June, 2003, Valley Spirit Tai Chi Chuan Journal
June 30, 2003, Monday
I organized in a webpage some of my references and links
to the "philosophical"
aspects of Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong as they relate to Taoism, Buddhism,
nature
mysticism, alchemy, and general esoterica.
June 29, 2003, Sunday
There are a number of books which explore the principles of Tai Chi Chuan
relative to
the I Ching (Book of Changes) - an ancient Chinese Oracle.
This oraclar method was
developed thousands of years ago. It was one of the first statements of
yin-yang theory.
T'ai
Chi According to the I Ching: Embodying the Principles of the Book of Changes.
By Stuart Alve Olson. Inner Traditions International Ltd., 2001. 192
pages.
ISBN: 0892819448.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan and the I Ching. By Da Liu. 1972.
The Complete I Ching. Translation and commentary by Alfred Huang.
"Keeping Still means
When it is time to stop, then stop,
When it is time to advance, then advance.
Thus movement and rest do not miss the right time.
Their course becomes bright and clear."
I Ching Hexagram # 52, Translated by Richard Wilhelm
For practice in guided imagery, random oracular methods, and esoteric
reflection I
prefer the Voyager Tarot: Way of the Great Oracle by James Wanless,
Ph.D. It
speaks to my soul, catches my eye, and reveals more to me than the I Ching
imagery and statements.
Voyager
Tarot: Way of the Great Oracle. By James Wanless, Ph.D..
Foreward by
Lynn V. Andrews. Carmel, California, Merrill-West Publishing, 1989.
330 pages.
ISBN: 0961507934. The Voyager Tarot deck was created in 1985 by
James
Wanless, symbolist, and artist Ken Knutson.
This morning I selected the Sage of Wands.
June 28, 2003, Saturday
Doing some detailed work on my performance of the Yang Family Traidtional
Long
Form, Section II. I'm not exactly sure of the direction to face on a few
of the
movements. I updated my list for Section
II of the long form, and provided two
Word.doc formatted handouts for Section II.
Lately, the daytime afternoon temperatures have reached over 100º F.
Not the best
conditions for Tai Chi Chuan outdoor practice, gardening, or outdoor home
improvement
projects. My wife, Karen, and I walk from 5:30 to 6:45 am, and I do the Thirteen
Treasures
Walking Qigong. Then, after breakfast, we work outdoors until after
noon. We and our
two dogs hide indoors during the heat of the day, in dimly lit rooms, with
comfort provided
by an insulated home, fans, and an effiecient evaporative cooler. As I
write in this blog it
is 4:30 pm: 102º F outdoors with 20% humidity, and 84º F and with 55% humidity
indoors.
The humidity is quite low during the summertime months in Northern
California. Thanks to
the electricity from Shasta Dam, built in 1949, the simple technology
of
the evaporative
cooler, fans, and low summertime humidity we can stay quite
comfortable
indoors during
the hottest of summer days.
June 27, 2003, Friday
Master
Chang San-Feng's Tai Chi Advice
As interpreted by Michael P. Garofalo.
2. Energize the body and quiet the gathered spirit.
Raise up awareness to draw Chi to every nerve,
Fill up the body with the strength of the excited Force,
Stir and stimulate the Chi from head to toe,
Playing the Great Drum of inner Powers.
Keep the spirit calm within,
Vital forces tamed and quiet,
Riding the Tigress to the Temple,
Gently leading the Great Ox past the Gate;
Condensing the Exilir of Spirit in the Inner Chamber.
June 26, 2003, Thursday
"The stillness in stillness is not the true stillness; only when there
is stillness
in motion does the universal rhythm manifest." - Unknown Taoist
author
"Being and non-being
produce each other.
Difficulty and ease bring about each other.
Long and short delimit each other.
High and low rest on each other.
Sound and voice harmonize each other.
Front and back follow each other.
Therefore the sage abides in the condition of unattached action.
And carries out the wordless teaching.
Here, the myriad things are made, yet not separated."
- Tao
Te Ching, #2
Translated by Charles Muller
"Do not stray from "Walking is Ch'an,
sitting is Ch'an!"
