林愛偉

Personal Practice of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony 2 New York On another occasion, one night, while performing the ceremony, I noticed the air became warmer; it also carried a certain charge to it. I began reciting and reading, when suddenly, I noticed the manifestation of the vibration of my voice. A rip manifested in the space between the ceiling and my head at an angle to my right. It opened up and I saw endless worlds and endless beings within them all listening to the teachings. I saw many Buddhas as well, and they were listening and guiding those who they brought to hear the teachings of the ceremony. All sound around me ceased, all time and conceptions of it just didn’t exist. Then, as my concentration grew deeper, stronger, I heard my voice echoed throughout the universe, penetrating every single thing and no thing in all realms that had affinities to hear what I was reading. I saw the universe, many of them, colored and not colored, bright and not bright, peaceful and not peaceful ones. I saw endless beings attentively listening to various Buddhas speak the Dharma. I traveled in mind, broke through limited constraints, and observed all the various realms out there for the time I was doing so. In the cultivation hall, there were many beings listening and meditating, practicing and investigating their mind. Many were human formed; many were deformed wretched looking manifestations, demons, saints, immortals, etc. All came to listen to the teachings and empower the efficacy of the function. At the end of the ceremony, as usual, they were requested to leave, those who stayed, and thus the room returned back to its previous state.

Personal Practice of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony 1 New York Once I received a Thrice Yearning Ceremony handbook, I immediately began preparing for a personal practice. One of the experiences was quite interesting, though every time I did the ceremony I received various responses. On one occasion, I remember very clearly, I began by using the Jeweled Conch hand and eye in order to summon the good spirits and dragons to summon all those with affinities to come and listen to the Buddha’s teachings, to be reborn in the Pure Land. Then, struck the bell 3 times, lit incense, asked the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Solitary Enlightened Ones, Arhats and Dharma Protectors to come and help teach those who may arrive for the ceremony. Once I began the ceremony, it was as though time and space had no existence whatsoever. The air, noticeably, became fuller, and charged as though there was a light current of electricity present. A light hue of white, blue and purple overcame the brightly lit room, and the sounds of the recitation machine drowned out. All that was heard was my voice and nothing else. I performed the ceremony while walking in a large circle in the cultivation hall. It was one of the things I liked doing out of the 3 ways I like to practice: circle walking (circumambulating the Buddha), sitting or standing. Suddenly, I noticed light penetrating through the windows, and the room full of those whopassed on, diligently listening. Some were sitting, some were standing, and others were following behind me as I walked in a large circle. I noticed the presence of many more visitors on the roof, out the windows, in my stairwell, as well as filling up the rooms of the school, not to mention surrounding the school on the street outside. I simply kept reciting, and reading for them, wither in Chinese or English, depending on how I felt that evening. When the ceremony was over, just after I performed the Transfer of Merit and Virtue, and requested they all leave and return for the next ceremony, the ambiance cleared, and not one remained. Sounds returned to the environment and the recitation machine, which had been playing the whole time, had finally been heard. I wasn’t surprised, but excited, because so many were able to listen, practice, make vows and be on their way.

This was re-posted in the General Topics area. I apologize for multi-posting. I didn't want this to get lost. Greetings All, Attached you will find an English version of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony. It is a practice in Pure Land Buddhist Cultivation which offers those who passed on, no matter where they are, to hear the Buddha's teachings and hopefully result in their being reborn in the Buddha's Pure Land. It is a very powerful practice. I will soon speak about many of the experiences I have had while performing this in large groups and personally. Enjoy! Peace and Blessings , Lin Ai Wei Thrice_Yearning_Ceremony_Handbook.pdf

I re-posted this topic in the "General" section. I apologize for the multi-posting. Thrice Yearning Ceremony

All Buddha's teachings leads one to realization of the true mind, the Budha-nature. All of Buddha's teachings were taught according to the mind's of those around him. Some can take certain information, while others couldn't. Thus, the many EXPEDIENTS he provided.

Very correct...stages.

