Dean

Hi Mak Tin Si, I hope you had a good Winter Solstice. I was wondering if you might be able to explain where you learned from and where? Do you think Taoism is still alive in China today? Or do you think much of it was suppressed by the Communist? I have read where others here either stay in Wu Dang or been there. Do you feel Taoism and the Internal Arts are still alive there? I have heard it's just a tourist trap now and that all the abbots, etc. are Communist appointees. Also I have noticed in your translations of the Chinese language your neither choose the Wade-Guile's or Pinyin spelling, why is that? Do you speak Mandrin, Cantonese or something else? If you wish to not reply, I respect your privacy. Thanks,

Thanks so much for your detailed reply.

Ya Mu, I understand your point of view about distance learning. However, you failed to answer my questions. Are you unable to answer my questions? If so cool!

Hey Scotty, thanks for your opinion. Your Tai Chi should be natural, but there should be no butting (asses) in my opinion. I'm not sure where this teacher imagined this from?

It's clear, thanks!

You know, in last couple of weeks I haven't been receiving my e-mails from forums. I uses AOL. Anyone have suggestions?: Regards,

Thanks, I can see you rather not answer my questions.

Yes, I don't mean to be argumentative, but I would like to understand better. You speak of nature a lot and I consider myself to be a student of nature. But from what I've read a lot of Taoist in the past gave up their family and decided to live hermetic lives. So what say you?

Well, can I ask when you left China (what year)? Good luck with your business venture, I'm certain it'll be beneficial for your livelihood. Do you consult the Oracle (I Ching)? Respectfully,

This brings to mind filial piety which is a big part of Confucianism. I agree it is important to respect teachers, etc. However these ideas to me have been borrowed from Confucianism. Which, IMO, is not a bad thing. Somethings work for the masses and other things don't. Through the centuries as I'm sure others are aware of, Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Ancestral Worship have intermingled. The result is a kind of Neo-Taoism in my opinion. Can anyone prove me wrong? I have an open ear?

Yes, I'm aware of the situation in China today. I also respect you for not releasing your teachers name. I do know there are some that are still skilled that do exist. But a large majority that had the finances to do so escaped during the so called take over. So your from China? Or are you from some where else? To me this doesn't seem like an invasive question. I'm not asking for date of birth, place, time etc.. So no bad Fu will be aimed at you, Mak Tin Si. Did you read my earlier questions? I'm really keen on learning things, but at the same time I'm not an impressionable teenager that takes everything on face value. Is that clear to you? Respectfully,

Hi Mak Tin Si, In no way did I mean to be disrespectful. I neither implied you are selling or promoting your temple here. I respect your input here. However, I looked at your site and I could not find anything on your background. Could you point me in the right direction? In edition, if the questions I asked seem to political for you to answer I understand. I myself am not tied to the mainland, China. In fact if it wasn't for the events of the Communist revolution and turmoil I wouldn't be learning today. Regards,

Hi Carlos, Welcome to the forum. I look forward to reading your post. Personally I would be weary of trying to learn, Mantak Chia's, methods. I have heard you can get really mess up your health if you attempt his methods. He provides a great deal of information, but no input on the students progress. Anyhow, good luck on whatever you decide to train, it's your life.

baloneyx, may I suggest the Sun Salitation? It's an Indian Yogic method, but I think it would definetly help your posture. Best of luck. Oh, and for those that think sticking the butt out while doing Tai Chi Chuan, I think your wrong.

Hi Yoda, I kind of browsed over what everyone else said. In Classical Five Element Theory Chinese Medicine it would point to to an overactive Earth Element. The Earth Element relates to the spleen and stomach, it's flavor is sweet. Is there a preference for sweets or and aversion to them? There are usually other symptoms that are also displayed with such an disorder. What's the diet like? Also are there notable times of the day where energy seems to be lacking, say in the A.M.?

Dear Mak Tin Si, I admire your enthusiasm for things Taoist. I agree, for example you could combine all the Feng Shui information under one thread, IMO. I appreciate all the information. I'm not quite used to getting a lot at warp speed though.

Hi Ya Mu, On the case of the sciatica, what do you mean by Taoist therapy? You use the meridians without needles correct? I think I remember reading that on your post before. Could you describe how you apply your medical qigong? Is it applied to the back, the legs, etc? Thanks,

MPWay, I don't mean to quote you out of context. I have had teachers teach me in the past on a sliding scale or without a fee as the result of me providing them help in someway. I think that paying a fee or investing some sweat is the best way to internalize what you learn. If it's free I think one might have a tendency to discount the teachings. Just my opinions.

Bye!

I agree, dwai! It seems as a lot of people already know everything so why they even visit to post is beyond me. Perhaps, there just naturally argumentative people I suppose.

Hey lostmonk, I'm still new here, but I can say some people are out there.

Give the poor guy a break! He's just expressing his beliefs like every one else here.

Happy Holidays!

Wow, Benny, your a trip man! Some people just expect everything for free.

Mak_Tin_Si, I would only add instead of Gold, Metal would be better.