mouse

Even the Buddha understood surrender. : )

 

Surrender = Extreme Yin which leads to yang

 

Creator = Non Conceptual mind, Dharmakaya, Tao, Allah what ever you want to call it makes no difference.

 

what is Buddha? Dhamma? & Sangha? : )

 

Non Conceptual Self , Service duty, Tribe all which require surrender for oneself to truly understand.

Nibbana is also an attachement so surrender that aswell.

The non conceptual mind has no Defilement. So why not have the Yi of the non conceptual mind direct your Chi?

 

Peace & "CHOD"!

 

Santiago

 

 

Santiago,

 

From what I understand, there is no surrendering for Buddha but a constant fight with Mara at every mind moment in order to reach enlightenment. This is confirmed by the biographies of a couple of Arahants of the process of nibbana.

 

The creator you speak off is not the same as the Tao or Buddha. Creator in the sense of Allah is still a sentient being bounded by samsara. Believe this to be the Buddhist equivalent to Brahma. Brahma is still subject to death and decay.

 

The Brahma-nimantanika Sutta expounds this quite clearly and can be found here.

 

The thing here is that I cannot personally prove the existance of Brahma or Buddha or the Tao. It is not important. The only thing I have verified by myself is the efficacy of the Dhamma (teachings) and the process of mind development through the practices. I cannot speak of any other point definitively as there is no way to verify any phenomena outside of my own heart.

 

Again, power is not something I actively seek. It does come with its own sets of attachments.

 

Seeking nibbana indeed is an attachment in itself. This is very true. However, like my teacher always says, it is an attachment to end all attachments. Going with the flow is counter to our practice. It is the equivalent to giving in to the kilesas (defilements) hold on us at every mind moment. It binds and chains you to samsara.

 

No creator or other sentient being can practice for you. Your own mind development can be guided and shaped but the actions and efforts can only be of your own.

 

Hope this does not offend anyone's right to their own views. This is only for explaining my own stand on surrender which was put forward to me.

 

On another note, if this does not hijack the thread, can you share your own experience with the Creator and your own practice? I am sure it has been of great benefit to you for you to have such faith in it. I am also unfamiliar on Shakti you speak of. Can you define it more?

 

Enjoy your practice,

mouse

Mouse this i no way is an attack to you or anyone just insight from the heart after a long session of chi kung tonight.

 

Most schools fail to ever achieve anything cause they end up disregarding "chi" or putting in the back burner too much.....

 

Shakti/Chi etc has a lot to teach and a lot to offer. Being too "rational", "logic", "Method", "Technique" may actually be a trap. Shakti/Chi has been around for billions of millenias of Aeons ..... how long have we been around with our measly and rather small in the grand scheme of things "methods,chi kung practices & Yogas?" etc.....

 

Instead focus "Smile" "simplicty" "principles" & follow the energy.

 

Yes Yi leads Chi but who's Yi? Yours or the Divine's?

 

Real Power comes from Surrendering.

 

Peace & God Bless,

Santiago

 

Santiago,

 

No offense was taken. I enjoy your posts and understand where you're coming from.

 

On your end, I hope you don't mind me saying that we do not focus on the divine or the creator. In fact, our goal is nibbana. To rid the defilements of the mind. Taiji being a training method for that.

 

We seek refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha and connect to that. In our hearts, there is no higher.

 

We don't seek power, it is an attachment in itself.

 

I really can't speak for anyone else in the school system but I find surrendering counter to my practice. Understanding the nature of the citta requires much concentration and mindfulness.

 

Enjoy your practice,

 

mouse

In our school system, we seldom if ever touch on chi. The main focus is on awareness and intention. Yi leads chi.

 

Without proper intergration of the physical bodies as a foundation in practice, you can't transcend to the stage where form is irrelevant.

 

Good points raised in the tread.

 

Enjoy your practice,

mouse

Come, come...