Jing Xin Yuan Lay Buddhist Cultivation Center New York In 2009 I returned from China and opened my own cultivation school in New York called Jing Xin Yuan. I had it opened from 2009-November 2011. There I taught about Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Martial Arts and performed/organized, with my students and colleagues, various free community events. One time I was invited to partake in a Thrice Yearning and Chanting ceremony in Manhattan. I was excited, and asked a few students to come along. Three students came along with me to Chinatown, Manhattan for the ceremony. They didn’t know what to expect, no matter how much I explained to them. In the beginning of the ceremony, the energy began to get thick and heavy, just like my last experience in the temple in China. I had told my students that they may experience some adversity to the ceremony because their own negative karma would begin to transform, and lessen. Thus they may feel states of frustration, anger, sorrow, joy, and even sometimes physical discomfort. Lo and behold, a young student of mine began to feel lightheaded, and weak. She began to wobble in her place. I felt something strange coming from her, and turned my head to find her ready to fall down. I grabbed her, and carried her out to rest. I asked her if she ate breakfast, and she said no. I remember telling her to eat breakfast, because things get a bit intense during the ceremony and if there is any weakness, it will be used by negative karma, and be emphasized, yet also be used to lessen other karmic afflictions. Well, she didn’t eat, and became amazingly lightheaded, and weak. Some caretakers of the ceremony brought over water and lots of breads and small things to eat. She felt a bit better, and wanted to continue the ceremony. I gave her a quick transference of energy to boost up her own circulation. She felt clearer in mind and stronger in body, and then continued on with the ceremony. As the ceremony went on, something intense happened. It was as though a loud, but low toned hum penetrated the atmosphere. I felt a strong pressure upon the top of my head, and I looked up. I never saw such an intense, amazing site as this, I thought. As I watched the very highest point of the ceiling, the entire ceiling became a portal-like black hole-like sight. The entire ceiling became black, then a light blue light penetrated it, and in the center of this blue light, was a bright white light. In the center of the white light came thousands and thousands of living beings who have passed on. Coming in the thousands, these beings were being pulled in from a vortex-like shaped manifestation. I penetrated the manifestation with my mind’s eye, and saw that this vortex reached up into space, far out into various realms and lands throughout the universe, and many others as well. Countless beings poured into the ceremony hall, and not one of them needed a place to sit, all of them were not able to limit space in the hall as well. It was as though the hall grew bigger and bigger. The whole occurrence happened suddenly, and lasted for about 30 minutes. Just from the start of the ceremony, about an hour or so into it, this situation occurred. It was a shot of light upwards from all the participants, which penetrated all realms, all directions. Then, the vortex manifested and countless beings arrived. I turned to my disciple, and asked him if he can see this. He replied that he finds the ceremony very boring, and useless. I laughed and smiled. Then said to him, only if you actually were able to see what I am seeing, would you change your views, too bad. Then I laughed. He asked me what it was, and I described to him the intensity of the situation. He thus trusted me, and turned his focus on the recitation and practice. He then began to feel a change in the atmosphere as well. All those beings entered the room, and filled the aisles of both lower and upper decks. The room fit a good several hundred people, but these beings had enough space, and they were in the thousands. They bowed when we bowed, they chanted when we chanted, they listened when we listened. Then throughout the ceremony, one by one, many began to disappear. Literally just in their bowing, they would simply disappear The room became brighter, lighter, and full of an inherently penetrating joy that touched everyone. While observing all of this, I decided to take a look around the space of our building we were in. Surrounding it was a great large dome-like appearance of purple light, emanating a white light and penetrating realm after realm as though they were no more than a hairsbreadth away from each other. I returned my gaze to the ceremony hall, and just was totally pleased with the fact that more and more living beings were journeying to the Pure Land. More entered, and more went. It was a constant exchange of coming and going. Then, when the ceremony was over, late in the afternoon, the whole building glowed with a great white-purplish light, and the vortex vanished. Thousands of living beings left for the Pure Land that ceremony. It was as though it was inevitable for them to be reborn there. Sometimes, living beings do not cross over in one ceremony. Sometimes they just can’t put down their own afflictions, views and ego. Yet, this ceremony, on that day, was amazingly wonderful. Many found their way to the Pure Land. All participants were lent a booklet to follow along in the ceremony. I thought to have one to take home so I may perform the ceremony personally. My disciple then looked at me and asked me if I wanted the book to take home. I smiled and said if he can ask for me. Throughout the day, we had forgotten the idea of receiving a book. A week later there was another ceremony scheduled, and my disciple participated in it, I didn’t. After the ceremony, a few days later, he came to our cultivation center and brought a copy of the booklet for the ceremony. He gave it to me. I was very grateful, and from that point on, 3 days a week, I performed one part of the ceremony personally, in the late in the evening, after everyone had gone home.

