WHERE TO FIND A TAI CHI TEACHER IF THERE ARE NONE NEARBY?

by DrJahnke on November 23, 2013

  • I LOVE THESE DISCUSSIONS!
    They show up on FaceBook, LinkedIN, Twitter. This is a string from FaceBook.
    Its a kind debate where two honorable views converge and clash and express and inform — in the end it is inspiring!
    We at the The Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi (IIQTC – http://IIQTC.org) suggest that what is the most important about these dialogues is that there are not enough Qigong and Tai Chi Teachers and that anyone inspired to learn could easily also consider learning enough to be a Teacher. —- I wasn’ able to import everything from FB. Later I will add on of these dialogues from LinkedIN.
    Leave us a comment here at the Blog.
    Then head over to:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/2204953077/permalink/10151476510113078/
    A Sincere Qi Rush to you all!
    Dr Jahnke — Roger
    Director of the IIQTC

    I want to learn Tai Chi but where I live there are no instructors
  • Roger Jahnke Become a Practice Leader – Teach what you aspire to know!
  • Jôhnÿ Tæ Start searching for established teachers in the nearest big city and see if they have some kind of ‘crash course’. Then take a few days off to at least learn some introductory moves from them.
  • Mike Quinlan There is no crash course or short cuts in Tai Chi Chuan. That’s how the art has been diluted. Learn it off a video and then teach it.
  • Jôhnÿ Tæ No. It is videos that dilute Taichi. Nothing can beat an actual, capable teacher. By crash course I mean learn some basics and what it’s all about – to be good at it is another thing. And for heaven’s sake one must never teach Taichi unless an established school or teacher certifies you!
  • David Lenkovitzki it is NOT possible to learn TJQ from a video, since TJQ is not the form, or waving arms around, or following a dance sequence

    learning TJQ is about modifying your body in a very specific way so as to make ‘internal’ happen

    else what you have is an ’empty form’ with ‘waving arms around’, and that we have more than enough already, tens of millions of such

    teaching TJQ goes into a totally different category, another skill altogether

    so, you want to learn without a teacher? that’s not possible

    next?
  • Zachary Nelms True David, however it does start with the form. A beginner can learn a lot from books and videos, although its not ideal, it can be developmental… to a certain point.
  • Mike Quinlan i did not mean to learn from a video then teach…i meant that’s what many do…poorly worded on my part..but that is no different than going to a seminar and then teaching…the arts are lifelong endeavor and there are few real teachers who still view it this way
  • Mike Quinlan David…AGREED! To memorize a move takes 500 repetitions, to make it natural 5000….to unlearn takes 10 times that.
  • David Lenkovitzki No Zachary, it does not, it starts with jinbegung, basic, like any viable martial art.
  • David Lenkovitzki A beginner can learn nothing from books or video, she is lucky if she can learn from a hands on teacher.
  • David Lenkovitzki What you have to understand is that any somatic learning is not a process of getting some information in your head, but rather changing the living body in specific ways.

    No book or video can do that for you.
  • Zachary Nelms David, you’re spitting hairs. A book can be a purveyor of information, just like words can be. Obviously “somatic learning is not a process of getting some information in your head” but basic instruction starts with the head, which can lead to practice. Which, in turn leads to somatic integration. Ultimately, I believe that a person can become a master of somatic integration without any direct teacher but themselves. Teachers only point the direction (as can books and videos).
  • David Lenkovitzki Do you have any supportive evidence for your ideas Zachary? 

    Have you by any chance reached mastery of martial arts from books and videos alone?
  • David Lenkovitzki Basic instruction starts with hands on adjustment of structure and carriage, words mean nothing to a beginner.
  • Fernando Bernall what type of schools are there in your area?
  • Roger Jahnke I love this archetypal debate twixt Zachary and David. Excellent online push hands! Don’t stop! A public verbal Tai Chi smack down……. Just so you know, this debate has been happening for centuries. Remember, there is a whole community of alchemists that think Tai Chi is actually the manifestation of the Big Bang within oneself. Who gives hands on instruction for that? Wuji – ONEness, non-dual, to Tai Chi (Taiji) – the two, opposites, duality. Tai Chi to San Bao – Three Treasures. Gentlemen, please proceed. Daniel thanks for hosting another great round of this question!
  • David Lenkovitzki here is something that I wrote a couple years ago:
    by way of foundation, I have started teaching by permission from my teacher 28 years go.

