

You either make time for cultivation practice or you make excuses why you can't take time for cultivation practice. The amount of time you can spend on either is the same. So it should make more sense to spend your time improving your ability to enter into more depth of cultivating your life path. Every day is a new opportunity to change the patterns in your life; life is precious donot waste it, on foolish endeavors. 

GWA 

Great Dedicated Students = Excellent Instructors

Mrs. Misty Barnard

Certified Level I  

Lotus Meditation Instructor

September 2015

In our school's teachings we guide everyone through a conservative well paced plan. Many students come from many paths and experiences alike. With that, everyone that comes to learn has to surrender what they think know or might not know; to learn the intricacies of East Asian Healing Ways. This is not always easy many students have been through so many approaches generally once they reach Qigong, Meditation, Taoism and Buddhism etc. This does attract generally those with true desire to make headway. 

 Learning this path, is a private initiation, to a powerful system; a rare opportunity to connect in person and develop the traditions. It is more than just moving through the motions, or reading information. Students need a Instructor to be observed by them and get appropriate feedback as well, how to gauge their progress. Students need to understand that each tradition has their view teachings so its important to follow their instruction only. Become the "empty cup" so you can learn new practices!     

Great Congratulations to Mrs. Misty Barnard for achieving the Emei Lotus Meditation Level I of Master Wen Lei Chen's Traditions. We are very proud of her she learns the traditional way- in person through classes, memorization and practice. Shes been training now for just about one year and has made great strides through dedication and investing hours, and hours of cultivation. Misty is a great student and is already a great teacher, those who study with her will are very fortunate!  We are lucky to have her as a student and now as a Certified Teacher with the ranks of many others in Southern Michigan Area.

GWA  
       

Seven Meanings of Tao?

Tao (道) is a term with many interpretations and possible meanings; there is no shortage for commentary's on it! Early on in my learning, I wrote a small article on Tao and gave it to my first teacher. He came back with "you failed double FF"; (ouch)..he said its impossible to define and too many words. Rewrite it and eliminate so many words. Having a bruised ego I asked which words should I eliminate (lol)?  

This whole exchange taught me a important lesson of imagery and symbolic meanings in Traditions of Tao. The paper finally came down to "Tao"=trick question; impossible to define. The lesson was seek in the Lao Tsu to full-fill youre quest for what Tao is.

 Lao Tsu defines what Tao is in his teachings in the Tao Teh Ching. In the Tao Teh Ching Chapters: 1,51,40,25,14,21,25. It also brings forth a concept of "The Way of Heaven". Over the next several weeks we will go through this topic "Tao".

Five Interpretations on Chapter 1 on tao:

 道可道，非常道。

 Tao ke tao, fei chang tao 。

  

• The tao which one can explain is not the unchanging tao*
• The tao that can be told is not the universal tao*
• The tao that can be told is not the absolute tao*
• The tao that can be spoken of is not the ineffable tao*
• The tao that can be defined is not the eternal tao*       

The meaning here is Truth, Eternity and Infinity. The theme of unchanging, universal, absolute, ineffable and eternal, and many other possible meanings elude to " 常 " Chang. The term chang is simply constancy; which is something that is faithful and dependable. Lao Tsu's insight here is that the tao is faithful, dependable and unwavering. It has always existed and always will; it is constant beyond change. Lao Tsu's world view is that Tao is central to his teaching; he uses it to establish a systematic "Way of Heaven". In the above cited chapters 1,51,40,25,14,21,25 - the seven meanings of tao are:

1.truth and eternity (chapter 1)  2. creator (Chapter 51)  3. power and potency (Chapter 40) 4. pervasiveness (Chapter 25)  5. principle (Chapter 14)  6.supreme standard (Chapter 21) 7. nature (25)

(1) Truth & Eternity: The Tao that can be told; is not the absolute Tao.

(2) Creator: Tao gives birth to all things; virtue rears them.

(3) Power and Potency: Returning is motion of the Tao

(4) Pervasiveness: Having substance but formed from chaos, it was born before heaven and earth. Silent and sparse, it stands alone and never changes. It is cyclic and never rest. It can act as mother of heaven and earth. I don't know it's name!.. but if I must find a word for it, I will call it "Tao". If  I must find a name for it, I will call it great.

(5) Principle: Hold fast to ancient tao, to handle today's affairs. Knowing the ancient beginnings is called the principle and law of Tao.

(6) Supreme Standard: The content of great virtue is only to follow tao.

(7) Nature: Tao follows Nature.              

GWA