JohnC

From my experience, the description of open vs closed is a real one. Some systems you do internal refinement, and some systems you bring in external energy in many different forms to support. Generally the 'closed' end up open at some point, and are more about closed until you develop to a certain level. In my experience, both are solid and I've seen very accomplished lineages and masters from both. It does seem like in open lineages that things are more gradual, while the closed systems can have a dramatic opening point. I haven't heard of the dramatic openings leading to death... although I have heard of people having some difficult integrations. Zhineng/chi-lel/wisdom healing is an excellent lineage.

The basic stances of zhan zhuang are found in a large degree of lineages, and I've found to be some of the safest practices you can do among almost any tradition, Taoist and beyond. Stand still, be fit gives a great into, as well as the book Way of energy.

Mater Lin's book recounts it some, but doesn't go into details about his training the same way Master Peng's does. It does seem like Xiao Yao has influenced a number of high quality western masters though. Seeing some of Effie Chow's emphasis on the microcosmic orbit/small universe, I wonder if she trained with him as well.

What I know I learned from his book: http://www.robertpeng.com/products.php He trained with Xiao Yao during the cultural revolution, and reached a high degree of cultivation. It is an entertaining read, and illuminating. It is interesting to notice the similarities in his training and recommendations and Master Chun Yi lin, who also trained with Xiao Yao, and went on to train with other masters including Yaunming Zhang.

This is a question to Michael Lomax(Ya mu) or Brion(Kempomaster), and I thought it would be interesting to hear from others that have experience with this and different opinions. I'm wondering about the importance of Tree gong, what it does and why we should practice? Mainly to satisfy my curiosity, but also as I continue to practice this system, I'm feeling very drawn to do this lately. I've read in other systems (longmen pai) that tree gong helps you release past life karma and increases your energy, which I take to mean it heals your biology/nature/genetic structure, and other spiritual stuff. Is that relevant or valid for us at all in the SM lineage? Or are there other cool things about tree gong? I was practicing with a tree yesterday and after about 20 minutes had to stop, but afterwards I felt really cranky and had a lot of emotions coming up... which I take to mean I was releasing and moving it out. Today though, I'm feeling pretty good, despite not much sleep, and a hell of an exhausting weekend. Thanks for your replies. John

Not unless your doing stillness movement with a tree.

I haven't but I know his work and lineage is quite good. He is an accomplished master, and has manifested qi treatments that feel like being zapped with electricity.

I would encourage experiential knowledge. Although reading from a master that is deeply experienced has a transmissive quality and can be a great pointer on the way. Teachers/lineages I would recommend: Stillness Movement - Michael Lomax Spring forest Qigong - Chun yi lin Xiao Yao Pai - I'm not sure the master of this, but have heard amazing things about this lineage. There are others, but those are the lineages I know of that direct you to direct knowledge and experience of Taoism. Not the mental interpretations of translations that I see a lot of in the west. John

This has generally been my concern of this practice.

You can always bless your food with a blast of chi Drew.

Stillness Movement has tree gong practice in the system.

I would really recommend that you check out one lineage at a time and pursue that, as the information you get per lineage is different with different focuses. Mixing and matching early will impede your development. Pick one and practice for a period of time (1 month, 1 year) and check out if it is for you. I would also recommend that you get clear on your intent for practicing. Do you want vitality? To help heal others? Different lineages have different focus and you should choose which one to practice based on that. Once you reach a certain level, you will know what is happening energetically and will know what lineages are compatible or not. Stillness movement is an extremely excellent lineage, So is the Dragon Gate sect under Master Wang Li Ping. Both are very accomplished and will lead you to progress quickly. There is a lot of fluff out there, but any good lineage will lead you to developing your dantien quickly (1-3 months... ish).

If I were you, I would get advice from one of the teachers of SFQG. It sounds to me like you are focusing to much on visualizing of the movement of energy, and I would recommend orienting to more of a felt experience at the points drawing in, and GENTLY move your awareness to the next point. To resolve what sounds like potential congestion in your back, yoga, more standing practice (zhan zhuang/5 elements, moving practice). Best of luck dude.

Wisdom healing is in New Mexico, and Chilel is in California. Some of the Chilel masters I think are very accommodating, and if you reached out I think they would be happy to respond. Mingtong Gu also seems like a great guy.

Do you have a source for this Drew? Sounds interesting.

Digitalyogi, How have things progressed?

Gift of the Tao has the vibration of Stillness Movement in it, although the dvd's don't go over the practice of Stillness Movement. To do Stillness Movement, you do the movements to initiate the energy with gentle attention to the LDT. The most important part is initiating the energy with the movements, then letting go. The rest will take care of itself. Stillness Movement is best practiced with a transmission, although Gift of the Tao will give you quick access to the vibration and energy. Thanks, John

Generally yes, the yin you are talking about, is replenished by sitting quiet meditation. Anything where you allow your awareness to be gentle is good. No efforting or the like. Ant's post is good and listen to your tcm doc.

If you are having issues, I would recommend sticking with moving practices and the 5 elements(zhan zhuang). Only after things are stable and solid should you practice small universe. John

I hope you meet some better quality masters. They are certainly out there. John

He took mahasamadhi.

Zhineng qigong is also called chilel qigong. It is a solid qigong and lineage with a very accomplished healing history. They had qigong hospitals in China although it was closed due to political reasons in 2001. Chicenter.com is where one of it's lineage holders teaches in the US. Grandmaster Ming Pang is the originator of the qigong. John

Zhan Zhuang, lift weights and stretch.

Per a very solid lineage studying under Wang Li Ping: http://longmenpai.blogspot.com/ You can read about the account of some that have reached what sounds like the attainment your asking about. John

Most spiritual practice will help you develop what is culturally known in the west as 'IQ' and 'intelligence'. I, as a Taoist leaning practitioner, would recommend more embodied practices like qigong, Zhan zhuang, as well as stillness practices because it will help you bring awareness into your body as well as refining your mind. This grants you more information ie, stronger gut feelings, you just 'know' something, or your able to understand something much faster and comprehensively, etc. Not to mention health benefits. In no particular order: Zhan zhuang for at least an hour daily. Qigong for at least an hour daily. (pick one you feel drawn to) Stillness I'd recommend Zuowang, zazen... and generally any practice where you just sit and don't do much. I'd recommend that before some of the mental gymnastic practices to develop a solid foundation. This will pay off if later you move into the internal engineering some practices can do. Once you start to develop, you will feel drawn to certain practices. Follow that. Good luck, John