Jeramiah Zeitigeist

I have regrets for things done and undone, and remorse for things I may have said or done. And I have an enormous amount of unfinished business. But so what ? Is any of that real ? Its just life and the journey. Its how our lives unfold. I don't think it has any bearing on whether you are scared of dying. Its only the ego thats scared of dying. And the ego spends most of its time being scared of things. Its scared of the little things too. Its scared of not being liked, of not being successful, or not being in control. Its always scared. And when its not being scared, its being insecure, or greedy, or selfish, or vain, or any of hundred other things. The ego is empty. Don't feed it.

Great post ! Great contribution. Thanks. I'd echo everything you say. Death is just another part of the journey. Its quite exciting really. Like opening the door of a room for the first time. The universe is perfect, so death will be too. Why fear it ?

I've worked with many dying people for 18 years, and its taught me many things, and required me to look deep inside, at my attitudes towards death. Then, I cheated death by the width of my finger, twice. I was very close, closer than I like to imagine, to being very dead indeed. Now, I have absolutely no fear of death. If it comes today, or in fifty years, I have no worries or concerns. I am ready to die. I wonder if thats the key ? Its not, are you scared to die ? Its are you ready to let go ? Being ready to die is different to not being scared. Subtle, but true. I like it here, but I'll like it there too. I feel very liberated. Very happy.

Interesting, and many thanks for your time. I have just ordered the DVDs, so I'm looking forward to experiencing the Flying Phoenix magic ! I've got almost two decades experience in Chi Gong and internal arts, but I think this is going to be very interesting ! Thanks again for spending so much time with this thread.

Thats the view from the outside ! None of us would be so mad as to choose that level of suffering. I was happy and peaceful, had a great life and was living with compassion and love. I didn't want it to change. But the universe had different ideas. Now, afterwards, I am even happier, with a greater depth of wisdom and understanding. I want to be here, right now. I love it. Everything in our lives brings us to here, where we are right now. For me, its writing this post. Everything around me is good. So the suffering I had brought me here. Sometimes I still wish it had never happened, but mostly I see it was a gift. I learnt things I could never have learnt without that experience. And also, the learning works both ways. The person who did those things will also have had a valuable experience. Somehow, it was important for her too, although in a very different way. The bigger picture is VERY big.

Being with the Tao is not a form of escape ! Life is still a learning process.

Damn true ! After 14 years of dedicating my life to healing, I had four years of the most appalling and unbelievable suffering that came so close to breaking me. Only high level Chi Gong and meditation saved me. Suicide would have been a far easier option. Now, out the other side, I am transformed. Not only more peaceful and happier than ever in my life, but with a profound sense of my true nature, and of healing. I have developed a lifetime of wisdom in a very short time, and an incredible empathy and love for everyone. I do feel I have been very lucky. I wouldn't recommend it, but if it comes to you, then embrace suffering as the greatest learning experience.

Lots of great vegan athletes at; www.greatveganathletes.com/ And I think diet information from individual athletes will be posted soon.

I was a very slow developer !

Great post ! Informative and interesting !

Exactly. Took me a few years to work that out. Life became much easier afterwards.

Don't worry about the anonymous gift. You are giving practical help. Thats good. Healing comes down to intention, and if your intention is clear and pure, you'll be helping them in ways you aren't aware of. So relax and don't worry.

From my perspective as a healer for the last 18 years; Its up to them. Some people choose to heal, some choose to be remain ill. We all have a different path to follow. At the right time, they will seek out healing, if its appropriate to them, or they won't. Neither choice is right or wrong. It just is. I used to feel the same, in my first year or two of healing. I had an incredible gift and wanted to share it. But now, I give everything I have to those who seek me out for healing, and I don't give a thought to those who choose a different path. We all have choices. Some people just aren't ready to heal. And forcing the issue never works. Never ! Its ego to think we know a better way. My responsibility is to those who seek help, not to those whose path is illness. So be there for them if they seek help, support or advice. If not, then treat them with compassion and understanding, as you would anyone else. Don't define them by the illness or pain. Just let them be.

My first contribution to this thread, which I have followed avidly.... I've never heard this, in all my years of the internal arts, but I certainly have no reason to disbelieve it either, especially coming from someone who clearly knows the profound depths of his art. I'd be very interested to hear the energetics of this approach, when you have time. Thanks !

Absolutely ! Although a number of sources told me, the 100/0 back leg weighting was partly why it was such a Yang generating form, which is why I mentioned it to the OP. I think this weighting leads to a very 'forward moving' and aggressive style. But I have also practiced Hebei style too, which feels very different, and is equally valid as a form.

I've been told by a number of 'wise' people, including Bruce Frantzis, that the Xing Yi San Ti posture, when done correctly, is the most powerful Yang building posture of all. It should be done with 90/10 or 100/0 weight distribution over the back leg. Its damn hard, but it does build Yang.

Surely the best part of Qigong is the demonic possession ?

Agreed ! And arguing with Lao Tzu is definitely a route to immortality. As it seems to go on and on forever !

I think your first paragraph was pretty clear. But hopefully you have reinforced it too, by double checking ! Trouble is, people will often read what they want to read, rather than what is there.

Good advice indeed ! I was always taught that ZZ is nothing to do with muscular strength, and if you are using muscular strength, you are not doing ZZ. Master Wong Kiew Kit is emphatic on this point. Its worth checking out his books or website. A few years back, I practiced Horse Riding stance on a daily basis, with my thighs parallel with the ground, in perfect form. I found it very hard indeed. But I am extremely muscular. In particular, my legs are massive, form a background in top class cycle racing. My core strength is unusually strong too. So it wasn't muscular strength that was the limiting factor. Eventually, I was able to stand for eleven minutes, but the breakthrough came when I realised I had to relax, and the more the muscles hurt, the more I had to relax, until it was no longer a muscular exercise. Then my legs felt empty and hollow with no pain. But anyway, there is no need for such a deep stance. Unless you are already advanced, you need to spend three years or so practicing Master Lams Yi Chuan inspired ZZ. He knows what he is talking about.

Master Lam is a genius. A great man. So sad he has moved to America, although great for everyone over there. I hope they appreciate what they have ! And as you say, he teaches ZZ with eyes open, which I find is a higher level than eyes closed.

I think I'll order direct from you ! Dare I say, it looks to me the most comprehensive book on Xing Yi yet published in English ? The chapter listings look very interesting and the contents apparently cover everything. Thanks for bringing it to the table !

Salutations back at you ! Looks like a very interesting book. Good Xing Yi books are rare, in fact Xing Yi books written in English are rare. Its not currently available on Amazon.co.uk. Only on the US version. Is that likely to change ?

Me ? Or him ?

Fantastic ! I think Zhan Zhuang is an incredible treasure. I am passionate about it. Its great to hear you have found it and are enjoying it. You have some great discoveries and achievements to come over the next few years.