Franklin

I have read parts of Bodri's Measuring Meditation Book I need to sit down and read it- I just hate to read long stuff on the computer One of the free things that he gives on his site- talking about the jing qi shen transformations helped me understand some feelings of emptiness that I had developed from practice and I wish I had the Hercules book years ago it would have helped me understand some of the things I had experienced looking back with the information I have now it would have made some things easier to understand the book mostly talks about physical transformations that people experience through cultivation very much like Nan's Tao and Longevity- also a very good book but takes more a broader picture to the whole process - describing a lot of the things that the Taoist Yoga book talks about all the way up to the yin and yang shen- the Tao and Longevity book is another one that I re read a while a go and got a lot more out of it then I did before back to the Hurcules Book- it pretty much describes the transformations that the body goes through I did not experience all of them (of course every one will experience slightly different) some of the most notable that the book helped me to explain was cold shivering - feels like to the bone level and blankets don't help only lasts for a little bit each time- but he describes it as the yin qi leaving the body - unclogging the channels same thing for the cold sensations going down the legs he also talks about the earthquake sensation to me it felt like the bouncing that happens in an elevator- maybe because i have not been in a lot of earthquakes lol but that one freaked me out because it would happen to me throughout the day (not in meditation) again he describes it a specific channels opening up - if i would have read that, it would have alleviated some anxiety... overall i thought it was a great book and i would recommend it for people to understand some of the sensations and things that happen as you practice judging from some of thew things you have written- you probably don't need it now if you are past this stuff but to me it was helpful to use the information to look back and understand some things sort of gain some understanding of the process franklin interesting theory about the spinning and it being caused by a lack of kidney energy could you give any specific reference to this in the taoist yoga book? would be currious

I agree - this is a great book every time i re read it i understand more of what it is talking about... have you read bill bodri's new book the little book of Hercules http://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Hercules-Physical-Spiritual/dp/0972190716/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325651877&sr=8-1 not as in depth as Taoist Yoga about the actual practices but explains some of the beginning level physical transformations i found this one spot on with descriptions of some of the physical transformations that happen through meditation i wish i would have had something like this years ago- it would have helped me understand some things franklin

