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So in the Damo Mitchell thread I inadvertently interjected the concept of Indirect Method of training. There seemed to be some interest in it, so spinning off another thread about it. Disclaimer - What I'm expressing is my understanding of what I've been told by my teachers. So salt, grain, be forewarned. Direct vs Indirect Method In the Direct Method, the practitioner uses his/her mind to drive the Qi through the Microcosmic orbit and the larger circulation of the lower meridians, arm meridians and the microcosmic orbit simultaneously. This is subject to the ability of one's mind focus, and is known for skipping/bypassing blockages instead of working through them. In the Indirect Method, we generate an energetic Taiji Ball and move it and it's movement induces Qi movement through the meridians (including the MCO etc). This is a gentler and a more efficient way once the practitioner learns to generate an energetic Taiji ball. In the Indirect method, we don't over-exert the mind to spin the lower dan tien, etc. We focus on feeling, letting the mind settle into stillness. Anything that is forced (even if it is slightly) is too much and should be dialed down. All movements and all meditation should be natural and gentle. What does the "energetic Taiji ball" you described consist of, and how is it moved around the body? It's a ball of energy that is generated between your palms or one palm and the ground or one palm and the sky. If you press into it, it pushes back. If you try to pull it apart it resists. But you can press it, compress it, expand it, split it, and so on... As to how you move it...exactly like how you would move a physical ball Can the ball be taken into the body, or does it stimulate the internal energy structure by being moved over the surface? It is both within and without -- and I'm not speaking in parables here. The lower dan tien is always connected to the taiji ball(s). The taiji ball moves energies along the meridians. Depending on the sets/forms we do. If you have more questions or ideas/thoughts...please do share.

The feeling of the "tailbone" and dropping the qi involves relaxing the lower back and dropping the "tail". Sifu emphasizes using the "energetic tail" as a counter-balance to many movements. However, when one of the senior-most students of Sifu visited my home last friday, he emphasized the role of the tailbone/lower back and the relaxation of the kua. After following his directives, I noticed that the tail when dropped properly, aids in the qi flow to the legs and feet and the returning flow back to the mingmen point. Also, the raising and sinking of the forms affects the "energetic" feeling of the tail and standing "too straight" ends up pinching the flow in the tail. So, always there is a little "sunken" physical form (not straightened/fully standing tall). The knees are bent slightly to allow the energy to not pinch in the tail.

I was visiting my home town Mysuru (or Mysore in it's anglicized spelling) recently and stayed at my mom's place. She lives in an apartment building with a clear line of site to the Chamundeshwari temple from the terrace. My practice was on that terrace, twice a day, as is my routine. For the first time (and I've lived in Mysuru since 1980 - 2000), I understood why it is called a shakti peetham. Adi Shankara named it (used to be called Krouncha Puri in ancient times) as the third Maha shakti peetham. There are 18 which are indisputably the same place as has been referred to in the Hindu history (puranas, etc). And Mysuru is one of them. I had many interesting experiences, but the fact that my tai chi and meditation took on an intensity I had not readily experienced without my Master's presence before. I live in the chicago suburbs and the energy there is, to use a lame analogy, 110V. In Mysuru, the energy was 440V, in comparison! The entire time I was there, I was in a more or less connected state, my upper and lower dan tiens were swollen with energy and when I practiced, it felt like I was several meters underwater, as the energy was so dense and intense. The lao gong on my right palm felt like it was on fire and the skin started peeling off the right palm. I had plans of visiting the Ramana Maharishi ashram in Thiruvanamali (Arunachalam), but due to unfortunate circumstances it was not possible. Yet, the Universe arranged it so, that several spiritual seekers, including two Kriya Yogis who are students of the direct student of Paramhamsa Yogananda's guru brother (batch mate if you may). One of them also was learning Tai chi and daoist meditation from me and we had an amazing time meditating together, practicing push hands and playing with other energetic techniques! I think I somewhat understand now, why India is so important in the Spiritual world...

Greetings, I was wondering if anyone had anything to share concerning Dr. Yang Yang and his "Evidence Based" systems. There is a local Taijiquan center (Maine Center for Taijiquan) where the lead instructor and others are certified in EBT/Q - and the beginners class is based on said curriculum. My previous taijiquan practice was cut short when the school shut the program down to concentrate on their more "external" programs. After napping for a spell I woke up this Spring ready to begin again ... and this center seems to hold potential. I like the feeling I get from the head instructor, and I like the feeling I get from the space. But thought I'd put a query out into the wind and see if anyone had anything to add about the system I might be getting myself into and what that may mean... thanks!

