Pan

Thank you for this excellent and informative reply snowmonki, it is definitely very helpful. I will do some research and almost certainly return with many more questions about YSB. Thanks again

Thanks for all the great replies so far guys. Here is a link to a small article written by anothet student of Yin Bagua briefly explaining the Standing Strengthening Postures and at what point the chi becomes "turbid" i.e. shaking: http://becomingthelion.blogspot.com/2012/05/bagua-standing-strengthening-practice.html?m=1 My teacher's explaination was that achieving maximum isometric tension without shaking, creates smooth layers of development over time while practicing the standing strengthening postures. Apparently turbid or turbulent (as he called it) chi disrupts this smooth layering effect? The instruction is the same for circle walking. We keep our arms up, enduring fatigue and discomfort but we are taught to perform a direction and arm change form the moment our arms start to shake for the same general "turbid" chi reason that I'm seeking to understand more clearly. Apparently, the Yin Bagua Style in its entirety, secret techniques, neigongs, etc, has been uploaded to YouTube for anyone to learn. I'm not learning this way, but it's great research material and there for anyone to check out just by searching "Yin Bagua Lion" My teacher's teacher is He Jenbao, he demonstrates the bulk of the material in the later videos starting around #11.5 in the Lion System. I would especially appreciate opinions from anyone who practices bagua.

Can you say more on this? I'm still very new to Bagua. I'd really like to hear more and your practice, those do's and don'ts and what exactly bagua burnout is

Thanks Aetherous, this was helpful. I agree with all of this as it applies to Zhan Zhong.

Hello my fellow bums, I was hoping you might have some insight for me. I've recently started training in Yin Bagua. My teacher has explained that while practicing the Standing Strengthening Postures, the goal is to achieve the maximum possible isometric muscular tension without any shaking of the body occurring. He explained the shaking is a sign of turbulent chi and hinders the process of changing fast twitch muscle fibers to slow twitch, the "strengthing" process. I used to practice Zhan Zhong many years ago. But was told that the shaking in postures like "holding the ball" or "hugging the tree" is normal and should simply be endured and ultimately relaxed through in order to achieve deeper and deeper layers of stillness. So, my question to any Bagua/taiji/chi gung practitioners out there: When, if ever, is it a good thing to shake while practicing standing postures?

Hey Artform looks like the campfire was down to embers by the time I arrived. But I'm always happy to help. Just send up the big "A" sign in the sky and I'll answer the call!

Hey Rumel! It's great to be sharing another forum with you. Your good vibes are always appreciated! As you've already noted, there are quite a few pearls of wisdom floating around here. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them. Enjoy the journey! Pan

Hey Artform! it's a pleasure, as always. Even as I write this, I am sifting through said Xenolith thread. PHEW! Between the various shifts in topic, references to other threads, and the vast string of deleted responses from fellow board member "Rain" (and BTW, 'sup wit dat!?), I feel it's more accurate to say I'm deciphering said discussion rather than reading it. I'm looking forward to reaching the point where you and Vortex interact. And, if appropriate, I'll add some of my own thoughts and experiences regarding the subject. Gotta admit though, the idea of starting a fresh thread is tempting to say the least. Great to hear from you again. I'll meet ya in the trenches!

I don't see any point in all this "my style is better than your style" talk. Fights are often messy, chaotic events. There's rarely anything certain about them. Of course effective styles, good physical conditioning, and advanced skills are all very helpful. But none of them can ever guarantee safety or success in a street fight. Sometimes the skinny little guy wipes the floor with the big tough guy. Sometimes The Super Death Touch Master loses to the drunk slob at the local bar. You just never know for sure what's going to happen in a fight. Heck, while Bruce Lee was filming "Enter the Dragon," he cut himself on a broken bottle during a fight-scene that he choreographed!

My moves are hella rusty, but I was thinking the same thing. Good form, it just looked purely muscular without any flow...

Hi Hugo, in his book "Chinese Tonic Herbs," Ron Teeguarden explains how to make your own herbal wines and liquors and includes quite a few recipes. As long as you have access to a good herb supplier (local acupuncture clinic for instance) it's really quite easy (and cheap) to do at home. Hope this helps

Aw shucks... Thanks Yoda! It's an honor and a privilege just to be here among so many great minds (and no-minds).

Hi cat. thanks for the compliment and the warm welcome!

Hi Everyone, I wanted to start by saying I've been lurking around this forum over the years and have really enjoyed soaking up all the great insight, humor, and simple wisdom that (at least to me) has always been the hallmark of classic Taoism. Heck, "Tao Bums" just says it all, don't it? Anyway, on with the intro... Lessee, I'm a married man in my mid-30's, and a spiritual non-religious, neo-pagan fan of Taoist philosophy (if that makes any sense). I first read "The Tao of Pooh" way back in 1988 as a pre-teen and have been hooked ever since. I've practiced various chi gung's, mediations, Tai Chi, as well as hard-style martial arts. When I was 18, I was in a life-changing car wreck that cut-short most of my physical practices. To this day, I continue to seek out ways to re-integrate gentle forms of chi gung and meditation into my daily routine. A couple points worth mentioning: While I did dabble a bit with Mantak Chia's SFK in high school as well as various westernized Tantric practices, I ultimately found myself drawn to Jack Johnston's Key Sound Multiple Orgasm technique (KSMO) and have been practicing it regularly both solo and with my wife since 1999. I also have extensive experience with the Aneros as well as learning to use it in combination with KSMO. I have posted quite a bit of my personal experiences with KSMO over at Jack's website multiples.com. And also at the Aneros forum at malegspot.com. Aside from all things Taoist, I'm very interested in discussing semen retention, celibacy, as well as the various physical and energetic qualities specific to KSMO and the Aneros and how they compare with more established Eastern training systems. I use the name "Pan" in both of those forums as well, in case anyone wishes to read some of my posted experiences for comparison with their current practices. I guess that sums up my intro. Other than I would like to apologize in advance for any delays with regard to my post replies. Due to various health issues, I sometimes find it difficult to type for extended periods but I do make it a point to always read and consider any and all replies. So please know that if in the middle of a discussion I suddenly stop speaking, I'm still listening and will eventually reply. Looking forward to meeting everyone, Pan