    I had about 700 people pass through my classes by now, some stayed longer than others.

    not bragging, just laying out what I found my statements on.

    my ideas as to how to teach, and what to teach, in what sequence have changed radically over the years.

    I wish that me now, had a way to work with me 30 years ago, and make the pathway smoother for me; since I can’t do that, by way of compensation I tell Daniel Anderson what I have learned about learning somatic skills.

    and now, I get off this thread, I need to make a living.

  • Isah Adams I facing a similar predicament with Daniel .someone should help out.
  • Mike Quinlan did all of these people achieve greatness without a mentor?
  • David Lenkovitzkihttp://www.biography.com/people/leonardo-da-vinci-40396

    Leonard Mussellerdo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy. Born out of wedlock, the love child of a respected notary and a young peasant woman, he was raised by his father, Ser Pie…See More
  • David Lenkovitzkihttp://www.nobelprize.org/…/laur…/1921/einstein-bio.html

    Albert Einstein was born at Ulm, in Württemberg, Germany, on March 14, 1879. Six weeks later the family moved to Munich, where he later on began his schooling at the Luitp…See More
  • David Lenkovitzki  James Blanchard, 33+ years of Wu TJQ, and I learn new material every single time I practice, or teach.

    That’s why it’s the one constant in my life, it’s always changing, always new.

    I have a very open mind IMO, show me ONE person that picked up viable somatic skill from Books or Video and I’ll concede 

    Just one
  • David Lenkovitzki CZH is a wonderful teacher, thanks Brett Alexander for a live example of what hands on teaching is.
  • Brett Alexander No problem, I always learn a lot from watching his corrections on students… and this one is free!
  • Zachary Nelms David, my first introduction to taiji and qigong were through books and videos. I created my own initial practice through this. I eventually found teachers that taught me choreography of taiji, but my primary teacher has been myself. Sure I’ve gotten pointers, tips, and other information from teachers, in fact in my view everyone is a teacher on some level but my primary teacher is myself. I’m no “master” but I have developed some mastery within certain domains. Besides, who is the master? It’s all relevant right?
  • Roger Jahnke Zachary Nelms it is typical in these discussions for someone to reveal that the mythology of the necessity of a Master Teacher is actually a restraint to proliferation of Tai Chi. You have accomplished that with excellent humility. The thing that is the saddest about the view that says you can’t get anything from a book, or video, is that it is a huge limitation of the volume of people who will ever have a positive experience. What we find is that a fair % people who learn without an accomplished teacher, eventually either find an accomplished teacher — or even better — they become an accomplished teacher. Love the discussion!
  • Vincent F. Pierino III I am also very interested in finding a legitimate Tai Chi Chuan Master to learn from. I have read some books and they have been little help in knowing if you are doing the movements properly. The instructors I have come across have not been very reputable. Love to hear some suggestions
  • Bruce Hayden The lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.
    The doctor who treats himself has a fool for a patient.
    The tai chi student who teaches himself…..
  • Mike Quinlan Well stated Bruce…
  • Zachary Nelms Perhaps it is the fool that is easily persuaded by meaningless rhetoric.
  • Mike Quinlan I’m sure someone as talented as you think yourself to be will do just fine with a book. But then if you have nothing to compare it to, I guess you’ll never know for sure.
  • Jôhnÿ Tæ An important factor in this argument is that Taichi standards in N.America are generally lower. So even if you find a teacher that ‘appears’ to be good, you might realize you can learn a good portion of his/her stuff from a video. This is because you h…See More
  • Roger Jahnke Is it possible that there are actually two parallel but separate tracks in this discussion. As a long time practitioner of Taijiquan, I am biased to the ideal of learning from teachers. However, as a participant in the emerging Integrative Health Care s that think Tai Chi is actually the manifestation of the Big Bang within oneself. Who gives hands on instruction for that? Wuji – ONEness, non-dual, to Tai Chi (Taiji) – the two, opposites, duality. Tai Chi to San Bao – Three Treasures. Gentlemen, please proceed. Daniel thanks for hosting another great round of this question!
  • Zachary Nelms Don’t misunderstand me, I do believe that a teacher is valuable, but to imply that a person should give up their pursuit of Taijiquan (or whatever) because they don’t have a teacher is utter BS! A person anywhere along the path can learn something from a book, especially a complete beginner.
  • Zachary Nelms Everyone will agree that learning this stuff takes time and hard work, THE STUDENT’S TIME AND HARD WORK.
    I know it’s sad for some of the teachers out there, but none of you have a monopoly on wisdom. The wisdom is there for anyone willing to seek it, with or without a teacher.
  • Daniel Anderson i have a chance to learn a watered down version here for $5 bucks on mondays when im in school so that doesnt work
  • Edith James I am in a similar situation. My reasons are for health, mental and energy benefits. I have decided that I am going to start with whatever free sources I can come up with then once I have exhausted whatever I can glean from those sources I will delve deeper by then investing in whatever I consider to be of use. In the end I intend to reach a higher level of consciousness and health through study with a skilled master but I do not want to be hasty in choosing as many are diluted.
  • Bruce Hayden So, Zachary, could you have become an acupuncturist without teachers? The knowledge set is all in books, right?
  • David Lenkovitzki Sure, after all Zachary Nelms became a member of the Royal Ballet because he read a book about ballet once upon a time, and watched a real video of Nijinski 