Hi- I just wanted to let everyone know that I am running a New Years Resolution Special on my site special discount untill the end of the week 1/7/12 http://shenlongpub.com/index.php/dvds/qigong-dvds?page=shop.product_details&category_id=32&flypage=flypageslp.tpl&product_id=85 I am offering a special of 3 DVDs at a very reduced rate for anyone interested in starting the year right with Tai Chi, Qigong, and Meditation No Mystical Powers offered here- just good practices with clear instrution The Three DVDs cover: Seated Baduanjin (Eight Section Brocade) Qi Gong The Seated Eight Section Brocade is an ancient set of exercises designed to wash the internal body thereby clearing the energy channels from blockages and strengthening the internal organs and Qi or energy. This set is very simple to preform and only takes about 15 minutes. This set is great as a stand alone practice or it is a great practice to do before seated meditation. Introduction to the Seated Eight Section Brocade Preparation Exercises Section 1- Body Washing Introduction Section 1.1- Wash the Hands Section 1.2- Wash the Arms Section 1.3- Wash the Head Section 1.4- Wash the Eyes Section 1.5- Wash the Nose Section 1.6- Wash the Chest Section 1.7- Wash the Abdomen Section 1.8- Wash the Legs Section 1.9- Wash the Knee Section 2- Beat the Heavenly Drum Section 3- Rotate the Eyes Section 4- Tap the Teeth Section 5- Gargle Section 6- Rub the Kidneys Section 7- Rub the Abdomen Section 8- Rub the Foot Seated Meditation (Breathing Exercise) The seated breathing exercise taught is a method of counting the breath. This seems simple in theory but the practice can be demanding. This practice can build a solid foundation for further meditation. By counting the breath you can quite the mind and make the breathing naturally long, deep, slow, and relaxed. * Seated Breathing Exercise * Overview of the Seated Breathing Exercise Standing Baduanjin (Eight Section Brocade) Qi Gong These Eight Qi Gong Exercises are non strenuous and simple to learn but they hold great benefit for people who can find the time to practice them on a regular basis. These Eight Exercises systematically the entire body, strengthen the internal organs, maintain joint flexibility, promote the flow of Qi or energy, and reduce tension and stress. You get detailed instruction in each of the eight exercises (along with some variations of the movements) and a Follow Along Workout. Introduction to the Standing Eight Section Brocade Stances Breathing Exercise 1- Support the Heavens with Two Hands Exercise 1- Variation Exercise 2- Draw the Bow Exercise 2- Variation 1 Exercise 2- Variation 2 Exercise 3- Raise One Hand Exercise 3- Variation Exercise 4- Look Back Exercise 5- Shake the Head and Wag the Tail Exercise 5- Variation Exercise 6- Hold the Toes Exercise 7- Punch with Glaring Eyes Exercise 8- Vibrate the Back Follow Along- 3 Repetitions of Each Exercise The Tai Chi Workout Experience the Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi without the Frustration of Having to Learn a Long and Complicated Form The exercises in this workout are easy to learn and gentle on the body while building skills and attributes that are necessary to explore the depth of Tai Chi Practice. This workout was designed so that evan as a brand new student you can follow along and practice all the exercises on your first day. The workout includes exercises that loosen and relax the joints, a standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang) which builds energy and connection in the body, Tai Chi walking exercises, and Tai Chi movement exercises. This is a low impact workout that will help you relax and get rid of stress, become more aware and in control of your body, and benefit circulation. The Tai Chi Workout should take you between 20 to 40 minutes depending on your what your goals are. This workout builds and refines skills that are necessary for Tai Chi Practice. Your commitment to practice determines the depth of your training and development. This is not watered down Tai Chi or Tai Chi like exercise. These are traditional training exercises that are put into a format so that you can get the most benefit. This workout is a great introduction to further Tai Chi training or it can be your whole practice. The decision is yours. The Tai Chi Workout consists of 13 Exercises and a short series of exercises to close your practice. Introduction Tai Chi Principles Overview of the Tai Chi Principles Exercise 1: Swing the Arms Exercise 2: Bear Flops Exercise 3: Monkey Flops Exercise 4: Hold the Ball Tai Chi Walking Exercise 5: Wade Through the River Exercise 6: Cross the Ice Exercise 7: Spring Light Exercise 8: Row the Boat Exercise 9: The Clouds and the Mountain Exercise 10: Set the Sail Exercise 11: Turn the Corner and Push Exercise 12: Step Back and Push Exercise 13: Kick Closing Exercises Some ideas on how these practices could form a complete training program or fit your individual needs: 1. You could start your day with the Seated Eight Section Brocade. This gentle 15 minute practice is a great way to wake up and energize the body so that you can have the most productive and enjoyable day. Ending the day with the same 15 minute practice helps to relieve the stress and tension you might have built up over the day and gets your ready for a relaxing and rejuvenating sleep. 2. Add meditation to your daily schedule. You could meditate in the morning or the evening or even both. The benefits of meditation become more apparent with consistent practice. You might amaze yourself if you try it. 3. You could add the Standing Qigong routine into your daily schedule or the Tai Chi Workout. Or you could do both together for added benefit and challenge. Your practice could take anywhere from a couple of minutes to quickly loosen up, de-stress, and energize, on up to a 45 minute or more workout that will not only be relaxing and invigorating but could challenge your body to meet your fitness goals. These three DVDs give you a complete training program- Tai Chi, Qigong, and Meditation, The perfect combination So Why the Huge Discount? This is a start of a New Year. Traditionally we make resolutions and plans to accomplish not only the things that we really want to do in the New Year but also we look back at the year that just past and make plans based on what we could have done better. I want to offer this huge discount to you in the hopes that by making this material available it will help you achieve your health and fitness goals in this New Year. if your interested- check it out http://shenlongpub.com/index.php/dvds/qigong-dvds?page=shop.product_details&category_id=32&flypage=flypageslp.tpl&product_id=85 you can also watch some free lessons from the DVDs on my site. Best wishes for this year Cheers Franklin

pretty much the same as what was already said to you in this thread. you seem to enjoy your bagua practice and have seen huge results from it so why stop and choose something else if it is working and you are finding the practice not only beneficial but also enjoyable there is nothing wrong with that you should also keep in mind that there are lots of different styles of bagua I don't personally know much about Fu style but from what i have seen in print and in video some of the Fu style bagua forms are very dynamic with lots of spins maybe their curriculum takes you tot hat point with taichi first I have also seen some video of forms from that system that look very much like shaolin as well also if you are interested in DaChengQuan you should check out the books by Wang Xuan Jie I like this one in particular http://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Chinese-Therapeutic-Exercises-Techniques/dp/7119006967/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319601675&sr=8-2 but see if you can find a cheap copy somewhere on the net its a good little book with lots of good information nothing mind blowing but just lots of good solid information like: a good introduction and history of zhan zhuang and yang sheng zhang zhuang- standing and lying moving exercises walking exercises- including circle walking and some supplementary exercises and a very good chapter on the therapeutic effects of practice Franklin

