mjjbecker

From my own experience I would offer some simple advice. Keep a good time interval between meals. If a very large meal is eaten, then that might well last a person most of the day. Otherwise, 4 to 5 hours between eating anything is good. Your body will tell you when your stomach is empty and you are genuinely ready for another meal. If a person does a lot of activity then they will eat more. On a day where there is little activity, then eat less. Unfortunately due to bad habits many people have turned this the opposite way around, and sit watching the TV or in the cinema with buckets of coke and popcorn and such like... Drink only small amounts or nothing at all during meals, or drink half an hour before or two hours after the meal. Drinking a lot during a meal, or closely after a meal will definitely cause indigestion. Keep your carbs to once a day. That is anything processed. Fruit is best eaten as a meal in itself, and not after eating other foods. Eating carbs once a day has not led to any energy swings or cravings for me. Eat your vegetables. Either a large salad or steamed vegetables with all large meals. I often eat eggs alone for breakfast, either fried or scrambled. I've had no digestion problems or energy swings doing so. Avoid juices. Eat the whole vegetable or fruit. The fibre is really important. Avoid sodas. Try sparkling water instead. I have and haven't missed the sodas. Don't demonise food types because people abuse themselves by consuming them in excess. Sometimes I have some fresh orange juice and sometimes I have a coke. Most of the time I apply a little will power and pass on them. As with most things in life, some will power is needed at times. Saying 'never' can lead to binging, where a person decides they will give something up, but have one last splurge before doing so. Been there, done that. Much better to 'never say never' and avoid any sense of being deprived. That applies not just to food.

Eating-and I think sex-have gone from being natural acts, to acts of recreation. In part because people are bored, and in part because other people see the opportunity to make money from this. The manipulation of people's natural drives looks like it has just led 'advanced' societies to the ruination of their health and their happiness. Of course, this 'ideal' has been exported to the rest of the world as well. Young, 'educated', Chinese people aspire to the 'American' lifestyle, though I suspect not the obesity and health problems that come with it. Watching the grandparents take their infant grandchildren to McDonalds here is not a happy sight to behold.

Trunk has made available detailed advice for those interested in 'retention', including a lot of information warning people about the dangers of improper practice. He's posted the link on several threads to his website. If a person can learn directly from Seth, then great. I've a lot of time for what Seth writes about and I don't doubt he has extensive experience. My advice is simply this. If you want to learn about these practices, get a teacher who is capable and qualified and learn directly from them. Not from the internet, books, or DVD's. There are methods that really do require a teacher's presence so that they can correct a student's mistakes. This correction is absolutely vital when doing some practices incorrectly can lead to irreversible damage! My own view is that retention goes with specific practices that utilise and require it. If you aren't doing those specific practices-and particularly if you are not at that level of practice-they don't force yourself to not ejaculate. If your body is telling you to release, and you have no other viable alternative to shifting the energy, then release it. Daoism is supposed to be about non-resistance and acting naturally. Each individual has to find that ability to 'listen' and to follow the correct 'way' for them.

Listen carefully to yourself. Not the 'logical' mind stating what you should or should not do. The intuitive, feeling, knowing, mind. Some people may reach the point, like Seth, where retention is not a problem. I would expect they have had the correct, proper, instruction from a teacher and tradition that understands such things. And, reached the point in life where it is right for them. For someone without this guidance-and very particularly if you are young-do not try to force yourself to do something if it is psychologically and physically harmful. Be that to excessively practice sex or retention. Perhaps the biggest problem people have is simply that in modern western societies, there is such a bombardment of sexual imagery. TV, movies, newspapers, magazines, adverts, etc. It is almost impossible to escape. Sex sells because it is such a fundamental driver of behaviour for humans. This kind of environment is simply unnatural. Ultimately it is very important for the individual to find their way and not to allow themselves to be swept along by any particular crowd. Different people will have different ways.

I've realised that it fundamentally comes down to eating less. I've not found carbs to be a problem-if not over consumed. From the end of last year I started following the basic principles of not mixing protein and carbs with meals, and drinking only moderate amounts of fluids during meals. I have for a while now stopped drinking 'liquid sugar' be it fruit juice or anything else. The result? 'Effortless' weight loss. That with eating bread and chocolate most days-but only once a day. If I eat out or am visiting people, I make sure I leave plenty of time between eating anything, until I am genuinely hungry again. It allows the body to process the food and gives it a rest also. I strongly disagree with the 'eating small but regular' philosophy, but I realise it seems to work for some. As for 'retention' much has already been written and it would help people if they used the search function. Perhaps we should consider a sub-forum for this subject-with previous threads collected and placed there-because it keeps getting posted about. It would allow easy reference for the significant interest that this matter has.

