lifeforce

This exercise is also in the Xing Yi Nei Gong book. Page 134-137. It is Exercise Six in the set entitled 'Empty The Foot and Lift a Single Hand'. From the book: "The upward and downward pressing motions of the palms and the lifting of the heels flex and extend the muscles and joints of the hands,wrists and feet. Shifting the weight from foot to foot also helps improve balance. The actions of the hands stretch the muscles down the sides of the body and the movement is also beneficial to the peristalsis and digestion." It seems to be common in a lot of qigong/neigong sets. Good stuff.

Thanks Mal. The Hua Hu Ching is proving to be beneficial to a lot of people, so I can't argue with that.

Some history on the authenticity of the Hua Hu Ching here

Well folks, it's been a few weeks since any updates. Full lotus 20 minutes anapanasati meditation most days. I may look to add another 20 minutes of walking meditation sometime soon.

You've just described Yiquan to the letter. Fantastic observation, and one that only comes through persistent training and hard work. Respect.

Yes, it really is beautiful. Great for outdoor ZZ training.

Hi there. I'm not sure if the results come directly from this set of exercises or the combination of my personal cultivation program. This includes daily Zhan Zhuang, walking, gym work twice a week,swimming once a week, and daily full lotus meditation. I very rarely get colds/flu and other viruses. I have healed myself from lingering muscle and sciatica problems which I had before. Heightened senses, especially smell. Greater strength and flexibility. MCO which runs 24/7 without any coaxing or meditation to initiate. The ability to read other peoples intentions and motives. (not always pleasant). Peace, compassion, tranquility and a love of the natural world. A general feeling of well being nearly all the time. Probably many more benefits which are so natural to me that they seem a normal part of my life. Much of these things can be achieved by all forms of nei gong, IMA's and meditation. The reason I chose this one in particular is when I saw a nearly 100 year old Wang Ji Wu performing the set. If I can grow gracefully into old age like that, with all my faculties intact, and not stumble into it, then I'll be happy.

Hi there. This is the system I've been using for 8 years almost daily. The pictures of a nearly 100 year old Wang Ji Wu doing the set is all the recommendation this book needs. Xing Yi Nei Gong

These would look cool with some accompanying hung gar studded leather gauntlets. This years fashion accessory must !

I came across the book about 8 years ago while searching for a moving qigong/neigong set. It's quite easy to follow the movements from the book. I started out doing a few at a time until I memorized the whole set. Then I upped the number of repetitions slowly. It normally takes me about 25 minutes to complete the set. The book speaks for itself really. What more could you want when you see Master Wang Ji Wu at nearly 100 years old still practicing daily. It has it all. Good for martial power but also very good for the overall health of the body, both externally (muscular, flexibility) and internally (organ health, and the prevention of stagnating body fluids etc).

Excellent !

But is it ? In the Wilhelm version there is constant reference to the Leng Yen or Shurangama Sutra. So there could be a bit of Mahayana influence there. Also, the theory that this meditation may actually have roots in Nestorian Christianity. Something to ponder.

Very well put. Thanks. Here are some more thoughts on this

Nearly the end of the month, how's it going ? Keeping up the daily practice of 20 minutes. I know it doesn't sound like much but it's a manageable amount of time for me. I am less likely to fail.

My parents and my now deceased grandparents who taught me essential life skills and who brought me into the world. My wife and children for teaching me more each day. The Buddha. Lao Tzu. All my martial arts teachers too many to mention. Thank you all

Well. I ordered mine last week and it hasn't arrived yet (UK). I suppose good things come to those who wait.

Another week on. Anyone sticking to it ? I must admit I missed a couple of days this week. I'm just finding it difficult to get up early sometimes. The focus of my formal sitting meditation has changed. I have always had trouble drifting off into thoughts with vipassana, so I figured I need a more concentration based method. Anapanasati has filled that gap very well and my meditations have improved 100%.

I'm surprised that nobody's mentioned this yet Yin Yoga I've been incorporating this and the 5 Tibetans into my daily movement routine. My main movement practice being Xing Yi Nei Gong. These three seem to compliment each other very nicely.

3000 + Dhamma Talks

This is a real gem for anyone interested in the discourses of the Buddha. Over a thousand translated Pali Suttas and a whole lot more here : ATI Website Enjoy !

Anapanasati meditation can, when practiced diligently, take you all the way to realization also. Here is a pdf excerpt of a book by Ajahn Brahm which describes the process in detail. Mindfulness Bliss & Beyond

Ajahn Brahm Meditation Instructions Anapanasati Sutta Mindfulness Of Breathing

Well we're nearly a week into the new year, how's everyone doing ? I've missed one day so far unfortunately, but I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Kept to the 30 minutes every time though, which is what I was realistically aiming for.

This is an interesting observation. That does happen sometime to me. For instance I sat for 25 minutes in full lotus this morning, but it felt like only 5-10 minutes had passed.

1. Get this book : Xing Yi Nei Gong. Practice every day the exercises contained within. I think it can be found from other book websites other than Amazon. 2. If you can't find a teacher just yet, learn to stand in San Ti Shi. There are plenty of resources online, as well as in the above book. A teacher will correct your posture when you eventually find one. 3. Don't try to learn the five fists without a teacher. A good teacher will teach you the old way. Learning to stand in San Ti Shi for at least a year before any forms are taught. This is how I was taught. 4. Learn other zhan zhuang postures also, especially embracing the tree. These are taught in xingyi also. 5. Take it slowly. Don't try and stand for long periods at first. It will only put you off. Foundation is of great importance. The above steps will give you a firm foundation in the art and give you a strong fit healthy body suited to the practice of form/mind boxing. Good luck.