kathyli

Text was translated from the class book of Jinhua 2012 retreat by student of Lao Zi Academy . Taoist Retreat (闭关) and Bi Gu (辟谷) There are 3 essential types of Bi Gu. Bi Shen Gu (辟神谷): If one fasts and is sustained with Qi but is not successful in retrieving one’s Shen, then it is not considered a proper retreat. Thus the key objective of this type of retreat is to cause the Shen to return to one’s body at will (收神, 神归己). One of the most accomplished practitioners of this type of retreat is Master Zhang San Feng (张三丰). The Shen is divided into Shi Shen (识神) which is loosely translated as post natal Shen, and Yuan Shen (元神) which refers to pre-natal Shen. More precisely, we want to still or seal off the Shi Shen so that the Yuan Shen is brought out. This is referenced in the Dao De Jing (道德经) as sealing the Gu Shen (谷神), the Gu Shen that “does not die” (谷神不死) . When one speaks of the coming out of the Yang Shen (阳神出壳), it implies that the Shi Shen is completely sealed off and the practitioner is able to inter-change and transform the 3 different energies at will. This is the highest level of attainment in Bi Gu. Qi Gu (辟气谷): If one fasts but is not able to be sustained by Qi, then this is not considered a proper retreat. This Qi is mentioned in the Dao De Jing (道德经) and Master Zhang Zi Yang (张紫阳) is perhaps the best in this type of Qi practice. Sealing off the external Qi means to shut off the Cosmic Energy from the body and sealing off the internal Qi is to turn the body into a receptacle for Cosmic Energy. The next stage is to become independent of the Cosmic Qi and internal Qi. At this stage, you will develop certain abilities to perform real work. In reality, the three types of Qi – the external Qi, the internal body Qi and the Qi that is projected outside from within the body – are continuously being inter-changed and transformed during one’s spiritual development. Each type of Qi is represented by a different Chinese character although they have the same Chinese pronunciation. Bi Jing Gu (辟精谷): This is also referenced in the Dao De Jing (道德经). Master Lv Zhu (吕祖) said that not consuming food in itself is not considered Bi Gu. There is internal Jing and external Jing. External Jing refers to external food that is introduced into the body, e.g., grains, food. And these foods can be categorized according to the 5 elements (5 tastes) that will ultimately nourish the corresponding internal organs. From this insight, we will be able to nourish our Qi (for purposes of Jing Qi, Shen Qi or physical stamina). Internal Jing is further divided into 5 types, so the practitioner is well positioned if he is sensitive enough to know which meridian to work on, which meridian to seal off and which meridian to open up. Actually, these 3 types of Bi Gu are inseparable. If you do not consume any food, then your Shen needs to rule and be in charge. Our Shen regulates the function of our internal organs and the movements of the meridians so that the internal organs produce more internal Qi. If we have sufficient internal Qi, then we will be able to overcome feelings of hunger and greatly reduce the possibility of any potential problem. Therefore it is important for one to be aware of these things and to consciously conserve the internal Qi the day before the Bi Gu starts. The following day, this internal Qi can be released and inter-mingled with the cosmic energy before being retrieved back into the body. In the beginning this is accomplished by the Shi Shen since the Yuan Shen is not yet at our beck and call. So we need to initiate with the Shi Shen to activate and lead the Yuan Shen. The character Gu (谷) in Bi Gu originates from the Dao De Jing (道德经). Gu Shen (谷神) does not refer to the commonly known definition of a mountain valley. Here it means no sound or complete silence. The Dao De Jing (道德经) also describes a particular scenario where, “within the mountain valley, the Qi is full so any sound can travel very far”. There is movement in everything, even in states of extreme quietness and stillness. Even at the deepest places we can still perceive sounds. Master Lv Zu (吕祖) says that even falling leaves emit a sound and an accomplished practitioner will be able to perceive these subtle sounds. The symbolism of the character Gu (谷) is that the practitioner attains a state of extreme stillness and becomes capable of doing certain things. So we have to Bi (辟), used as a verb here. The Taoists believe that our present bodies are an illusion and a transitory vehicle. Whether you choose to be buried or cremated after you die makes little difference because the physical matter of our body will eventually be completely disintegrated with the passage of time. Our physical existence is really very short. A hundred years is equivalent to roughly 30,000 plus days. However, based on the evolution and development of the human species – the human structure and metabolism – every person should have no problem living to 150 years, provided that their existence is in total harmony with nature. If one does not live in accordance to the rhythms of the heavens, then their physical life will be greatly shortened. Even though Master Lv Zhu (吕祖) pointed out that our bodies are an illusion, it is a reality that all of us also possess a little amount of Ling Qi (灵气) inside our body. This Ling Qi is like the Gu Shen (谷神) found within the deepest mountain valleys and it moves within our hearts and bodies. We do not hear her and cannot see her, so we cannot determine where she is, just as our physical internal organs and skeletal systems are very real and exist within us, yet most of us have no awareness of them. And this total lack of self awareness is the root cause of why we take our bodies for granted and abuse our bodies on a daily basis. It is a great tragedy that we do not hear her or know what she is doing or when she begins her rhythmic movements (regulated or not regulated). The moment she stirs, opens up and moves is when the mysterious gate of the heaven and earth (玄牝) appears. So all 3 types of Bi Gu make use of the 3 types of energies. The interchanging and transformation of these 3 energies with one another requires our Ling (灵) as the medium to conduct the various processes. Every one of us possesses this Ling, even the dead. In fact, dead people rank highest since there is no more physical movement coming from them and therefore the Ling can manifest herself completely before finally retreating away from the body. It is when the Ling completely leaves the body that one is considered completely dead (神得一以灵, 一是太乙, 本体得太乙以为灵. 全灵而退才是死人).

