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     

2020 ~Understanding Basic Elements of Qigong (氣功) By Gary W. Abersold

 Sifu Kuo Lien Ying the "Real Deal"

Understanding the Basics 

Chi /Qi (氣) pronounced "chee" is refers to all types of energy. Traditionally taught as the intrinsic substance or the "life force energy" behind all things in our current universe.

Gong (功)  pronounced like you read it in English refers to the skill & power to achieve a desired effect, attainment or accomplishment that is achieved with diligent daily practice. Chi Kung, Qigong (氣功)  can be translated as  the cultivation & study of "life force energy".

 The term Qigong is a "umbrella term" that refers to many schools, traditions & spiritual societies historically found throughout East Asia. Indigenous Spiritual Societies like Taoist, Buddhist, & Village Tradition's do not refer to religion. It is viewed in East Asia as practice systems who follow the way of these Indigenous  traditions as a part of their culture and way of life, though not necessarily as a strict religion as many westerners would view it.

Qigong utilizes breath work, posture, movement, and sound resonation to cleanse, refine, accumulate and circulate life force energy in our body. This leads to improved health, stronger immune systems, stress management transformation of consciousness, and greater power for busy lifestyles. One of the best alternative body/mind therapies you will ever encounter with short learning curves.

Through harmonization of  body, mind, breathing, and sound resonation techniques; our resistance to major disorders, disease, adaptability to the external environment, and immunity to pathogenic influences is strengthened. With a strong immune system, diseases are hopefully prevented, creating a state of super health, vitality, and youthfulness for the practitioner. There is tons of evidence based medical research in the study of what the effects are.

Learning in Covid19 Era

How does one begin if there are no option of learning face to face due to the virus? This is complicated now; the best option that I can think of is home studying an approach where it can be universal, systematic and credible. Having a good map and guide is important to say the least. So from my experience and careful thought I would recommend Master Yang Jwing Ming Qigong series. They are very good and build on each other systematically, and good quality.

All these DVD's are almost like the highlights from his classes & workshops like I use to attend for many years. It was all taught through a sequential Qigong 1-8 class series, I did four rounds of Qigong 1-8 which also incorporated the Touch, no Touch Healing Massage,specialized in White Crane System & Taiji Qigong. This spanned over many years, it was well worth it although because it was in a time when there was literally nothing being taught in public. Many don't know that Master Yang is an incredible bodywork specialist and knows Chinese herb applications that many experienced people have never seen. His teaching style is very entertaining, logical, scientific; universal no matter what stye you do. Visit his website at:

https://ymaa.com/publishing/dvd/by-topic/qigong-1?sort_by=field_date_released_unix&sort_order=DESC&items_per_page=20&page=1     

Go to the bottom of the page and begin with the "Understanding Qigong"; Series 1 & 2; after that there are follow up series to this. These QIgong videos are very informative and you will learn alot of unknown concepts, do your self a favor and get "The Root of Chinese Qigong" book which coincides with this series. If you want to add a easy routine try the Eight Brocades DVD and get the book that is written for that Video.

Is the Master Yang series the final say? Not at all but its a great stepping stone down the path when real classes are non existent. I evolved eventually from the days at his Jamaica Plains School where he taught locally, and so have literally countless experts around the world.

Sage Wisdom for Adepts of  Chi Flow

A wise piece of advice I received from my first teacher Master Katsumi in Florida was roughly as follows way back at 13 I never forgot was roughly ~ Dissolve western sass; be a person of compassion and receptivity. You will forever be learning & relearning each and everyday, be patient as the clock of life clicks on. There is no graduation, nothing to Master; each day we try to improve and be less wrong. Be open minded, be a sponge eventually seek out legitimate masters of the "way" and teach anyone that you have affinity with, the healing traditions you learn. Never become greedy  or you will become unlucky and jinxed in all you do. Be close to all that you do and you will be ok. :)

GWA  

Invocation of Master Chang Tsai

Western Wall Incantation

Heaven is my Father and Earth is my Mother, and even such a small creature as myself, find an intimate place in their midst. Therefore that which fills the universe I regard as my body and that which directs the universe I consider as my nature. 

All people are my brothers and sisters, and all things are my companions.The great ruler is the eldest son of my parents, and the great ministers are his stewards. Respect the aged -- this is the way to treat them as elders should be treated. Show deep love toward the orphaned and the weak -- this is the way to treat them as the young should be treated. The sage identifies his character with that of Heaven and Earth, and the worthy is the most outstanding man. Even those who are tired, infirm, crippled, or sick; those who have no brothers or children, wives or husbands, are all my brothers who are in distress and have no one to turn to. 

Wealth, honor, blessing, and benefits are meant for the enrichment of my life, while poverty, humble station, and sorrow are meant to help me to fulfillment.

In life I follow and serve. In death I will be at peace.

Commentary:

 Master Chang Tsai was a famous a teacher from "Rational Idealism  Confucian" school of thought in the 11th Century. I posted this because Master Chang Tsai is almost unknown in English speaking culture. The above passage was found on his western wall in his study. Concepts of  "Rational Idealism"; which are naturalness, connectedness, belonging, being always present and mindful where ever you may be. These are all qualities that anyone would appreciate. Traditional Chinese thought which is almost always transmitted through verbal dictation and written prompt books teaches anyone our spirit's are connected. With the power of memory and tradition, to the past it prepares us, with Spiritual Empowerment, for the future. It's a wonderful piece to say the least especially in a time where basic ethics and morality are at a all time low.   

GWA  

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