Essentially at ease whether talking or remaining silent, moving or staying
still.
It is serene even when greeted with sharp weapons,
And is not worried about poisons.
It cannot be grasped, nor let go of,
But, if you do neither,
It goes its own way.
If you remain silent, it will speak.
Speak and it is silent."
- Ch'an Master Hsuan Chuen of Yung Chia
The Song of
Enlightenment
"Keeping Still means
When it is time to stop, then stop,
When it is time to advance, then advance.
Thus movement and rest do not miss the right time.
Their course becomes bright and clear."
I Ching Hexagram # 52, Translated by Richard Wilhelm
June 25, 2003, Wednesday
Busy with working on screening in my back porch and with preparing and
submitting
applications for a new part-time job. Twenty teachers were laid off this
week, including
yours truly. I had worked part-time for four years for the Corning
Union Elementary
School District (K-8) as the District Librarian, library media teacher. I
will miss designing
and implementing reading, literature and research programs to help the 1,800
children
served by our four school libraries. Our California economy is struggling
for a variety
of reasons, and our State budget has a 35 billion dollar shortfall.
Ouch!!
Twenty women and one man did Tai Chi Chuan tonight at the Maywood Middle
School
cafateria in Corning. What fun! We worked on Cloud
Hands. Another reason for why women
often live longer than men - they work harder! A good group with persons
of all ages.
I spoke briefly with one woman who was breathing oxygen through a tube.
She said
she had MS. She tried to stand and do parts of the Tai Chi form.
What a role model!
And, to think, what a wimp I was, complaining earlier in the day of a pulled
muscle in
my upper back. Shut up Mike!
June 24, 2003, Tuesday
Thirteen Treasures
Walking Qigong
I walk for 75 minutes each day and do the Thirteen Treasures Walking Qigong
as I walk. I walk at a moderate pace: .6 miles in 10 to 12 minutes, one
mile
in 18 to 22 minutes, about 3 miles per walking session.
I am very fortunate to be able to walk on a paved roadway that is a .3 mile
cul de sac
in a rural setting. There are few cars that use this roadway - my
neighbors. As I walk
to the east I have
views of almond orchards and the southern Cascades, including
Mt. Lassen. To the west,
I have views of grazing fields and the Yolly Bolly mountains,
including the Yolly Bolly peaks (8,092 feet). To the north and south are
landscaped
ranch style homes on 5 acre parcels.
Wild grasses are mostly tan or gray at this time of year, but landscaped
yards
and trees are vibrant green. We have no rain at this time of the
year.
There is still snow on the upper level of Mt.
Lassen (10,457 feet). This past rainy
season (October - April) there was a snow pack on Mt. Lassen of over 140 inches.
I walk from 5:30-6:45 am in the cool of the morning, when temperatures range
from
65ºF to 70ºF. Since our daytime summer temperatures range from 90ºF to
100ºF,
walking very early is the most sensible and easiest time to
exercise.
I have provided a fairly detailed description of the Thirteen
Treasures Walking Qigong
for readers. Hopefully, some will try the set and reap the benefits as I
have. I welcome
your comments and suggestions.
June 23, 2003, Monday
Taijiquan as a Enabling Technology for Consciousness Raising
"The therapeutic level of practice is what we all seem to spend most of our
time on.
Initially, as beginners, we simply struggle to remember "how to" and
we fixate on sequence
and mechanics. Once we survive this introductory stage (and most don't),
we go on to
the fine detail, such as putting the foot out un-weighted, preserving central
equilibrium,
maintaining relaxation, etc. As the physical realization of improved
balance, flexibility,
and coordination are gradually achieved, there is also a mental realization of
enhanced
concentration. This results in the attainment of a state of interior
quietude, in which the
sense of self-centeredness is reduced. Mind and body coordinate through
practice,
to paraphrase Yang Cheng-fu. The inner is coordinated with the outer, the
result
being a state of serene concentration."
- How to Use T'ai Chi as a Spiritual Path. By Steve Higgins. Tai
Chi, Volume 25,
Number 3, June 2001, pp. 53-55.