How far would your own understanding of the classics be without the guidance of your teacher? Those are his words I am quoting, by the way, taken from the gong thread and directly related to what is being discussed here.

 

The classics might well be 'quite literal', but without the 'oral tradition' that is part of taijiquan, they would be largely useless.

 

Such writings have always been a guide for initiates, be it in taijiquan, the Japanese koryu or any esoteric school. They have always been written in a manner that, while being 'quite literal' to the initiate, don't give away anything useful to the uninitiated.

 

From the Song of the Thirteen Postures or Tactics

 

"To go through the gate and be led along the path oral instruction is necessary".

 

Best,

 

Mike

 

Mike,

 

My practice has certainly been shaped and influenced greatly by my respected teachers. I have not claimed otherwise.

 

mouse

All very good posts - this is one of my favorite subjects!

 

Tai Ji Quan means Tai Ji boxing. Look at what Tai Ji means. It does NOT mean soft or empty. It means balanced. It means mutual arising and complementary forces, yin balanced with yang. When my opponent attacks with force, I yield. When he yields, I destroy him. 4 ounces deflects a thousand pounds does not mean that all taiji fighting is done by using 4 ounces of force. It simply means that with proper technique, you do not need to clash force against force. I believe that this one brief excerpt from the classics is over emphasized.

 

 

 

Yielding in the proper sense of the Taiji classics means yielding into your structure. This causes the energy issued upon you to go through your structure into the ground and with "4 ounces" can be rebounded through the opponent's center.

 

From the classics:

 

I think the texts are pretty literal and can be accomplished through the right foundational training.

 

From the form there is always a transfer of energy from one foot to the other foot constantly. Likewise, there is always (1) a yielding into the structure [rear foot normally] then (2) Neutralising into the ground and then (3) an issue through to the front foot [normally].

 

Not many understand this or achieve it and hence claim the classics are hiding secret teachings... it really is quite literal.

 

Enjoy your practice,

mouse

"Gong" is probably close to "cultivation."

 

Taomeow,

 

Actually it would be 修 xiu1 not gong1.

Hi fellas, thanks for the welcome. And to mouse, yes things are well down here in sunny melbourne. we've attracted a good bunch of dedicated, open guys, makes life pleaseant. And yeah, that guy did the whole bit , yell and all. Was cool. So where are you now? And how is training and the practice? It will be good to see you again, one of these days.

Take care,

 

Andrew

 

 

Andy,

 

Moved back to Perth after Sydney because of work. Practice and training both coming along well.

 

Been to a Taiji group a couple of days back this week to look for a training partner but dissapointed at what I saw. Is hard to find proper Taiji over in WA and need partner to work on some things on my end.

 

mouse

Well done. If I could do 10 min I would be extremely pleased I'm using a lazy version of WKK's method of "add an extra breath every 3 days", I do an extra breath every week so I'm only at 14 breaths. Even taking one day a week off (I don't usually practice horse stance Thursday because I go to class) really sets you back, takes a few days before it becomes easy and relaxed again.

 

My knees stopped hurting once Sifu corrected my stance (Teacher are so cool) but he still thinks I am pretty weird wanting to do this. He also said I have to be VERY CAREFUL. Because of my weight holding a static posture for too long can be damaging to my knees and joints so I need to take it slowly.

 

Question. Is the effect of Zhang Zhuang training = Horse stance training or totally different ?

 

I would like to do an hour of Zhang Zhuang, but do not have the time. But I can do Tai Chi form, Horse stance, Tai Chi form (the second time through the form feels really nice) Takes ~45 min and I "could" eventually aim for 20 min in the horse stance making the whole thing take an hour.

i.e. I want to squash the effects of and hour of ZZ into 20 min of horse.

His response was "Erle is an opportunist" the only derogatory thing I have ever heard him say about anyone, ever. And I had to press to get that! Thanks for the suggestion.