    after all <The wisdom is there for anyone willing to seek it, with or without a teacher.> hurray for hollywood.
  • Mike Quinlan A senior student of professor Cheng Man-ch’ing once told us there is a big difference between taiji and taiji quan
  • Vincent F. Pierino III Q what is the difference ? Which should I be searching for?
  • David Lenkovitzki TJQ is a martial art, tai chi is a common reference to a watered down, or enfeebled, or emasculated version of that root martial art.
  • Petra Emmerich a teacher said: you call it taiji you are lazy…you take your time to say or write taiji chuan your are willing to learn and work hard..
  • Zachary Nelms I see David Lenkovitzki, you are not interested in discovering wisdom or truth. This is just a game to satisfy your ego. You brush off my statements as if I’m quoting a movie. Apparently you are not paying attention. I said, TEACHERS HAVE VALUE!!!! Of course teachers are important, but you apparently overvalue your importance.
  • Zachary Nelms Yes Bruce Hayden I did and do have teachers in medicine, (and as I said all people are teachers) but my path to acupuncture started with palpation and discovery of how I could change headaches by pressing spots in my body, this led to books, and eventually teachers, but more importantly I continually learn through PRACTICE.
  • Zachary Nelms If you guys doubt my skill level, I suggest you come to Portland and push with me.
  • Jôhnÿ Tæ I used the term Taiji to encompass the entire system- health, defense, and Taoist philosophy – which I am taught. Taiji roughly translates to ‘principles of the cosmos’. Taijichuan is only the first level of this system, ‘chuan’ being physical action or boxing. There is still ‘gong’ – the total system of practice, and the ‘Dao’, the path towards Taoist-based wisdom.
  • Roger Jahnke Before we all push in Portland, I hope we will have tea. Lets invite Johny and put this all in perspective with Cosmic Principles and Dao as the foundation and physical action within a total system of practice as the expression. Then perhaps we can have one of those push sessions where we witness the principles in practice.
  • Jôhnÿ Tæ I’m flattered that you think my knowledge is worth listening to, Roger. I’ll be happy to meet with anyone who might drop by Toronto. Also if anyone hears of a group/event in Toronto comprised of serious Taiji practitioners and teachers (such as this fb group), I’m keen to link up. I can’t find such groups so far.
  • Paul White I learned the basic movements of Tai Chi Chuan solely from a DVD by David-Dorian Ross (Tai Chi Daily). It is completely possible to learn the movements and underlying techniques of breathing, stance, and marital application through a video recording]
  • Joe Harte Hi Daniel, have a look at this on-line course offered by Tai Chi Nation and taught by Luke Sheperd. He is a student of Patrick Kelly in the tradition of Mst Huang Sheng Shyan. There are some free session to see if it’s what you’re looking for. Hope that helps. http://www.taichination.com/learn-online.php
  • Steve Roberts Yes, you can learn it, but not well. Onward!
  • Roger Jahnke Reflecting back — this was a great discussion, thanks everyone!

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Primordial Qigong – Wuji Gong – Ultimate Alchemy — What is Primordial Qigong?

by DrJahnke on June 21, 2013

GOING BEYOND MIND!  RADICAL INNER OBSERVATION! THE ULTIMATE QIGONG!

TRANSCEND YOUR STRESS!  EXPERIENCE YOUR ETERNAL NATURE!

TRIGGER DEEP HEALING!

Next FREE Webinar:

The FREE Tai Chi and Qigong Way Webinar Series – Primordial Qigong Webinar May 22nd, 2014 

11 am Pacific, 12 pm Mountain, 1 pm Central, 2 pm Eastern
Eye Inner Observation

Radical Inner Observation

 

PRIMORDIAL QIGONG — By cultivating the radical capacity for inner-observation and by engaging the awe of extraordinary focus on just the present — a portal to timelessness opens. It is a gateway to supreme peace and eternal wellness. Sounds unusual, nearly indescribable. That is the beauty of it!

