Daoyin: Chinese Healing Exercises 1
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Laozi Zhongjing)
A Study of the Central Scripture of Laozi (Laozi zhongjing) Alexandre Iliouchine A thesis submitted to McGill University in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Arts, Department of East Asian Studies McGill University January 2011 Copyright Alexandre Iliouchine © 2011 ii Table of Contents Acknowledgements......................................................................................... v Abstract/Résumé............................................................................................. vii Conventions and Abbreviations.................................................................... viii Introduction..................................................................................................... 1 On the Word ―Daoist‖............................................................................. 1 A Brief Introduction to the Central Scripture of Laozi........................... 3 Key Terms and Concepts: Jing, Qi, Shen and Xian................................ 5 The State of the Field.............................................................................. 9 The Aim of This Study............................................................................ 13 Chapter 1: Versions, Layers, Dates............................................................... 14 1.1 Versions............................................................................................. 15 1.1.1 The Transmitted Versions..................................................... 16 1.1.2 The Dunhuang Version........................................................ -
The Alchemical Body in Daoism
The Alchemical Body in Daoism FABRIZIO PREGADIO Abstract This paper surveys some of the main features of the view of the human body in Daoist internal alchemy (neidan 內丹). The first sections discuss three different terms that refer to the body; cosmological, political, theological, natural, and al- chemical metaphors used to describe it; and the use of the body as a support for the system of correspondences that tie the human being to the cosmos. On this background, the development of internal alchemy closely relates to the earlier Daoist meditation practices on the inner gods. The figure of the Red Child (the innermost deity of the human being), in particular, bears close analogies to the “embryo” that alchemists generate through their practices. The final sections are concerned with the two main alchemical charts of the human body and with the use of the Buddhist concept of “dharma-body,” which some masters describe as the true immortal body. It is virtually impossible to distinguish the Daoist understanding of the body from its understanding of the human being, and this point consti- tutes on its own a central aspect of the Daoist way of seeing. For a Daoist, knowledge of the anatomic forms and the physiological workings of the body, or any of its parts and organs, is virtually irrelevant. The physical body performs another function: it serves to support different sets of metaphors that express the relation of the whole person to the Dao, the ultimate principle to which the person owes its existence. These metaphors may be cosmological (the body as a microcosm), political (the body as an administrative system), theological (the body as the residence of inner gods), natural (the body as a “landscape”), and alchemical (the body as a laboratory for compounding the elixir), to name the most important ones. -
Taoist Meditation
TAOIST MEDITATION Methods for Cultivating a Healthy Mind and Body Translated and compiled by THOMAS CL EARY * SHAMBHALA Boston & London 2000 CO NTENTS Translator's Introduction I Anthology on the Cultivation of Realization 7 Treatise on Sitting Forgetting 8 I Sayings of Taoist Master Danyang I o6 Secret Writings on the Mechanisms of Nature I I2 Zhang Sanfeng's Taiji Alchemy Secrets I I7 Secret Records of Understanding the Way I2 3 TRANSLATOR'S INTRODUCTION Taoism, one of the most ancient of Eastern traditions, is drawing increasing attention in the modern West. Interest in Taoism is no longer confined to fringe elements, as some would prefer, but has become part of the normal mentality of conscious individuals and cosmopolitan thinkers in many areas of contemporary life. Part of the popularity of Taoism in the West might be due to the fact that Taoism is scientific yet also humanistic and sp iritual. Taoism has a capacity for subtle pervasion be cause it can be understood and practiced within the frame works of other world religions, or without any religious framework at all. This selfless adaptability may be why Tao ism has been able to penetrate Western cultures without the limitations of theological doctrine or religious identity. Some of the specialized arts originating in Taoist tradition, such as bare-hand martial disciplines, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and therapeutic massage, are becoming increas- 2 TRANSLATO R'S IN TRODU CTIO N ingly familiar in the West. Taoist social philosophy and stra tegic thinking have also proved to be of great interest to Western people in various walks of life. -
