Learning the Lessons of the Tao

September 3rd, 2003 at 12:00am

So much to learn about this Chi stuff. Today we added a new concentration meditation, using the ‘Nei Dan,’ or internal elixir, where we stood for 3 minutes with our arms out in the ‘hugging a tree’ stance, and concentrated on pulling energy from the ground through our feet and upwards to our arms and back. If anyone saw you doing this, they’d think you were crazy! But it really does work. You can feel the energy in your body when you finish. We’ve also been practicing our postures, and now we are up to six – Roll out, Ward off, Roll back, Press, Push, and Shoulder strike. (I think there are 13 postures in total in the classical Tai Chi sequence.) In addition to that, we started ‘pushing hands’ which is part of the martial arts application, consisting of adhering, sticking, connecting, and following.

I’ve learned a bit more about my 2 classmates. Harry is about to start his first year at uni where he will be studying gambling economics. This is his second trip to Asia. Stewart has spent the last 7 years working for Oxfam (worldwide) and another non-profit doing sustainable development in China, India, and Nepal. He’s now ‘retired’ and making his money from day trading. I think he must have a book full of stories from those 7 years. He said that in one year alone he had been to India 9 times, and get this, he’s been kidnapped twice in Liberia!! Makes my travels seem boring in comparison!

Well I’ve got to get back to practicing the postures and reading more of ‘The Essence of Tai Chi Chi Kung.’

Confucius said, ‘First you must be calm, then your mind can be steady. Once your mind is steady, then you are at peace. Only when you are at peace are you able to think, and finally gain.’

Always be cultivating full and empty

Entry Filed under: Chiang Mai,North,Thailand