Primordial Qigong, also known as Wuji Qigong, is a method to go beyond. That is — beyond stress, concern, thought — beyond form, space and time. Sounds peaceful! Sounds amazing!

It is indeed!! It is an experience that is within your reach. Your practice becomes a brief and renewing vacation into the peace of openess and the relief of emptiness. A Primordial Qigong Retreat becomes and extended investigation of the actuality of our “real” self that is timeless, boundless and can not possibly be harmed.

Impressions from Participants:

“I love Primordial Qigong – Wuji Gong! The form is beautiful, mesmerizing, and deeply internal. Spending an intense retreat learning and practicing the Wuji is like stepping into a different dimension — a portal into the formless. I emerged feeling strong, centered, and interconnected with life.”
— Lori Furbush, California, Tai Chi, Qigong and Yoga Teacher

“The Primordial Qigong (Wuji Gong) was my first experience with the IIQTC. The retreat deepened my daily Qigong practice by sharpening my focus on the internal dynamics of Qigong. I came to the training “knowing” that Qigong cultivates internal energy and mind/body/spirit transformation – I left the retreat “feeling” this. Qigong can give you a “rush” or a “high” but rushes do not last. Primordial Qigong added substantial and sustainable depth to my practice. The IIQTC philosophy and approach is a really great way to begin or expand a Qigong practice.”
— Michael Brown, Wisconsin, Chaplain with the Mayo Health System

Additional participant impressions – Click Through

 

 

Ancient Sage - Lao Zi

Ancient Sage – Lao Zi

Lao Zi (Lao Tzu) one of the earliest Chinese Sages to pass down the keys to enlightened living said:

“If you can describe it, that it is not it.”

“Can you refine you inner vision until you actually perceive your own radiance?”

“Investigate your experience to discover THE source and you will be free of suffering”.

“The mother of the cosmos is inexplicable boundlessness that precedes the birth of universes, it can not be named, I call it Wuji.”

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein

Einstein was the modern sage of these same ideas:

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.”

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”

Big Bang - Wuji Creates Taiji

Big Bang – Wuji Creates Taiji

Wuji, the Primordial, is previous to what scientists call the Big Bang – previous to time, space, matter.

We can learn to cultivate an awareness of our relationship with the Primordial. The primordial which precedes the Big Bang is never not present in what is apparently current time, we simply do not devote the focus to experiencing this natural presence which is an inherent aspect of our being.

 

Through Primordial Qigong (Wuji Qigong) we can open a portal to the timeless, boundless Quantum realm and linger there to absorb the supreme freshness of our eternal self, which can not get sick and does not die.

Learn More:

Please see Primordial #2 – What is significant about Wuji Qigong? – includes a brief video

Please see Primordial #3 – How to do Wuji Qigong? includes a brief video

Consider Joining the IIQTC Email List: We send only occasional newsletters and announcements and you can unsubscribe anytime. Here is that link:

IIQTC Qigong and Tai Chi Information


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Heaven in Earth — Primordial Qigong #2 – Wuji – Alchemy – The Relevance of Primordial?

by DrJahnke on June 20, 2013

See a Brief Video Below

HEALTHY CELLS = HEALTHY BODY

HEALTHY CELLS = HEALTHY BODY

ALCHEMY
ELIXIR
PRIMORDIAL
WUJI
PEACE
ONEness

According to the deepest view of the ancients in China — in the pre-dynastic era, long before writing, the era of original Dao and shamanic wisdom — the most rarified aspect of our being is irrevocably well and an expression of the pure creative power of the universe.

Whoa! That is so remarkable, so eloquent! Read that again.

OUR INHERENT UNIVERSAL ENERGETIC NATURE

What if the wellness, healing, wisdom, power and peace, that we long for, is within us? Would that mean that it is simply unrealized — that it is not yet made real?

That is such a refreshing  and provocative insight. How can we cultivate a natural, inherent wellness  to make it real – to real-ize it? How do we use our real eyes?

This concept in Chinese wisdom arose originally long, long before the Buddhists arrived in China – even before what is known as Dao culture, into the era of the shamanic. Many say that we — the humans — have forgotten much. Why would we forget something so important? The distraction of contemporary life, the neglect of inner observation? Lets discuss that at some point.