Cultivating an “Ideal Body” in Taijiquan and Neigong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Article “Hang the Flesh off the Bones”: Cultivating an “Ideal Body” in Taijiquan and Neigong Xiujie Ma 1,2 and George Jennings 3,* 1 Chinese Guoshu Academy, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China; [email protected] 2 School of Wushu, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China 3 Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF23 6XD, Wales, UK * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +44-(0)2-920-416-155 Abstract: In a globalized, media-driven society, people are being exposed to different cultural and philosophical ideas. In Europe, the School of Internal Arts (pseudonym) follows key principles of the ancient Chinese text The Yijinjing (The Muscle-Tendon Change Classic) “Skeleton up, flesh down”, in its online and offline pedagogy. This article draws on an ongoing ethnographic, netnographic and cross-cultural investigation of the transmission of knowledge in this atypical association that combines Taijiquan with a range of practices such as Qigong, body loosening exercises and meditation. Exploring the ideal body cultivated by the students, we describe and illustrate key (and often overlooked) body areas—namely the spine, scapula, Kua and feet, which are continually worked on in the School of Internal Arts’ exercise-based pedagogy. We argue that Neigong and Taijiquan, rather than being forms of physical education, are vehicles for adult physical re-education. This re-education offers space in which mind-body tension built over the life course are systematically Citation: Ma, X.; Jennings, G. “Hang released through specific forms of attentive, meditative exercise to lay the foundations for a strong, the Flesh off the Bones”: Cultivating powerful body for martial artistry and health. -
The Daoist Tradition Also Available from Bloomsbury
The Daoist Tradition Also available from Bloomsbury Chinese Religion, Xinzhong Yao and Yanxia Zhao Confucius: A Guide for the Perplexed, Yong Huang The Daoist Tradition An Introduction LOUIS KOMJATHY Bloomsbury Academic An imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 50 Bedford Square 175 Fifth Avenue London New York WC1B 3DP NY 10010 UK USA www.bloomsbury.com First published 2013 © Louis Komjathy, 2013 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. Louis Komjathy has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work. No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization acting on or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by Bloomsbury Academic or the author. Permissions Cover: Kate Townsend Ch. 10: Chart 10: Livia Kohn Ch. 11: Chart 11: Harold Roth Ch. 13: Fig. 20: Michael Saso Ch. 15: Fig. 22: Wu’s Healing Art Ch. 16: Fig. 25: British Taoist Association British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. ISBN: 9781472508942 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Komjathy, Louis, 1971- The Daoist tradition : an introduction / Louis Komjathy. pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-4411-1669-7 (hardback) -- ISBN 978-1-4411-6873-3 (pbk.) -- ISBN 978-1-4411-9645-3 (epub) 1. -
Ge Hong's Master Who Embraces Simplicity (Baopuzi). In: Extrême-Orient, Extrême-Occident
Michael Puett Humans, Spirits, and Sages in Chinese Late Antiquity : Ge Hong's Master Who Embraces Simplicity (Baopuzi). In: Extrême-Orient, Extrême-Occident. 2007, N°29, pp. 95-119. Abstract This paper attempts to answer the questions : What was Ge Hong trying to do when he wrote the Baopuzi ? What were his arguments ? And why, within the context of the time, were these arguments significant ? In answering these questions, the essay claims that there is a unified set of ideas concerning humans, sages, and the spirit world in the Baopuzi. Moreover, it is a set of ideas that underlies both the inner and outer portions of the text. Michael Puett m^nMMtanammm.mi «##»*, «KHira, «h»a. mxu Résumé Hommes, esprits et sages dans l'Antiquité tardive : Le Maître qui embrasse la simplicité (Baopuzi) de Ge Hong Le présent article s'efforce de répondre à la question de savoir quelle pouvait être la visée de Ge Hong lorsqu'il composa le Baopuzi. Quelles idées y a-t-il avancées et comment les a-t-il défendues ? Enfin, qu'est- ce qui à la lumière de son époque donne à ses arguments un tour si particulier ? Nous soutenons dans ces pages qu'il y a une réelle cohérence argumentative et une vision d'ensemble dans le discours de Ge Hong sur les humains, les sages et les esprits. Cette ensemble d'idées innerve aussi bien les chapitres intérieurs qu'extérieurs de l'ouvrage. Citer ce document / Cite this document : Puett Michael. Humans, Spirits, and Sages in Chinese Late Antiquity : Ge Hong's Master Who Embraces Simplicity (Baopuzi). -
View Book Inside
YMAA PUBLICATION CENTER YMAA is dedicated to developing the most clear and in-depth instructional materials to transmit the Oriental Healing legacy. Our books, videos and DVDs are created in collaboration with master teachers, students and technology experts with a single-minded purpose: to fulfill your individual needs in learning and daily practice. With firm will, patience, and perseverance, you may enjoy the many fruits of the Qigong garden. This downloadable document is intended as a sample only. To order this book, please click on our logo which will take you to the book’s product page. An order button can be found at the bottom. We hope that you enjoy this preview and encourage you to explore the many other downloadable samples of books, music, and movies throughout our website. Most downloads are found at the bottom of product pages in our Web Store. Did you know? • YMAA hosts one of the most active Qigong and martial arts forums on the internet? Over 5,000 registered users, dozens of categories, and over 10,000 articles. • YMAA has a free quarterly newsletter containing articles, interviews, prod- uct reviews, events, and more. YMAA Publication Center 1-800-669-8892 [email protected] www.ymaa.com Alternative Health/Qigong/Fitness B040/701 Discover What China has Known for 1000 Years Q — Self-Healing Works! I G Wouldn't it be nice to stop common ailments before they happen? We can prevent O many of them once we have the proper knowledge. This book, Qigong for Treating N Common Ailments, provides a system for maintaining overall health while addressing G specific problems with exact treatments. -
What Is Qigong?
