Ping Heng Gong

[Gerard]

this weekend i will also be doing some moon qigong, along with my circle walking.

 

And the sun too! That amazing living being that nourishes our heart Qi. Solar yoga at sunrise is an amazing practice (too bad I live in Eastern Australia, lol.).

 

Sun, moon, planets of our solar system and various constellations (especially the Big Dipper namely as it collects cosmic Qi/step of Yu Qigong) have all associated practices that are immensely beneficial. I wish we all had time to study and practice all that much.

[Wayfarer]

Just a quick response to the original question as Jamyang Dorje may be interested in this practice too.

 

If you are spending time around trees or a tree there is a great practice to help settle your Qi and to also become aware of the presence of the Sacred. By the way, in Buddhist tradition, Buddha became awakened by noticing something different about the Morning Star, Venus but it was the tree that helped still him enough to realise I think - so potentially all objects can helps us, earthly and heavenly!

 

Back to the trees: Trees especially evergreens have been used throughout history to help the unawakened realise the Truth because the presence of the Tao is expressed very clearly in trees. Look to their stillness, feel how it is expressed, become aware of how that feeling affects your own heart/stomach area because the holy You inside becomes aware of the holy You outside and you will begin to feel it. The feeling of stillness is present because the Tao is a settled Source. This is why religious people go to the desert, become hermits in mountains or anchorites in forests - because of their immense expression of stillness and their capability to settle us.

 

If you start naturally to slow down or be at ease around trees this is because your body is 'remembering' (something it hasn't forgotten) and you begin to fall in line with the pace of the Original Movement of the Tao. Only one thing is being expressed wherever you look - trees and clouds best express IT to the unaware then you will also notice IT at the heart of things we don't associate with stillness.

 

So may you have many a tranquil moment in the presence of the Stillness of trees!

 

Heath

 

 

 

As a nature loving tree hugger, I'm very drawn to Ping Heng Gong (tree chi kung) after hearing about it from a few folks from the Longmen Pai.

 

Any Tao Bums practice it that would be willing to share the basic details of the practice? I have a particularly juicy tree in mind that I would love to practice with. Help a brother out

[zerostao]

And the sun too! That amazing living being that nourishes our heart Qi. Solar yoga at sunrise is an amazing practice (too bad I live in Eastern Australia, lol.).

 

Sun, moon, planets of our solar system and various constellations (especially the Big Dipper namely as it collects cosmic Qi/step of Yu Qigong) have all associated practices that are immensely beneficial. I wish we all had time to study and practice all that much.

 

Gerard. i am thinking one day our paths will meet. big dipper, yes. pole star, yes. sunrise qigong.yes.

eastern austrailia ? i had imagined you walked around the mountains of china. maybe in past lifetimes we had already been there, done that?

[Friend]

Edited January 7, 2012 by Friend

[Enishi]

Several years ago before learning Stillness-Movement me and my Shaman friend used to go out to a large nature park, sit down next to some of the largest trees and telepathically interact with them. Although trees do lack a neo-cortex and thus rational thought, we were both impressed by how deep and expansive their wisdom is. It was quite humbling.

 

Sometimes several trees will share the same consciousness. The aforementioned Shaman friend noticed that such is the case with some of the Redwood forests in California.

 

It's a very powerful and inspiring practice.

[Enishi]

For the last several weeks I've tried combining both Full Lotus and Half Lotus with the sitting practice in Stillness-Movement. I was impressed initially as my meditation did go deeper, but now I'm more skeptical.

 

The aforementioned benefits were most noticeable in the first 10 minutes. After 20 minutes for Full Lotus and 40 minutes for Half Lotus, the discomfort reaches such a level that I feel compelled to shift my position, which interferes with my focus and awareness of the Qi.

 

I'm thinking now that I should train those positions separately before I try to combine them with my main practice again.

[Creation]

One thing all people on the path(s) should realize is that EVERYONE ELSE has had to go through the process of "purging of all the nonsense" and it is far easier said than done, is a process, but is entirely doable. Just don't try too hard - takes the fun out of it and is the source of most failures.

Glad I caught this gem.

[Birch]

Yeah, I think I forget what rubbish I cleared out and what's still left. Quite some I figure.

[Ish]

For the last several weeks I've tried combining both Full Lotus and Half Lotus with the sitting practice in Stillness-Movement. I was impressed initially as my meditation did go deeper, but now I'm more skeptical.

 

The aforementioned benefits were most noticeable in the first 10 minutes. After 20 minutes for Full Lotus and 40 minutes for Half Lotus, the discomfort reaches such a level that I feel compelled to shift my position, which interferes with my focus and awareness of the Qi.

 

I'm thinking now that I should train those positions separately before I try to combine them with my main practice again.

 

Yeah with a bit more stretching the positions won't be uncomfortable even after an hour. I only sit half lotus as with full lotus one of my knees doesn't touch the ground yet, but i can do half lotus for an hour with no dicomfort, only some numbness.