For now — would this mean, then, that healing capacity and natural empowerment already exist within us? Could it be that we don’t have to go somewhere — reaching out, traveling, longing to find something profound yet elusive — that shines brilliantly offering great promise out there in the world somewhere? Is it possible that we can simply reveal and even enjoy the natural health and richness already present — but perhaps obscured — within our own being? According to the theory and practice of Primordial Qigong, the aspect of self that cannot be harmed, can not be sick and can never die is accessible.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to spend time with people who share an interest in this!?!

GOLDEN ELIXIR ENERGIES

GOLDEN ELIXIR ENERGIES

In alchemy, the sacred element gold is produced by transforming (transmuting) ordinary elements and lesser metals (typically soil – earth, rocks and other less refined matter called dross) to reveal the gold that is inherent in any substance or being. As applied to humans, alchemy is the provocative process (not painful or scary) of revealing and vigilantly refining the very essence of our own being, which has been present within us all along – the primordial or original nature that resides within every individual.

This aspect, as it is revealed and refined, is referred to as the golden elixir of longevity and immortality — meaning the  incredible healing medicine produced naturally within our original essence which is eternal. This elixir is not a medicine that we must seek, find, purchase — we already have it for no cost. It is a profound natural medicine that is refined within the field of our own being when we allow or purposefully create the necessary atmosphere and situation which accords with the coherence of the Spirit, Mind and Body.

In this context healing or realization of power or the fulfillment of highest potential are all a process of:

— inner revelation (revealed through experience — gotta do it),

— refinement (focused intent through practice), and

— realization (making real).

THE IRREVOCABLY WELL SELF

THE IRREVOCABLY WELL SELF

This is not a search for something somewhere – doctors office, pharmacy, psychiatrist, coach, psychotherapist, healer, guru, cave in the mountains, illusive promise of enterprising promisers — it is a recovery of something present within that can never be lost, only misplaced. It is the natural presence of our essence that has existed from before the birth of the Universe.

Wuji – Primordial — Qigong is the act of, the practice of, accessing the original well, peaceful, fully empowered self. As you can imagine, if you haven’t had this experience, when you do it will will make a huge difference in your understanding of who you are and how you feel. WUJI – Primordial – QIGONG — how to touch the presence of our eternal self before we die, how to have a real experience of the aspect of our self that is eternally safe.

Kindly have a look at the Primordial #3 article. It discusses how we can use a Qigong form to bring ourselves into radical association with the experience of our Primordial Nature in the body we have today!


 

Consider Joining the IIQTC Email List: We send only occasional newsletters and announcements and you can unsubscribe anytime. Here is that link:

IIQTC Qigong and Tai Chi Information

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Heaven in Earth — Primordial Qigong #3 – Wuji Gong – Alchemy – The Practice

by DrJahnke on June 19, 2013

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE?

How is it possible that a form can reflect the forrmless?

Can a form be utilized to access or even create a “portal” to the aspect of oneself that can not be harmed, is invincible, incorruptible, eternally well, can not get sick and can not die?

BEAUTIFUL QUESTIONS!!

The answers are — usually, no a form can not be the formless. However, in that domain where the manifest (solid, substantial, particular) is, shall we say, less present or even less relevant, the formless is present within form and form is present with the formless.

WUJI PORTAL - Vortexing counter-spiral time neutralization practice

WUJI PORTAL                                                      Vortexing Counter-Spiral Time Neutralization Practice

Sounds cool but………..can we experiemce this somehow?

Yes, there are two approaches where in the embodied self can experience the disembodied — or the manifest self can experience the unmanifest.

1 – Spontaneous Qigong – Riding the Dragon, Dissolving into Light, Trance Dancing, Qi Rave

2 – Wuji Gong- Primordial Qigong – a Qigong form from Wudang Mountain, based in a time reversal counterspiral motion.

Yes, it is exciting, very exciting. To contact the immortal within, the eternal self — such a force for generating trust, healing, fearlessness and personal power.

In Primordial Qigong, we open the Portal to the Eternal with the Wuji Gong form – a method applied in the domain of form to support us in reaching a relationship with the formless eternal nature. This accomplished through the Vortexing Counter Spiral Time Neutralization Practice. In this video we explore a little about the Wuji Gong Form.

 

 

Sincerely, in that ONEness/Truth/Unity.