Just wanted to share a small bit of what I train and teach my students Its from a DVD set that was just released. Its Nei Kung from the perspective of internal martial arts Taiji, Xing Yi, and Bagua its a set that helps to develop essential things in the body for internal martial arts- like relaxation, connection, coordination, and internal energy (Qi) also very good for the health helps with the circulation of Qi and Blood Keeps things flowing and breaks up stagnation strengthens the body the set has 5 sections and can be practiced a couple different ways * Section 1: The 5 Circles * Section 2: Wuji Zhan Zhuang * Section 3: Seven Circles * Section 4: Zhan Zhuang * Section 5: Pierce and Turn if you want to find out more about the DVD set- http://www.shenlongpub.com Franklin

Hi Steve several different reasons why it is called nei kung rather then qigong the first being cause that is what it is... but seriously we would have to define the terms nei kung and qigong everyone has their own perspective based on their practice/teachers, research, and experiences not tying to lecture anyone just want to share my own perspective nei kung is the older term just meaning internal work or internal training or internal skill for the internal martial arts there is a tendency to call any training outside of forms practice nei kung as these types of jibengong are for gaining internal skill so usually a whole bunch of things that look rather "qigongy" get the title nei kung where qigong- breath training/energy training could be considered more like daoyin- leading and guiding exercises- where the purpose is to lead/guide the energy while stretching and twisting the body in coordination with the breath and yi (mind intent) these types of practice usually have the purpose of better general health or to cure certain ailments/disease this nei kung for the internal martial arts has several functions: 1- loosening, relaxing, gaining control over, and integrating all the different parts of the body- which of course circulates the qi and is good for the health- because it will help clear up any blockages 2- this relaxation and integration then helps with building the Qi through zhan zhuang they work like two sides of the coin- each enhancing the other and with much overlap the nei kung set basically consists of what could be called relaxation / loosening exercises (fang song gong) massage (an mo) self hitting (pai da) and standing meditation (zhan zhuang) all helping to transform the body first- then the energy..... (jing qi shen) which helps to make one a better practitioner of internal martial arts (more effective and powerful), is good for the health, and has many other benefits that i believe would be similar to what other people would call nei kung as well franklin

This was my latest project - filming an instructional for the Butterfly Form from the Southern Shaolin system I practice. It came out to about 2 hours and 40 mins of instruction. here is a small clip Anyone else here also practice kung fu? maybe you could share some of your practice franklin

Just wanted to find out what type of physical training everyone does. Cause we all know that physical training can help to clear out blockages, improve health, and keep the qi running smoothly. Franklin

Just finished a DVD on the Crane Frolics Qi Gong set. One set out of the larger practice of the Five Animal Frolics. The movements mimic the way the Crane moves its wings and stands on one leg. This set is a great way to combat stress, boost your energy, and keep your joints strong and flexible. This DVD contains: * Introduction * Hand Positions * Crane Stance * Crane Frolics Qigong o 1. Windmill Crane o 2. Breathing Crane I o 3. Soaring Crane o 4. Squatting Crane o 5. Breathing Crane II o 6. Stepping Crane o Footwork Details o 7. Beak in the Mud o 8. Circle Crane o 9. Basic Crane o 10. White Crane Spreads Wings o Ending Your Practice * Demonstration This new 96 minute DVD is now available at Shen Long Publishing http://www.shenlongpub.com Franklin

dancing is good..... it obviously was not a "complete" list of all physical practices I think sometimes people can forget the fundamentals in search of the "best" or "high level" the fundamental is that we are corporeal and that energy includes jing, qi, and shen from the gross to the most refined Franklin