 

 

Mal,

 

Great that your sifu can correct your stance. Horse stance shouldn't hurt the knees if done correctly. The tendons and skeletonal structure hold the stance. Not the muscles. I'm working on my own stance now and the increment in time is significant daily espcially if you use it as a mind training.

 

Your sifu is a very diplomatic man. Maybe Your Si Gung will give more insight.

 

Keep us posted on your progress! You have good determination. Am puzzled with the obsession with chocolate though.

 

Enjoy your practice,

mouse

Hello, my name is andrew mackenzie. I would like to extend a warm greeting from Heaven Man Earth Taiji Melbourne. I train in Taiji and Buddhism under the guidance of Sifu Adam Mizner.

 

 

Hi Andy!

 

Long time no see. Heard from Sifu that your school in Melbourne is coming along real well. Congratulations.

 

Also I heard about the Karate guy who tested your iron robe. Why didn't he train with you after?

 

Would love to catch up with you if I drop by Melbourne. Take it easy!

 

mouse

I'm going to bring up my initial challenge ... if it is true the Adam can perform Fa Shen with people on their first visit like yourself then he won't mind proving it under strict scientific conditions.

 

 

Stig,

 

You are welcome to come down to the seminar to try for yourself. It would be great especially since you are a Taiji instructor too. No better way than to cross hands personally and verify. Watching clips or reading a test results will always still lead to doubt.

 

I cannot speak for Sifu Adam on how this scientific experiment can be conducted. Perhaps you would like to propose the test criteria.

 

mouse

Thanks for the reply Mouse.

Adam clearly has considerable Tai Ji skill.

It's unfortunate that he chooses to undermine his credibility by adding false demonstrations of fa shen. It does not help his reputation or that of our beloved art in any way to do this.

I offer this as a constructive criticism in the spirit of friendship and won't sully your threads with my comments on this any further.

Best wishes,

 

 

xuesheng,

 

Wonder why you think they are false demonstrations? If you wanna clarify on pm it would not sully the thread.

 

I have felt the no touch stuff before on my first visit with Sifu Adam. It worked one time and didn't the other. He made me sit down from a distance but could not keep me down. It is just another skill to work on in your Taiji.

 

Enjoy your practice,

mouse

The trick is to do the no touch stuff on someone who is blindfolded and without making any sound.

 

xuesheng,

 

Having blindfolds on will make one more sensitive as restraining the sight will make someone reach out with their other senses.

 

Sifu Adam doesn't use "sounds" for fa shen either.

 

Enjoy your practice,

mouse

Cheers for your comments. I actually do want to catch up and attend some of your classes at some stage. The diary is booked for your current seminar dates but be sure I will rock up at some stage.

 

Blessings

 

 

Stigweard,

 

The no touch stuff would come under "Fa Shen" not "Fa Jin".

 

Would be great to see you at the seminars if possible. I read somewhere on the forum that you are a teacher of Taiji and I'm sure it'll be of great interest to you and your students to have a friendly push with someone from outside your school system.

 

Where do you teach?

 

mouse

Hi Adam, with respect your vids make a demonstrable claim that you have achieved the ability to emit internal fa jin. Now you have to admit that there have been quite a few 'masters' who have claimed the same thing but unfortunately, when confronted to prove it, they are unable to do so outside of their circle of students.

 

This leads to the possibility that it only works on the people who believe it works. This suggests doubly that a.) it is wholy impractical for self-defence and b.) that demonstrations of this ability fall into the category of a form of group hypnosis.

 

Now, again with all due respect, the question arises: Have you been able to prove under strict scientific conditions (with random subjects etc) that your fa jin power is real?

 

If so, and I say this with great encouragement and without any untoward sentiment, then there is a cool US$1-million available to you through the James Randi Education Foundation.

 

 

Stigweard,

 

Fa Jin can be easily demonstrated on a physical plane through proper alignment and structure. The actual words mean "issuing kenetic energy". This is most commonly formed by compression of the opponent's physical structure and your own structure through yielding and releasing it like a compressed spring.