 

Consider Joining the IIQTC Email List: We send only occasional newsletters and announcements and you can unsubscribe anytime. Here is that link:

IIQTC Qigong and Tai Chi Information

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What Can Be Done? The Peach Immortal

by DrJahnke on April 11, 2013

Being involved for nearly 40 years as a practitioner of martial arts, Taiji, Qigong — practicing Chinese medicine clinically, growing and consuming vitalizing herbs, traveling to China 9 times — all have been immensely rewarding. There is a significant resonance of celebration and yet there is also significant remorse. Perhaps you can imagine – as the number of very special relationships in the community of the cultivation arts and with IIQTC Colleagues grows, the time to devote to anything particular shrinks.

More of these amazing connections leads to a dilution of all these connections.
This, necessarily, leads to a need for ways to get things done that are ethical and orderly.
This, then, leads to a need for greater magnitude of management and support.
This, in turn, leads directly to neglect — neglect of self and neglect of my relationships with others.

Taiji WomenAnd yet, it also leads to greater credibility for the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi (The IIQTC) and for Tai Chi and Qigong in America and the world.
This compelling!

It is a process with a destiny of its own — it can leave us feeling both gratified and embarrassed.
To be true, which is the foundation of being a True Person (Zhen Ren), we are called to be extraordinarily attentive.
Self-observation is the root of cultivation and insight.

As activists, typically, we must involve.
As advocates of personal liberation, we are called to evolve.
As caring activists, warriors for the good, it is not that easy to extract oneself from process, from engagement.

Taiji Water FireThrough all of it, oddly, there is no real evidence that the human race is evolving ethically or in relation to what we would call virtue.

Certainly there is virtue!
And there are virtuous human beings.
Yet, the magnitude of the absence of virtue is at least as high now as it was then — in any historic time.

 

 

I am noticing — I am not that happy about it, but also — not that unhappy about it.

It is a Tai Chi – a balanced, mutually supportive interaction of seemingly opposing forces.

 

The Peach Immortal The Peach Immortal There is mythology of the presence in our world of great immortals. In China, there are 8 archetypal immortals.
Of the 8 Immortals I personally revere the elder who carries a very large peach.

They say it is the peach of immortality – a peach that contains within it the golden elixir of eternality.
Immortals do not live forever, they are eternally associated with the aspect of their own being that can not be harmed and does not die.

Two years ago I planted some fruit trees, one a peach.
It is flourishing.

Peach of ImmortalityLately, I find myself more determined to grow a huge peach than to do any other thing.
Next to that, I am inclined to compose flute tunes to evoke the longing to practice more deeply.
Under these, is the ground — family.
The nourishment — my commitment to love.

The path of cultivation is much more compelling than the path of solving something — or even anything.

 

 

Consider Joining the IIQTC Email List: We send only occasional newsletters and announcements and you can unsubscribe anytime. Here is that link:

IIQTC Qigong and Tai Chi Information

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Inspiring News!! The Year of the Snake — Very Powerful!

by DrJahnke on February 8, 2013

 

Happy New Year - Year of the Snake

HAPPY NEW YEAR -- YEAR OF THE SNAKE

This Year of the Dragon — now concluding — Very amazing!

This Year of the Snake — now commencing — Very Amazing!

Last year, Dragon — the  Serpent of Heaven or Cosmos. This year, Snake — Serpent of Earth or Ground.

Heaven is open, vast and undefined – it is ideal, philosophical, mysterious. 2012 was a Dragon period — time for introspection, dreaming, planning, innovating, inventing and coming under the influence of inspired creativity.

Water Snake - Water Serpent

WATER SNAKE - EARTH SERPENT

Earth is solid, measurable and known — it is practical, detailed, definite – 2013 is a Snake period — time for the application of insights and planning, manifestation of ideals and the practical process of giving specific substance to the inspecific dreams, insights and innovations of the Dragon period.

The Caduceus YinYang Snakes

CADUCEUS - YIN-YANG SNAKES ENTWINED

So, it could be said that whatever any one or any group nourished with psychic and emotional energy last year, would now have the potential in this year to transform into the  solid, real, practical and applied — the manifestation!

Healing Snake Energy

HEALING SNAKE ENERGY

The Snake offers the opportunity, the influence, the environment, the atmosphere to make the possible into the actual! WOW!!!

What is possible? The snake is classic across all ancient cultures as being associated with the natural internal vitality that heals disease, prevents disease and is the underlying energy of creativity and productivity. 

CLARITY - FOCUS

CLARITY - FOCUS

What is required? This is interesting: clarity and focus. In other words, you will need to be specific. Snake energy, to become clear, digests huge objects of nourishment and then shed their skin.