If we use this state of clear and serene concentration to focus on the nature
of
impulses, preceptions, feelings, emotions and consciousness we may come to
a new state of mindfulness about the nature of self and relationships. We
may come
to the standpoint from which aspects of ego, attachment, and desire are
understood
to be empty, without substance, fleeting, and ungraspable. We can then let
go of
this unreal and samsaric fretting over nonessentials, better comprehend
the
Buddhist views on the emptiness of things, open up to the interdependence of
all beings, and let compassion flower in our hearts. We can also learn to
step
aside, roll back, and let go of petty, harmful, and acquisitive aspects of
our lifestyle,
leaving things to be, not contending, following the Taoist path of
"wu-wei."
"At this point, the whole training forms an uncanny sphere, in which
each step functions
cooperatively with every other step, spiraling upward, going higher stage by
stage in
an endless ring: consciously tuning the physical form, then consciously and
physically
inducing and directing psychic force and energy; then using consciousness,
physical
form, and energy to tune mind; then returning, with consciousness that has been
elevated and refined to a higher level by consciously going through training of
the
physique, energy and mind, to further train the physique, energy, mind and
'consciousness' ."
- Shi Ming, Mind Over Matter: Higher Martial Arts, 1994, p.
39.
"Taijiquan is just an enabling technology."
- Steve Higgins
June 22, 2003, Sunday
I spent some time reading about the legendary Master
Chang San-Feng. Prepared
a short webpage on the subject. Why do I find
these Taoist-Buddhist recluses so
interesting? What is it about these crazy saints like Han
Shan, Chang San-Feng,
Chan Master Chao-chou,
or the Bodhidharma that keeps me reading and writing
about them? I don't live alone in a forest or on a mountain top. I
don't fast, live off
wild herbs and grasses, or spent weeks in seated meditation. I'm not a
zany, crazy,
carefree, and enlightened spirit. I'm a Valley
person, gardener, householder,
family fellow. Why? Oh well, sometimes, it is best not to know
why we follow
the charming pathways that we do. Just let curiosity play!
Karen and I enjoyed a wonderful brunch at the home of our next door
neighbors,
Debbie and Jordan. What a delightful way to begin the first full day of summer.
What kind and generous friends. Life is good!
June 21, 2003, Saturday
I've been writing quite a bit about the Yang Family
Taijiquan long form. Also,
working carefully in a review of the Second Section of the long form, including
much practice.
1. Move in an agile, balanced, and coordinated manner.
Once you decide to move,
The parts of the body should act together,
Feeling connected and coordinated,
As balanced as two feathers on a scale,
Strung together like pearls in a necklace,
Agile like a cat,
Lighter than moonbeams,
Mobile as a young monkey.
My interpretation of a short poem by Chang San Feng.
Karen and I sat on the back porch for hours watching the sunset and long
twilight on this Summer Solstice. A light breeze kept the evening cool and
comfortable for man and beast and birds and living beings too small to
see.
I need to read some poems and find some quotes about the month of
July. Spring
is over!!
June 20, 2003, Friday
Although I have never had a Tai Chi Chuan instructor teach me a staff form (long
or short staff),
I did learn a Jo Kata from Sensei Tony Ippolito at the Red Dragon Karate
Studio. Currently,
I am learning a Yang style short staff form as taught on
an instructional videotape by
Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. I have considerable interest in staff forms.
I worked on updating my notes, links, and references
to various aspects of using a staff for
walking, exercise and martial arts. The subject has led me to a number of
interesting
discoveries regarding the staff as a symbol, totem, and spiritual power
object.
"Although the vast majority of
walkers never even think of using a walking staff, I unhesitatingly include
it
among the foundations of the house that travels on my back. I still take
my staff along almost as automatically
as I take my pack. It is a third leg to me - and much more besides.
On smooth surfaces the staff helps maintain
an easy rhythm to may walking and gives me something to lean on when I stop to
stand and stare. Over rough
going of any kind, from tussocky grass to pockety rock, and also in a high wind,
it converts me when I am
heavily laded from an insecure biped to a confident triped. ... It
may well be, too, that the staff also gives me
a false but subconsciously comforting feeling that I am not after all completely
defenseless against attack by
such enemies as snakes, bears and men."
