The Way Is Virtue

Blue face, deflated the dog lay in the straw dreaming of a butterfly

Warm wooden sound enter a vague fleeting memory then only silence

It sounds quite fine. Of course all the tao bums are welcome as well...

some kind of xingyi or just a mark left by a passing foot Is it form or just the intent of form?

BTW, in case we cross paths in a dream again, my dream body often looks a lot like this:

Oh, a little more like Nietzsche, eh? I saw you in a dream and you looked more like this:

Hi Rene. Regarding words and perceived meanings, I wasn't commenting either for or against any particular view, approach, or concept, or way. It seems to me that concepts are concepts and approaches are approaches. If one finds oneself in the middle of an 'ocean' that really seems to extend off to infinity in all directions no matter how one analyzes and inspects it and measures it, and no matter where one positions oneself or where one travels or how one thinks or doesn't about it, does it really matter whether one then thinks about going left or right or foreward or backward, or if one decides that it is better to stay right where they are? What is the real gain no matter which 'concept' one decides is wiser or which 'approach' one decides is best? One particular approach or concept or wahtever may appeal more to one's mind than another, but does one's situation really change even one iota? Will it really help matters if someone says, well, the truth is right there if you would only realize it? The mind might like the idea, but it is only one more idea for the mind stuffed full of ideas, is it not? One may drop one or more ideas in exchange for one or more new ideas but what has really changed? BTW, I also was not and am not trying to convince you or anyone else of anything. I was just expressing some thoughts that came to mind when I read that story. Only some thoughts...

A given person's real purpose for saying certain words and their intended meaning may be quite different than what others might think the meaning and purpose is. It is all well and fine to say that one just needs to realize what is already there, but where does such a concept truly get a person? This concept may well reflect truth in some sense, but is one really any further along at all for the hearing and thinking of such things? One wonders how is this any different than any other concept or method or approach that the mind might hold and cling to? Just an exchanging of one concept for another to be clung to within the mind but what has really changed? Is one any closer to enlightenment? Sometimes the best traps do not look anything like traps at all and the crafty never appear crafty in the slightest.

Here is one more point of view, not that it makes any difference whatsoever, and not that it is any more correct or incorrect than any other points of view. All are merely just points of view. Taoism is not a religion, nor folk religious practices, nor ceremonial practices, nor philosophy, nor shamanic practices, nor self cultivation practices, nor rules of conduct, nor external alchemy, nor internal alchemy, nor meditation, nor nei gong, nor qigong, nor magic practices, nor geomancy, nor divination, nor healing practices, nor internal martial arts, nor yoga; but, what is known as Taoism has contained or does contain various combinations of all of the above depending on the time period one is referring to and the particular group or individual 'Taoists' one is focusing on. Many of the above listed practices are also at various 'levels of awareness' as well with some 'Taoist' practices being potentially harmful to oneself or others all the way up to the highest level of practices that are benefical for one and all. Taoism most certainly is not the romanticized notion that many Westerners have of it of care free Taoists being one with nature at all times and doing just as they please day in and day out as they move freely about through pristine nature and floating about through foggy high mountain passes in perpetually clean flowing robes living off of nothing but pine cone seeds and dew, or just the air itself, and sometimes lounging about discussing the finer points of philosophy with their fellow Taoists, although there may have been/are some Taoist immortals who pass their time somewhat like that some times, or so it has been said. To summmarize: Taoism is just a word that is interpreted to mean almost as many different things as people want it to mean these days, and which has been taking on a very 'new agey, raise your energy vibrations and listen to your higher self' and 'go with the flow, man' and 'do by not doing, dude' and 'don't forget to buy our latest DVD's, books, and Tee Shirts, folks' kind of feel to it here in both the East and the West now, but still mostly in the West. That which is called Taoism has been evolving, changing, and branching out throughout its history and that does not appear to have changed at all in modern times, although what is being called Taoism seems to be covering a broader and broader range of practices and ideas as it meets modern and Western thought and ideas. I guess it would have been more to the point to just say your guess is as good as anyone else's, and yes, I am being completely serious.

Letting go is letting go. Sometimes it takes time. It can relate to one's view of things overall and that can take time to change. There are relaxation CD's and 'guided meditations' and such. There are also various herbs recommended for helping to ease anxiety and stress. There are also chinese TCM doctors that might help, but TCM herbalists traditionally require one to boil the herbs at home which can be quite smelly. There are both Western and Chinese herbs available in capsule and tablet form these days. If you have any trust in TCM medicine, TCM doctors should be able to suggest herbs that they think would be the most helpful for your situation. You may be able to get the herbs in pill form from them as well. You can also go with medications, but side effects are of course always a factor that one should look into. You have to go with what feels best for you though.

