Stigweard

you do have long toes quite hairy for a hobbit "gollum ... my precious!!"

Little round hazards... Rolling Jaffas down the isle, Hands held in the dark. *** Great to see this thread still pumping away !!! ***

Crikey ... this thread is still pinned ... probably needs some house keeping

Woohoo .... $45 closer to the target ;-) http://igg.me/p/234394/x/1321552

Heheheh ... how doin bud ;-)

Heya matey ... all the best my friend

Hmmmm ... I love tea ;-)

Three Pines Press proudly announces the publication of Livia Kohn, Sitting in Oblivion in late August 2010 (books will ship in September) The book is an expanded revision of Seven Steps to the Tao, with more translated texts and extended comprehensive discussion of zuowang practice. Prepublication offer is now available on the website, as is the list of contents and introduction. Also, we are happy to introduce you to our newly refurbished website. GO CHECK IT OUT: www.threepinespress.com

This article has already caused a bit of a stir. http://www.tai-chi-wizard.com/tai-chi-chuan-and-the-higgs-boson-particle.html So, is the Higgs boson possibly Qi energy? And what does this mean for folks who are energy workers/cultivators?

Whist we can't directly measure either Qi energy or the Higgs boson, we can measure their effects. For example, in a paper called "Exploratory Studies of External Qi in China" it was found that Qigong masters have demonstrated the ability to intentionally impede or accelerate the growth of bacteria in controlled settings: http://www.qigonginstitute.org/html/papers/Waiqireview0630.pdf This is exciting, and it is useful in that it starts to provide base-line data that can be used for further investigation. So we may not be able to measure the "stuff" or even the "mechanism" of how it works, but the effects are demonstrable and they can be measured. And here are the words from a friend that I agree with 100%: "The more I think about this, the more irresponsible it seems to me to want to hide any of this from the scientific approach. All of this IMA stuff seems to have connected with it massive amounts of health benefits, for example, so let's pretend for a moment that the claims made here are accurate, that there is something "Western" science is missing. Looking might reveal it. Understanding that might change medicine in indescribably beneficial ways. Whether the explanation is utterly mundane or involves "life energy" or some other such concept that seems utterly silly when investigated with the first bit of careful, critical thought, those mechanism being uncovered could make for huge strides in understanding and developing techniques to promote and enable healing, some of which that may not be considered possible (or actually isn't possible) right now. Suppose that science finds all of this out and discovers that, indeed, the taiji masters of old were right: training taiji is truly the best way to get these benefits. Think of the positive impact it would have on taiji and other IMA for this to happen!"

I am a pathetic human being who knows too much about what is good for him but does too little to achieve my full potential. I look up into the night sky and am awed by the infinite beauty, I listen to the rain and marvel at the sublime perfection of it, and yet I am incessantly buying into the traps and snares of my conditioned and aberrant personality afflictions. I am just another poor, desperate soul mucking about in the mud dreaming that one day I might be a dragon communing with the cosmic melody. That is all.

Heya mYTHmAKER ... are these yours ??? They are fantastic !!! Me want

The Tai Chi Blog is my mini-journal about Tai Chi Chuan found on www.Tai-Chi-Wizard.com. It... lets you know whenever any new Web pages appear on Tai Chi Wizard, telling you about a new find or story keeps you up-to-date with other postings or news about Tai Chi points out some of our super-special past discoveries or stories that you might otherwise miss lets you know when I send out the Tai Chi Wizard e-zine (in case you don't like to give your e-mail address, or if your ISP tends to over-filter causing you to miss an issue). To subscribe to my Tai Chi blog (no e-mail address necessary), LEFT-click on the orange RSS button (opens a new browser window) and then copy-and-paste the URL of this site's RSS feed into your RSS reader. OR... Or click on the Google, My Yahoo!, My MSN, or Bloglnes button if you keep a personalized home page there. Follow their instructions. Become Part Of The Blog! Become part of the Tai Chi Blog! Simply tell your favorite story by clicking here! Your story becomes part of this blog (which shows the site's most recent pages) and a permanent part of Tai-Chi-Wizard.com for others to read! And I'll tweet your Web page at my Twitter account, too! Enjoy... this is fun! You can also follow my updates: Facebook Twitter Google+