- Colin Fletcher, The Complete Walker III, 1984, p. 78
I have never be forced to use my walking staff against man or bear, but I
have used it many times to
respond to threats from aggressive dogs. I have seen a Doberman running at
full speed towards me
stop immediately when I pounded my staff on the ground. Numerous barking
and snarling dogs have
retreated when I brandished my ash staff in their faces. More often, like
the Buddhist monk walking
with bells on his staff, with intent to harm no living being, wild animals may have disappeared before
we met after
they heard my staff click-clacking and cracking the earth.
June 19, 2003, Thursday
Separate Heaven and Earth
In the Eight Treasures Qigong set there is an exercise
called Separate Heaven and Earth.
One arm is raised up as high as possible, straight up in the air, with the palm
turned
to face the sky. At the same time one arm is going up, the other arm is
moving down,
palm facing down, and kept at the side and slightly to the back of the
body. The arms
are pressed up and pressed down. The arms are then rotated in the movement
is
done to the opposite side. Exhale as you press one arm up and the other
arm down.
This exercise reminds me of Wild Crane Cools its Wings in the
Yang style Tai Chi
Chuan form. In that movement, all the bodyweight is on the back leg and
the front
leg is in a toe stance. It is a kind of separating, or splitting motion,
with one arm
moving in one direction and the other arm in the opposite direction.
Exhale as the
arm moves up. In addition, the movement Parting the Wild Horse's
Mane
or Wild Horse Ruffles Its Mane, the arms move in opposite directions in a
splitting
motion. You exhale as one arm moves out and up. In both
movements, the high
hand faces up to the sky.
The movement Picking Peaches in the Nine
Temple Qigong set also involves
moving one arm up to pick a peach as the other arm moves down to put the
peach in a basket. Exhale as the arm moves up.
In pictures of the Five Animal Frolics, developed by Hua T'o (110-207 A.D.),
a famous Chinese medical doctor, the antics of the monkey or ape also reflect
a
separating of the arms with one arm up and one down. A monkey swinging
from
tree limb to tree limb is part of the picture one brings to mind in this
case.
In martial applications, splitting or separating is one of the 13 energetic movements.
So, Press both Heaven and Earth. Press with enthusiasm and
energy.
Press for answers!
June 18, 2003, Wednesday
I started attending a Tai Chi class taught by Joyce
Harrison. The class in held
at the
Maywood Middle School cafeteria in Corning on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8
pm. This
class began with instruction in the Sun style 8 movement form developed by Dr.
Paul Lam, M.D.,
from Australia.
For those wishing to attend the authorized Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor's Workshop,
it will
be taught in September 2003 in Santa Rosa by Nancy Kieffer.
I continue to add information to my Northern California and Oregon Tai Chi
Chuan and
Chi Kung Directory. I welcome suggestions, links,
ideas, and information to make this
listing as inclusive and comprehensive as possible. Send me information on
workshops,
seminars, retreats, and classes in the area.
June 17, 2003, Tuesday
I worked on the traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Long Form webpage.
I updated
the first part of the second section.
I am checking various books listed in the bibliography to come up with 105
movements
to this form. I have seen 85, 88, 105, and 108 movements for this form;
but, the forms
appear to be the same. I have discussed naming/listing/nomenclature issues
before.
I am revising my handout for the Second Section of this common long
form. I want my
students to have the Second Section outlined in a two page handout. I
have already
completed a revision of my handout on the First
section of the Yang Family Long Form.
June 16, 2003, Monday
I worked today on a webpage on the short staff used in
many wushu forms. Its use is
seen in Shaolin Kung Fu, Aikido, Tai Chi Chuan and, of course, all types of
walking
and hiking applications.
Traditional Yang Family Tai Chi Short Staff 104 Forms.
This short staff form was created in 1994 by Xu Minshan, who was an indoor
student
of Yang Chengfu. Two
instructional VHS videotapes featuring Shifu Jiang Jian-ye (1950-).