The table thing comes down to whether the material is natural or synthetic. The chopstick will go through wood, even processed wood, as long as it isn't totally impregnated with resin for example. Many tables in a restaurant have a synthetic covering on top, to make them more hygenic and easier to clean. I personally watched Pak John push a chopstick through a table one time. It is good to be skeptical. Going and personally seeing and experiencing is the best route if possible. It isn't easy though and involves a lot of personal sacrifice. MPG is correct when he makes the point about commitment and sacrifice. I often get asked by people in China where I have visited. My answer is, I haven't. I tell them I came here to work. The reality is that my time and money has been spent on training. I am not saying this is right or wrong, but it is the commitment required to do certain training, especially if you don't have the money. Not being weathly, not coming from a wealthy family, I relocated to Asia, found work here and saved what I could to do what I set out to do. It took years to get to that situation. It didn't happen overnight. I've said it before and will say it again. Training like Mo Pai neigong is not suited for modern urban life. It requires significant time and being away from the distractions of society. That is just the way it is. I believe Wang Liping has intimated similar things in regards to Longmen Pai. Anyone wanting be attain what a John Chang or Wang Liping has attained at the very least needs to make the same kinds of sacrifices-not to mention possess their innate abilities. Ultimately a person will be drawn to particular training, and will do what they need to do for themselves. They will make the effort and sacrifices. For some, they will invest their all. For most they won't. It isn't about 'right' or 'wrong', it just is. Recently I've been spending two hours a day purely on qi gathering exercises, then further practice on top. I know most people can't or won't because of other commitments. It has taken me years and years to get where I am, and there is plenty more work to be done. That's my life. I don't recommend it. It just is. Others can and will follow their own paths.

Michael Lomax, a lineage teacher of Stillness Movement neigong is a member of this forum and his user name is 'Ya Mu'. Stillness Movement neigong is a highly effective method of cultivation-one of the most effective and powerful I have encountered in more than 20 years of looking. I started a thread a while back on it here: http://www.thetaobums.com/index.php?/topic/15225-stillness-movement-neigong-and-michael-lomaxs-light-warriors-guide-book/page__hl__stillness%20movement Some information about the medical side of what Michael does. There are lots of examples of the effectiveness and power of the training. In particular, also have a read of 'Kempomaster's' posts. He has been practicing a few years, and demonstrates what can be achieved with a bit of dedicated practice: http://www.thetaobums.com/index.php?/topic/7783-chinese-taoist-medicine-stillness-movement-medical-qigong/ Stillness Movement very specifically builds the dantien, in a quick and powerful manner. Michaels website: www.qigongamerica.com

There is nothing wrong with the way Madam Ge practices. Cheng style has its own manner of practice and movement. Observe Grandmaster Sun Zhijun moving and you will see it is the same: I believe this is Grandmaster Sun teaching at a workshop in Singapore organised by Madam Ge: If my memory serves me correctly, Grandmaster Sun is the highest ranked bagua master in mainland China, at the 9th duan level. That is, he is recognised as being foremost among his peers, by his peers. There is no one 'correct' way to practice bagua. The different schools have their own ways, and this fits exactly with the manner in which Dong taught his disciples. I personally prefer the more measured stepping of Yin style, or similar, to the sliding stepping practiced by Cheng style. However, it doesn't mean my preference is better. It doesn't mean that I will necessarily get better results than the other person practicing the other method.

To put it in simple language, you need to understand the principles and mechanics behind the movement. This I have had shown to me by a master of Wu taijiquan and also a Grandmaster of Chen tajiquan, in Beijing. If you know and understand these things, you will develop skill and ability very quickly with practice. Many of the displays of 'fa jin' can be taught to a novice in a matter of minutes. I had said Wu taijiquan master show me this as he explained the mechanics behind the movements. The problem is that there simply aren't many around, anywhere, who actually know and understand what they are doing and why. Something amply displayed by the existance of this thread. Make no mistake whatsoever though. A real master of taijiquan could end your days very quickly. Forget about all the bullshit, the waffle regarding pushing hands and 'fa jin'. This only represents training. Taijiquan has extremely effective techniques for combat. In a few minutes I once trained a small work colleague how to apply a technique for self defence. Said colleague was attacked without provocation while outside a pub, holding a pint of beer. Applying the technique I showed him, while still holding the beer, he sent his attacker clean over a bench, conclusively ending the fight. Nothing fancy, mystical or esoteric. No 'fa jin', 'qi' or such like. Just a very effective technique from a very effective school. If you want to learn and understand taijiquan, find a teacher who actually knows the art and can clearly demonstrate how and why it works. Forget about stupid mental masturbation over 'esoteric' principles and put your mind on whether what you are learning is applicable and effective for you.