 

I feel i can connect better with the dan tian in half lotus as opposed to cross legged, but my small experience with stillness movement reveals that the quality of your awareness or intent is perhaps more important.

[Jamyang Dorje]

great stuff. thanks folks.

 

off to visit my favorite pine tree

[gendao]

Hi vortex. I respect your feedback, but find your assessment of jing dong gong (as Ya Mu teaches it) limiting.

I was only making a relative ("more," not "only") comparison here between the two..

 

- Ya Mu is a professional healer and his material (book & workshop) does include a large healing component (medical qigong with "Taoist Medicine Neuro-Energetic Chi Kung Bodywork," etc.). Of course, as he stated, you need neigong development to become a great healer too. Hence, he also puts a strong emphasis on hours of daily JDG practice to keep bolstering internal development. (Ya Mu may feel free to correct me on any of this, lol.)

- Whereas WLP is a renowned neidan specialist and Longmen Pai focuses more exclusively on personal neidan development (see Ken's blog posts). And while I believe he also does do healings sometimes, it's not his primary focus.

 

Anyhow, I personally found that they both share many similar foundational core neigong practices (like sitting, walking, sleeping & tree qigong) - albeit with some slightly different approaches and emphases. And, of course there is a lot of crossover between "pure" neidan and healing, too. Neigong is essentially a common engine to both. Thus, I agree that you are not likely to develop one without the other (as Ya Mu notes about his system).

 

 

And as far as "touchy-feely" tree qigong - I think most students find that one of the highlights of Ya Mu's workshops. Where even most beginners can learn to feel and connect with a tree's energy field in a very natural, organic fashion.

Now, if only I had one of these nearby...

 

 

PS - I have not really taken any workshops lately. I have stayed busy trying to somewhat master all I've already initially been taught...before I try to move onto the next level.

Edited January 7, 2012 by vortex

[Ya Mu]

Bold this sentence!

 

I think the statement needs an elaboration by you Ya Mu.

I guess it has something to do with "Unlinear" and "High Level" so beyond Form becoming Formless not depending on Form reacg effect Formless- just guessing from what I am aware of in the moment.

 

Also what are your expirience with Full Lotus with SM, else you would not make a commentary with being aware to have an audience here with people with lineage practise which need and necessary of the Full Lotus ... to improves their practise?

 

Full Lotus still made a difference for me(I am still in the initial stages of SM so maybe it appears so).

 

Would be highly interesting if you tell something like: The SM inner mechanics incooperate on energylevel those of Full Lotus and so there is not need or necessary when it reach a certain development.

 

Friend Q

Read last bolded part in post below

 

For the last several weeks I've tried combining both Full Lotus and Half Lotus with the sitting practice in Stillness-Movement. I was impressed initially as my meditation did go deeper, but now I'm more skeptical.

 

The aforementioned benefits were most noticeable in the first 10 minutes. After 20 minutes for Full Lotus and 40 minutes for Half Lotus, the discomfort reaches such a level that I feel compelled to shift my position, which interferes with my focus and awareness of the Qi.

 

I'm thinking now that I should train those positions separately before I try to combine them with my main practice again.

Quite possibly it did go deeper because you were convinced it would, initially. Then after practicing a realization that it didn't. Anytime discomfort comes into the equation it is not a good thing and will not enhance the practice. If you are going to do full lotus then approach it gradual. Utilize stretching practices to assist. It is NOT a good idea to cut off the circulation. It is OK if you reach a point where it is comfortable. Won't gain you anything in the practice, but it is OK.

 

 

Yeah with a bit more stretching the positions won't be uncomfortable even after an hour. I only sit half lotus as with full lotus one of my knees doesn't touch the ground yet, but i can do half lotus for an hour with no dicomfort, only some numbness.

 

I feel i can connect better with the dan tian in half lotus as opposed to cross legged, but my small experience with stillness movement reveals that the quality of your awareness or intent is perhaps more important.

BINGO!!!

[Ya Mu]

I was only making a relative ("more," not "only") comparison here between the two..

 

- Ya Mu is a professional healer and his material (book & workshop) does include a large healing component (medical qigong with "Taoist Medicine Neuro-Energetic Chi Kung Bodywork," etc.). Of course, as he stated, you need neigong development to become a great healer too. Hence, he also puts a strong emphasis on hours of daily JDG practice to keep bolstering internal development. (Ya Mu may feel free to correct me on any of this, lol.)

- Whereas WLP is a renowned neidan specialist and Longmen Pai focuses more exclusively on personal neidan development (see Ken's blog posts). And while I believe he also does do healings sometimes, it's not his primary focus.

 

Anyhow, I personally found that they both share many similar foundational core neigong practices (like sitting, walking, sleeping, tree qigong) - albeit with some slightly different approaches and emphases. And, of course there is a lot of crossover between "pure" neidan and healing, too. Neigong is essentially a common engine to both. Thus, I agree that you are not likely to develop one without the other (as Ya Mu notes about his system).

 

 

And as far as "touchy-feely" tree qigong - I think most students find that one of the highlights of Ya Mu's workshops. Where even most beginners can learn to feel and connect with a tree's energy field in a very natural, organic fashion.

