zen-bear

Hi Tao Stillness, Thank you, for sharing the experiences of your family members who experienced spiritual visitations that taught or transmitted to them yogic/qigong knowledge from higher realms. I will share these 5 personal experiences related to my study and mastery of Chinese internal arts--related in terms initiation-annointment, prophesy, precise guidance, and inspiration-reassurance. (1.) In 1977 when I was living in Los Feliz, CA after I had finished college and was living in my first rental (and was 4 years into studying kung fu with my first teacher, Sifu Douglas Wong) I had a lucid dream where a radiant Kwan Yin (of similar shape and countenance of a beautiful white alabaster statuette I had of her) appeared near the foot of my bed holding a long-stemmed white lotus flower. Then the flower left Kwan Yin's hand (no movement she made) and slowing flew through the air tumbling end over end in 4 times until it landed stem first in my hands held at the tan tien--with the flower coming to resting on my heart). Hmmm. I just now realized--after 47 years--why I think GM Doo Wai calls the palms clasped at the heart (the "prayer hands" position or what's referred to as the "Anjali mudra" in Indian Yogas) the "lotus position". I've not heard the "prayer hands" position commonly referred to as the "lotus position." In Tao Tan Pai Neigong, Meditation No. 30 in the Tao Tan Pai Basic 31 Meditations System is done by sitting in half-lotus position for 15 minutes or longer with the palms clasped at the heart, and is called "The Sky Meditation." Most people know the term "lotus position" is the universally used name for the classical seated cross-legged meditation position (the "half lotus" and "full lotus" positions). But GM Doo Wai calls that palms-clasped-at-the-heart position the "lotus position" when it occurs in Flying Phoenix Qigong and all its sister arts in the Bok Fu Pai tradition. Now I can join him in that usage of "Lotus Position" because that name has special meaning for me tied to Kwan Yin's gift of the lotus flower. (2.) Back in 2007, right when I began teaching the Tao Tan Pai Monkey Form as an extra Qigong novelty to my weekly Tai Chi class in Santa Monica, I experienced a dream visitation and instruction in that specific form by the ven. John Davidson, the senior student of Share K. Lew at the Taoist Sanctuary--because the Monkey Form was Master Davidson's forte and signature form. No one in our temple did it as powerfully as he did.. In the dream, I saw him do the first 7 movements/postures of the form. Then at the 7th movement, which is a 180º leftward turn from a right cat stance into a left twist or "T" stance (because the feet are perpendicular like the letter "T" with the right knee resting on the left calf muscle) with the arms in the same (Lifting Hands-like) position, John turned into the posture and then he spat saliva forcefully. Then the dream ended. I was quite puzzled because spitting is not a part of TTP training or any kung fu training that I know if--except if you have to use it as a distraction or an incitement at the start of a street. So puzzling was the vision of him spitting (it wasn't towards me, btw) that I went back into a lucid dreamstate and asked John what he meant by the spitting. And as soon as I asked, I instantly understood that he was showing me how I can treat the strong evil adversaries that I've encountered in my life so far (since 1991) who also happen to be my karmic enemies--so as to not harbor hate towards them, which consumes one from the inside out and only attracts other hateful beings. (There are three of them, btw--each of whom I encountered in the business world. And all three of them have tried, in turn, to grossly pilfer the fruits of my creativity in teaching my three specialties--Tai Chi Chuan, 3 styles of kung fu, and 2 traditions of Qigong. ) (3.) I will not go until great detail here, but in 1992, I received a dream visitation by Master Share K. Lew at some distance (San Diego to L.A.)--or rather, I received a visit from an entity sent from the Master Lew's altar, which I responded to immediately. When I told GM Doo Wai about this visitation about 2 years later, he confirmed the dream was a communique from "one of Share Lew's little friends"--and provided the context. For those of you practice western hermetic philosophy and use the Crowley Tarot deck, if you are wise enough to channel The Heirophant, (5th major arcana), you may also figured out how to invoke the Heirophant's helpers (that are depicted in the 4 corners of the card) to further your work. https://es.pinterest.com/pin/43628690133315963/ (4.) "Healing is the most important thing," said GM Doo Wai to me at the end of a session in 1992 when he had me record on video the 24 Monk Serves Wine seated meditations. Given the deep jhanic absorption that the basic FP Qigong exercises almost instantly snaps one into, and how quickly regular practice builds a reserve of the FP Healing Qi in the body, it is a matter of course that using the cultivated FP Healing Qi for healing purposes takes on a spiritual dimension. Whenever I witnessed GMDW do an energy-healing, I always saw a visible, dense and darkish column of energy rise from the back of each hand straight up infinitely into the Above. This is the Flying Phoenix "trunk" of Qi that GMDW said one could always "join" or tap in to when one was using the FP Healing Qi to do healing. (When you feel totally inflamed with this FP Healing Qi, then your healing will have instant positive effect on your subject.) On one particular healing occasion in 1994, the most powerful yogin I know (across all traditions) saw this FP energy "trunk" alongside me and said he had never seen a spiritual channel so strong behind any healer he had ever seen. Thus I was not surprised in the least that in the 1960's, GM Doo Wai reputation as a great healer and herbalist came to the attention of the English cognoscenti in Hong Kong, who then thoroughly vetted him, and brought GM Doo Wai back to the U.K. to work on Queen Elizabeth II and her court. (As I posted here in the past, I saw GM Doo Wai's scrapbook that contained 6 thank you notes addressed to him from Ladies in Waiting in Queen Elizabeth's court.) (5.) A more recent visitation came to me via one of my long-term Tai Chi and Qigong students in California, initials "M.C.", who is very psychic and a very clear medium. (M.C.'s psychism began to expand when she began learning Tai Chi from me in 1996. But when I started teaching FP Qigong, MC's psychic powers went through the roof as the healing of life-long chronic diseases accelerated). For several years from 2013 to 2017, MC was the medium or messenger who delivered guidance to me from a female Taoist entity, who emerged from behind giant wooden doors, gave M.C. a message to give to me, and then returned to behind the gates.) This spirit never appeared directly to me, but would provide guidance for me to M.C. in dreamstate. I found this at first to be quite quirky and unusual. But every message delivered was crystal-clear, precisely relevant, and absolutely helpful to the work or battle I had going on at the time. Now 10 years later, I see this Dream Wisdom coming from a divinity to me through my most dedicated student as just another form that my great good blessings have taken in this lifetime. Further to the spiritual dimension of healing with FP Qi in #4 above: sometime on this forum, I hope to hear accounts from FP Practitioners doing healing work with their cultivated energy skills who are unexpectedly assisted by spiritual allies when the going gets tough. FP Qigong is a purely healing or medical Qigong tradition. Use it consistently in your work as healers and you may be surprised and awed by the help that comes to you when you need it. Best, Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html