What is Qigong? Qigong (pronounced chi kung), often called acupuncture without needles, is a health maintenance technique similar to Tai Chi. Qigong can be translated as “working with energy” – the same “energy” used in Chinese Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture. Some Qigong methods involve mindfulness; others can be more meditative with little movements. The combining of movement with stillness works best for many. Qigong has a 5000 year history of development in China. As early as 770-221 BC, Qigong had achieved high level recognition. During its evolvement in thousands of years, Qigong has progressed, developed and gained sophistication. At the present time, Qigong practice can be classified into five schools: Taoist Buddhist Confucianism WUSHU masters (Martial arts) Chinese Traditional Medicine Many current Qigong practice methods employ combination of different schools. It is estimated over 200 million people are currently practicing some Qigong forms. Silk scrolls discovered in ancient tombs at Xian (circa 186 BC), have elaborate drawings of famous movement Qigong forms called Daoyin exercises. After recent study and organization in China it is now generally agreed to use the term Qigong to describe all of these ancient practices. Qigong means to cultivate vital energy. Qigong is also becoming a science which explores the mysteries of human life, it’s a way of improving health, treatment and prevention of disease, and traditionally was a means to increase longevity. It is believed that many body functions may be controlled by yourself. Thus Qigong is sometimes called self cultivation and is recognized as a health maintenance technique. By the way it is practiced; Qigong has two forms: Quiet form Active form The quiet form may adopt 3 quiet body positions, namely the supine, sitting and standing types. -
Mount Emei Big Dipper Finger-Point Method, Daoyin and Qigong
28 APhoenixAmidtheFlames:MountEmeiBigDipperFinger-PointMethod, DaoyinandQigong Liao Yuqun 廖育群 Introduction The images presented here are taken from the Emei shan tiangang zhixue fa 峨眉山天罡指穴法 (Mt Emei’s Big Dipper1 Finger-point Method) by Zhou Qianchuan 周 潜川 (1905–71), from Sichuan province. Zhou was a re- nowned physician operating in an arcane and mystical tradition.2 The book describes 28 different hand positions for manipulating Qi 氣 in others. However the book has had a troubled history and does not exist in its complete original form. Though first published in 1962, the original Figure 28.1 The cover of Emei shan tiangang zhixue fa 峨眉山天罡指 text with any accompanying images was destroyed. The 穴法 (Mt Emei’s Big Dipper Finger-point Method) 1985 edn book’s author, Zhou Qianchuan, came to be regarded as a miscreant for his work in regard to Qigong and religious a week and when in the early 60s Zhou was invited to medicine, subjects that came to be regarded as mixin 迷 Shanxi to work, he specified that any remaining patients 信 (outlawed superstition). This chapter offers a window in Beijing should be referred to my father. After a while my on to the 20th-century history of a secret medico-religious father gave up his job in Beijing to follow Zhou to Shanxi. tradition through the biography of a major protagonist and However their relationship was brought to a stop by the the reconstruction of one of his key works by his disciples political movements of the mid-60s and thereafter my and others who were close to him. -
The View of Ziran in the Inner Chapter of Baopuzi
Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences ISSN 2616-5783 Vol.3, Issue 6: 81-88, DOI: 10.25236/AJHSS.2020.030608 The View of Ziran in the Inner Chapter of Baopuzi Wang Jin1,*, Ding Qun2 1.Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China 2.Shandong Foreign Trade Vocational College, Shandong, 266100, China *Corresponding Author ABSTRACT. Ge hong's thought of “ziran” basically extends the meaning of “ziran” in the tao te ching, but in the extension, he pushes the scope of application of “ziran” to a metaphysical world, a physical natural existence and human society. Moreover, he believes that transcendental “ziran” and realistic “ziran” are closely related. People can change or even create realistic “ziran” by grasping transcendental “ziran”. His special understanding of “ziran” also provides important examples and theoretical support for his thought of “immortals can be acquired through learning”. KEYWORDS: Ziran, Baopuzi, Ge hong 1. Introduction As a famous Taoist in the Jin Dynasty, Ge Hong’s thoughts have a tremendous influence. Joseph once called him “the greatest alchemist in Chinese history” [1]. Although he was a Taoist, he was not a man of blind faith at that time, but a man with high scientific literacy. As his classic work, Baopuzi also embodied this strong scientific nature. Joseph also said that the “earlier chapters of his Pao phu Tsu contained some scientific thinking at what appears to be a high level”[1]. Although Ge Hong defined the inner chapter of Baopuzi as “saying yellow and white” in author's preface, and later generations usually praised Ge Hong's contribution to the golden elixir thought of Taoism, Ge Hong also focused on another core issue in the inner chapter of Baopuzi -” Immortals (shenxian 神仙) can be acquired through learning “(shen xian ke yi xue zhi 神仙可以学致)[2], “ziran 自然” is a core concept used by Ge Hong in solving this problem, just as Chen Kewen said “Ge Hong's philosophy of “ziran” is the theoretical basis of his theory of immortals. -
The Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice
The Journal of Taoist Philosophy and Practice Summer 2015 $5.95 U.S. $6.95 Canada The Five Fold Essence of Tea The Story of the Tao Te Ching The Functions of Essence, Breath and Spirit The Empty Vessel Interview: with Master Yang Hai and more! The Empty Vessel A Book to Guide the Way DAOIST NEI GONG The Philosophical Art of Change Damo Mitchell For the first time in the English language, this book describes the philosophy and practice of Nei Gong. The author explains the philosophy which underpins this practice, and the methodology of Sung breathing, an advanced meditative practice, is described. The book also contains a set of Qigong exercises, accompanied by instructional illustrations. $24.95 978-1-84819-065-8 PAPERBACK THE FOUR THE FOUR DRAGONS DIGNITIES Clearing the Meridians and The Spiritual Practice of Awakening the Spine in Walking, Standing, Sitting, and Nei Gong Lying Down Damo Mitchell Cain Carroll $29.95 $24.95 978-1-84819-226-3 978-1-84819-216-4 PAPERBACK PAPERBACK CHA DAO DAOIST The Way of Tea, MEDITATION Tea as a Way of Life The Purification of the Heart Solala Towler Method of Meditation and Discourse on Sitting and $17.95 Forgetting (Zuò Wàng Lùn) by 978-1-84819-032-0 Si Ma Cheng Zhen PAPERBACK Translated by Wu Jyh Cherng $49.95 978-1-84819-211-9 PAPERBACK WWW.SINGINGDRAGON.COM A Book to Guide the Way Step Into the Tao DAOIST NEI GONG with Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha New York Times Best Selling Author, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine The Philosophical Art of Change Damo Mitchell Tao is The Way of all life. -
Seeking Immortality in Ge Hong's Baopuzi Neipian
Dao Companions to Chinese Philosophy 14 David Chai Editor Dao Companion to Xuanxue (Neo-Daoism) Dao Companions to Chinese Philosophy Volume 14 Series Editor Yong Huang Department of Philosophy The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong E-mail: [email protected] David Chai Editor Dao Companion to Xuanxue (Neo-Daoism) Editor David Chai Department of Philosophy Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong ISSN 2211-0275 ISSN 2542-8780 (electronic) Dao Companions to Chinese Philosophy ISBN 978-3-030-49227-4 ISBN 978-3-030-49228-1 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49228-1 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, speci"cally the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on micro"lms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a speci"c statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made.