turbo

glad you like it.

in the same post daowadiddy recommended "Somatics" which i picked up and also recommend for loosening up ones spine (and later other muscle groups).

enjoy.

Dontca know anything?

Your supposed to talk to plants, they like it and grow better. Every successful backyard gardener knows this, and so did the farmers of old. Its the same idea with water or rice or whatever...(your organs hmmmm) you smile and talk to them and tell them you love them and they grow better.

Works for everything...try it on your partner, or a stranger.

I started reading a book today called Somatics that discusses this very topic. The myth of aging. As much as all the "taoists" want it to have to do with "lack of energy", according to Somatics, (and I think I agree, I'll add some posts after a few weeks of practicing the exercises) its BS. What happens is accumulated muscle tension pulls the body (spine) out of balance and the continually flexed muscles consume lots of energy. Hence the outward results of "old age" namely: poor posture and lack of energy.

Thanks Charlie (DaoWaDiddy) for the recommendation.

Link to book at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/073...0102679-2755007

Get a Chi Roller. $20 and it will erode the knots and tensions in your spine.

http://www.chiroller.com/default.htm

Bowing at the TV, etc. made me uncomfortable when I signed up for a ten-day class they said would not be ritualistic or religious.

 

I think people can use rituals to strengthen their spiritual practices but when you tell people there aren't going to be any, and then there are, it is problematic.

 

Also I thought it was funny when Goenke said that anybody who disagreed with him was like a child who thought that the raisins in his pudding were rocks, and they should just take out the raisins and eat the pudding, those poor disillusioned children.

 

I think a series of qigong rituals can be considered a ritual. It depends on your INTENT and FOCUS. Why is it that I took marial arts for years and yet my boxing teacher tells me I don't know how to punch? How is it that people memorize katas and don't know what the moves are actually meant to do?

 

>Also, what evidence do you seek to satisfy yourself that any way is the way?

 

The way for what? I just do what works.

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Well, ritual is a strong word for bowing, in the case of a 10 day meditaton course. What seems more ritualistic is the opening day. However, once you get home and practice the meditation none of that exists, there is no ritual to perform. So, while in the strictest definition bowing at the tv may be ritualistic, you still have the freewill to bow or not, and nobody will say anything to you whatever you choose;).

If you apply your intent and focus parameter to the bowing at the tv in the context of a 10 day course, then I think if falls out of the definition of ritual, as most people are doing it because everyone else around them is, not because they are expecting some spiritual benefit, or to please some diety.

The non religious claim is silly, the course is a primer in buddhism. I couldnt take it during the last course and had to leave half way through. All goenka does is pump buddhist ideas at everyone hoping some of it will stick.

But if you can seperate the technique from all that, then its valuable and beneficial to practice.

Why cant you puch in a way that satisfies an american boxer after studying martial arts? Thats pretty obvious and I dont practice either.

Why do people memorize _____ even though they dont know what its meant to do? The are told to, they think it will make them better, they think that chicks/guys will like them more if they do, they think they can kick somebodys ass if they do, they think that they can keep from getting their ass kicked by doing so, etc...mosty because they are ignorant and are hapy to remain that way. Why do people eat food that kills them, without reading the labels and/or research the effects of the chemicals they put in their bodies? You can ask the same question a lot of different ways and get the same answers.

That has nothing to do with rituals in my opinion. Thats just behaving the way weve been trained to do.

The way...the way to enlighenment, or to spiritual advancement. What is it that lets you know that you have found a the way? Since spirituality in purely subjective, how can you know that there is even a way? And if you know how can you express it objectively, so that someone else will be convinced beyond all doubt that you, or your method/technique/practice is a way that could lead them to enlighrenment? Is it possible to do so? And if not then that puts the necessity of it into question, since we can objectively demonstrate anything else, from pictures of the cosmos, to atomic subpartices, and everything in between. So perhaps we are all just tools practicing our rituals of meditaton or yoga or qigong or whatever else you desire in an effort to realize that we are who we are and that we dont need any of it, which we could realize if we just took it easy and lived life. Alas I ramble...

Look forward to hearing from you...

t

Who is the other Master, Jampa? With his healing tao insititute?

 

Moving to Austin is something I have been thinking about. Indeed, I just looked up whats up with the massage school there using naturalhealer.com. I see this Austin school of Massage is #1 in the state and they claim this:

 

Part-Time Work

Part-time massage therapists can enjoy $500 per week. This can be a perfect schedule for homemakers, students, or retired persons. Make $25,000 per year seeing only two clients per day.

Full-Time Work

Want to become a full-time professional? Earn $1,000 to $1,500 per week with just four to six clients per day. That adds up to $50,000 to $75,000+ annually!

 

And Texas only requires 300 hours to be an LMT...