Tape 1,
Part 1, teaches movements 1-60 of this form (VHS, 112 minutes). Tape 2, Part 2,
teaches movements 61
-104 of this form (VHS, 112 minutes). Produced by Shifu Jiang
Jianye of the Capital District Tai Chi and Kung Fu
Association of New York, 29 West
Dillenbeck Drive, Albany, NY 12203. These videotapes were produced in
2002, and
priced at $45.00 each. Website: Jiang's
Tai Chi Videos. Shifu Jiang Jianye began his
studies of Wushu in 1955 in China and he was educated in China. He is a physical
education, tai chi, kung fu, and calligraphy teacher.
This videotape begins with an introduction of Shifu Jiang,
includes a little history of this
short staff
form, includes a number of short staff warm up exercises, and then teaches
the
form. Each movement is
introduced, named, and then illustrated. A front view of
the movement is
shown as the teacher provides
verbal instructions and tips. The front
view is repeated and then a back
view of the movement is shown. I find the instructions
clear and understandable; and the videotape production
is good.
June 15, 2003, Sunday
Father's Day! Best wishes to all the kind, helpful, hardworking and
responsible fathers in the world.
My children and wife purchased a tai chi short staff videotape
and tai chi book for me.
How kind of them! I am fortunate to have such a fine and generous
family.
A full moon in the morning sky.
A garter snake under the fig tree.
A white frog in the pot of begonias.
A fly up my nose.
A lizard on top of the grape arbor.
A dog slobbering on my knee.
A lawn mower that ran perfectly.
A fine day working in the garden.
I had a 60" jo on hand. I had used it at the Red Dragon Karate
Studios in Hacienda Heights
when I was learning a jo kata. I cut the jo down to the size recommended
by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye.
I sanded the edges and polished the "new" short staff.
My Tai Chi Chuan short staff is now 52.5" inches long. I am
76.5" tall, 250 pounds. So,
the ratio of my height to short staff length is 76.5" ~ 52.5",
7.65" ~ 5.25", or 1" ~ .6862".
This is my own 13 hands ratio. A man 72" tall would likely need a
short staff of 49.4";
and a woman 64" tall would likely need a short staff of
43.9".
My current walking staff is 49.5" long. It is made from the handle
of a shovel. Any time
I go on longer walks and hikes, wearing my backpack, I take along my walking
staff.
I walk for one hour each day at daybreak (now 5:30 am) on the .3 mile cul de
sac in
front of my house. I don't take a cane or walking stick because there are
no
dogs or unpleasant people to bother me on this country lane.
I viewed the new videotape and studied the first two movements of the short
staff form
by Xu Minshan.
June 14, 2003, Saturday
Jing
"One of the fundamental beliefs of Taoist philosophy is that the reason
people become
old and weak and eventually die is that they lack sexual energy. This
explanation is based
on the insight that physical reproduction is but one aspect of the process of
maintaining
the life and creativity of the individual person. When we are young, our
sexual activities
naturally generate a powerful energy that pervades all aspects of our life, both
physical
and mental. The generation of this energy occurs in the production of the
sexual essences:
the sperm in the male and the menstrual fluid in the female. These
substances are both
yang. As we grow old and these essences are no longer produced so easily,
this
natural source of energy tends to dwindle and become less powerful."
- Da Liu, T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Meditation, 1986, p. 5. Refer also to
chapter 12 on
Sexual Energy.
Are we growing old because our sexual energy is diminishing, or are our
sexual
energies diminishing because we are growing old? In some ways, aging is
the
process in which our cells cannot reproduce/replicate our DNA schema as
precisely as they did during our growing and young adult years. So, in
some
sense, the inability to "reproduce" is at the heart of the aging
process.
Jing is thus our sexual essence, our sexuality, our properly functioning
reproductive
systems. Many Tai Chi Chuan books and instructors discuss this Taoist view
of
the human body and sexual energy, and suggest various esoteric and kinky
practices to keep one's Jing "charged up" but conserved.