I wouldn't consider anything that you have described so far as being particularly scary stuff, but it is really all a matter of one's point of view and previous experience. It sounds like at present what you are experiencing is at least somewhat unfamiliar and new to you and you are experiencing anxiety and stress because of it. Consider that many people have experienced such things similar to what you have described and it really is just a matter of getting used to new experiences and learning new ways to deal with the new experiences. If you consider that many people have had such experiences and have got through them fine enough, then maybe you can start to relax more. Stress responses due to anxiety can certainly cause a tightness in the chest and in the diaphram area, agitation, etc. One of my former teacher's favorite sayings to people to most anything was "relax more". Making assumptions about what you think might be the problem is probably not overly constructive. If we allow that there is one 'energetic system' within us then it doesn't matter whether we think in terms of energy imbalance or energy restriction or kundalini energy or chakra opening or chakra imbalance, etc., as it is all one system overall. Take an investigative approach. Pay attention to what seems to be helping, and what seems to be not be doing much at all, and what seems to aggravate the situation. Balancing practices like tai chi, 6 healing sounds, 8 brocaades, five animal frolics, or types of yoga exercise that don't involve focusing with the mind or special breathing practices, etc. are definitely worth trying, but you should consider using caution with practices like 'tantian breathing' or other deliberate 'energy focusing' and such if you are practicing without the guidance of a teacher, IMO. It wouldn't hurt to check out various teachers in your area, as it sounds like you are still quite concerned. However, not all teachers are created equal. If a teacher does not appear to be truly helpful or understanding, then move on. Have you considered contacting Mantak Chia's organization to ask for some advice? It seems with all that they teach via books and DVD's etc. that they would have some sort of assistance system in place as well? Anyway, try to relax cerananda and rest assured that you are not to first to experience such things. If you have had things checked out physically by doctors and they say all appears to be fine then that should be at least somewhat reassuring, no?

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"Daoist priest Master Yuan Xiu Gang (Wudang gong fu academy ), 15th generation disciple of Wudang SanFeng Sect, shares in this exclusive interview for Life Arts Media the principles of Daoism and their connection with martial arts." (Parts 1 & 2): Master Yuan Xiu Gang: Taoism and martial arts wisdom

Heh, the Wudang Taoist tradition is a Taoist tradition that places a lot of emphasis on internal martial arts practice as a main part of their cultivation practice. They also are known for their internal alchemy meditation and other qigong practices as well though. There are of course many other Taoist traditions in China as well that have their own different traditions and practices and which may place emphasize on different practices. Yuan Xiu Gang was just representing his own tradition. It is true the Chinese government does promte the Wudang region as a tourist region, but I believe there are sincere teachers and students at Wudang Shan (haven't been there myself though) who have been sincerely working to revive and continue on the various Taoist traditions and practices from the Wudang Shan region. Yes, there is a lot of commercialization of Shaolin and Wudang traditions in recent years as well, so it would probably be advisable for one do some research and use their best discretion in seeking out a teacher from those traditions. Just because the Chinese government maintains a level of control over such things it doesn't necessarilty mean there are not any sincere authentic teachers. The Chinese government likes to maintain some degree of control over just about everything in China, but that in no way necessarily means that everything is not authentic and sincere. When the Chinese government relaxed its tight grip over religious practices and qigong practices after the cultural revolution ended, authentic teachers from various traditions did re-surface and some started to help start restoring some of these old traditions. At any rate, Yuan Xiu Gang seems quite sincere to me and he is no doubt quite accomplished in Taoist Wudang martial arts and some other related Wudang Taoist traditions. If I personally was interested in focusing on internal martial arts as the main basis of my cultivation practice, I wouldn't be adverse at all to visiting Yuan Xiu Gang's school in Wudang if I had the chance and get to know him better, and get a better feeling for what all he teaches. IMO, it is always better to meet a teacher in person and spend some real time with them if possible (not just a few hours or days) before attempting to draw any concrete conclusions; however, I do personally get a good initial read from Yuan Xiu Gang as being sincere and dedicated to passing on his knowledge. Intense martial arts training is not everyone's cup of tea though. Personally I am more interested in focusing on the meditation and qigong cultivation side of things practice wise, but I do enjoy tai chi practice when I can find the time.

cerananda, how are you making out?