Text was translated from the class book of Jinhua 2012 retreat by student of Lao Zi Academy . Taoist Retreat and relations to Cosmic Energy (宇宙能量), Reincarnation Energy (转世能量), and Existential Energy (本体能量) According to Taoist practitioners, there are 2 kinds of retreats --- major retreats and minor retreats. Major retreats are held in deep mountains, while minor retreats are conducted inside Taoist temples. It is not a necessary criterion that retreats are done in seclusion. When a group of people come together, maintain silence, and explore the effects on one another, this can also be considered a type of retreat. However, contact with other human beings and the outside world is limited and restricted. During a retreat, contact is maintained only with fellow retreat practitioners. From this point of view, Taoists retreats could be clasified as another 3 kinds -- group retreats, single retreats and retreats done in seclusion. Certain conditions and environments are necessary for a retreat. During a retreat, one of the key goals is to master the ability to freely interchange and transform the following three types of energy: Cosmic Energy (宇宙能量), Reincarnation Energy (转世能量), and Existential Energy (本体能量). More specifically, the practitioner needs to master the process to transmute Jing (精) into Qi (气), from Qi (气) into Shen (神) and finally returning Shen (神) to Qi (气) and Qi (气) back to Jing (精). If this is not achieved, then the whole process cannot be deemed to be a proper retreat. There are also different types of retreat for the Shen, Qi and Jing . The Taoists believe that retreats have to follow certain principles and observe certain rules and methods so that the practitioner can be successful. Practitioners must attain a certain level of merit, virtue and wisdom before they are qualified to participate in a retreat. This is because their actions will have a beneficial impact on all sentient beings. Ordinary folks are only qualified to do the self-reflection and repentance practice. Retreats may also be classified in the following three ways: self-imposed retreats, master-imposed retreats, retreats for breakthrough in practice. For master imposed retreats, practitioners must abide by all the rules and regulations laid down by the master and participate in all temple activities. The retreat venue must have a picture of the master or his physical body present. Practitioners must be silent both inwardly and outwardly. Classic texts and scriptures are covered and on the day immediately after the retreat, practitioners have to write 3 questions on pieces of paper which are then placed in a box. The teacher will randomly draw from these questions and answer them. If a practitioner raises a question that has already been answered, then some sort of disciplinary action will be administered, like kneeling for a period of time. During the retreat, eating food needs to be taken in a proper place like a dining hall. Practitioners typically prepare for Taoist Bi Gu (辟谷) by consuming only fruit (no grains) for seven, eight, or ten days prior to the retreat. This form of preparation also has its own rules, purposes and methods.

Thanks very much for sharing this "The Ancient Taoists Practice Book --- from Taoist Master Wang Liping's Teaching in his young ages". It is the GENUINE genuine book. We had it.