Hi Pak Satrio, I'm glad you have found the Monk Serves Wine meditations to be effective in clearing brain fog. All the FP Meditations do that. And the MSW meds. all work better once one has firmly established the standing meds as a regular practice. As I've always stated based on my teaching experience, every person responds differently and uniquely to the FP Qigong system. Thus the same is true of Monk Serves Wine subsystem of FP. But there are a few benefits of the FP Qigong that are universally experienced. Brain fog is a nebulous condition that can be caused by a wide variety of factors: fatigue, physical exhaustion, malnutrition/bad diet, poor sleep, menopause, high stress, chemical intoxicants, extreme emotional upset, etc. Brain fog can also be the cognitive decline that comes with advanced age --e.g., 90 years and older. So different practitioners will find that different MSW meds. will be more effective than others in clearing or preventing brain fog. And those MSW meds that people think cure brain fog are usually recognized as such because they impart the tangible and sensational brain activation--i.e. the very tangible Qi activation of specific brain centers (e.g. parietal lobes, frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe). Excerpt from my forthcoming book on FPCK: A milestone in MSW practice is when one experiences a higher meditative state of consciousnes (HSC) "total brain energization" where one feels energy movement permeating everything inside the skull--in a manner that GM Doo Wai accurately described as a "gentle washing sensation"--like a very smooth and slow washing machine cycle. This "washing sensation" is a totally unique experience found exclusively in FP Qigong/MSW practice! Absolutely nothing like it is attainable through practice of any other type of Yoga in the world, in my opinion and well-educated guess! [end of excerpt.] That said, the MSW meds. that I personally have found to clear brain fog are: A. MSW#2, #3 (on Volume 2), especially #3, aka "the Waker-upper" (90 80 50 20); B. Certainly the second and third meds. on Volume 7 that have the breathing sequences (80 70 50 20) and (70 50 20 10) and that have longer and more complex choreographies. C. It's also about the quality of one's meditation. Back in 2017-18 when I had a lot of experienced and seasoned meditators from diverse traditions in my classes in Lenox, MA, these students were exclaiming wonderful highs in brain function and deepest absorption just from doing the first three preparatory meditations on Vol.2 --(5 60 80 40 30), (50 30 10), and (50 10 50). • In fact, I suggest that all FP Practitioners go back and do these first 3 "warmup" on Vol.2 to discover that they are just as powerful and transformative as any other MSW, especially after one has mastered 'keeping your back still'." Thanks for posting this question, Pak. Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html