You are thinking kundalini, but from what you described so far I have experienced similar things from taoist meditation. Placing the palms over the lower dantian and breathing relaxed and naturally while gently thinking of excess energy returning to lower dantian can accomplish two things: help balance out your energy more and also can naturally start to open the mco. Working towards opening the mco would be the taoist/qigong way to help bring the energy back into balance. Don't focus hard on lower dantian, just a light awareness and don't try to forcefully lead the energy back to lower dantian. Focusing intensely or forcefully trying to lead the energy can lead to imbalances. Just relax and keep a light awareness on lower dantian with natural relaxed breathing and palms over lower dantian and see if it starts helping. If it is aggravating anything then don't continue this practice. Most important of all, relax. If you are still concerned and want to consult a qigong teacher (it would probably be a good idea to consult a qigong teacher anyway) and you don't know any good qigong teachers in your area, you can try emailing: Ming-Kit (Klotz) Kwan (in BC, Canada) http://www.kootenayqigong.com/contact.html [email protected] I haven't met him personally but he seems to be quite experienced in qigong and medical qigong healing. [Edit:] BTW, keep us posted on how you are making out with this...

I hear you Marblehead. The thing is though that Taoism was constantly evolving over its history and was influenced by various things over its history as well. What we think of as Taoism as a whole comprises various differing roots, traditions, practices, views, and influences, but all are part of what is referred to today as Taoism as a whole. Maybe the problem is that it is somewhat unrealistic to refer to Taoism as some distinct cohesive system that existed with a clear origin and clear course of development over its history. Defining Taoism is somewhat like trying to herd cats. Try as we might, we just can't seem to get the cats to act as anything near a single cohesive unit.

Nice job! Very beautifully done! I think the documentary (at least what is in that video clip) does have a somewhat Western slant to it though. Many Westerners and Western scholars seem to view Taoism as being originally a distinct cohesive philosophy or way of life that was distinct from other Chinese views and religious practices, etc., and which later developed various religious offshoots that are seen as deviating from or as something distinct from the original pure 'Taoist philosophy'. From what I have seen however, Chinese Taoists do not make any clear distinction between the philosphical roots contained within Taoism and its religious/spiritual roots and doctrines and practices. However, I suppose some modern Chinese Taoists may be influenced somewhat by Western thinking and by changes in view within China itself over the last century, and thus some modern Chinese may also now be making more of a distinction or separation between Taoism's philosophical roots and its religious roots. Really though it seems there was no formal distinct 'Taoism' or 'Taoist view' at all until the formation of the formal Tianshi religious sect around 142 CE. Religious practices and views were no doubt very much a part of Chinese life in Chuang Tzu's and Lao Tzu's time, assuming these were actually real people (some scholars say now that the works attributed to Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu were likely compilations of various ideas from different sources over a period of time), and what came to be known as Taoism has its roots in both the philosophical and religious views and practices of ancient China. Also, what we know as Taoism was constantly evolving and changing over the centuries although there is no doubt the Tao Te Ching was very influential in the development of Taoism over the centuries, and still is a very respected text in modern Taoism. There were various other influences in Taoism as well though throughout its development. I guess what I am saying is I think it might have been helpful towards a fuller view of Taoism to see more commentary from practicing Chinese Taoists on how they view the relationship between the religious side of Taoism and the philosophical side of Taoism and the influence of these two aspects of Taoism on the overall development of Taoist views and practices, as both had strong influences on the development of Taoism and its views and practices overall, I believe. Because we have a tradition of fairly clear separation between the development of philosophy and religion in the West, I think we naturally tend to want to apply that same separation to Taoism as well, but I am not so sure that traditional Taoists view things quite that way. Either way though the section of the documentary on your website is, IMO, a good overview of the influence of the Tao Te Ching on Taoist thought and practices such as the Taoist martial arts!

Some sects within Taoism had various degrees of influence from Buddhism and Confucianism, for example the Wu-Liu sect was influenced by Buddhism. Taoism was constantly evolving over the centuries...

Best bet IMO if you are fairly concerned is to consult with an experienced qigong teacher, if possible. There are some qigong teachers on the net who can be contacted through their websites if you don't know of anyone. Some can be recommended if you want. You are right to have stopped the qigong practices for now. Also, use your best judgement in regards to any advice you receive here or elsewhere as although people like to try to help, sometimes the advice given may not be the best for your situation. I personally am no expert (I am just another qigong practitioner) but I have had some similar experiences as yours occur spontaneously when I was younger. My question for you would be, aside from your concerns about the pressure sensation in your head and chest is this causing you any specific problems or is this mostly just uncomfortable? If possible for you, in my own personal experience it is better to try to stay calm and relaxed about such things and take an investigative approach to what you are experiencing. Also, in my own limited experience, if I were you I wouldn't be doing any qigong practices right now on your own that involve intense concentration or fairly intense or forced breathing or anything like that. One practice that I have found to be balancing energy wise is to sit upright but relaxed in a chair with feet flat on the floor and place both palms facing inward and over top of each other over the navel area. Just breathe completely naturally and relaxed and very gently imagine excess energy returning to the lower dantian area. Do not practice if you feel it aggravates the situation. One thing to consider is that getting alarmed or very concerned about what you are experiencing can make things worse since it causes you to tense up and restrict energy flow, and what you are experiencing may not be too problematic to adjust with the assistance of an experienced qigong teacher. Such pressure sensations can be natural sensations of energy being activated in the body and one may just need to learn how to keep the energy more in balance. Do you know of any good qigong teachers in your area? What area of the world are you in?