This is part of a short book I am writing on the experiences I have had during this Thrice Yearning Ceremony. A Temple in China When I first came to know of the Pure Land practice of Thrice Yearning and Chanting, I felt a profound understanding of its function. Right away a peace and reassurance swept over me, and I was able to see with the mind’s eye the interdependence and compassion of every realm of every living being of the ten directions. Though seeing the practice in a ceremonious fashion appeared to be just thousands of cultivators chanting the Buddha’s Name and reciting Sutras, the efficacious mannerisms they portrayed, the selfless behavior and application of their life force truly was magnificent. After the first time I saw such a practice, I was reassured of what I had experienced in various states of observing and interacting in the various realms of living beings. During my time in a Pure Land Buddhist Educational Center/Monastery, I witnessed and partook in a Crossing Over ceremony for those who were about to pass on. All cultivators, left home and at home, would take 2 hour shifts of chanting the Buddha’s Name while in the same room, called the Rebirth in the Pure Land Hall, along side the person preparing to pass on. The almost-passing would be lying down at the side of the room, immersed in the dim-lit ambiance of candles, incense, chanting and a thick and heavy penetrating comfort that wasn’t heavy like dense and stressful, but heavy that you felt it penetrate your skin and bones, and light enough to make anyone feel welcome and loved. The chanting would go on until the person fully passed on, and would continue for an hour or so afterwards. Then the body was checked for signs of being reborn in the pure Land, such as heat at the head, chest or feet, or even cold temperatures to find out if they went on to another realm altogether due to their karmic afflictions. Fortunately, those who passed on did indeed go to the Pure Land. How were we sure? Well, the body wasn’t stiff at all, and even after a day or two, certain areas were very, very warm: top of the head, chest and waist areas. Sometimes the entire body was warm, and the room where the body laid was filled with a very noticeable fragrance of flowers. When the body was cremated, it left crystallized fragments called Sharira (She Li Zi in Mandarin Chinese). These are further signs of being reborn in a Pure Land. Besides the hands on certification to the passing’s rebirth, I personally had witnessed something very profound. Due to my years of cultivation and practice, I was able to attain eyes to see, and so on this day, what was spoken of in ‘The Buddha Speaks the Amitabha Sutra’, I actually saw with my own eyes wide open. During the chanting, perhaps several hours into it, my group was up for chanting, and so switched with the previous one. Suddenly, during the chanting, I felt a strong vibration penetrate the atmosphere, and my attention intuitively moved towards the foot of the bed of the passing one. At that time, I saw a rip in the space at the foot of the bed, and a great light poured into the room, not blinding, but comforting. Then the rip opened wider into what looked like a large rounded door-way. It was not fixed in position, so it grew wider and wider to what I thought was about 5ft wide and 6ft tall, but then again, it didn’t matter. In the space of this door-way, I literally saw three large figures appear. They were very easy to make out, and no they didn’t look like the statues and certainly didn’t appear as some of the images depicted them to be like. I literally saw Amitabha Buddha, Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin) Bodhisattva and Great Strength Bodhisattva walk right to the front of the door-way-like portal. Smiling, and comforting, they welcomed the passed-on-one to come with them. Without wasting any time, the passed on leapt right out of the body, changed its karmic appearance from woman to man, and grabbed the extended hand of Amitabha Buddha. There were no words spoken, but the communication between the four was so profoundly loud, that is literally vibrated my heart, forehead, crown and spine. I averted my eyes to the space behind the Pure Lands Triple Jewel, and saw an ocean of Bodhisattvas in the background. The land was beautiful indeed. Suddenly, the passed-on-one walked with the three sages and the door-way faded into nothingness. The atmosphere in the room was full of a light fragrance of flowers, strong enough to realize it normally, but light enough to not break your concentration. The heaviness in the room became a comforting breeze, and not only warmed us all, but also helped to ease the pain in our backs and legs from sitting upright and some even cross-legged in Lotus Position. A few days later we had another ready-to-pass-on. This time it took a day or two, but a similar situation occurred. Not every experience is the same, and not every time will it be so bluntly visible to the cultivator. I witnessed in the mind of the passing-on-one, the struggle of their emotions and attachments. I witnessed their negative afflictions causing crazy strife within them; pain and heartache, etc. Yet, after a day or so of chanting, and applying our minds with the passing-on-one, they too were whisked away to the Pure Land. This time, they were received in their mind, meaning the scene didn’t appear as the same one from the above described experience. It was through the person’s mind which they were pulled right into the Pure Land, and affixed, reborn, literally into a lotus blossom within their mind. When the body was checked, the abdomen was warm, indicated a birth in the middle grades of the Pure Land. Of course, this will need more commentary, but please, don’t try to think too much and come to your own conclusions. Some things a person will just not understand, no matter how much they think they know.