I just finished editing some xing yi dvds (3 dvds- about 4 1/2 hours of instruction total) available at Shen Long Publishing - http://www.shenlongpub.com covers- theories, concepts, San Ti, stepping, and the 5 elements- including body method, power generation, how to practice in a limited area, how to use the forms to strengthen the internal organs, applications. San Ti Shi 5 Elements Vol 1- Pi and Zuan 5 Elements Vol 2- Beng, Pao, Heng Franklin

just received a notice of this since I don't live in Europe I figured that you guys across the pond might be interested if you have not heard yet http://www.anh-europe.org/node/3325 -------------------------------------- ANH-Intl, Avaaz, the EP CAM Interest Group and other campaign groups will be in the European Parliament in Brussels to question European regulators, along with concerned Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), over how they are handling herbal products in Europe. The questions will be raised in an emergency forum organised by Greens MEPs including Michelle Rivasi, Satu Hassi, Heide Ru?hle, Carl Schlyter and Bart Staes. But this is your chance to ask your own questions! If you can make it to Brussels, please be there. It would be amazing to stuff the seminar room full of concerned citizens to really show European regulators the extent and depth of concern. If you can get to the European Parliament in person next Tuesday for around midday in readiness for a 13:00h kick-off, you will need to register by sending your full name, address, your passport number and date of birth to [email protected] and [email protected] by 16:00h Central European Time, Friday 17 June 2011. It would be wonderful to see as many of you there as possible! Access to the European Parliament can be gained via the Altiero Spinelli entrance on Rue Wiertz 60, B-1050 Brussels (see ASP on map). If you can't be there, you'll be able to watch the debate live between 13:00-16:00h Central European Time via the following livestream link: http://greenmediabox.eu/live/thmpd/ We know this is very short notice - but this is an emergency conference, and the scheduling, venue and details have only just been agreed and received by us, which is why we have wasted no time getting this out to you. Please get this message out as widely as possible to all those you know in Europe (and beyond of course for those who want to view the livestream) who are as concerned as we are. Rob Verkerk, Meleni Aldridge and Adam Smith of ANH-Intl will be present at the forum - they would love to see as many of you who can make it there on Tuesday as possible! ----------------------------------------------------------------

another vote for posture and then natural breathing those were the first thing that where shown to me as a beginner and also what I introduce to students first franklin

This is just a short demo video of some of the things we offer at our online school thought some of my fellow bums might be interested some taiji, shaolin, and qigong some more southern shaolin just a note- the applications are from teaching segments- not from application demos I plan on adding more stuff soon- more shaolin lessons, more taiji styles, xing yi, splashing hands, nei kung (related to the internal martial styles of taiji, bagua, xingyi) franklin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVn6Yz9W-ng but in the opposite direction

here are a couple old vids of some forms that i have learned, practice, and teach both yang style franklin

just a note about medical qi gong being used to describe a exercise or exercise set sometimes the term medical qi gong is used today to denote practices that are not for general health promotion but instead to correct certain imbalances in the body or to treat certain conditions so a person without a certain condition or imbalance should not practice them as it could create imbalance in the body where as the yang sheng type exercises promote general health and are usually also ok for people with imbalances or conditions to practice I have had different teachers define nei kung and qi gong in different ways many of those categorizations have already been mentioned in this thread also in the internal styles of kung fu sometimes nei kung is a term used for certain exercises or practices that work to develop the internal power in the style- the exercises could be training certain deep physical and energetic connections, be working to gain mobility and control over certain aspects of the body, and also a whole host of other things this usage of the term nei kung is very different from the one that will be talked about here on the tao bums (which tends to be more about spiritual stuff) franklin

right now one straw revolution- Masanobu Fukuoka man nature woman- alan watts think on these things- Krishnamurti franklin

completely different Gao style Bagua but probably still very good.... (haven't seen the dvds or researched the branch in depth myself) just wanted to point out that there are 2 different Gao styles that are very different.... Franklin