Hi Boreas, Sorry for this delay in replying. I actually did write a reply 2 weeks ago, but I was in the Catskills with fritzy WiFi and what I thought I had sent did not get sent, So here is my reply answer again--recalled and beefed up: Pak Satrio is correct: keep your hands in the mudra--palms covering the tan tien with the tip of your thumbs in your navel. And allow your body to shake and vibrate spontaneously. All the vibrations, involuntary movements and tossings are part of the relaxation response, Just let them continue, You will find that with regular practice over time, the durations, degree and amplitude of your vibratory states will continually lesson--except, of course, if you greatly change your lifestyle, work, emotional life, and consumption habits... and add tons of stress to your life. At this point in your practice, let me ask you: (1) Have your spontaneous movements have decreased in intensity and in duration? (2a.) What do feel immediately after a spell of spontaneous involuntary movements subsides? (2b.) Do you feel any special or unique form of calmness or quiescence after the shakes subside? As Pak Satrio suggested, move on to Monk Holding the Peach, and of course, Monk Gazing At Moon. PRACTICE THESE 3 STATIONARY FP MEDITATIONS IN EQUAL PROPORTION OVER THE SHORT AND LONG TERM. Then, if you're not doing it already, practice "BENDING THE BOWS" regularly. Once you've done a couple of months of MHPearl, MHPeach and MGM, and have experienced the vibratory states set off by each of these, when you get to doing Bending the Bows, this KEYSTONE EXERCISE will take all that energy newly formed and stored in your Xing (Shape-Form of the body) and circulate it through the horizontal circling and the vertical egg shape in continuous alternation. Spoiler: You should feel that deep connection of how Bending the Bows circulates the FP Healing Qi released and cultivated by MHPearl, MHPeach, and MGM. FP Qigong is a system, and it was not pout together in any random fashion by Feng Do Duk. When in doubt about proper practice, go back and preciselyt follow the training format and sequencing in each volume of the CKFH DVD series. Or sign up for my Zoom classes when they resume in October. (I took Sept. off to move my residience and teaching space to another state, MA.) As I've advised throughout the 14 years of this thread: when the spontaneous vibrations and shakings arise in any of the FP Meds., just relax more and ride them out. They will always subside. The only exception to this advice is, of course, if you experience any serious or intense pain(s)( while doing a particular FP Meditation. Then you should stop and address that pain by any means you have. And get checked over by a western physician. I hope you continue to enjoy the ride on the Flying Phoenix. Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html

Hi EFreethought, I'm open to starting a sub-forum for discussion the synergies of practicing TTP and then FP Qigong some time down the road--but not in the near term. First, I think we need to get a TTP-31 discussion thread going. There just aren't that many practitioners yet of both TTP-31 and FP Qigong--outside of a handful workshop students that I've taught since 2017 in the Berkshires of western Mass., and about 8 people who have taken my more recent workshops and weekly classes (combining TTP + FPCK) via Zoom...to support such a subforum. Also, I'm entering into an extremely busy and productive phase of my life--with book-writing, more DVD production, and working in academia in January. Thus I must be very judicious in committing additional time to new forum(s) on Daobums involving my specialties. Best, Sifu Terry

I would greatly appreciate your help in starting such a thread. But first I need to decide whether to do a thread just on the Tao Tan Pai 31 Meditations or a more general thread about the entire Tao Tan Pai tradition, which is vast. Hmm. First I'm going to check DB's to see if there have been any previous discussion--however long or short--on Tao Tan Pai, Taoist Elixir Method Kung Fu and Nei Kung.