This is part of a short book I am writing on the experiences I have had during this Thrice Yearning Ceremony. A Temple in China When I first came to know of the Pure Land practice of Thrice Yearning and Chanting, I felt a profound understanding of its function. Right away a peace and reassurance swept over me, and I was able to see with the mind’s eye the interdependence and compassion of every realm of every living being of the ten directions. Though seeing the practice in a ceremonious fashion appeared to be just thousands of cultivators chanting the Buddha’s Name and reciting Sutras, the efficacious mannerisms they portrayed, the selfless behavior and application of their life force truly was magnificent. After the first time I saw such a practice, I was reassured of what I had experienced in various states of observing and interacting in the various realms of living beings. During my time in a Pure Land Buddhist Educational Center/Monastery, I witnessed and partook in a Crossing Over ceremony for those who were about to pass on. All cultivators, left home and at home, would take 2 hour shifts of chanting the Buddha’s Name while in the same room, called the Rebirth in the Pure Land Hall, along side the person preparing to pass on. The almost-passing would be lying down at the side of the room, immersed in the dim-lit ambiance of candles, incense, chanting and a thick and heavy penetrating comfort that wasn’t heavy like dense and stressful, but heavy that you felt it penetrate your skin and bones, and light enough to make anyone feel welcome and loved. The chanting would go on until the person fully passed on, and would continue for an hour or so afterwards. Then the body was checked for signs of being reborn in the pure Land, such as heat at the head, chest or feet, or even cold temperatures to find out if they went on to another realm altogether due to their karmic afflictions. Fortunately, those who passed on did indeed go to the Pure Land. How were we sure? Well, the body wasn’t stiff at all, and even after a day or two, certain areas were very, very warm: top of the head, chest and waist areas. Sometimes the entire body was warm, and the room where the body laid was filled with a very noticeable fragrance of flowers. When the body was cremated, it left crystallized fragments called Sharira (She Li Zi in Mandarin Chinese). These are further signs of being reborn in a Pure Land. Besides the hands on certification to the passing’s rebirth, I personally had witnessed something very profound. Due to my years of cultivation and practice, I was able to attain eyes to see, and so on this day, what was spoken of in ‘The Buddha Speaks the Amitabha Sutra’, I actually saw with my own eyes wide open. During the chanting, perhaps several hours into it, my group was up for chanting, and so switched with the previous one. Suddenly, during the chanting, I felt a strong vibration penetrate the atmosphere, and my attention intuitively moved towards the foot of the bed of the passing one. At that time, I saw a rip in the space at the foot of the bed, and a great light poured into the room, not blinding, but comforting. Then the rip opened wider into what looked like a large rounded door-way. It was not fixed in position, so it grew wider and wider to what I thought was about 5ft wide and 6ft tall, but then again, it didn’t matter. In the space of this door-way, I literally saw three large figures appear. They were very easy to make out, and no they didn’t look like the statues and certainly didn’t appear as some of the images depicted them to be like. I literally saw Amitabha Buddha, Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin) Bodhisattva and Great Strength Bodhisattva walk right to the front of the door-way-like portal. Smiling, and comforting, they welcomed the passed-on-one to come with them. Without wasting any time, the passed on leapt right out of the body, changed its karmic appearance from woman to man, and grabbed the extended hand of Amitabha Buddha. There were no words spoken, but the communication between the four was so profoundly loud, that is literally vibrated my heart, forehead, crown and spine. I averted my eyes to the space behind the Pure Lands Triple Jewel, and saw an ocean of Bodhisattvas in the background. The land was beautiful indeed. Suddenly, the passed-on-one walked with the three sages and the door-way faded into nothingness. The atmosphere in the room was full of a light fragrance of flowers, strong enough to realize it normally, but light enough to not break your concentration. The heaviness in the room became a comforting breeze, and not only warmed us all, but also helped to ease the pain in our backs and legs from sitting upright and some even cross-legged in Lotus Position. A few days later we had another ready-to-pass-on. This time it took a day or two, but a similar situation occurred. Not every experience is the same, and not every time will it be so bluntly visible to the cultivator. I witnessed in the mind of the passing-on-one, the struggle of their emotions and attachments. I witnessed their negative afflictions causing crazy strife within them; pain and heartache, etc. Yet, after a day or so of chanting, and applying our minds with the passing-on-one, they too were whisked away to the Pure Land. This time, they were received in their mind, meaning the scene didn’t appear as the same one from the above described experience. It was through the person’s mind which they were pulled right into the Pure Land, and affixed, reborn, literally into a lotus blossom within their mind. When the body was checked, the abdomen was warm, indicated a birth in the middle grades of the Pure Land. Of course, this will need more commentary, but please, don’t try to think too much and come to your own conclusions. Some things a person will just not understand, no matter how much they think they know.

