growant

Antares, Though I am not an expert, It is my understanding that taoists/buddhists/TCM do not have the same definition of spirit as we do in the west. I think the closest approximation in TCM, for example, would be the shen, which is also related to the heart and mind, but I do not think that it connotes the same qualities of immortality as the western term 'spirit' does. I believe that in TCM the spirit and body are much more INTEGRATED than they are from a Western perspective. From my own experience, I would say that FP definitely works on the mind, imparting a blissful, long lasting and penetrating calm to it, hitting the nexus where mind and body co-mingle. In regards to immortality, I cannot speak to it (yet : ) as it pertains to FP. Sifu Terry, if I am incorrect in what I've written, please feel free to correct me-

Since templetao was banned and I can't PM him, if anyone has his direct email address please PM it to me. thanks-

well, is he puretruth or truechiseeker?

I have taken Ya Mu's seminar and also practice FP. It is not correct that one must practice his (ya mu's) system 3-5 hours /day- this is the case only if one is a professional healer and working on many people daily/weekly. If one is practicing for themselves/cultivation, and not healing others alot, recommended daily practice is one hour + /day. It is true, however, that Ya Mu says if you don't practice regularly/daily you can lose the transmission. That being said, I gave up practicing Ya Mu's method for FP because I found that I wasn't barely feeling anything while practicing Ya Mu's stuff but feel ALOT from FP. The combination of not feeling anything and feeling obligated to practice everyday (which was difficult with my irregular schedule) was mostly what caused me to stop practicing Ya Mu's stuff.

I read the linked post. This has not been my experience or my truth, though I acknowledge it as yours. I've been going through a VERY stressful time lately and shortly after resuming AYP practices I feel calmer, more centered, more aware, better, and happier than I have in quite some time. It occurs to me that 'inhibiting cognitive abilities' may be another term for stopping the monkey mind/stopping the internal dialogue. If what I'm feeling is 'inhibited cognitive abilities' than I'll take it over what I felt before. This is not to deny your experiences. Different people may resonate with different paths, doesn't make the path 'bad.' Best to you all in your practices-

Tao Stillness- I have had success in achieving restful alertness using the mantra SHREE OM SHREE OM I AM I AM NAMAH. As it is a longer mantra it can take longer to go deep in the first couple sessions but once you do it takes you deeper and excavates impurities wider in the nervous system. Give it a try-

TTT After taking a break for some years, I have returned to practicing AYP. Really like the inner silence (and ecstacy) that arise from these practices (from advancedyogapractices.com, click on main lessons) Wondering if anyone here's been practicing for awhile and can share their results and experiences? Also love the way Yogani writes about enlightenment, his sobriety and voice-

Thanks, can you say what a practitioner would get from SYG that they wouldn't get from FP, or vice versa? Otherwise, it seems there would be no need to teach or learn both?

Garry, Did GM Doo Wai ever explain what is the difference in purpose/benefit between SYG and Flying Phoenix?

try reading some of David Deida's books, like Way of the Superior Man, I think he also has some free youtube videos. He talks about male and female polarity and the importance of preserving the two. To increase testosterone you can squat/deadlift with weight, eat more red meat (I think), pine pollen tincture, certain chinese herbs...

Finally had an opportunity today to attend one of Sifu Terry's group classes today. Having never practiced FP with a group of experienced practitioners before, it was sublimely relaxing to do so outside on a beautiful sunny day.

Ancienthealth I recommend you learn neikung from chutaichi.com in NYC.

Blue Monk 91- I encourage you, when with others, to state how you're feeling and what you want aloud. For example, if you're around a girl who likes you, as you mentioned earlier, and you feel nervous, you can say 'I feel really nervous around you and like a spaz because I like you and I WANT you to like me too.' The point of this formula is not to get the girl/what you want (though that is a frequent side effect ), it is to build confidence. By stating aloud our innermost thoughts and exposing them to the air, we diffuse their power/hold on us (I feel like such a loser right now, etc..) and connect with others (who often feel the same), and by stating what we want we become more confident. So, practice this formula as much as possible (I feel, I want) with a detachment from outcome and the only goal of becoming more confident. You can start small (approach a girl in a bar, say'I feel nervous right now but want to talk to you' and eventually you can end big 'I feel uncomfortable right now because I'm a virgin but I want you to want me anyway'). Try it out. Baby steps. Eventually you probably won't be saying you feel nervous or uncomfortable because you'll be innoculated to it. This formula can be used in all aspects/areas of your life.

Additionally, that 23 move long form seated you mentioned you taught Fu Dog sounds interesting- does that subsume all the other seated/MSW meds the way the standing long form does with the other standing meds? Are you thinking of releasing that on dvd anytime soon?

Sifu Terry, Hopefully this hasn't been asked before- how long should one wait (if at all) between western exercise (weights, cardio, swimming, external kung fu, etc...) and practicing Flying Phoenix (or vice versa)- and is it best to do one before the other? thanks-

Thank you for the responses Sifu Terry. Chi kung class and a couple of Bass Ales sounds good down the road a bit- incidentally, the first beer I ever drank that I actually liked the taste of

Zenbear, Thanks for the response. Just finished practicing the Long Form standing meditation, feels great! Recently began practicing volumes 5 and 7, my current favorite is the third med on volume 7. Looking forward to your releasing Advanced Level 2 dvds and resuming FP seminars. I'd like to try your FP class one of these days (and buy you a beer )

Zenbear, Wondering if you agree or disagree with this earlier post of Sillum's?- "The average FP meditation takes about 4 months to mature. After you reach maturation you are just spinning your wills. Your chi will not get any stronger." thanks-

Zenbear, can you elaborate on how dvd students, after practicing volume 4 long form meditation, can APPLY the healing energy developed by this form?

As one who is interested in the arts of GM Doo Wai, I value zenbear's dvds (which I have recommended to numerous people and continue to do so) and also the input of Sillum, for a different perspective from one of GMDW's advanced students. It would be nice if GMDW's students could get along, and work together for the preservation and dissemination of GMDW's arts (lest they disappear), for the betterment of humanity (which could sure use them). Peace

Zen-Bear, Thank you for your posts on the benefits of the (seated) flying phoenix exercises- they are an inspiration and confirmation of the benefits, and inspire me (and others I'm sure) to recommit to the practice.

Encephalon- Did you find Frantzis' material more helpful/effective than Chu's/Borelli's nei kung? If so, how so? thanks-

Agreed that Hundun displays an unfortunate lack of kindness, generosity, and maturity (both in posts and pms), not to mention being (quickly) judgmental. Hundun, while you are fond of pointing out your honesty, honesty is not the highest of virtues. Dig deeper.

WBBM, I have already received one meditation from Sifu LaRochelle, it was a static posture/one position, very simple, very easy to do. Some of his dvds contain simple static postures and breath controls, others longer sequences of movements. If one is concerned about complexity of movements/learning, one can inquire about a particular dvd to Sifu LaRochelle through the contact form, he is responsive and informative. I have corresponded with another taobums member who has bought several of these dvds who is quite happy with his purchase. Its nice that you're supporting your Friend Terry, Garry, everyone can make their own decision.