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This is a recording of an informal conversation with my master from last evening.

Is it just me, or is it open season on Temple style at the moment?

So in the Damo Mitchell thread I inadvertently interjected the concept of Indirect Method of training. There seemed to be some interest in it, so spinning off another thread about it. Disclaimer - What I'm expressing is my understanding of what I've been told by my teachers. So salt, grain, be forewarned. Direct vs Indirect Method In the Direct Method, the practitioner uses his/her mind to drive the Qi through the Microcosmic orbit and the larger circulation of the lower meridians, arm meridians and the microcosmic orbit simultaneously. This is subject to the ability of one's mind focus, and is known for skipping/bypassing blockages instead of working through them. In the Indirect Method, we generate an energetic Taiji Ball and move it and it's movement induces Qi movement through the meridians (including the MCO etc). This is a gentler and a more efficient way once the practitioner learns to generate an energetic Taiji ball. In the Indirect method, we don't over-exert the mind to spin the lower dan tien, etc. We focus on feeling, letting the mind settle into stillness. Anything that is forced (even if it is slightly) is too much and should be dialed down. All movements and all meditation should be natural and gentle. What does the "energetic Taiji ball" you described consist of, and how is it moved around the body? It's a ball of energy that is generated between your palms or one palm and the ground or one palm and the sky. If you press into it, it pushes back. If you try to pull it apart it resists. But you can press it, compress it, expand it, split it, and so on... As to how you move it...exactly like how you would move a physical ball Can the ball be taken into the body, or does it stimulate the internal energy structure by being moved over the surface? It is both within and without -- and I'm not speaking in parables here. The lower dan tien is always connected to the taiji ball(s). The taiji ball moves energies along the meridians. Depending on the sets/forms we do. If you have more questions or ideas/thoughts...please do share.

Didn't notice this before. I think Temple Style Taiji is different enough from the other family styles that it warrants its own topic Grandmaster - Waysun Liao There are several advanced teachers trained by Master Liao primarily in the US Some key features of temple style taiji include - single form practiceThis in turn involves following stages -Beginner - physical form and breath work. Long form first section is put together. intermediate - energetic awareness and movements initiated via the mind (yi) - feel the qi, flow the qi and five-styles stepping and condensing breathing. Long form second and third section..put it all together. Advanced - flow the qi and follow the qi. At this stage the movements happen via sensing the energy flow and following it, as opposed to making the movements happen with mind intent. Condensing breathing standing meditationThese are various standing forms. They are often based on the single forms, but with different focus. For instance, stand in upward and downward form (freeze the physical) and move only the energy (neigong and daogong) Two-person practiceThis involves standard taijiquan two person drills such as single hands push, hands attaching, four forms, moving four forms, Ta Lu etc Free-flowing rolling hands - fixed and moving step Neutralization Methods of practices "methods of inward and outward, separate and diffuse, swallow and spit" Making chance to applying the 8 energies Fajin practice Free-style fighting (san shou) Seated meditationsspecific sequence of seated meditations - neigong sets that different approach to condensing breathing to develop Jin and connecting with Dao (Dao gong) AuxiliaryWeapons forms - Long sword, Broadsword,Staff and Spear

The process of Taoist Alchemy as described by Waysun Liao's student and front man of the spiritual "new school way" of Temple Style Taichi, Master Gregory James. He posted this essay in his forum publically in 2011 and I think it's precious knowledge that everybody should have! Enjoy!