Yes. The traditional arts aren't sanctioned by the gov because it would bring too much clout to the families of those lineages. This would take the appearance of power away from the central gov. in being an authority on something. Only their own rendition..lol of the traditional arts, which can be coined a product of the gov. is sponsored. So at least we get something...but those old style, deep internal practices of any style, are left to die out. People can make their own organization to sponsor, support and promote the traditional arts, and they do, but it is not mainstream, thus it doesn't get much of any attention. Also, grassroots traditional orgs have to use their own money. So, it becomes quite an expense, but they try anyway. Hence why many don't believe in the traditional martial arts school...they rather teach the real traditional way.. in a home, backyard, if they have that, and or the park. lol

The 24 set was formulated by the Chinese Gov. back in the day in order to cap their own system away from the lineage holders. The reason was for the deterring of rebellions from martial arts factions. In their case, their 24 style though capped the "Yang 24 Form" was pieced together by martial artists who did indeed practice Taiji Quan, but so as not to be totally ex-ed out of the nation and labeled political activist, worked together to save their butts, and keep their martial art somewhat around. The wushu, originally, was formulated by traditional arts, and yet was thus changed for a more performance flavor. It still has use as well, but those traditional uses aren't really taught unless asked. Furthermore, only 5 styles are seen as Nationally sponsored and regulated as part of the national Wushu systems. Though I was just recently told what they were, I forgot. HAHAHA Anything else traditional is not sanctioned by the gov., and left for those enthusiasts to maintain on their own. Which in turn leaves them dying out because it is expensive opening up a traditional wushu academy, big enough to accommodate large masses of people. In that, the gov. doesn't sponsor it because they already capped their Wushu. There are indeed high level masters teaching in the government wushu associations. They are paid to teach, and they do indeed practice 4-6hours daily. They have to, its their job. Though the cultural revolution killed everything possible about Chinese culture, once it ended, the people still tried to revive the old culture, at least some of it. It was okay, and the gov. even supports it, though in their own model, which isn't too bad. Also, traditional arts are the foundation of the new forms of wushu. The wushu of today came from the wushu of yesteryear. Thus, the traditional flavor is there, just the forms are made big, and acrobatic. My friend and teacher of Black Tiger Fist tells me all the times about the development of Wushu in China of the last 40yrs. He was head of several Wushu associations in China, and grew up in the Wushu academies since childhood. He specifically states that the 24 form was a creation of several motions of the Yang form, and utilized only for exercise. Technical applications are shown, but not in in-depth detail, neither is the Qigong. He states that the government sanctions 4 sets of Qigong, Yi Jin Jing, Jiu Yin Jin Jing, Medical/Health Qigong, and something else...I forgot. Also, for many years there were traditional arts in Wushu academies, ut due to the more appealing flavor of high jumps and spins, the traditional arts are dying out, and it is not in the gov.'s hands to save them, only the individual. Every other style or system of Qigong is not sanctioned for fear people may develop abilities which will be used against the gov. He further states that one truthfully will not be jumping, spinning and flipping during a fight, and if they do, they either better be super-awesome at their stuff, or able to fly. He mentions that true technique is small framed, and isn't afraid of close quarters. A form can be practiced big for many many health benefits, yet applications must be realistic and smaller.