Just wanted to let people know New DVD released and on sale now You can also take an additional 10%Off use coupon code: "xmass10%" I know some people here are into acupressure. http://www.shenlongpub.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=29&flypage=flypage_new.tpl&product_id=57&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAP8Q-acCUQ The human body is composed of numerous energy channels or pathways. When the points along these channels are stimulated with the hands it is called Acupressure. The theories that govern this holistic method are very ancient and form the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This DVD teaches an easy to learn Acupressure Massage that takes only 15 minutes to preform. This massage is both enjoyable to receive as well as give and can be preformed with the person fully clothed. This DVD contains: * Introduction to Acupressure Massage * Cautions and Contraindications for Acupressure Massage * The 15 Minute Acupressure Massage o Part 1: The Eyes o Part 2: The Head o Part 3: Neck and Shoulders o Part 4: The Back o Part 5: The Legs o Part 6: The Feet * Overview of the Complete 15 Minute Acupressure Massage This massage stimulates Acupressure Points that are important for maintaining the health of the entire body and receiving this massage can help prevent the harmful effects of stress and tension. This massage is great for couples or married people. You will be able to enjoy this massage more frequently because it is not very time consuming. As you practice this massage your skill level will increase, making the massage more effective while bringing greater enjoyment to your partner. NTSC Format Region Free Approximate Running Time 41 Minutes Franklin

lol how about just read this book and follow some of the exercises and do this for yourself... http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Breathing-Blandine-Calais-Germain/dp/0939616556/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291524261&sr=8-1 franklin edit- just wanted to be clear- not saying anything about Bruce's abilities or anything but i had a friend in TCM school that had been around him a bit and he was also very impressed by the moving the internal organs stuff.... the book just gives some practical exercises for gaining control of the breathing including if i remember an exercise for gaining control over one side of the diaphragm at a time which will let you wiggle the internal organs

lol 80's my copy isn't that old probably from the mid 90's its worth it to pick up a copy of this one every so often (couple years or so) i reread it and get something out of it if i remember its got a couple of standard yang chen fu peices translated and then its got some other stuff i liked this one better then this one http://www.amazon.com/Tai-chi-Classics-Dynasty-Chinese-Philosophy/dp/0791426548/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1291442075&sr=8-2 his art of the bedchamber book is also very good it is actual translations of the texts that so many of the other books are based one good stuff..... i also recently got a copy of this book from douglas wile http://www.redwingbooks.com/sku/ZheManUncWri;jsessionid=9324D99A3E79916426F1A18CAE5C03E6 very interesting read... don't know if you would be interested or not but i am a fan of chang man ching's writing some of my friend's tai chi practice was influenced by him through william cc chen and peter ralston (very interesting stuff- relaxation and power generation) so from exchanging with my friends i am interested in reading about him and his writtings franklin

hey Mal yeah i have a copy (a very old copy) great book - worth getting and should not be that expensive Wile also has some good translation of Chang Man Ching's texts Franklin

the way i learned it the main practice method was the 9 step childhood longevity qi gong there used to be practice tapes that guided you through the 9 steps of the practice you might still be able to find one someplace on the net but if you read some of the transcripts of yan xin's lectures qi gong is a all the time thing noticing different states that you are in opening your heart- etc. the nine step method is a seated practice the first couple steps you should spend much time on before you go onto the others interesting practice although i don't practice it anymore i had some friends that used to practice frequently (probably still do but have not been in touch with them in a while- moved out of the area) there also used to be practice groups around the US that might also be a place to try to find more information also this book has instruction for steps 1-3 of the 9 step qi gong plus lots of stories from practitioners Yan Xin Qigong Collectanea Volume 9 the other volumes are in chinese- this was the only english language volume Franklin

keep at it i think i have been doing that class for about 2 years now i think it really is a great system and the teacher really wants to share it and it is not that expensive for monthly tuition that is a very rare combination i have practiced another style of bagua since 1997/8 (don't remember exactly- would have to check my note books) also a great style but very different from the gao the gao is structured great for a beginner in other words you can start as a beginner and really make progress some other styles of bagua it is almost better to have a strong foundation already otherwise it is very hard to make progress my advice would be stick with it i have read some of BKF's books and he seems to go really deep into details and details i think the details are good but you really need to spend the time to get the knowledge in your body and that only comes with time the refinement comes gradually (in other words just keep practicing with the details in mind but don't get too frustrated if you can not manifest all of them perfectly) and i would disagree that taichi < bagua tai chi is my first love been practicing that since around 1992 but i have found that good taichi is as hard a good bagua to find there is lots of stuff out there but hard to find the good stuff i have had tai chi teachers teach how the small heaven circuit happening during the form and also how to draw heaven and earth energy into the body while practicing the form with the small heavenly circuit but that is all stuff for much latter in practice after everything else is happening correctly (i don't claim to be at that level- maybe some day:) ) but with tai chi you can't have this stuff happen with modified forms if the transitions are messed up then the circulation can not match with the movements Franklin