To StyxNStone, mrtiger, and others interested in Tao Tan Pai Circling Palms and the TTP-31 series: Here's what I'm quoted as saying: "Circling Palms, is traditionally done in four sets of 8 repetitions. Each repetition is done at an ideal rate of 80 seconds each. That's 640 seconds or 8 minutes per set. and with a minute break between the four sets, that comes to 36 minutes just to complete Circling Palms properly!!!” NOTE that I said "ideal rate." **Please understand that this 80 seconds per round of Circling Palms is the highly advanced practice level that one has to gradually build up to over many months or years. 20 seconds for each inhalation and each exhalation (which occurs twice with each round of Circing Palms--thus 80 seconds per round), is the high water mark in TTP-31 practrice. To slow down one's breathing (and increase-stretch one's lung capacity [tidal volume]) to 20 seconds on each inhalation and each exhalation is almost peak performance in Tao Tan Pai. Unless you have a rare deepest breathing gene or have been a life-long long-distance running with tremendously powerful and efficient respiratory function, the vast majority of beginners--especiallty those with no kung fu experience-- should work to establish their Circling Palms practice at approx.10 seconds (count "10 potatoes") on each inhalation and on each exhalation. So that each round of Circling Palms (with (a) the slow extension of the bent right arm towards the right normal, followed by (b) a 180º sweep of the right arm to point down the left normal, followed by (c) slow extenstion of the bent left arm towards the left normal, then followed by (d) the 180º sweep of the left arm to poing down the right normal...takes a total of 40 seconds. 40 seconds per round is very reachable and doable speed for most beginners. So this is the starting benchmark. Practicing day in and day out, slowing increasing each 10 second sweep (exhalation) up steadily over time to 20 seconds per sweep and gradually increasing each inhalation from 10 seconds up to 20 seconds is real QIGONG CONDITIONING. AND THIS IS TO BE DONE WITHOUT STRAIN OR OBSESSION--FOR BEST RESULTS!! It doesn't happen over night. Don't expect to be able to each round of Cricling Palms at a speed of 80 seconds!!! That's unrealistic--unless you were born with Superman's pulmonary, diaphragmatic, and abdominal strength!! I think it may be time to start a separate thread on Tao Tan Pai Nei Kung. Thanks for everyone's interest in the TTP-31 series. Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html terencedunn.substack.com

Salutations, Trunk! I'm sorry to hear that you and @steve are leaving TDBs. It's been almost 14 years since a "Fu_dog" from Florida started the Flying Phoenix Chi Kung thread in Dec. 2009 in then asked me to join a month or so later to answer questions. I had never blogged before. And what a great maiden voyage--which somehow led me to answering--or trying to answer-- every posted question on a weekly basis for the past 14 yrs. The FPCK thread is still going strong today--thanks to Sean's smart site architecture/design, your good management, and your team's diligent supervision and moderation--especially when things got super-weird in June 2018 with trolls galore trying to divert traffic to scam-sites. I know how much extra time and effort you and the other detective-mods had to spend to track down and expel the venal rule-breakers who would quickly return after donning new sock-puppets. So I must thank you all again for that laborious and seemingly thankless work in particular. Thank you for your years of management, problem-solving, moderation, and occasional content participation---across the vast expanses of TDB! I look forward to our continuing correspondence on FB. And WELCOME to @dwai, @forestofemptiness and @stirling!!! Warm regards to all, Sifu Terry Dunn www.taichimania.com