Abstract: Background The drafting of this test for Fajin ability came about through casual discussions had both on this forum and with associates on Facebook. In terms of its purpose, firstly it has to be clearly stated that this is not intended to debunk or discredit any person or tradition. It's purpose is to provide a format to create a foundation of scientific inquiry into this mysterious technique. Methods used The test is structured as close to a double-blind as possible. The main test subject, referred to as the Demonstrator, will be attempting to perform fajin on randomly selected, unknowing and unprepared test subjects within a controlled environment. Results The results will be presented both in simple percentage terms and in terms of success or failure of the target result. These results, and associated video footage, may be used by the Demonstrator for educational and promotional purposes. These results will also become a collection of base-line data for further study and investigation of fajin and associated subjects. Materials: 30 randomly selected test subjects 2 x adjoining rooms separated by a closable door Blindfolds Ground mats jigsaw puzzle style Cam recorder Stereo 1 box to hold index cards 2 sets of 30 index cards number 1 to 30 1 coin 6 adjudicators Stipulations: 1. The Demonstrator cannot speak aloud or make any vocal/audible sounds. 2. The Demonstrator cannot make any foot-tapping, knocking, or other forms of noise that can be used as communication. 3. Subjects must be randomly selected and can not be a student, friend, associate or family member of the Demonstrator . 4. The Demonstrator is to be blindfolded during the test. 5. The test will be recorded via cam recorder. 6. The adjudicators must be independent and have no prior connection with either the Demonstrator or the organizer of the test. 7. The Demonstrator is to have no pre-knowledge of the location of the test. 8. The test must be overseen by an independent authority and have no prior connection with either the Demonstrator or the organizer of the test. An appropriate authority would be a University faculty or independent research organization. This authority does not have to have any prior association with martial arts. 9. The Demonstrator must wear only neutral clothing and nothing they wear must indicate any proficiency in martial arts or combat nor give any indication of what the test subjects might experience. If any of the above listed are violated, or if it is determined the Demonstrator has attempted to tilt the results in his favor due to trickery of any kind, the test will be halted immediately and considered a failure. If there is a setup or technological problem, or if for any reason the test must be halted due to extenuating circumstances rather than trickery, the test may be conducted up to two additional times. However, the Demonstrator must not be changed once the individual is chosen. Pre-Test Survey: Test subjects would be asked a simply lead in questionnaire as to their knowledge and experience of martial arts, in particular Traditional Chinese Martial Arts. This will be used to correlate post-test data. Successful Test: If the Demonstrator can physically move the test subject (i.e. meaning that the test subject will involuntarily move their feet and whole body away from the applicant) using only fajin* then the result will be considered a ‘hit’. If there are six hits out of ten attempts, the Demonstrator will have achieved the target result and the test deemed a success. * “The outward sign of fajin is that the wrists and elbows of the person issuing fa-jin do not follow the opponent, as they would if one were merely "pushing" with the muscles - in Chinese, this is called "The arrow is fired, but the bow remains." The real test is to stand with one's feet parallel with someone at least your own size facing you in a well-rooted bow-stance, and instantly shear him off his feet, both feet clear off the ground in a single moment, and send him backwards 3-4 feet, with no discernible tension in one's shoulders, elbows, or wrists.” -- Michael Phillips Set-up: Test Room: - the floor will be covered completely with the ground mats. - cam recorder will be set up facing center side on to applicant - stereo will be setup ready to play - three adjudicators will be present - one adjudicator will have a coin to flip - one adjudicator will be managing test subjects - one adjudicator will oversee blindfold of applicant Prep room: - table with prepared index cards - 3 adjudicators Protocol: Music will be played in the Test Room during the test to mask any sounds from physical movement. The Demonstrator stands in the middle of the Test Room in a basic stance with feet parallel. They may raise their hands up into “embrace the tree” posture (upper or lower). They must be blindfolded at all times. After each test the relevant Adjudicator must recheck the integrity of the blindfold. A group of 30 potential test subjects, who have passed Stipulation #3, will be gathered in the prep room with 3 Adjudicators whilst the applicant will wait with the other 3 Adjudicators in another room. One set of the index cards numbered 1 to 30 will be shuffled and one card given to each test subject by an Adjudicator, the other set will be shuffled by another Adjudicator and dropped in the box in a loose fashion. One at a time an index card will be withdrawn from the box and the test subject whose number matches this card will be escorted into the Test Room and handed to the care of one of the Test Room Adjudicators. An Adjudicator will flip a coin and if the result is ‘heads’ then the test subject will stand before the Demonstrator in a well-rooted bow-stance and will touch the Demonstrator's forearms with only their fingers. The Demonstrator will have 30secs to attempt to physically move the test subject (i.e. instantly shear him off his feet, both feet clear of the ground in a single moment, and send him backwards 3-4 feet) with the test subject only touching the forearms of the Demonstrator with their fingers. If the coin flip result is ‘tails’ then the Demonstrator makes no attempt HOWEVER the test subject must still take up the test stance and touch the forearms of the Demonstrator as if a test was to take place. Only the Demonstrator will make NO attempt to demonstrate fajin. After either a test or a non-attempt the test subject will be escorted from the room (via another door – i.e. the test subject will not be permitted to have any interaction with other possible test subjects) by an Adjudicator. The test will be repeated with a different test subject until a total of 10 actual attempts have been conducted. Time required: No more than 1 hour.