SNAKE DIGESTING HUGE OBJECTS

SNAKE DIGESTING HUGE OBJECTS

To derive the optimum from the Snake Year, you will need to be alert and focused. You will need to digest the immensity of your personal ideal and transform nearly completely by releasing your former self and purposefully taking on the essence of your true nature, in accord with your deep spiritual destiny.

TRANSFORMATION - SNAKE SHEDDING SKIN

TRANSFORMATION - SNAKE SHEDDING SKIN

In addition the Snake is intent and patient — intensely patient.

Is any of this within your control? Probably not much! The true nature of nature, all nature, your nature, the nature of what appears to be real — all is impossible to know ultimately.

INTENSIFIED PATIENCE

INTENSIFIED PATIENCE

The conclusion of Dragon and commencement of Snake is all well known to the ancient wizards, the great spiritual luminaries and the most contemporary physicists as The Mystery. Even as science gets to the essence of nature, it appears that what we thought was actual is really energetic resonances.

ESSENCE ENERGETICS

ESSENCE ENERGETICS

So, how do we, in this annual journey around our sun, find the secret of evoking the power of the Snake? The same as every year. We cultivate a balance between cosmic wonder and grounded actualization –the Dragon and the Snake. We cultivate a tolerance for what is actually happening, a patience with our sense of possibility. We digest the immensity of our own destiny. We cast off that which we are now aware is not really necessarily true to our self.

So…….what then is unique about the Year of the Snake. The wizards would say that natural potential inherent in the universe – the big universe that seems to be out there, the macroverse and the small universe that seems to be within, the micro verse — will show itself in ways that are very common and usual and in ways that are unique and intriguing. That the Heaven Dragon and Earth Snake within each of us can subtly link with the inherent urge of ultimate nature –whatever that may be — to create and express! AND EVEN, create and express through us and for us. Happy Actualizations!

INTO THE RABBIT HOLE - THE SPINING SNAKE ENERGY VORTEX

INTO THE RABBIT HOLE - THE SPINNING SNAKE ENERGY VORTEX

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IIQTC Graduate Orna Meyer Finds Her Special Someone at Esalen

by DrJahnke on February 6, 2013

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT ESALEN. This just a fantastic story about one of the graduates of the IIQTC Teacher/Instructor Training. For Valentine’s Day in 2013, The Esalen Institute created a contest called “Share the Love”, offering an expenses paid retreat at Esalen to the winner with the best story.

Orna Meyer IIQTC Graduate

Orna Meyer IIQTC Graduate

Winner……………Orna Meyer Qigong and Tai Chi Teacher and former architect.

Orna, what a great innovative idea.

Check out this insightful strategy — classic experiential wisdom:

“I must broaden the definition of a “special someone” to include myself.  This true story is very dear to me, and I have shared it with others many times. In February of 2009 I attended a weekend workshop at Esalen. The workshop was about qigong and inner alchemy, led by Roger Jahnke. At the first meeting on Friday night, during which we discussed erroneous beliefs we hold about ourselves, Roger closed the session by saying, ‘I invite all of you to disprove an invalid assumption about yourselves this weekend.'”

Read the rest here – very inspiring!

Esalen Mineral Baths

Esalen Mineral Baths

http://tinyurl.com/abl85xk

If you have never been to Esalen…. WOW! it is the most amazing and historic place — incredible programming, amazing food, stunning Big Sur scenery, profound presence of water, the most wonderful and healing natural hot water springs and more.

Esalen View

Esalen View

I have been honored to teach at Esalen 3 times a year since 1995. I look forward to seeing you there.

 

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Chinese Dynasties – CHANGE – for Study of Dao – Tao, Daoism – Taoism, Chinese Philosophy, Confucius, Confucianism,Tai Chi – Taiji, Qigong – Chi Kung, Gongfu – Kung Fu

by DrJahnke on December 28, 2012

This list of Chinese Dynasties is intended to support you in your study of  Dao – Tao, Daoism – Taoism, Chinese Philosophy, Tai Chi – Taiji, Qigong – Chi Kung, Gongfu – Kung Fu.

Of the many reasons to explore the dynasties, an important one, for study of Chinese Philosophy and the Qi Cultivation Arts, is the concept of change. There are many who hold the view that the Chinese Culture was, traditionally, unchanging over many dynasties.