 

There is nothing magical about that.

 

As for testing of fa jin by non-students, there is a short portion of a tung long guy being asked to try anything he wanted at one of the instructors during the seminar. Totally impromptu @ 1:42.

 

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Best way is to cross hands and find out. Thats how I validated for myself.

 

Enjoy your practice,

 

mouse

Hi Sifu,

 

Welcome to Taobums!

 

 

Hi!

Yes, am interested!

 

Sorry?

 

don't know your videos yet?

 

What style do you enjoy?

 

Have fun!

 

Shon

 

Shon,

 

Clips are on youtube.

 

 

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Enjoy your practice.

 

mouse

Hey Mouse, good lookin' out.

 

I'm training with Sifu in Phuket.

 

I trained previously with Sifu Chen from Jensen Beach, FL. www.tckf.net

 

He's got some good taiji, but there wasn't much boxing or Iron Robe, some while I can dig and at least attempt many of the the push hands and forms, my hands are as slow and blind as my body is weak and fragile.

 

Eh.

 

That's what training is for, right?

 

And where and with whom do you train?

 

Metta,

~ Benjamin

 

 

Hi Benjamin,

 

I train with Sifu Adam whenever I can. I spent some time with him last month around Thailand.

 

I have also spend time training with Cameron while I was living in Sydney.

 

Enjoy your practice. Sifu can guide your practice spiritually as well which is the main goal of training as I'm sure you're already well aware off.

 

mouse

Hi All,

 

This may be off topic but here is an interesting link I stumbled upon showing McDonald's leading the way in internal cultivation methods.

 

Immortal Burger

 

mouse

Hi,

 

Any Taobums here from Perth, Australia?

 

mouse

mm..nice thank you mouse. she looks softer and younger than me, but I'd love to have a go if she

is available where I'm headed. where's she located? I'm going both north and south this winter.

 

 

rain,

 

She's normally in Phuket but occasionally teaches in Chiang Mai as well so I guess both north and south are covered.

 

Best if you drop her an email and check her schedule as she conducts seminars in Australia and the region twice a year so may be out of Thailand when you visit.

 

Her website is www.mindbodyyoga.com.au

 

Enjoy your practice

 

mouse

I had a yin yoga instructor in thailand and felt very smooth and relaxed after class like you. Many of the exercises were similar to the ones I have been doing all my life, and those are hatha yoga poses, so I am a bit confused as

to what is what here, same with the Zen yoga, some of those poses are also a part of my daily hatha yoga routine.

Are you still working regularly with the chi nei tsang?

 

 

Talking about Yoga in Thailand, if you're every up that way again you should look up Yogini Kim White from Mind Body Yoga. She is one of the few people I've met who do Yoga like a proper internal discipline and not just doing the shapes. Asanas are rooted and structure/alignment are all foundational in her lineage.

 

Strict and demanding of her students so no spoon feeding there if you're only half serious about Yoga.

 

 

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Enjoy your practice,

mouse

Hi Benjamin,

 

Welcome to the ' bums we have another of Sifu Adams students here too, his screen name is Mouse, so you may know each other.

 

Have fun

 

 

I couldn't not click on the topic when someone claims to teach real taiji.

 

Hi Benjamin, who do you train under and which school?

 

Mal, hope you're doing well with your taiji training on your end. Hope you get to visit the school or the seminars if you can make it.

 

Quite a few of the folks in HME have trained in the Tung Lung system with Malcolm Sue, you can check with your Sigung if you get to drop by that way.

 

Enjoy your practice.

 

mouse

Yeah they say that but I'm usually the most asleep during the morning and the most awake during the night.

 

 

You should meditate every waking moment. Not just a fixed time. Everytime your mind wanders from your breath bring it back. Do it without resentment or resistance. A newly harnessed horse will always be wild and cannot be put to use.