MCO...Practice, practice, practice. I have been practicing it for 20+ years. Never a dull moment. MCO, both Macro and Micro, eventually are one circulation. It happens naturally, in every one, every day, every moment, but when you apply concentrated focus to it, the effects are emphasized. Biggest important advice is to drop the internal dialogue. This means not being taken off your focus; such as from music, sounds, activities, emotions, thoughts, random states, etc. More sitting, and standing practice...long time every time too. The old ways of practice were, and are, the best ways: One method for years. Then, perhaps you don't need anything else after that because everything else becomes realized. Of course there will be small changes to the practice along the way, but overall, same method, which eventually becomes a common occurrence. Many do see the old timers having achieved high states and levels, and so we practice assuming we will get it very quickly, just because we are practicing something the old timers did. What is overlooked is that 3-10yrs practice of a single technique wasn't uncommon back in the day. Actually it were the foundational practices which opened up the realization for what was considered advanced ones. The advanced techniques were nothing more than a slight adjustment of intent, and powered by the will, which was developed over the years of practice. I was 8 when I formally began, and now 33. I had no concept of time throughout these years, thus at 33 I see what has been attained is still baby steps. I still have another 60+ yrs left. There is no rush, but no time is wasted either. There is no need to develop quickly, simply because there is that others have no use for our attainments. Our attainments are for ourselves only, no one else. Only when others can benefit, and only from their recognizing they can benefit, from our attainments, do we offer assistance. Other than that, its self practice, with no grasping for being known. No reason for it.