Didn't notice this before. I think Temple Style Taiji is different enough from the other family styles that it warrants its own topic Grandmaster - Waysun Liao There are several advanced teachers trained by Master Liao primarily in the US Some key features of temple style taiji include - single form practiceThis in turn involves following stages -Beginner - physical form and breath work. Long form first section is put together. intermediate - energetic awareness and movements initiated via the mind (yi) - feel the qi, flow the qi and five-styles stepping and condensing breathing. Long form second and third section..put it all together. Advanced - flow the qi and follow the qi. At this stage the movements happen via sensing the energy flow and following it, as opposed to making the movements happen with mind intent. Condensing breathing standing meditationThese are various standing forms. They are often based on the single forms, but with different focus. For instance, stand in upward and downward form (freeze the physical) and move only the energy (neigong and daogong) Two-person practiceThis involves standard taijiquan two person drills such as single hands push, hands attaching, four forms, moving four forms, Ta Lu etc Free-flowing rolling hands - fixed and moving step Neutralization Methods of practices "methods of inward and outward, separate and diffuse, swallow and spit" Making chance to applying the 8 energies Fajin practice Free-style fighting (san shou) Seated meditationsspecific sequence of seated meditations - neigong sets that different approach to condensing breathing to develop Jin and connecting with Dao (Dao gong) AuxiliaryWeapons forms - Long sword, Broadsword,Staff and Spear

Motion in Stillness There’s motion in stillness The old master said As the student stood steadfast A million thoughts racing through his head As he stood steadfast holding the pose his mind churning frantically and his anxiety rose he stood for five minutes every nerve screaming in pain he said to himself No never! Never ever again But such is the the lot Of folks of his kind Once something enters It doesn’t exit his mind So he stood again the next and the day after that and everyday since that day in an unseemly half squat As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months what used to bring tears hardly even made him grunt Then one day he realized his mind had become still and his thoughts fell to the bottom like an ungainly swill what remained afloat was a crystal clear thing it was bereft of everything yet it wasn’t nothing Then the motion he noticed rose from its depth it was the movement of spirit it floated and leapt Then he remembered what the old master said there’s motion in stillness and it’s not the junk in your head

What time of day do you practice? Why? is there any time of day you avoid? Why?

So, as the lore goes - Yang Lu Chan studied with the Chen family in Chen Village and then went to Beijing to teach there (his village near Beijing). He also taught his three sons. As time progressed, his elder son Yang Ban-hou became very famous and eventually draw the attention of the Ching royal family. He was asked to become the instructor for royal family and imperial guard. Since he didn't want the secrets to be taught to the manchus, he created the long form (108) and taught that. This provided health benefits but didn't teach the martial secrets. Does anyone have any alternate version of the story? Or material from the Yang Family that denies this? (please provide specific material towards that end if possible). Thanks in advance.

Hey guys just wanted to let you know I'm starting a practice group here in Sacramento. Feel free to contact me. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cls/4404044089.html

I've been practicing Taijiquan for several weeks now. Just stretches and dantian breathing. During class on monday up to right now, I've had a cold feeling in my chest and a fast pulse. My teacher says not to worry about it, but he didn't seem to know what it is. Any ideas?

I've been reading posts and commentary on Facebook in the "Taiji Martial artists" and "The Fa Jin project" groups. And I must say I am shocked at how few people who claim to practice Taiji Chuan actually believe in Qi and Jin as being energy and it's expressed power. I had an exchange with a person who is apparently a well known author of Taiji Quan (from the UK) and has been practicing Taiji Chuan for more than 40 years now. I'm skeptical about his taiji skills. What do the Bums think? Is it possible to be good at Internal Martial Arts if one doesn't accept the "internal aspect" of it (i.e. Qi, Jin, etc)?

London Learning traditional Yang Style Taijiquan Enrolment in a group to study Taijiquan The study program of Taijiquan in School Zhen Dao Pai is following: - study of the basic principles of Taijiquan (warming-up with the main principles, inner work, correct breathing, qigong/neigong, etc.) - basic movements of Taiji - 108 Movements Hand Form - training of internal power in Taijiquan - fast form of training for fa jin (power issuing) - Small Frame (小架) - work in pairs: tuishou ("pushing hands") and Sanshou ("sparring") - work with a weapon: a form with a sword, a form with two swords First training is free! If you have any questions about classes, you can either write them here or send a private message. More information about me http://zhendaopai.com/head-of-the-school/