Hiya folks, I am in the process of putting together some simple audio tracks containing guided meditations for Tai Chi / Chi Kung / Taoist meditation. I would love to have your input on some of the guided meditations you have come across ... what were they? what was the instruction? how effective or enjoyable were they? Cheers

LOL it took me a little while to get the groove going properly Glad you enjoyed

Hiya Meow, Thanks for the PM requesting I respond to your OP. As I understand it, you have come to understand that Taijiquan engenders a particular "state of mind" and you are wanting to pre-determine if that alignment of awareness "fits" with your path of cultivation. Is this right? Firstly, I would recommend you have a very close read of what Steve has written above: http://www.thetaobums.com/index.php?/topic/22963-estimating-tai-chi/page__view__findpost__p__328176 His comments come from his many years of practical training in Taijiquan and thus are invaluable IMO. I would also refer you to a brief article I have written that may also point you in a direction: What Is Tai Chi Chuan, Where Does It Come From, and What's In It For You? And more directly in response to your question, you might like to read this article: The Three "Rings of Power" In Tai Chi Chuan Thank you for your sincere inquiry Meow, hope this helps.

Dragon and Tiger Qigong is especially renowned for simultaneously accomplishing three major changes in the body: 1. Releases stagnant chi that cannot move freely. Stagnant chi can be located anywhere there is a physical, emotional or psychic blockage of energy. 2 Increases the speed, strength and evenness of the circulation of chi, blood and other fluids. This balances the body's energy. 3 Quickly raises the energy levels of the body to boost your natural healing capacities. http://www.energyarts.com/offer/dragon-and-tiger-online-course-offer

I have just had a new friend contact me via my website who is doing a College paper on Taoism. She is just wanting to get some clear answers on the following and I thought I would throw it amongst you good folks to get some other thoughts and perspectives: 1. Does Taoist believe in heaven? why? 2. Does Taoist have god? if none why? and if yes can you describe? 3. what will happen to us if we die (Taoist point of view)? 4. what are the beliefs of Taoism? Cheers

Hiya MythMaker and Ryano, Cheers for your encouragement. I have asked the lass to send me a copy of her paper. It would be very interesting to see what she makes of it.