Jing is also often referred to as focused, concentrated, intense energy - as
force,
as contolled and potential power. When speed, mass, and technique are effectively
combined then we
can issue Fa-Jing. It is definitely Yang! An excellent
discussion
of Jing is found in Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming's book: Advanced Yang Style Tai Chi
Chuan,
Volume One, 1986.
June 13, 2003, Friday
Enjoyed a beautiful late spring day by gardening, reading, and working on a
major
plumbing/irrigation project in the back yard. Walking and Tai Chi Chuan
for ninety
minutes in the early morning.
Worked a little on the Yang short
form 24 version webpage and on a revised handout
for the Valley Spirit Taijiquan students. I practice this short form twice
each day.
Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western European/American
culture.
It is my understanding that, in China, the number four (4) is considered to be
unlucky.
However, any day can be an unlucky one. Any hour can bring tragedy and
sorrow.
Choosing one (13th or 4th) just reminds us of this sad fact of life.
June 12, 2003, Thursday
After reaching for the needle at the bottom of the sea,
I looked up, one summer's eve,
to see old Chang
San-Feng open the garden gate,
and join me for Tai Chi.
We said not a word -
hands moving like clouds,
fingers grasping sparrow's tails,
faces smiling, feeling the sun drop,
glimpsing a half moon climbing the clear sky.
Time flowed without
a ripple of memories,
Space embraced a crane cooling its wings,
Being began to sing
softly in tune with the moon.
My dusty black dog
barked,
sensing something on the warm wind;
speaking her mind,
ears up.
Mr. Chang was gone.
Leaving his shoes by the gate, and
a page of poems -
mementos for mortals.
Two black
butterflies
danced wing to wing
in love.
June 11, 2003, Wednesday
Know Yourself and Act Accordingly
Some Taijiquan and qigong exercises are not appropriate for people who are out
of
shape, in poor physical condition, suffering from chronic or life threatening
illnesses,
elderly, infirm, recovering from illness, etc.. For example, bending over
and touching
your toes is probably not a good idea for people with high blood pressure,
obesity,
suffering from back pain or arithitis, fail bones, or for folks who are totally
out of shape.
Specific exercises are counterindicated depending upon your physical condition,
and
if you're in poor or failing health, consult with your personal physician for
advice.
You need to be realistic about your state of health and general physical
condition.
If your are just beginning any exercise program - proceed slowly and
cautiously. Modify
the degree of difficulty, the number of repetitions, or the duration of any
exercise set to
your own comfort and safety level. Do not try to do what others can do or
will do, if it is
inapproprate for you to do. Be realistic and safe!
The best Taijiquan and chi kung teachers always advise you to be aware of
your body,
be sensitive to your body, be "in tune" with your body, and listen to
your body. They
encourage beginners to be gentle on themselves, proceed slowly, and modify
the
exercise to suit the student's state of health, level of fitness, age, and body
type. They
view their internal art as a life long regimen, something that evolves and
progresses
over long periods of time, and not a "Quick Fix 10 Minutes to Super Health,
Rock Hard
Abs, and Super Sex Dynamic Program." They advocate
regular daily exercise,
relaxation, deep breathing, a peaceful and positive attitude, and gentle self care - not
magic.
June 10, 2003, Tuesday
I enjoyed reading the book "Ancient Way to Keep Fit." The
illustrations, color and black and
white drawings are superb. The book shows dozens of qi gong exercise sets,
gives brief
descriptions of the movements, and provides a little bit of history on the
forms.
Ancient
Way to Keep Fit. Compiled by Zong Wu and Li Mao.
Translated by Song Luzeng,
Liu Beijian, and Liu Zhenkai. Paintings by Zhang Ke Ren. Foreward by
Kumar
Frantzis. Bolinas, California, Shelter Publications, 1992. 211
pages, glossary.
ISBN: 0679417893. Outstanding illustrations by Zhang Ke Ren.
MGC.
Learn
to Relax: A Practical Guide to Easing Tension and Conquering Stress.
By Mike George.