v Omniversiality v __________________________________________ (0,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,89,144) [C E T O ] 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, 8, 9, 10,11, . . 12 . .[ R A I N] 1.615384 GOD^TAO^CREATION^ONENESS^OMNIVERSE;12, True Yin; Yin, Yin; 0,0 *If: present divided by past =/= 1.615384¯¯¯¯¯¯, continue adding past to present.* v Yin and Yang v (0.) _________________________________________ (0,2,4,6,10,16,26,42,68,110/10=11) 10 AND 11[YIN AND YANG] (0.0) (1,2,3,4., 5., 6., 7., 8., 9., 10) ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^Yin / Yang v __________________________________________ (0,3,6,9,18,27,45,72,117/9=13) 13[TRINITY] ({yang and yin}, [yang and yang], and (yin and yin)) (true yang) (Space/Origin) (0.00) (1,2,3,4., 5., 6., 7., 8., 9) ^ Yin and Yang ^ ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^ Holy Trinity ^ __________________________________________ 0,4,8,12,20,32,52,84,136/4=34 (/9=15.111¯) (0.001) 9[bREATH] [0+1] [0,0] [0,1] [1,0] [1,1] (relax, inhale, exhale, hold): ([0,0], [0,1], [1,0], [1,1]) (true "infinite binary") (Relax::Spring; Inhale::Summer; Exhale::Autumn; Hold::Winter) 0,5,10,15,25,40,75,115/5=23 (/8=14.375) (0.0013) 8[5_ELEMENTS] [1] [+1= ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^5 element blueprint^ v 3-D v __________________________________________ 0,6,12,18,30,48,78,126/6=21 (/8=15.75) (0.00137) 8[DIMENSIONS OF TIME AND SPACE] [1] [2 0,7,14,21,35,56,91,147/7=21 (/8=18.375) (0.001373) 8[HOLY SPIRIT/PROCESS OF CREATION] [2] [2 0,8,16,24,40,64,104/8=13 (/7=14.857142¯¯¯¯¯¯) 8 (0.00138) 7[CARDINAL DIRECTIONS] [2] [+1= ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^3-D^ __________________________________________ 0,9,18,27,45,72,117/9=13 (/7=16.714285¯¯¯¯¯¯) 7 (0.001387) 7[?SO???UL?] [3 0,10,20,30,50,80,130/10=13 (/7=18.571428¯¯¯¯¯¯) 5 (0.0013875) 7[??BO?DY??] [3 0,11,22,33,55,88,143/11=13 (/7=20.428571¯¯¯¯¯¯) 4 (0.00138754) 7[?M?I?N?D?] [3 0,12,24,36,60,96,156/12=13 (/7=22.285714¯¯¯¯¯¯) 2 (0.001387542) 7[WATER, METAL, EARTH, FIRE, WOOD] [3] [+0* 0,13,26,39,65,104/13=8 (/6=17.333¯) (0.0013875423) 6[WOOD, WATER, METAL, EARTH, FIRE||BODY, MAGMA, POISON, ICE, TECHNOLOGY] [3] [+1= ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^Humanity, humanness, being human; blueprint^ __________________________________________ 0,14,28,42,70,112/14=8 (/6=18.666¯) (0.00138754236) 6[FIRE, WOOD, WATER, METAL, EARTH||TECHNOLOGY, BODY, MAGMA, POISON, ICE||MAGNETISM, MIND, CHI, SPIRIT, VOID] [4] [+0= 0,15,30,45,75,120/15=8 (/6=20) (0.001387542360) 6[EARTH, FIRE, WOOD, WATER, METAL||ICE, TECHNOLOGY, BODY, MAGMA, POISON||VOID, MAGNETISM, MIND, CHI, SPIRIT, VOID||GRAVITY, LIGHT, AIR, SHADOW, ELECTICITY] [4] [+0= 0,16,32,48,80,128/16=8 (/6=21.333¯) (0.0013875423603) 6[METAL, EARTH, FIRE, WOOD, WATER] [4] [+0*= 0,17,34,51,85,136/17=8 (/6=22.666¯) (0.00138754236036) 6[???Human???Animal???] [+1=] [5 ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^Human range of Free Will^ __________________________________________ 0,18,36,54,90,144/18=8 (/6=24) (0.001387542360360) 6[?TI?ME?] [5] [+0 0,19,38,57,95,152/19=8 (/6=25.333¯) (0.0013875423603603) 6[???] [5] [+0 0,20,40,60,100/20=5 (/5=20) (0.00138754236036030) [5] [+0 0,21,42,63,105/21=5 (/5=21) (0.001387542360360300) [5] [+0 ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^Human range of Experience^ __________________________________________ 0,22,44,66,110/22=5 (/5=22) (0.0013875423603603000) [5] [+0 0,23,46,69,115/23=5 (/5=23) (0.00138754236036030000) [5] [+0 0,24,48,72,120/24=5 (/5=24) (0.001387542360360300000) [5] [+0 0,25,50,75,125/25=5 (/5=25) (0.0013875423603603000000) [5] [+0 0,26,52,78,130/26=5 (/5=26) (0.00138754236036030000000) [5] [+0 0,27,54,81,135/27=5 ( ) (0.001387542360360300000000) [5] 0,28,56,84,140/28=5 () (0.0013875423603603000000000) [5] 0,29,58,87,145/29=5 (/5=29) (0.00138754236036030000000000) 5[???] ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^??????^ __________________________________________ 0,30,60,90,150/30=5 (/5=30) ( ) 5[???] 0,31,62,93,155/31=5 5[???] ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^??????^ __________________________________________ 0,32,64,96,160/32=5 0,33,66,99,165/33=5 0,34,68,102/34=3 [4] 1., 2., 3., 4. ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^??????^ __________________________________________ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ 0,42,84,126/42=3 (/4=31.5) ~~~ 0,49,98,147/49=3 (/4=36.75) ~~~ 0,50,100/50=2 (/3= 33.333¯) ~~~~~~ 0, 99, 198/99=2 (/3=66) [???] 0, 100/100=1 (((/2=50)/2=25)/2=12.5) [???] 0,101/101=1 (/2=50.5) [???] 0,102/102=1 ((/2=51)/2=25.5) [???] 0,103/103=1 (/2=51.5) [???] ~~~~~~ 0,144/144=1 ((((/2=72)/2=36)/2=18)/2=9/2=4.5) [OMEGAlpha] ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ ^ Omniversiality ^