NOTE: The Taoist JINHUA (Golden Flower) mountain Taoism Center is opening for people who love Chinese Traditional Taoism Culture, and who want to experience the Taoists traditional living and practising. Please visit Lao Zi Academy website: http://laoziacademy.us

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Hope everyone have a nice Mid-Moon day (中秋节) on today ! Recently, Taoist Master Wang Liping contacts with us from Russia. If there is any question, please send email to Lao Zi Academy ([email protected]). The domestic Lao Zi Academy in Jinhua will have an opening ceramoney during this upcoming event. On behalf of teachers and Taoist Masters of this event, we announced the registeration information at this website. http://2012wangliping.eventbrite.com

NOTE: The Taoist JINHUA (Golden Flower) mountain Taoism Center is opening throughout the year for people who love Chinese Traditional Taoism Culture, and who want to experience the Taoists traditional living and practising. *************************************** There is coming another confirmed Taoist Master Wang Liping guiding retreat in Taoist JINHUA (Golden Flower) mountain. DATE: Oct. 20th -30th, The cost is very reasonable and affordable. PRICE: USD1000 /person (During the activity, food and accommodation will be provided by Jinhua Taoist Temple) . For more information, please visit following links. http://thetaobums.co...at/#entry358019 http://2012wangliping.eventbrite.com TAOISM_SLIDE.pdf

On behalf of teachers and Taoist Masters of this event, we announced the registeration information at this website. http://2012wangliping.eventbrite.com

" Alchemy House" = "丹房 (in Chenese)" = "Dan 1 - Fang 4 (in Pin-Yin, Chinese pronouce)" = "the Inner Alchemy building" in following article. http://longmenpai.eu/articles/ Meeting at 6am on the front of the Inner Alchemy building, the new dormitories in the temple. Soon after we started a march on the road and reached a nearby lake with an invigorating speed. Three laps of the lake then back to the temple consumed little over one hour. Quite tiring… a nice shower and little rest filled up the time until breakfast. In the dining hall the temple priests chanted some song then rang a high pitch bell for 3 times to mark the begining of the breakfast. Eat quickly then the breakfast closing ceremony has repeated similar to the opening one, all must cease eating then. Back to rest, it seems we will need plenty of it… http://longmenpai.eu/2012/04/advanced-seminar-a-students-report/2/ 9:30 and our class began, after some introduction of the people and the place we dove into a short meditation, about 75 minutes long. The meditation hall (dubbed as lecturing room) is quite big, perhaps it can fit more than 200 people at the same time. However, like the rooms, a little cold which required the use of short blankets to cover our legs. We learned about the nearby caves, part of the 36 magical (celestial) caves of China, where some ancestors of the school flew towards their immortal life in the past. Today the caves is guarded by a female taoist priest, also part of the temple staff. The temple has mixed priests, women and men alike. 11:30 back to the room for a quick rest, then 12:00pm the lunch started with the same opening and closing ceremony… 12:30 is the nap time, actually a full 2 hours sleep would be required in order to maintain the energy and strenght to cover the rest of the day. 14:52 I barely can get out of sleep, so I need to run to the class… I feel like there is not enough time for sleep… However at class my mind became clear and the body became easy. I am sure the European jet lag got in sync and helped a little. Meditation took the same 75 minutes but this time master and all old students (about 4 plus local ones) increased the qi pressure so the legs started to hurt a bit. Perhaps a lot more for the new students. 18:00 the dinner is ready, now we make sure to eat fast enough, between the bells 17:30 first class about the moving arts starts, we learned about ping heng gong – the balance practice with the trees. In fact we learned then practiced the first two forms of it. 20:30 marks the end of the practice day, time to get off more of the jet lag. Master allows us to sleep more for the first two days, then he will push us more and more. I do not know if I need to be afraid of that or not since today was a tough enough day for many of us…

There is coming another confirmed Taoist Master Wang Liping guiding retreat in Taoist JINHUA (Golden Flower) mountain. DATE: Oct. 20th -30th, 2012. The cost is very reasonable and affordable. PRICE: USD1000 /person (During the activity, food and accommodation will be provided by Jinhua Taoist Temple) . If you have anything need help, please don't hesitate to let us know, email: [email protected] LOCATION: The Taoist temple is located at beautiful southern China (Jinhua city, Zhejiang province). During the past 20 years, Taoist Master Wang Liping taught many times in this temple. Students live in around hotel and/or new building -- the "Alchemy House", where is in walking distance to both Chao-Zhen and Shuanglong Taoists ancestor's practicing caves. The "Alchemy house" is very clean and well equipped with bathroom,internet, new furniture... Taoist foods will be supplied. The foods are very very good. Please check related information in following links. http://longmenpai.eu/articles/ http://laoziacademy.us/2011_april.html TEACHING: To read scientific article about Traditional Taoism Training, please visit here: http://laoziacademy.us/wangtj.pdf FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION: Please book international tickets to following airports which are closed to the Jinhua Taoist mountain: a). Shanghai pudong airport (code: PVG) or Hongqiao airport (code: SHA) . . Hangzhou airport(code: HGH). c). yiwu airport (code: YIW). Then take airport shuttle or train (1-3Hr.) to the destination. Airport shuttle information in Chinese: http://www.hzairport.com/bus.aspx. Train information in Chinese: http://www.huochepiao.com You can use http://www.kayak.com/flights , www.flychina.com or any other website to find international flight ticket deals.