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MAssage school make bold claims, and Austin is pretty saturated with massagers. I think that Shiatsu, and tuina has more opportunities than just massage.

Jampa, dunno about him. I know who he is through my research into the healing tao stuff, but thats it.

Here is the other guy's page very powerful stuff: http://www.kaishan.org/

Good luck

I think Zen Buddhism is not full of shit. Not sure about the rest of Buddhism. I do think it's amusing that people think they are morally superior by being pacifists while other people die so they can practice their selfish religion.

 

for a guy who makes fun of people doing rituals, saying saddhu three times and bowing at the tv... well if you don't understand the criticism you prolly never will.

 

i have no evidence his way is not the only way. i put it on him to prove that it is.

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So Zen Busshism, is maybe partly shit then, just not full of it? I dont know where you started on selfish religions from.

The emphasis in on blind rituals, and bowing at the tv, while it is ritualistic, it is not a concious ritual preformed blindly in hopes of accumulating merit with some deity. Bowing at the tv shows respect for the teacher/message, as much as cheering at the tv shows support for your team. if not a sign of respect then it is a sign of self definition, as in, by taking this bow and repeating these words i define myself as supporting or being in line with these thoughts and ideas, much like wearing a t-shirt defines you as a fan of the team that you cheer at the tv for.

I think the point is that walking around an altar three times with sandalwood incense in one hand while the other hand in some esoteric mudra and chanting some dietly name at exactly 6:30 am on alternate mondays, is not going to get you any cloaser to god. Neither is bowing at a tv and saying saddhu, and while both can be percieved as rituals, bowing at the tv has a meaning beyond a machine like performance of instructions.

Rituals...an interesting topic to digress upon...so can a series of qigong movements be considered a ritual?

Also, what evidence do you seek to satisfy yourself that any way is the way?

the karma stuff is full of shit, the "no you! no i!" is full of shit, the pretending his rituals aren't really rituals even though people are bowing at the TV is full of shit, the third grade morality is full of s hit, trying to accumulate merits is full of shit, i could go on and on and on and on and on. oh. and the "this way is the only way" is full of shit too.

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ok, so you are saying that buddhism is full of shit then...not just goenka, because those are all buddhist concepts (karma, merits, morality, etc), not goenkan. and even though he says its not buddhism, all he does in the lectures is make a case for it. we allegedly will realize that all of these things are true through the use of the technique. the technique is valuable, at least to me, keeps me mellow.

bowing to the tv? that a shallow interpretation. the message, the intent is whats being shown respect, not the tv. otherwise people would be bowing at the tape recorder, or at the tape recorder operator, when the assistant teacher puts in a lot more effort than just puching play every so often.

also, what evidnece do you have that this way is not the only way? for all anybody knows he could be right, he could be wrong. perhaps there is no way and were all wasting our time that we could be enjoying doing things besides "spiritual" practices.

Thas a little unfair to people who do not live near a teacher.

 

But anyways, that WAS wack how Winn dissed Li's system. He stole that shit right from him and did NOT give adequite credit. Had he given him credit, I would have looked up the teachers name a year ago and then found out about shengzhen and been mad enlightened by now. Winn makes me very mad sometimes.

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Unfair? Perhaps, but what is it that keeps you from moving to Austin and studying under Li? I think the key is that you are well established in the movements, and if follow the video you will not be able to get the "flavor" of the movements. He dosent want to spend time teaching people while doing the teacher training, just tons of practice and perfection of movements, and discussions on how to teach the movements.

While Winn did mention Li on Chi Gong Fundaments 2 video, he did not make him seem accessable. Whatever. Winn got what he wanted (my money) and I still learned Qi Gong from Li.

Austin is a coom place you should check it out, there are two qigong masters there, with completely differnent systems. You'd probably like it here.

goenka is full of shit

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Hows that?

NO NOT VIPASSANA!!! LORD SAVE ME FROM VIPASSANA!!!!!

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thats buddhist meditation - the heart of the matter

Whats the point of studying an ancient religion whose meaning is confused by time and interpretation, when the heart of it has been extracted and is free to experience?

dhamma.org

Awesome info Turbo. I am thinking I will hitup the teacher training in the U.S. netx time that goes down...I was just reading Winn's inner sile book and it said that Winn invites masters like "Li Jun Feng..." to Tao Mountain. Too bad Feng didnt come this summer! I wonder if he has in the past?

 

So any more info on Feng's tai chi for lung chi gong? Also, I dont see how you could spend a week on one move? How many hours per week? How many details are there to each move beyond what is found in the book?

 

Thanks

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I think he went last year or the year before. Winn was dissing Li on his board recenly, without good cause, esp since he took his qigong moves, modified them and sells them. To Winn's credit he does say that he got them from him, however he also says he is in Beijing, not Austin, TX.