New Expedient Means: Diet and Cultivation

Greetings All! I usually share this with personal students who contact me on occasion for cultivation practice. Recently there has been much on this forum requesting someone to post some sort of practice that we can all benefit from, instead of vague examples. So I hope this may be useful for many. The exercise was taught to me by Sifu Roosevelt Gainey back in 2002. I have been keeping this practice regularly since then. This exercise, in the beginning, is a good "charger" for the body, energy and mind. It brings a variety of health benefits if done carefully and correctly. As one goes deeper with it, the practice changes and the intent/will is augmented to go further into energy cultivation,"spiritual" awareness and non-discriminate mind. That is when the true fun begins. ***Thus, because this is only the basic beginnings, I have left out the commentary on what happens later on. When those levels are reached, then its necessary to discuss the finer points. No worries though, this instruction is exactly what is needed for this practice, and nothing important was left out for this stage..perhaps for some fine details, but you will not hurt yourself if you take things slow, since no one is there personally to check your postures and offer guidance in this method. I am posting only the first posture, and beginning level of this practice for those interested, and those who may be looking to spice up their practice...perhaps. There is a lot more to this than what is presented, and please understand that it is only presented in its basic form due to it being posted on a public forum. There will be questions and comments, which are welcome, and there may even be oppositions to it. Understand that this is only a small, very small, explanation, and the practice goes far deeper than what is written in the first posture/commentary of instructions. I have been practicing this method for the last 11yrs, and personally, it is one of my jewels of cultivation. I hope that some may take interest in this, perhaps as I did, and utilize it for the betterment of themselves, family and society. Please keep an open mind and if it is something you are not interested in, please refrain from badgering it on this thread. I am more than happy to receive PMs about anyone's concerns, or even oppositions to this. If there is opposition, please start another thread directed to me and this exercise, and we can discuss it openly there. Be well! Peace and Blessings: Lin Ai Wei Here is the exercise: Dragon Palm Contraction Stage 1 Basic Compressions General standing instructions: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Pelvis slightly tucked forward, tailbone pulling down and pressing slightly forward. Neck pressed back, chin slightly pulled down and head pulling up from the very top of the head (crown). Feet should be: pressing slightly on the ground with equal pressure throughout the foot. Toes should be slightly gripping the floor and spread (opened slightly) causing the bones on the top of the foot to spread open. *** Keep the anal lock (light contraction of the anal muscles) throughout the exercise, along with the tongue to the roof of the mouth. Very important. Stand with knees slightly bent. First posture: Lift your hands up in front of you, palms pointing down to the ground. Lift the hands up to the collar bone level, and roll them down, slightly pressing down, softly to the abdomen / belly button level. While doing this you are inhaling. Hands should be: fingers slightly spread, and rounded as though holding a ball, which means the fingers should be slightly curved causing the bones in the back of the hand to spread. Application: Once you have reached your position: slowly exhale and lightly contract your muscles from your feet all the way up to your shoulders and arms. Contract all the muscles in between your feet and shoulders, including your feet and shoulders. This contraction is a gradual one. DO NOT CONTRACT THE FACE AND NECK MUSCLES!!! Once you have completely contracted the muscles, slowly release the contraction and slowly inhale, feeling your body releasing the contraction and feeling relaxed. Upon full inhalation and completely releasing of the contraction, begin the contraction again as directed above. Remember to exhale slowly with the gradual contraction and inhale slowly on the gradual release. The first week, do 30 contractions, twice a day, morning and evening (at least an hour before gong to bed.) Week 2, 60 contractions, morning and evening.. Week 3, 90 contractions morning and night. Week4, 100 contractions morning and evening.

Don't change postures while contracting...lol Later on, when things solidify with this practice, extremely light contraction while moving. There is reverse breathing contraction, but not till some time later. Yet, the basics are shown, so evolve with it as you will... that's how I did it.

Standing practice, Rocking practice, Pressing practice, Projecting practice, Expansive and contracting practice, solidifying practice...all without holding the view that it is going to get you anywhere. Then, just practice further methods of quieting the mind, allowing the moment before discriminating thinking arises, so there can be a thought that is not attached to...split second intuitive response allows for the function to manifest. Takes time, lots of practice, both in the method and in meditation. The more important point is the attainment of ending the internal dialogue. Wonders happen from that point.

New Expedient Means episode: Hands on Healing

Not at all. Its not that Buddhists don't believe in a soul, its that they realize that soul, spirit, etc..are states, not the original nature. Daoists don't believe in immortality, they realize that it is a metaphorical term used for pointing to the original nature. They may attain the immortal state through cultivation of energy, but it doesn't truly become permanent till the mind is purified and discriminating thinking is put to an end.

This post is amazingly so direct to the point in cultivation... Immediately when reading Hulu Weng's instructions, my eyes widened, everything stopped, and finally the only thought that popped in my mind was " HAHAHAHAHAHAHA" Then silence. The whole language he spoke is the language which causes the mind to tie up, squeeze, release, then realize. Its made to cause doubt, in which the doubt becomes the catalyst to real attainment. This formula is using the Daoist method nomenclature in the style spoken by those who "entered the way", realized the way. It doesn't matter if it was a Buddhist, a Daoist, or anyone else. The manner is very specific in speech. Most will just get stuck on the riddles and actually assume they have to fly, or go and literally steal Lao Zi's things.

Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water: Daoist Earth, Air, Fire, Water: Western Traditions Earth= Wood (Wood is a derivative of Earth, and its own opposing force. Wood can constrict Earth.) Air= Metal ( Lungs and Large Intestines are of the designation of Metal in Chinese Medicine.)