Been there and done it-and worse (cleaning in a psychiatric hospital, among the senile or serial rapists depending on the ward; in-person and telephone customer service; telesales, including cold calling; manual labour in all weather; teaching in a private profit seeking school; teaching in a state run school ) The 'bad' environments often have the most valuable lessons. Often there will not be adequate training or someone there to hold the hand and offer guidance. Many jobs have poor training and support-that is reality-and it may not be practical at times to change jobs. Living and working in another country for example, where your work and residency visa are bound together. You then have to learn quickly how to understand and deal with situations. Sometimes you will feel you are left swinging in the wind, despite doing 'the right thing'. It is life, it is all experience and all of it has value, regardless of how pleasant or unpleasant the experience may be. A person may, or may not, be able to deal with it in this lifetime. That is just the way it is. Life is not 'fair'. From personal experience I would say you learn more, and gain more, when there isn't the proper training and proper support around, and you then have to step up to the plate and deal with the situation. You can't expect-and often won't find-someone there to personally guide you. You have to go out and find the knowledge you need and take action yourself.

What Michael Lomax teaches. Stillness Movement is a 'living' tradition, rather than a collection of obscure texts and terms that, frankly, most Chinese people don't grasp or understand. I also found the book 'The Magus of Strovolos' to be an interesting read. The spirit is multifaceted and more than just the present ego.

Perhaps, but it is only realised in the crucible of experience.

http://forum.rickross.com/read.php?4,11964,page=1 I've met the man. No, he does not have any 'special' abilities. The comments made on the forum link I posted above match my own experience and opinion. The 'empty force' demonstration is just suggestion. Mr Young-that is his name, Peter Young-attempted to demonstrate to me how he could control a student. They were back-to-back and the idea was that he would control the student by using his bagua skills and sensitivity. It might have worked but for the fact the student was a beginner, so inconveniently didn't know the script. Both went the wrong way. The attempt at control ended up being a clumsy one, showing that Young's martial arts abilities were not as good as he thought they were. Later, during the Liu He Ba Fa class, while demonstrating a defence against a punch, Young rather viciously wrenched my arm. But for my prior training and ability to relax, I would have been injured, possibly to the extent of having tissue in my arm or shoulder torn. My personal view is Young is a dangerous person, who seeks to manipulate vunerable young people into following him in a manner very similar to a cult. I watched the way the students at his then club bowed and scraped around him and how he clearly expected this. There is no need for any legitimate master to demand this. It is possible that one of his followers may end up here and challenge what I've stated. I will therefore, for the record, say I would be more than happy to repeat it under oath should Mr Young wish to seek legal redress.

By seeking answers (and in turn getting conflicting advice) on a forum, you are only getting confused and it isn't helping you. When asking for advice, consider if the person offering is at all qualified to give it, or giving it with your best interests in mind. How do you know? On a forum, dealing with anonymous people, you don't. If I called myself 'Dr Becker' and advised you that the consumption of large quantities of arsenic would clear up your problems, I hope you would not follow said advice. Why then are you asking complete strangers about a physical problem you have, not knowing at all if their advice is any use, never mind if it might cause you harm? You have a teacher. If you do not trust your teacher's advice and judgement in regards to your training and situation, you need to decide what course of action to take. If you have a medical issue, consult with a properly qualified physician, be it Western or Chinese medicine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_road_to_hell_is_paved_with_good_intentions

Keep in mind your goal-peace of mind. That is fundamental, not the means. Reaching peace of mind through a religion may, or may not, be the right path for you. Personally, I would recommend you try the Sedona Method, as it works on exactly what you are seeking but has no religious leanings. There is a comprehensive book available for a very reasonable price. Larry Crane also has some good information on this. As for martial arts, there are some commonly held myths to be addressed. Firstly, not many instructors are capable or qualified to teach 'self defence'. It goes way beyond simply learning a martial art-and it is questionable how many martial arts are appropriate-or effective-for modern day use. If you are attacked by multiple opponents, or someone with a knife, you may well be lucky to escape with your life, never mind being concerned about trying to subdue them. And, if you do escape relatively unharmed, there are the legal issues-you might find the police and local authorities trying to have you locked up. Let me be blunt. Lose whatever fantasies you might have in regards to martial arts masters effortlessly dispatching attackers. Such things are for the movies. In reality classical Chinese martial arts worked on killing and maiming the attacker as effectively as possible. Taijiquan is as vicious a martial art you could hope to find, with numerous methods of seriously injuring/killing a person. If you are serious about self defence, then you need to educate yourself with sensible advice, and lose the preconceptions you've formed. Some starters for you: http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/ http://massadayoobgroup.com/ http://www.cnsds.com/ These are just the tip of the iceberg. If self defence is a real issue for you, then you owe it to yourself to do some serious investigation into the issue. That means seeking out advice and information from those who really know. Forums are not the place on the whole, as they are more populated with opinion than experience. If you want to practice a martial art for the personal benefits it can give you, that is certainly worthwhile. In that case, you need to look for something that suits you on a physical and psychological level. If you have physical limitations this is going to be important in regards to what you choose. On a psychological level, you need something that fits you also. Muay Thai vs aikido for example. An instructor and training group that you are happy with is also fundamental. Internet forums may provide a few pointers, but you need to do the hard work and do the real research and testing for yourself. You cannot-and must not-allow others to dictate this for you. You have to find what is right for you, and you will need to do the leg work.