In case anyone was confused about terms like "Lao Jia", "Xin Jia", etc. Most people into Chen style Taiji don't know this Bonus, Chen family fighting applications

There is a soliloquy underway at present, that is trying to find all the biomechanical and newtonian explanations and interpretations of Qi and Jin. These are wrong, imho. Qi is real -- those who work with it know it. It is energy. What is energy then, you may wonder. Physics defines energy as the ability of a system to do work. Or in other words, the rate of change of energy measured is work. So, energy, really is measured by the magnitude of work done. Eg: Energy is measured in degree of heat, speed of wind, speed at which some object moves etc. If Qi is energy, the Jin (or Jing depending on which school we adhere to) is Power, where power can be defined as the rate at which energy is converted into "Work". To give an example, if the work done by a particular form of energy is generating heat, the rate at which it generates heat is the power of that particular form of energy. In my opinion and experience, Qi has a wave like nature, but it can behave in a particulate manner (like Electro-magnetic energy). Depending on the nature of observation (in this case, experience), it can be wave-like and particulate. In different cases, it may feel like a wave and in others it feels like a "stream of particles -- like electricity is a "stream of electrons". Jin is the Power associated with Qi and it's effect can be measured (in work done). Unlike the normal manifestations of energy (such as light, heat, etc), Qi has two aspects -- The Substantial and insubstantial. In other words, Qi has an expanding aspect as well as a contracting aspect. So, Qi is both like say sunlight as well as gravity. Sunlight is expansive, gravity is contracting (condensing, etc). The interplay of the expansive and condensing is what produces life (ie if there is too much expansion, the energy will dissipate. If there is too much condensation, energy will become a point and collapse into itself. Also, Qi can be guided by the mind. Like a self-boot-strapping system, the Qi starts the mind and then mind controls the Qi (known or unknown to the mind). But that which the mind operates on (the medium and the source) are both Qi (so Consciousness is also Qi or Qi is also Consciousness). Qi in different amplitudes and wavelengths is identifiable as various phenomena we encounter in living beings. By using the mind intent, the vibrational frequency of Qi can be altered. When Qi is made to vibrate at higher and higher frequencies, it is known as Shen. At lower frequencies it is known as Jing (essence), When Qi is stored in the bone-marrows (empty space in the skeletal structure), at various frequencies of vibration, it is known as Jin. This Jin can then be projected unto the environment around us to produce work (Fa Jin). How's that for a start?

This paper was originally written for our students. We thought it might benefit the Taijiquan, Qigong, Kung Fu and Nei Dan community so we are sharing it as a free PDF download. The Science of Qi Healing A Survey of the Research and Benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong Practices by Ted Nawalinski, Sc.D. Available as a PDF, free download