Priest

Hello, I am interested in martial arts and read about qi gong a while back.I went into it a bit and found Mantak Chia has a lot of books out and seems to be an authority on this.I don't know where to start and what to do first. My goals are - 1. Prevention of disease and weakness in old age. 2. Replenishing the " Jing " and having a surplus. 3. I dabble in martial art.I want to " Pack " my body with chi as the old masters did and prevent injury 4. Cultivation of sexual energy ( which i know is very important ). 5. Strengthen the body to withstand blows and also be able to punch and kick hard. 6. I have some problems with popping joints which i want to cure. 7. Increase mental capabilities like memory, concentration and creative powers. Which of Chia's books should i start with? I know he speaks of the " Microcosmic Orbit " as being the first thing you work on? I am interested in his Iron shirt and bone marrow nei kung besides cultivating male sexual energy. Please advise on what book to read and what to do first. Thanks

What do you think happens after we die? IS there heaven and hell? I read in some book sages could move out of their bodies and experience another dimension.Is this true? DO they go to the afterlife and come back?

I intend to cultivate energy and understand opening the microcosmic orbit is the first step.I do not have access to a qualified teacher and will have to do with books and this forum.I have already been good advice on what to do here. I have some of Mantak Chia's books.I am interested in his " Iron Shirt " and " Bone Marrow " nei kung techniques.What is your opinion on them? His " Awakening the Healing Energy Through the Tao " is the book i have which deals with opening the MCO.Is it a good guide? I have heard talk of his books being a little incomplete to his teachings being dangerous.Is this true? What books best show how to properly and safely open the MCO and get the energy circulating? I know having personal instruction is best but i have no access to it unfortunately. I want to first open the MCO and then practice his cultivation of sexual energy, Iron shirt and bone marrow stuff.Is this the correct course or is there something better i should invest time in? He sure does have a lot of books out. Also are there better instructors than he? Here is what i have so far http://thetaobums.com/topic/30487-hi-and-my-goals/ Thanks

Thanks to the both of you.

I see.Thank you.How long did it take you to make noticeable progress with this book?

I understand it is written by the founder of the zhineng qi gong and therefore should have most of the principles.Did that book help you with your practice ie get you to feel the energy and make good progress?

Is this a good book? http://www.amazon.com/Life-More-Abundant-Principles-Practices/dp/0741400731

SO i should focus on feeling the energy.And if what i am doing is correct i should see results fairly quickly?

zhineng qigong - Is this what i should do first? IF MCO takes so much time, can i start iron shirt now in parallel? I understand there is no fixed path.But everyone seems to say feel the energy first...which ways can i use to do this? I will give Chia's inner smile and 6 sounds a shot..but is there a more sure way?

Thank you all for the wisdom you have doled out.I will look at his inner smile and 6 sounds book. What do you mean the before and after x rays? Did your bones thicken? Can bone marrow practice be done with calisthenics rather than weights? I am small boned.Can i increase the size and strength of my skeletal structure by BM practice?

I see....from what i have read till now, Chia keeps repeating his warnings about what not to do.He also says open the 2 main channels then the other important ones and circulate it then always bring it down etc...i'll finish the book and will have an idea what to do next.

Thanks for all the help. Started this - http://thetaobums.com/topic/30508-microcosmic-orbit-and-chia/

Thanks for the advice,I will go through the book and also start a thread. I did glance through the book and Chia repeatedly warns against keeping the power in the head etc, along with various symptoms like toothaches and whatnot, which leads me to believe if his instructions are followed there should be little trouble.

I have a kegel routine sorted out.So i start by feeling the energy, then clear my channels and onto iron shirt and other techniques? I know an accomplished MMO guy who does it by kegel flexes. How long do you think it takes to open up the orbit and get it circulating? I should start with Chia's " Awakening the Healing Tao " then?

A teacher need not be physically present to communicate just as effectively. Good thing there are forums like this one where folks can come and get good advice. My thoughts exactly..... So i should start with opening the microcosmic orbit then?

And how did you achieve this?

It is a sad sad day when folks start to beleive that books and videos are better than their local teachers.It is a sad sad day when folks start to beleive that books and videos are better than their local teachers. No, i said i would have to make do.No one has pretty much heard of Tao here...

So the multiple orgasm or valley orgasm leads to a loss of jing then? So there are very palpable signs of overdoing it...good, i will know when i am wrong. I would love to hear your ideas, thank you for taking the time to share them.

no, average height.Quite built.Neither of those problems. Wonder what it is? Have had it for as long as i can remember.

Just about every joint.Neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hip, knees, ankles...spine also. No, i just started running....on a field.

Thanks for the link Bagua, i am now confused as to whether Chia's stuff is good or dangerous.I know caution is advised while doing this, but people going blind is just too much. A few more things - 1. His sexual practices are said to be dangerous.Is this so? What about tantric practices which also say you should circulate energy? 2. I workout hard doing running and calisthenics not to mention some sparring.Will this act as a natural vent for energy build up ( if any )? 3. I understand many have problems by overdoing it, and a teacher is absolutely essential.However i will have to make do with just the books.I trust there will be some warning signs if i overdid it before the blindness sets in ? 4. Chia's instructions are said to be incomplete.Is this true? 5. By keeping a sort of progress log of my efforts, is it possible to identify errors and real progress? I could report what happened that week and members could point out the right and wrong? Thanks

Ah yes, but the problem is i do not have access to professional teaching.I have only books and possibly the people here only. 4. Cultivation of sexual energy ( which i know is very important ). Before you start on that, make sure to document yourself on every aspect and from multiple sources. I do not understand...?