However, it was the Chinese who developed the phrase — “The only constant is change.” And, probably the first example of what we would call a Chinese book, was the I Ching – Yi Jing – which typically translates to The Book of Changes. True, there are certain underlying principles – Qi and Yin-Yang — which sustain. Mostly though, much changed with the changing of the dynasties. As an example – in democracy, there is a change when a different party’s candidate for president is elected. Usually this is fairly peaceful. The change from a dynasty to the next was almost never peaceful, in fact usually such changes were implemented through immense violence.

The point is — humans are inclined to change, modify and even transform – self, custom, process, practice and tradition. Dynasties change, but so do knowledge and practice systems. The Dynasty is hoped to last forever, but then comes another. Lineages are supposed to progress unchanged, but inspired students do not do well at repeating dogmatic guidelines.

This is very interesting and worthy of consideration.

Consider applying this when you study Chinese Philosophy or martial arts. When you study Dao, The Dao or Daoism — you will witness an amazing diversity of ideals and practices as times passes, as dynasties progress and as new insights arise — even revelation. In the Martial Arts it is very typical for the “Master” to describe the correct approach and want you to stick to it. And, yet — look at Tai Chi – Taiji — The Chen Family was not satisfied with Wudang Tai Chi, the Yang Family was not satisfied with Chen Tai Chi and so on giving us endless views on the “right way” to do Tai Chi.

 Hoping that these thoughts — insights — support you in your own transformation — and especially to assist in liberating you from the dogma of a certain “Way” into the liberation of your own “Way”.

DYNASTIES
Xia (Hsia): 2100-1600 BCE

Shang (Shang): 1600-1100 BCE

Western Zhou (Chou): 1100-771 BCE

Spring and Autumn Period: 770-476 BCE

Warring States Period: 770-476 BCE

Qin (Chin): 221-206 BCE

Western Han (Han): 206 BCE- 24 CE
Eastern Han (Han): 25-220

Three Kingdoms: 220-265
Wei (Wei): 220-265
Shu (Shu): 221-263
Wu (Wu): 222-280

Western Jin (Tsin): 265-316

Eastern Jin (Tsin): 317-420

Southern and Northern Dynasties
Southern Dynasties: 420-589
Song (Sung): 420-479
Qi (Chi): 479-502
Liang (Liang): 502-557
Chen (Chen): 557-589

Northern Dynasties: 386-581
Northern Wei (Wei): 386-534
Eastern Wei: 534-550
Western Wei: 535-556
Northern Qi (Chi): 550-577
Northern Zhou (Chou): 557-581

Sui (Sui): 581-618

Tang (Tang): 618-907

Five Dynasties: 907-960

Liao (Liao): 916-1125

Song (Sung): 960-1279
Northern Song: 960-1127
Southern Song: 1127-1279

Western Xia (Hsia): 1038-1227

Jin (Kin): 1115-1234

Yuan (Yuan): 1271-1368

Ming (Ming): 1368-1644
Hong wu (Hung Wu): 1368-1399
Jian wen (Chien Wen): 1399-1403
Yong le (Yung Lo): 1403-1425
Hong xi (Hung Hsi): 1425-1427
Xuan de (Hsuan Teh): 1426-1436
Zheng tong (Cheng Tung): 1436-1450
Jing tai (Ching Tai): 1450-1457
Tian shun (Tien Shun): 1457-1465
Cheng hua (Cheng Hua): 1465-1488
Hong zhi (Hung Chih): 1488-1506
Zheng de (Cheng Teh): 1506-1522
Jia jing (Chia Ching): 1522-1567
Long qing (Lung Ching): 1567-1573
Wan li (Wan Li): 1573-1620
Tai chang (Tai Chang): 1620-1621
Tian qi (Tein Chi): 1621-1628
Chong zhen (Chung Cheng): 1628-1644

Qing (Ching): 1644-1911
Shun zhi (Shun Chih): 1644-1662
Kang xi (Kang Hsi): 1662-1723
Yong zheng (Yung Cheng): 1723-1736
Qian long (Chien Lung): 1736-1796
Jia qing (Chia Ching): 1796-1821
Dao guang (Tao Kuang): 1821-1851
Xian feng (Hsien Feng): 1851-1862
Tong zhi (Tung Chih): 1862-1875
Guang xu (Kuang Hsu): 1875-1908
Xuan tong (Hsuan Tong): 1908-1911
Republic of China (ROC): 1912-present
People’s Republic of China (PRC): 1949-present

That is a lot of Change!!

AND, notice how things have changed since ending the dynasties in 1911.

 

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