This is called investigating the mind, and putting down false thinking. If you continue the practice, it becomes the standing practice of investigating the mind while focused on a single thought. Chan? haha Yes. We have Standing practices in Chan cultivation. Funny how things are not as different as they were taught to be believed. When I was younger, I would watch Barney while doing Zhan Zhuang. I think I did it 3 times, and stopped after I started seeing purple dinosaurs running across my bedroom screaming how much they love me...

what did you do? lol

In another week, I may add another posture.

Taiji Quan, just the exercise of the form, is only an exercise, a martial art. When we take away the qigong, and philosophical teachings, and simply practice the form, it results in basic health benefits, and with martial applications results in basic defensive abilities. Taiji Quan which focuses on cultivating softness, fa jin, and qigong, still remains a product of basic cultivation, added to it martial arts applications and you still have a basic fist form, nothing "Tai and Ji" about it. So what makes the "Tai and Ji" of Taiji Quan what it is? All commercial views aside, it is simply the cultivation of the non-discriminating mind. When this state is realized, and constant, when attachments of body, mouth and mind have disappeared, when the "I" and "am" is no longer a view, then real results manifest. What are real results of Taiji Quan? Its not in fighting, Push hands, or issuance of energy. Its not how smooth you look while performing the form, and it certainly isn't the manifestation of spiritual ability. The true results of Taiji Quan is the realization of one's true nature; and in order to cultivate that, one must do more than push hands, form practice and qigong. We can use Taiji Quan to become very well at fighting, yet that would still be a low level cultivation. Even if the martial applications were coupled with realzation of inherent wisdom, the use of the martial applications wouldn't be highlighted as a high attainment. What would be seen as a high attainment, is the posture of mind, and lightness of movement. Which is not based on form practice, but in mind cultivation. The application of concentration while practicing, allows for one to focus on that which is impermanent. Thus the idea of stillness in motion. Stillness of the mind, movement of the body. Why is the mind said to be still? It is said to be still due to not being moved by sensations (the senses), states or even the form itself. There is much to cultivate with Taiji Quan, for it is not just a martial art, but a cultivation method which leads to the realization of the 1 and the 0. Then, it is the total non-discrimination on the 1 and the 0, the realization of the "Thus" nature. Levels in between may be states of different realizations of how qi moves in the body, how it is intended/willed, how to alter the flow of things, issuing force, developed sensitivity, speed, evasiveness, martial application, etc. These are just levels one may inevitably reach throughout their practice. What is not certain is if one will realize their inherent wisdom, and see past the duality of their mind, see past the nature of the relative world around them and put down false thinking. Anything can be a Taiji Quan. All it needs in its workings is one Yin and one Yang. Then as long as it follows those principles, it is a Taiji Quan.Yang, Chen, Hao, Sun, etc...are all names of the same thing. Practice methods vary, but the overall fundamental principle is the same. Daoist cultivation is about purifying the mind, not the body only. If the body is pure, the mind must be pure. If the mind is pure the body is inevitably pure. Then, what does "pure" mean, or refer to? It refers to putting down the ego, and riding oneself of defiling thoughts. Some think this is a moral stance, or a principle of conduct, but it is not. It is exactly the overall, direct pointing to the original nature of each and every one of us. Taiji Quan shows that the forms are only a guideline. Those two must be put down. Thus, the forms are only stepping stones, methods along the path. In time, stillness is both mind and body, and all directions. So whether there is movement or not, it is not moving the mind; no views and non-views, no grasping and non-grasping, etc. Someone may practice the form terribly, but who can speak on their states and realizations? It doesn't matter how they look, if their back is too straight, or they didn't bend deep enough. None of that makes one wiser or a better " fighter" or closer to attaining an ability of issuing force, etc. The state of 1 and 0 shouldn't be talked about lightly either, nor should it be disregarded. The Dao De Jing speaks directly on the 1 and the 0, along with how to put an end to the discriminating mind. All of it points directly to ending false thinking and attachments to relativity. When there is non-attachment, then any intent/will can be manifest. This is true intuition: to move without hindrance. This is Taiji Quan.