San Francisco, Chronicle Books, 1998. Index, bibliography, 159
pages. High quality layout,
artwork, and typography. ISBN: 0811819086. 25 good techniques
for helping you relax and
reduce stress. A beautiful book with sage advice. This book helps
one fight the battle against
worry, tension, and stress by means of psychological techniques. Changing
your mental
attitudes and habits is crucial to stress management. MGC.
June 9, 2003, Monday
"It is important to spend time with a living teacher, one who can
correct mistakes and discipline
you. But the object of such study should not be the creation of a new
orthodoxy. Rather, your
goal should be to bring yourself to a state of independence. All teachings
are mere references.
The true experience is living your own life."
- Deng Ming-Dao, Scholar-Warrior
June 8, 2003, Sunday
Can you Stop?
A Taijiquan player needs to be moving slowing, carefully, deliberately.
She needs to be able
to stop during any movement and hold the position. One can pause when they
have balance
and control. Except for jump or sweeping kicks, he should be able to stop
and hold any
Tai Chi posture - in any part of the posture movement. Stopping and
holding a posture
reflects our true state of relaxed control.
When learning the Liou Ho Ba Fa form Sifu Moore used to ask as to imagine we
were shadow
boxing in water. He liked to call the form "Water
Boxing." Our bodies were moving through
water, slowly, effortlessly, but sensing the resistance of the water.
Because of the buoyancy of
the water we should be able to hold any posture for longer periods of
time. Pause and float
in space! Stop! Hold that position! Jing training!
Sensitivity to a dangerous situation, in ordinary life or combat, means we
can stop our movement,
change our movement, alter our position, and stop where we are at a moments
notice. Stopping
and staying in place may help us save our life or prevent
injury.
Tai Chi Chuan avoids meeting aggression with opposing aggression, avoids
muscles against
muscles. Moving away, retreating, turning aside, rolling back ... at a
moments notice. If the mind
intends one response, but reality dictates a change, we must be able to stop,
hold, and suspend
our intent.
We all need to work on the ability to stop in a number of areas in our lives
depending upon our
personal goals, avoiding our personal faults, and changing for the better.
Should I stop eating
now? Should I stop drinking? Should I stop hurting myself.
Should I stop working so hard?
Should I stop watching this TV program and go for a walk? Stopping
something we are doing,
really stopping, may dramatically improve the quality of our life.
June 7, 2003, Saturday
Attended a Taijiquan class led by Marilyn Bonney. The class was
held at the Chico Grange
meeting room from 9:30 am to 12:30 am. The larger room had hardwood
floors - very nice for
Tai Chi Chuan practice. The room was comfortable and not
too hot.
We trained with an excellent group experienced Tai Chi teachers and
practioners: Marilyn Bonney,
Joyce Harrison, Karen Mitsueda, Jeanne, Clancy, and one older lady.
Delightful group dynamics!
We did Yang style long form work, broadsword forms, and fan
forms. Thankfully, we did no Chi Kung
(not my favorite activity). We started right off with the long form - Yes!
I need to work on a number of areas in the next 30 days. First, I will
relearn the first and second sections
of the Yang long form so I can do them
myself each day. Books, videotapes, and writing
up the sections
will help me get the sequence corrected and memorized.
Second, I need to shorten the width and depth
of my stances. I'm going too
wide and low and loose the ability to retreat and recover quickly. I need
to
be nimble, poised, and ligher on my feet; not ponderous, stiff, and power
orientated. Third, I need to get
my arms out before I shift my waist,
move, and root from the legs. My arms are moving too late in Grasping
the
Sparrow's Tail. Fourth, I need to work on my balance and form during
kicks.
June 6, 2003, Friday
Hua T'o (110-207 A.D.) is one of the famous physicians of the Han Dynasty.
In The History
of the Later Han, Hua T'o wrote:
"Man's body must have exercise, but it should never be done to the point of
exhaustion. By moving
about briskly, digestion is improved, the blood vessels are opened, and
illnesses are prevented.