Hi APK, I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing specific back pain when you do FPCK. I reviewed our PM correspondence here and know that you've suffered a variety of pains Specific Questions: a.) I know that you've been practicing FPCK since about mid-June when you received the DVDs in India. Exactly how far into the DVD series have you progressed as of today? b. ) What does your "regular" FPCK practice presently consist of? (You had mentioned 1 standing + 1 seated med. in the past) c.) What other, if any, holistic movement arts do you practice? (--e.g., Yoga, Tai Chi, Kung fu, other Qigong systems, etc.) [I know you said you do fast-walking and other aerobic exercise in your past PM's] d.) With which specific FP exercise--or after what sequence of FP exercises-- does the pain start? Try to identify exactly when and with what FP Meds. the pain sets on. (**I am assuming that this pain sets on while you're doing the FP Standing Meditations.) I can give you only general advice through correspondence here. To fully address your presenting problem--that specific pain, I suggest doing a private online session with me, or doing an in-person consultation if you're ever in the U.S.A. Contact me via PM or email [email protected] if you want to do a private consultation. Regards, Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html terencedunn.substack.com

But not quite right, Tao Stillness. The traditional / orthodox practice of Circling Palms is 4 sets of 8 reps. 4 sets! Repeat: The traditional/orthodox practice of Circling Palms is 4 sets of 8 reps. 4 sets. Then follow with exercises #2, 3, 4 and then #18. This "8 Excerpts" video shows TTP-31 Meditations 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, and 19. Plus most of the TTP Cane Form at the end. So let's get busy! Then you may be ready for the upcoming 3-day, 14-hour TTP-31 Basic Meditations Workshop on August 16 to 18, in which I will also teach a next level Nei Kung called the 11 Shen Exercises, which requires good horse stances. Details here: https://open.substack.com/pub/terencedunn/p/taoist-elixir-method-tao-tan-pai-0f4?r=5i7g9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web *** Tao Tan Pai is an equally vast and a much older Taoist monastic tradition that Ehrmei Mtn Bok Fu Pai (and FP Qigong)--by about 700 years. TTP is complete, profound, powerful and transformative in and of itself. But, as I discovered in 2013 when I started teaching both systems in acupuncture college courses at the same time, I proved to myself beyond a shadow of a doubt--and then subsquently to dozens of my students who all confirmed that that TTP-31 Meditations and, in fact, the entire Tao Tan Pai tradition do indeed serve as a foundational catalyst and "accelerant" that enhances and prolongs the healing and restorative effects of FP Qigong. That's because the TTP-31 is so extremely shen-driven, while FP Qigong and all the Bok Fu Pai internal arts are so shen-passive --in that it cultivates shen Qi through its sublime method of eyes-closed super-slow movement (in the moving meditations--Bending the Bows, Wind Through Treetops, Wind Above Clouds, Moonbeam Splashes on Water and the capstone Long Form FPHHCM). Sifu Terry P.S. Alongside my FP Qigong Book still in the computer, is a forthcoming book on the TTP-31. https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html terencedunn.substack.com

There's no official Bok Fu Pai presence in NY as far as I know (other than me, as I presently live in New Paltz in upstate NY. So be careful of anyone claiming to be Ehrmei Mtn. Bok Fu Pai who isn't directly certified by GM Doo Wai. Even if you wanted to, you wouldn't be able to use the FPCK for martial purposes. FPCK is self-regulating: it won't allow anyone to use the FP Healing Qi with any militant intent. I just doesn't work that way. Plus, as several FP practitioners and I have reported, the FP Healing Qi has an intelligence of its own. It only heals and restores. Great that you're connected with Sifu Garry Hearfield. He can help you with the full spectrum Bok Fu Pai martial trainings. Best, Sifu Terry

Hi Dan C. The Flying Phoenix Qigong book has also been in the works for quite some time. I have several other book projects and major priorities. The FP book might be done by the late summer or fall of 2025 at the earliest. Thanks for inquiring. Sifu Terry

