Baguakid

Mak, So, we shouldn't have pets, what about fish? Do Taoist keep fish?

hmmmm what if the tree is dying due to lack of water. Would the tree welcome the pee? What about rocks? Do they care if we pee on them? If we are out on the trail, and in the woods, would the grass be upset if we peed on them? What if we peed in the air so it would evaporate before it hits the ground. Would the air be upset? oh, wait a minute, my brain is about to explode.

Ken, I taught English in China and fully know what the Chinese make in income. Farmers, yes, don't make that much but many, in Shanghai, make more than I could ever think about. The growing middle class are doing very well. Your numbers are way off. 3000 rmb is just a drop in the bucket, pocket change, for most businessmen in China. On the other hand, the cost of living is much higher in the West. People in Canada pay nearly 50% taxes. In the states the monthly bills are never ending just for utilities. Plus, we would need to take off work, pay for hotel and air fare. Your numbers are absolutely wrong and are anything but fair.

Ditto here!! As many issues I have with the Buddhist "religion" I can't say the Taoist "religion" is much better. I was told this by my friend. Just pray and make your spirit bright and thus the "dark" things can't enter.

Well, I would highly question anyone saying they were a Wudang Master just like I would question anyone saying they were a Shaolin Master or a FengShui Master or a Zen Master, etc. Especially if they are charging money for it. When I was younger I was attracted and got burned, much more than once. Now, I'm gun shy. I think it's commendible to take your time and money to build a temple to help people. It's what you want to do and that's fine. You just can't jump on people for questioning the need for temples. People should question what's in front of them. If they don't then they are less than intellegent.

I see, I have his video tapes on the 9 palaces qigong and have visited his office when I was in California. The tapes were ok but there were always students walking or standing in front of the camera as they are recordings of a seminar he gave. So, it takes some patience to view it all. I think he knows his stuff though.

That's your view and that's known as RELIGION, not spirituality. Religion is protected by scare tactics like you are using my friend.

Because I don't agree with you that's abusing your religion? I think you're going off the deep end emotionally. I said I don't understand why we need temples. I don't care if it's Taoist, Buddhist, Jewish, or anything else. Oh, by the way, when I visited temples in China, they were only interested in taking in money and selling trinkets.

P-lease. Just because something is 5000 years old that makes it good? There's good and bad in every culture, I don't care how old it is and so we can't blindly follow something because it's old. Listen, I've been involved in more Chinese things than you know. One such Taoist Organization roped me in, and I followed them for a while. Then, I began to see things clearly and broke away. They were a cult. Then you could really see reality come out. Showing me pictures of half man, half animal if I did not follow them. Oh, and they would say the end of the world is coming and I need to stay with them... P'lease, Keep it. Man makes religions, not god.

I have never understood why immortals, gods, etc need some kind of temple. The religious Taoism which you practice/promote has left me feeling less and less interested in Taoism and unfortunately I have nothing now which draws my interest.

The problem with the elderly is they are usually unwilling to change or try something new. I have qigong exercises that would have helped my mother tremendously but she would not invest the time.

I learned it from a teacher but as part of a larger set. I only found out later that it was called swimming dragon. Also, I had to figure out myself the benefits of this exercise as my Chinese teacher wouldn't explain anything about the exercise. Chinese Masters love to obfuscate their teachings trying to make them as mysterious as possible.

I think what ken is saying here is you need to follow a teacher, pay them 3000.00 for short seminars which are strung out over 15 or 20 years and kiss a bunch of _ _ _. Then, maybe if your worthy, you'll get to some level above the book. Just my opinion though

Northern Mantis or Southern Mantis? It depends on the mantis style as to how internal it is.

Of course, Bagua Zhang is the Best!! ha ha. Seriously though, from the point of developing the body, opening channels, clearing bad qi, and more, Bagua Zhang is one of the best in my opinion.

I second the Bagua response. Practiced many arts in my live but nothing comes close to Bagua Zhang.

Retards... he's making dumplings. I don't see any use for real spirituality and mind altering substances. Mind you, I did my share when younger but not on a real path.

Anyone practice Bigu related breathing or qigong. Or practice Bigu in general?

I'm seeing a lot of ppl practicing this style or method but I'm not understanding the draw. I've practiced this before under a Master's guidance but it was nothing special for me. I mean, it was ok but I've seen many others I'd rather practice. But, maybe there's something I'm missing. What's the draw with this exercise?

I've tried both breathing techniques and alignment techniques and I prefer alignment techniques over breathing. Look up "Warriors of Stillness" by Jan Diepersloot if you can get it. I think it's currently out of print but you may find it used. It details the standing practice as taught by Cai SongFang who I also studied with and know. I think it's great material. wow, just noticed the price for this book is over 60 bucks. But, look at the reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Warriors-Stillness-V...e/dp/0964997606

How many in the US train like serious student in China? In my area ppl come to Taiji class to socialize and they forget everything after leaving class and don't practice during the week. A serious student will practice every day and constantly look for other ways to improve. The saying in China is: You must eat bitter to taste sweet. Not many in the U.S. either have time or the desire to stand in Zhan Zhuang for 2 hours a day.

ok, well that adds meaning to what you are calling FU. So, I still don't see the connection to talisman. How does accessing universal energy connect to making a talisman?

what do you mean "tried"? To draw, to make, to eat? I know what xiantian and houtian means but have no idea what you are saying here. I told you I'm relatively dumb, please try a more simple explaination.

ok, here's your chance. Would you (or anyone) please tell me how working with a Talisman would help me to cultivate? I"m fairly dumb so please use simple, clear verbage. Thanks. Mak_Tin_Si, I have not yet had 缘分 with a Taoist Master, therefore I do not have a Shifu.

Yep, I only want to deal with purity. You have fun playing the wizard.