Now, if only I had one of these nearby...

 

 

PS - I have not really taken any workshops lately. I have stayed busy trying to somewhat master all I've already initially been taught...before I try to move onto the next level.

I think this is a pretty fair assessment. (but eeeeuw - touchy feely)

Many times it IS amazing when students do the Tree qigong for the first time. I have found both this and when we do the walking qigong to be times of BAM! OMG! for many people.

 

BTW I may have not been posting much lately but do occasionally drop by and I have read some interesting stuff you posted where I can see in particular where one of your talents has significantly progressed - good job.

[Friend]

Edited January 8, 2012 by Friend

[Ya Mu]

.... well if it is intent or awareness quality then "I intend to have the additonal effect of full lotus in this sitting meditation. "

 

Again make me scratch heads, seem the other lineages are lacking in doing so?

This full lotus / not full lotus is analogous to Polarity therapy versus medical qigong. In a natural resting state, with no intent and no developed dan tian indeed the hand polarities (side to side) can make a difference. But once a person has developed intent and dan tian it simply doesn't matter.

You do what you want. As long as you don't sit in torture with cutting off of blood circulation, it is OK. To cut off blood circulation is pure stupidity.

I have students who do and those who don't sit in full lotus. Several of those who don't are so far more advanced than those who do it isn't even any comparison, even though they started at the same time.

From my standpoint as a teacher I don't care as long as they do the sitting. It is up to the individual student. Seiza is OK too!

[Friend]

Edited January 8, 2012 by Friend

[Ya Mu]

Lol those who not do are themselves farther then with, it is important you said "with no intent and no developed dantien indeed the hand polarities can make a difference" this is something important to know if choosing between comfortable sitting and full lotus well guess what is choosed - lay down.

 

I think we all underestimate the Jing Dong Gong lineage a bit because not understand it. But well the 5mins healing I did was mostly without Full Lotus so what you said is true for me - but say what I do is standing more than sitting and still I do eliminate some pains for others.

Standing is Great!

With Trees, Great!

[Birch]

I thought the full lotus was a result of clearing and opening of channels. If so, then it seems to me to be premature or maybe counterproductive to force a full lotus posture prior to significant opening. Are we looking at one of those retro-engineered things? Nothing wrong with it, but reverse induction...

[Gerard]

I thought the full lotus was a result of clearing and opening of channels.

 

Nope, it's simply a structural ability of some people (usually born in yin years who'll have a better quality kidney jing (permitting karma)).

[Birch]

Nope, it's simply a structural ability of some people (usually born in yin years who'll have a better quality kidney jing (permitting karma)).

 

Ok. I don't think I've "got it". If it weren't for Mr FL and all the cool stuff he says FL could do then I wouldn't bother. Do I need to bother about it? This thread would suggest not.

[joeblast]

All tools in the bag. Can you get by with some tools and not others? Absolutely. Sometimes does a particular job go most quickly and effectively when the most appropriate tool is used? You bet.

 

hm, but do we know exactly which tool is to be used for which job??

[Birch]

I don't (yet)

Good point JB

[gendao]

I think this is a pretty fair assessment. (but eeeeuw - touchy feely)

Many times it IS amazing when students do the Tree qigong for the first time. I have found both this and when we do the walking qigong to be times of BAM! OMG! for many people.

 

BTW I may have not been posting much lately but do occasionally drop by and I have read some interesting stuff you posted where I can see in particular where one of your talents has significantly progressed - good job.

Why thank you, thank you very much!! Means a lot to me coming from you, teach.. /\

 

And no, nothing wrong at all with "touchy-feely," lolz..

[Gerard]

Ok. I don't think I've "got it". If it weren't for Mr FL and all the cool stuff he says FL could do then I wouldn't bother. Do I need to bother about it? This thread would suggest not.

 

No need to bother about it, trust me. Focusing on the mind 24/7 is more important than excelling in full lotus 8 hours straight. You can meditate 24/7 for 365 days a year x 30 years from now on with the potential of reaching Nirvana, if that's your goal.

 

Besides using various energetic techniques (moving type) and serious fasting will speed up your practice.

 

[Jetsun]

No need to bother about it, trust me. Focusing on the mind 24/7 is more important than excelling in full lotus 8 hours straight. You can meditate 24/7 for 365 days a year x 30 years from now on with the potential of reaching Nirvana, if that's your goal.

 

Besides using various energetic techniques (moving type) and serious fasting will speed up your practice.

 

 

Depends on the person and where they are at, I didn't find focusing on the mind or fasting useful at all. Generally in Buddhism fasting is not encouraged because it is seen as an extreme rather than the middle way, and most of us are up in the mind so much already that we need to come down to the body, that's my 2c anyway.

 

Perhaps one of the benefits of Fullotus is that the pain forces you into the sensation of the body rather than you daydreaming with your mind, pain is quite good at bringing us to the present moment too.

Edited January 9, 2012 by Jetsun