FLYING PHOENIX QIGONG WORKSHOP: 14-hour Immersive Training with Master Terence Dunn, July 19 to 21, in Highland, NY –– ZOOMABLE! Hello to all FP Qigong practitioners and subscribers: On July 19, 20 and 21, I will be conducting a 14-hour immersive workshop in Ehrmei Mountain Flying Phoenix Celestial Healing Qigong that is open to beginners but will be also focus on the intermediate practices of our art. Come in person if you are anywhere near New Paltz, NY. There is nothing like 14 hours of FP Qigong training. It's called deep saturation of the FP Healing Qi. Since the spring of 2023, I've had dedicated students flying in from Iowa, No. Carolina, and Virginia to this and my TTP-31 workshops. The seven 2-hour sessions of this workshop are Zoom-able; I hope you will join us. WORKSHOP AGENDA Besides teaching all the material on the CKFH DVD series Volumes 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 as usual, in this workshop I will also teach samples from: A. Advanced Flying Phoenix Meditations (9 standing) B. 10,000 Buddhas Ascend to Heaven Qigong C Feng Do Duk's Ten San-Gung Meditations WORKSHOP SCHEDULE The 3-day immersive workshop, May 24 to May 26, consists of 7 two-hour sessions with 2 sessions on Friday, 3 on Saturday, and 2 on Sunday at these times (EST): Friday: 3pm - 5pm; 7:30pm - 9:30pm EST Saturday: 10am - noon; 2:30pm - 4:30pm; 7:30pm - 9:30pm EST Sunday: 1 0am - noon; 2:30pm - 4:30pm EST TUITION: $440 early registration till July 12; $495 after July 12 • ZOOM participation: $40 per each 2-hour session or $250 for all 7 sessions [Zoom log-on links will be emailed to registrants the day before the workshop beings] Note: All questions posed by Zoom participants are answered and form corrections are given to Zoomers as thoroughly they are given to my in-person attendees. • Please send tuition via Paypal (to [email protected]) or via Zelle (to [email protected] ) • LODGING at Dragon Nest retreat center: https://www.terrapia.org/single-post/dragonnest Single room $150 per night, Double room $75 per night Dorm floor bed $55 per night Food: Breakfast and lunch $50 Food and lodging early registration till July 12: 10% off Please register early, we have a limited number of spaces and rooms: - two single bed rooms with queen size beds - two rooms with two twin side beds - seven twin dorm (floor) beds Total accommodations: 13 - 15 people • Room and Meal plan payments: Zelle, Venmo 9738969320 (Lodging is also available at numerous motels and lodges in the New Paltz area.) SEE YOU IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM IN 9 DAYS! Sifu Terry P.S. Complete details (the whole hog) are on this Newsletter issue: https://open.substack.com/pub/terencedunn/p/flying-phoenix-qigong-workshop-14-9b9?r=5i7g9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Hello APK, I written a detailed to this post last month, but I was at a cafe with crappy WiFi and the message apparently got eaten. Here are answers again (in bold): Can I replace FPCKG for walking or any other workout in the morning . NO. FPCK does not replace the benefits of walking or any mild aerobic exercise. does walking/aerobic exercises necessary as I m practicing health Qigong ? NO. But it's good to have a balanced lifestyle and exercise program that includes mild aerobic exercixe like walking. Will FPCKG be enough to be healthy which prevents lifestyle diseases other than aerobic or walking etc . I don't know what you're asking here. can I do the bodyscan meditation in the morning before FPCKG or after FPCKG ? I don't know what bodyscan meditation is and don't want to guess. To get an answer, you would have top show me what it is. Can sitting meditation be done on chair ? Yes, but only if you can't do it in half-lotus or seated cross-legged positions. after practicing FPCKG how long should I have to wait to have my breakfast? 5 minutes is enough. It also depends if you want to enjoy the post-practice benefits of FP Qigong. Experienced FP practitioners can eat immediately after doing FP if they want to TURN OFF the cultivation. But do not eat within 30 minutes before practicing FPCK. Can I have water before practicing FPCKG or should the stomach be empty? Water is fine. Stomach empty is fine. Stomach empty is not a requirement. But as stated above: do not eat within 30 minutes before practicing FPCK. Enjoy your FPCK practice. Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html terencedunn.substack.com