 

Anapanasati does not need a set time. It is every passing moment. Even during sleep if you can manage that which is why it is a good practice to note your breath when you sleep. One practice to to note when your mind slips off into sleep, on the in breath or on the out breath. See if you can remember in the morning.

 

Enjoy your practice.

 

mouse

I have been trying to do Vipassana meditation for a while, which is the the style I am drawn to. However, Something isen`t working as it should becuase after a while I have started to fall into trance like states where my awareness goes from getting sharper and sharper to being dulled down. It feels like the back, middle and upper frontal part of my barin fals a sleep and that only the lower frontal part remains awake. I former budhist monk I talked to called this mental faling and said it is sometimes a problem. I have tried to corect this by sharpening my awareness of the breath in the nose which is supposed to be the focus point, but it just does not work. I think what I need to do is use a mantra for some time. When I use mantras my brain stays awake more easily. However, I want to try something different than the ones i know of. Does anyone know of a mantra that is good for making ones awareness and concentration sharp and awake while at the same time being relaxing?

 

 

markern,

 

Awareness meditation is noting "as it is."

 

However, when stupor comes, you must still note with CLARITY. Not just a blind noting as you will drop off. Stupor and other emotions/feelings are to be noted as impermanent. They are conditioned.

 

A meditation word used in your practice is just a tool. It uses one "thought" to counter other thoughts. The meditation word once you enter a state of concentration is normally dropped. In the terevada tradition, we use "Bud-dho" (Buddha), "Dham-mo" (Dhamma) or "Sang-ho" (Sangha) in time with the in and out breath.

 

Using the tip of the nose where air enters is a common practice. The point is not relevant so long as it is in your body. (citta resides in body for now) You can choose the heart center or use the whole body as the meditation object. I found the tip of the nose good for me sometimes and other times not as good. I often use the heart centre now.

 

A very simple method that is done when having problems with clarity or when your head starts to drop off is to do meditation with your eyes open. Use a soft gaze at the floor in front of you.

 

Hope this helps. Give the various methods a go but try to stick with one long enough to find out if it is suitable for you. Flip flopping in the chasing various methods is counter-productive.

 

Enjoy your practice.

 

mouse

Can he deflect bullets?

 

 

h.uriahr,

 

I see you have a "point to make" in your comments. What next? grenades, or landmines or nukes?

 

Can you please explain the rationale for your "query"?

 

mouse

rodgerj,

 

Here are my 2 cents worth on the topic as I personally do some iron robe through my school's system.

 

There are different mechanics to creating iron robe on the body/face/legs but to me doing so through the Taiji form/structure is the best method.

 

The mechanics of such a method primarily works on "song" or active relaxation to allow the energy received through any strike to connect and be sent down to the ground. When done in line with all the principles, you can do so in any posture even lying down.

 

Here is a video of the iron robe tests done in the school system.

 

 

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I hope I don't offend anyone who practices other methods, but I consider them to be lesser paths as they only take you so far. The lesser methods I speak of use tensing of muscles to absorb blows and through conditioning toughens the body to take blows.

 

There are many disadvantages to that as it damages the body and by tensing your body when receiving blows, it raises your energetic centre and leads to bad rooting.

 

We've had many cases where people from other systems come round to the school to test the iron robe and we have accepted/welcomed these martial artists to test their "dim mak" or whatever strikes they feel like.

 

Most recently the melbourne school had a 4th Dan Karate black belt instructor to test the iron robe as he did not believe the clips. Andy (the sifu for that branch) accepted and after a loud "Kiai!"and a strike that bounced off the robe the person left. However, we're not sure why he didn't wish to try learning the system.

 

Another example was a Muay Thai fighter asking to test on Sifu Adam and he accepted on condition that he trains under him if he does not hurt him and was told to strike however he wished. The Muay thai fighter went for a low sweep to the knee but he broke his ankle.... a pity as he could not train after.

 

Enjoy your practice.

mouse