Hi al. I'm afraid I don't follow you. I did not make any comments on whether or not "all is going to be alright". I just mentioned a Taoist point of view regarding your comment about whether ancient systems are still relevant. There are still many Taoists and lay people who are still using the ancient Chinese systems of astrology and divination, so these people apparently still believe these ancient systems are still quite valid anyway. I believe such systems are not used to make or prevent changes, but to understand current conditions and possible outcomes. At any rate, no worries.

Taoists generally believe that the human body is a microcosm of the universe and is subject to the same laws and changes as as the universe. The human body is not just seen as 'similar in some ways' to the universe, but is seen as an extension of the universe, as well as being its own smaller scale version of the universe. If this view is correct then it wouildn't matter at all how consciously in tune or aware people are with such things, the connection and relationship is integral to who we are. The separation that people might feel would not change the fact that we are an extension of the universe. From this point of view, what is affecting the universe is affecting us equally the same as there is no separation between the universe, the milky way, the solar system, the Earth, and the human body, although individually each part or sub-universe functions outwardly in its own way.

Hmm, I don't know what Taoist anatomy, physiology, and psychology would be other than TCM and qigong healing. Since I don't what those are, my vote is for: The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine: A New Translation of the Neijing Suwen with Commentary The following is not really directly relevant to your question, but I thought this was interesting anyway: One Taoist version of the Earth's history has it that long ago the Earth and universe was not the physical realm that it is now; the Earth was a spiritual realm with highly enlightened spiritual beings inhabiting the Earth. These beings rode phoenixes and dragons and lived in crystal palaces and such. Eventually the spiritual Earth realm began to decline and become more physical. Some of the later physical descendants of those spiritual beings were still quite exceptional and still possesed a deep understanding of the inner workings of the spiritual and the physical. The Yellow Emperor was supposed to be one of those descendants. These special descendants were supposed to be the purveyors of early taoist practices and knowledge. The spiritual beings have moved on to other spiritual realms along with creatures like phoenixes, dragons, and unicorns.

I haven't practiced it but I did some research on it in the past when I was checking out differeent styles of qigong. The full Wild Goose Qigong system has quite a lot to it and was made public by Yang Meijun. I think she is supposed to have passed on the complete system to a few students but many teachers only teach a portion of the system. This teacher says he learned the complete system but I don't know if Yang Meijun officially announced anyone as being an official inheritor of the complete system (she might have): Dr. Bingkun Hu: http://www.drhuqigong.com/about.htm [Edit:] Ok, this website says her son, Chen Chuan Gang is the official 28th lineage holder of the system: http://www.dayanarts.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=3 Yang Meijun claimed the system was an old Taoist system that originated from the Kunlun mountains region in China. Yang Meijun was still actively teaching this system well into her nineties, I believe, and it is said she lived to be over 100 (some put her age at 106 when she died), so she seems to have demonstrated that her system was effective for preserving health and promoting longevity.

I understand that this is just a concept of convenience for the purposes of communicating an idea in a dualistic world. Whether one happens to think in terms of a source, nothingness, the void, tao, God, and whether one prefers to view everything as illusion or impermanence or otherwise, these are all just concepts of convenience for the purposes of trying to communicate an idea in this dualistic world. Lao Tzu wrote that the tao that can be spoken of is not the real tao, but at the same time he still did his best to convey his ideas using the limitations of dualistic language. In Buddhism there is the concept of a finger pointing at the moon to convey the idea that what is really being conveyed can only be 'pointed to' or 'hinted at', so one should not get stuck focusing on the finger. Although the Buddha was able to pass on the mind dharma to Mahakasyapa by merely holding up a flower to him (the first 'kung an' or 'koan'), the Buddha also related other dharma through the use of dualistic language. Whether one prefers to think in terms of nothingness, illusion, the void, etc., I would think that it is understood these are all dualistic concepts and are aspects of the finger, not the moon which various respected teachers tell us can only ever be understood through direct experience and which cannot ever be understood or conveyed through words, concepts, and rational thought.