I think you would benefit from doing a few weekend intensives. I seriously doubt that he would let you attend a teacher training after following the video for a few months. Also, to become a certified teacher you have to have practiced for a while under a teacher and have attended at least two teacher trainings then have approval from Teacher Li. So it takes a while.

Good Luck,

T

Also,

Laughter is very important, be sure to laugh very loudly from your belly. This was always a lot of fun, to get a whole classroom of people laughing full on. Laugh before and after practice.

It is about a 20 minute practice. Thats not my experience thats what the spirit said through Li. I have not practiced it 7 times in one day yet, let alone 4. Most I did in one day was 2, maybe 3. And I recall having a very good day, or night I should say, able to think very clearly.

 

I am a firm beleiver in this practice.

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Hey I havent been checking the website lately.

Uhh, its best to start of slow, Teacher Li would show us about one new move a week, sometimes less. The Quan Yin practice is considered the basic one and is often taught along with the Jesus Sitting (you can learn this one in 5 minutes), then Jesus Standing, and then Mohammed and Return to spring later. Its not strict though... I learned Return to spring before Mohamed (which i still dont know). Anyhow....the teacher trainings require a certian level of experience, and Teacher Li is less flexible about this. I would go to one of his weekend training intensives (check aoma.edu), after you think you have the moves down from watching the video. I say think, because after nine months of training he was still correcting our Quan Yin form, as well as teaching us other forms. I like to do Kuan Yin standing followed by Jesus Sitting, which is the most powerful qigong technique I have ever experienced.

As far as practicing Jesus Standing 7 times in a day...well, I may have hit that once. I used to joke that of course you wouldn't have anything to worry about, you wouldnt be doing anything else. But dont expect that result if you chase it...you really have to get to the point where you do it as an extension of nature. Teacher Li said that qigong was so natural that it us like going to the bathroom, you sonetime just have to do it, but this dosent come from a concious desire to do it 7 times in a day so you can not have anyting to worry about. As far as time goes, once your body loosens up (via Kuan-Yin) then you can move through it faster, I used to do 2 Jesus Standings in less than half an hour.

Teacher Li always emphasised the importance of meditation, at least thirty minutes after movement, which he said was only to loosen the body and calm the mind. The meditation starts on the Dan Tien, do this for three months, or longer. Then move the chi up and down beteen the heart and the dan tien, do thia for 6+ months. Then move to the heart then up to the third eye then back down. Do this for even longer. Then after a while gradually stop the chi at the third eye and repeat the mantra (in your head) "I worship heavenly mother" (or father). Eventaully you will receive a message from heavenly mother/father and you will know what your purpose is, and learn the meaning of love.

Sounds real nice. But I used to get massive headaches from the meditation, I guess I was putting too much chi in my head prematurely. I eventually moved away, and returned to my practice of vipassana meditation. Which I still do. This helps me remain calm and focused, and helps the tension in my body.

There is also a chi circulation meditation that is nice.

However I have all but abandoned the movement of chi around the body, I guess my reading of Bodri's material convinced me this was not a real good idea. However now I think he is heavily influenced by Buddhist dogma. So I dont really know where I stand on that now.

All I really care about these days is playing more guitar. So...

As far as the two (vipassana/sheng zhen) complementing each other, I dunno, I am definitely more sensetive to the movements now, and know what Teacher Li meant when he talked about the "flavor" of the movement.

As far as channelling things goes, I dunno, I just know what he said to the classes I was in, and I dont doubt him. His daughter claims to have had a similar experience. Students of his moved to Austin from around the country to learn from him. His most experienced student hadnt had a direct experience of receiving a message, but had definitely felt a connection and heard things that he couldnt make out. He also knew people who had the experience of communicating.

Sorry for the long message, if you made it this far then start learing the Quan Yin qigong and the Jesus Sitting and goto a weekend Intensive. As far as where I am, I'm in South Texas, let me know if you come to Austin for an intensive, I may take it with you.

Cheers,

T

Some reseach on the discountjuicers site (http://www.discountjuicers.com/) yielded this article on juicers v blenders:

http://www.discountjuicers.com/vitamix.html

and this webite which has some good diet advice:

http://www.hacres.com/home/home.asp

sounds like you dont really need the pulp as long as you get enought fiber elsewhere...

I know there are some juicers here, and I am considering the purchase of a juicing machine. Anyone care to make a recommendation as to a machine, or share some juicing recepies.