http://traditionalstudies.org/chinese-medicine Snowmonki knows more about this than me and perhaps can chip in some information. http://traditionalstudies.org/about/45-about-about/109-about-andrew-nugent-head On 'TCM': http://traditionalstudies.org/chinese-medicine/23-cm-about-chinese-medicine/cm-about/63-modern-chinese-medicine-tcm For anyone seeking indepth information from a person with a lot of years experience, you'd be hard pushed to find a better source that Mr Nugent-Head.

I damaged my ribs last year-or possible upset an old, pre-existing injury. Damn painful and unpleasant when you can't get comfortable and it is difficult to sleep. You really have my sympathy! I was very fortunate that Michael Lomax ('Ya Mu' on the forum) did a distance healing (him in the USA, me in China) for me that REALLY reduced the pain very quickly. I know that some people are not open to the idea of distance healing, but I can only speak from personal experience. I will caveat though that I did not get carried away with the pain reduction and overdo things straight after. The doctors should be able to advise you on a realistic recovery time.

I've his neikung and qigong books. Master Chu knows exactly what he is doing and why he is doing it. The exercises are directly related to a specific line of Yang taijiquan. There is often a misconception that all taijiquan is the same or similar, or that this is even the case within certain 'family' styles. Yang taijiquan has quite different interpretations, depending on which member of the Yang family they are attributed to. The most well known is the mainstream line from Yang Chengfu. This is a 'large frame' version of the art that is quite different to some of the versions attributed to earlier Yang family members such as Jianhou. I'm sure if you follow Master Chu's instructions exactly as he gives them you will be doing it correctly. I would strongly advise against deviation-incorrect practice can lead to various problems with any method of exercise. I would also advise you not to try and do too many practices together, learn several practices at the same time, or do different practices within the same practice time. Concentrate on one thing and follow the instructions given by the teacher to the letter.

I had the great honour and pleasure of meeting him several times at the main school in Beijing. He was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by his family and students.

http://www.ecolibris.net/how.asp

Get the Kindle e-book from Amazon (you can download the software to read it on a PC or Android device if you don't have a Kindle). I finally got a Kindle recently and it certainly helped not having to drag half a suitcase full of books back to China with me. I do like my paper books, though I suppose anything that has less trees being cut down is a good thing.

The school considers Mo Tzu to be its founder. Mo Tzu was not a Daoist. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozi

No, there are not a lot of experts on this board. There are a lot of OPINIONS. To my knowledge there are actually very few people posting here that have full qualifications in any particular method. If you want to learn to practice advanced energy methods safely, then proper instruction, by a capable, qualified instructor, is essential. Dabbling and mixing practices is NOT A GOOD IDEA. Attempting to sublimate your sexual energy without this instruction is unwise. There is nothing wrong with healthy sexual functions. That includes masturbation. Your problem is not that you masturbate, but that you are relying on pornography. Pornography and the constant bombardment of sexual images in the media are unhealthy. They do not portray actual reality, but rather they play on fantasy instead. A little fantasy is not a problem. Living in a fantasy world is. STOP the idea right now that there is anything wrong with ejaculation. There isn't. Let go of any guilty feelings you might have on the subject. There is nothing wrong with you. If you want to get off the pornography, there are online help groups I believe. Do a search on Google and this forum for more information on that. Speak to someone you trust about this if you can. There is nothing to be ashamed about. If you are not able to directly seek out a teacher, but want to practice something that is very good, I can recommend the Tai Chi 18 movement qigong practice. There is a free resource here: http://www.everyday-taichi.com/shibashi.html This is a REALLY good set of exercises. The physical AND mental benefits are significant. Do them for a few weeks and see for yourself. If you want some extra instruction I believe there are some video clips also on You Tube. Most importantly, go out and enjoy your life. Do what you enjoy and makes you happy. It is very easy to get fixated on 'spiritual persuits'.