Hi APK, A. Heel pain: If heel pain continues from the standing FP meds., go back to wearing shoes. And well-cushioning shoes at that. If you're feeling heel pain while sitting and also when walking, you should get examined by a podiatrist. 1. Do you get heel pain when you practice any of the FP standing meditations--e.g. Bending the Bows, Vol.3 Meds., etc.?? 2. Are you certain the heel pain started right when you started FP standing meditations? Think about what else was going on in your life at that time and on that day. Footnote: As I've said kazillion times here and every where I teach the art since 1992, FP Qigong adds no stress to the human process. If it was doing the wuchi basic stance in MGM, MHPeach, and MHPearl that caused the start of your heel pain, then any Wuchi practice such as Zhan Zhuang would have done the same thing. That said, I can't suggest anything to "counter" the heel pain other than putting on very comfortable, supportive shoes. I can't suggest anything else without seeing your practice--best in person, but via Zoom or video conferencing may work. LMK if you want to book a private online session. Only suggestion for now is to take a break from the FP Standing Meds. B. Tongue touching roof of mouth: Do this when you do the breath-control formula at the start of each meditation AND throughout the entire the meditation-- until you take the terminating 3 full breaths and exhale through the mouth on the third breath. (You take the tongue off the roof of the mouth on that 3rd breath when you exhale through the mouth.) Good question. Thanks for asking. Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html terencedunn.substack.com

Hi Dan C. 1.) I have a Tao Tan Pai 31 Meditations book in the works. 2.) A DVD on the Tao Tan Pai 31 Basic Meditations has been on my mind for a long time. Actually in 1991, Taoist Priest/GM Share K. Lew gave me permission to write a book and produce a video. But for various reasons (one of them explained in the early years of this thread), he changed his mind. Although I disagreed with him not wanting the TTP-31 to be published back then, over time and with 33 more years of experience teaching the entire TTP Nei Kung system (6 levels, of which TTP-31 is the first), I've come around to somewhat agreeing with Grandmaster's change of mind regarding the TTP-31. The reason: learning TTP-31 ideally requires hands-on, in-person supervision and real-time corrections because it is so Shen-driven. And if a beginner with no kung fu background were to learn only from a book or DVD, unless he/she were quite advanced yogically or prodigious, any form errors, and errors in eye and mind focus could easily turn into detrimental bad habits. By "detrimental" I mean a negative effect ranging from "developing unnatural (wrong) body mechanics that would have to be fixed somewhere down the road in one's kung fu or Tai Chi career" to "causing energy imbalances severe enough to manifest illness." - and - 3.) I plan to do 3 more DVDs teaching FP Qigong: a. A Vol. 8 DVD teaching another 5 of the Monk Serves Wine seated Meditations. b. Vol. 9 DVD teaching a 22-movement long form seated meditation. This long form FP seated doesn't subsume or replace practice of any of the MSW meds. It's just a longer meditation--and something that GM Doo Wai had us practice all the time. c. A DVD teaching this preparatory form for the ultra-rare internal kung fu system called 8 Sections of Energy Combined ("More rare than the Do Do Bird" -- in the words of GM Doo Wai). This is not one of the 8 "Sections" but a preparatory exercise with its own unique breath control: 3.) I will not publish instruction in the 10,000 Buddhas Ascend To Heaven Qigong system on any media because that system requires in-person supervision by the instructor (which these days means only me*)----and morever because the 10K Buddhas system is too powerful to teach outside of the Bok Fu Pai lineage. Meaning: one has to be an in-person student to learn this complete art. (I do teach one or two of the 54 meds. during my FP Qigong workshops just for contrast and Bok Fu Pai context.) Also, for best yogic results, and for the instructor (yours truly) to discern whether someone is spiritually fit to learn 10K Buddhas, one has to be fully versed in FP Qigong as a prerequisite. *footnote. btw, there is only one other person living who learned 10K Buddhas, but I've been long out of touch and don't know if he's kept his practice up or ever deeply established the 2 other subsets of 18 meds. besides the one that he specialized in.) Thanks for asking the question. It made me refocus on my DVD production slate. Best, Sifu Terry https://www.taichimania.com/chikung_catalog.html terencedunn.substack.com