Cheers

yeah, its weird.

i havent practiced it or looked at it in a while, but i remember that the slow version and the fast version are different.

i remember just practicing it slowly at first and as i sped up chenging the breathing pattern, which seemed to conflict with the idea of the exercize, which is to "be breathed" and not to force air in or out. eventually, i got to where i could let go and just to the exercize and let it breathe me with the volume of air increasing each session.

when i start it again, in a couple of weeks i'll let you know, and we can discuss

I'm not implying anything...I'm outright saying it.

The initial forms of Qigong were channeled to him via the spirits of Jesus, Quan-Yin, Mohammed, and Lao Zu. Hence their names. There are two forms of for each standing and sitting, except Lao Zu, which is only standing.

After this there were healing qigong forms, and still others that have not been revealed by Teacher Li..

Its good stuff, find a teacher if you can, the videos are helpful but the flavor of the moves can only be revieved from a live teacher.

There was a thread long ago that I think GT had started, asking about "what kind of music do ya'll listen to"...something like that

 

here's a sweet little band that I like to check out in Cincinnati and Dayton (they do a

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If youre in Ohio you should know ekoostik Hoohah, if not you should check them out. Great band, incredible players, great grooves.

http://www.ekoostik.com/

They are a lot different than the bears, but maybe you can get into them.

Also, though not related to Ohio, Umphree's McGee is a great band that should be seen live if in your area.

enjoy

They are friends of everyone!

Master Li was a highly distinguished teacher of martial arts in Beijing, he taught Jet Li and his teams won many international competitons. Throught this time he shought instruction in every form of martial arts and qigong available in China. He learned them all. His last human teacher taught him two forms of meditation.

These two forms of meditation are 9 turns (similar to microcosmic but it traverses teh whole body) and don-ten-ichi (thats hos its pronounced) where the energy is moved along the central chanel of the body.

After diligent practice over a number of years his teacher called him back and they meditatied together to recieve a "message" from the heavens. The message was about 10 different form of qigong. He felt the spirit of Jesus enter him and show him Jesus standing and sitting qigong, same with Quan Yin, Mohammed, and Return To Spring ot Lao Zu qigong. They are all wonderful forms of qigong. Later he received teh healing forms and there are other forms that he will teach you after enough experience with Sheng Zhen.

Most people dont hear that story until they have been practicing under him for at least a few months. At first I was sceptical, but I do not doubt any of it.

Kinda makes me think I should start practicing it again. I guess I will.

Later.

yeah sheng zhen is good stuff, i practiced under master li for about a year and a half, the techniques are great. i recommend you take an intensive from him in person. he travels once a month or so and offers them in all parts of the country. then buy the coresponding video and just practice that one form for a long time.

he has many forms of qigong to teach, and its easy to get distracted and to try to learn them all, but the most benefit is dedicated study of one form. I would recommedn the Jesus standing or Kuan-Yin standing forms, or healing qigong 1 and 2. these can be done in combination with Jesus sitting the single most powerful qigong I've ever practiced. good luck.. i dont know anything about the other link

I have not read many of them.

As a man thinketh - I read this in one sitting its a great, inspirational read.

Master Key System - reading a chapter per week as the instructions say

Practical Mental Influence - read some of this one last year and was searching for it again when I found the website I posted. Its got all the same info, but it seemed to have a darker angle to it, which I didnt like.

If you look on amazon there is a guy who has reviewed several titles in this genre.

See his review of this book:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...0102679-2755007

Cameron Clark is his name and he has several recommendations for the best of these books. I also read one of the "Abraham" books by the Hicks, and a friend of mine really got into it, listening to tapes of theirs and a bunch of other stuff. Their materiels gave me a bad feeling so I sold the book and moved on.

Anyways, the short answer to your question is no, I havent reas them all, and hopefuly I wont have to before I tap into these techniques.

Cheers,

t.

http://www.psitek.net/index2.html

there are a lot of books on this site on the whole create you own reality stuff. pretty interesting I like the one called "As a Man Thinketh" and am taking the "Master Key System" week by week.

A lot of these types of books are out of print or can be found for free download on the web. I am experimenting with it to see what happens.

Best wishes,

t.

Dude,

Goto to college get some generic degree, say accounting, work 40 hours a week for some company and pursue your hobbies. You wont have to worry about money and you will have enough time to parctice whatever activites you want. Once your hobby begins to rpoduce enough money, quit your job and pursue it full time.

The beauty of an accounting degree is that you can move anywhere with it. You find a great teacher in the NE then you can move there, then to California, or whereever and always have a good job. So you can spend the years required to refine your abilites and then do whatever you want.

You will be better off than the guy who works all the time chasing money and the [tao] bum who cant make rent, or has to live under some odd circumstances in order to pursue his/her goal.

This working at a regular job for some corporation may sound offensive to you now, but trust me its a great way to go, just use your spare time well. I wish I had realized it long ago, it would have saved me a lot of pain and frustration.

Best of luck with your decision.

t.