There is coming another confirmed Taoist Master Wang Liping guiding retreat in Taoist JINHUA (Golden Flower) mountain. DATE: Oct. 20th -30th, 2012. The cost is very reasonable and affordable. PRICE: USD1000 /person (During the activity, food and accommodation will be provided by Jinhua Taoist Temple) . If you have anything need help, please don't hesitate to let us know, email: [email protected] ******************PREVIOUS RETREAT********************************* There is coming a confirmed Taoist Master Wang Liping guiding SMALL SIZE ADVANCED RETREAT in Taoist JINHUA (Golden Flower) mountain. DATE: April 5th -14th, 2012. This is the 1st time small size retreat inside Taoist temple and caves. The cost is very reasonable and affordable. LOCATION: The Taoist temple is located at beautiful southern China (Jinhua city, Zhejiang province). During the past 20 years, Taoist Master Wang Liping taught many times to more than thousands students in this temple. This is the 1st time small size class inside Taoist temple and caves. Students will live in new building -- the "Alchemy House", where is in walking distance to both Chao-Zhen and Shuanglong Taoists ancestor's practicing caves. The "Alchemy house" is very clean and well equipped with bathroom,internet, new furniture... Taoist foods will be supplied. The foods are very very good. Please check more information in following links. http://photo.blog.si...338702/s/404514 Temple homepage in Chinese: http://www.3qing.org/index.aspx , http://www.3qing.org/Camp/Index.aspx TEACHING: Find teaching Syllabus @ here http://laoziacademy.us/activity.htm . Each time, Master Wang will adjust teaching contents based on student's questions and interests. According to Master's communication with us, he will release new stuffs. To read scientific article about Traditional Taoism Training, please visit here: http://laoziacademy.us/wangtj.pdf

Hi, Shawn. How are you . Happy Christmas to you and your family in advance ! Following is the free readings for the "tree balancing". If anyone need help, please feel free to let them know. Hope everyone keep happy and healthy ! ************* TREE BALANCING ARTS (Ping Heng Gong 平衡功) History and theory Balancing Arts are traditional excises of Taoism moving arts. They had been kept in secret by Taoist qigong masters for centuries and was introduced to the public recently by Wang Liping, one of the most powerful Taoist master at our time. Master Wang had been trained by three Taoist masters in Lao Mountain in Shandong Province, China since his childhood and began to serve the public in 1980s. Balancing Arts have been proved to be a very effective way of improving our internal qi, external qi and healing power. ************ .......... for more detail, please visit our website: http://laoziacademy.us/method3.htm ********** Master Wang taught people doing tree balancing arts. ... Five trees and five organs, five elements and five colors Ancient qigong masters found that different trees contain different color elements. For example, pine tree have green element; willow trees have yellow element; poplar trees have white element; cypress trees have black element and apple trees or phoenix trees have red element. In the theory of Five Elements, pine tree belong to wood element, apple tree and phoenix tree belong to fire element, willow tree belong to earth element, poplar tree belong to gold element and cypress tree belong to water element. In our body, liver is wood element. Heart is fire element. Spleen is earth element. Lungs are gold element. Kidneys are water element. The relations of the five elements are as these: Wood generates fire; fire generates earth; earth generate gold; gold generates water and water generates wood. This is called generating cycle. There also exists a destroying cycle, it is as this: wood destroys earth; earth destroys water; water destroys fire; fire destroys gold and gold destroys wood. The illustration and table can help you to understand and remember the relations of The Five Elements. Knowing this, you will know which trees you need to exchange your qi with according to your health situation. Basically, practicing the balancing arts against: - Pine trees will help to improve your liver function - Apple trees or phoenix trees will improve your heart function - Willow trees will improve your spleen function - Poplar trees will improve your lung function - Cypress trees will improve your kidney function.

Just see this thread today. Congratulate to you for the good news.