It is like a used doorstep which never rots. As far as Tao Yin (bending and
stretching exercises) is
concerned, we have the bear's neck, the crane's twist, and swaying the waist and
moving the
joints to promote long life. Now I have created the art called the Frolics
of the Five Animals:
the Tiger, the Deer, the Bear, the Monkey, and the
Crane. It eliminates sickness, benefits the legs,
and is also a form of Tao Yin. If you feel out of sorts, just practice one
of my Frolics. A gentle sweat
will exude, the complexion will become rosy; the body will feel light and you
will want to eat."
- From: Drawing Silk: A Training Manual for T'ai Chi.
Page 6.
June 5, 2003, Thursday
"You will recognize your own path when you come upon it, because you
will suddenly
have all the energy and imagination you will ever need."
- Jerry Gillies
"The self is only that which it is in the process of becoming."
- Soren Kirkegaard
"Down through the ages, the exercises as practised at Shaolin Temple
have developed into the largest wushu
school with hundreds of routines in different styles, from which many other
schools have been derived. Of these
mention may be made of Hong boxing, "cannon and hammer" boxing,
"six-in-one" boxing, baduanjin ("brocade"
exercises in eight forms) which is said to have been revised by General Yue Fei
(1103-1142) on the arhats'
routine in 18 forms, the "stepping exercises" and
"heart-and-will" school derived respectively from the dragon's
and tiger's sections in Monk Bai Yufeng's routine imitating the five animals'
movements, and the long-range
boxing in 36 forms compiled by the First Emperor of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
The routines can be
practiced solo, duet or trio, and barehand or with ancient weapons, particularly
the cudgel which has earned
great reputation for Shaolin Temple."
- China Sports Publications, Shaolin
Temple Wushu
June 4, 2003, Wednesday
Yang Family Style Taijiquan Form - Traditional 108
Movements
Mostly working on a webpage on this topic. I am doing a careful review of
this form as
well as daily practice on my own.
"Yang Chen Fu (1833-1936) exemplifies the highest natural talent and
achievement in
Tai-Chi since he was entirely self-taught after his father (Yang Chian,
1839-1917) died.
His great example encourages us that even if excellent teachers are hard to
find, we can
develop by ourselves if we really understand and apply the theories and
principles of
Tai-Chi Chuan. The current forms of so-called Yang's Tai-Chi were defined
and regulated
by him. Yang's style, which is comfortable, generous, light and stable,
has be recognized
as the easiest and most popular one."
- The Tao
of Tai-Chi Chuan: Way to Rejuvenation. By Jou, Tsung
Hwa. p. 46.
June 3, 2003, Tuesday
Is Chang San Feng the Creator of Tai Chi Chuan?
History of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. By Craig Rice. 12K.
Master Chang San-Feng
Legends and Lore, Poems, Links, Bibliography
Meeting Chang San Feng - A Poem
The Mythical
Life of Chang San Feng. By John Hancock. 36K. An
excellent informative article.
Portraits of Chang San Feng: First,
Second -
color, Third,
Fourth, Fifth
T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Ching. By Chang San Feng.
Taijiquan History and Development.
By Peter Lim Tian Tek. Outstanding collection of
webpages.
"Much of the written material about Zhang Sanfeng is mythical,
contradictory, or otherwise suspect. For instance, he
is reported to have been born in AD 960, AD 1247, and again in AD 1279. He
is described as being seven-feet tall,
with the bones of a crane and the posture of a pine tree, having whiskers shaped
like a spear, and being able to
cover 1000 Li in a day."
- Wikipedia
"Aside from being a wise sage, Master Chang
is also known as the Father of the 'Grand Supreme Fist', Tai Chi Chuan.
Chang discovered that most Wu Kuen, that is to say martial forms, were
too vigorous and relied too heavily upon the
physical strength. It is told that Master Chang, ever observant of Nature,
once witnessed a combat between a snake
and a bird. The noise of this contest had disturbed the Master's
devotions, and venturing forth from his modest hut,
he witnessed the bird to attack the snake. At each pass, the bird fiercely
pecked and clawed at the snake, however,
the reptile through suppleness and coiling of his form, was able to avoid the
attacks and launch strikes of his own.
The bird in his turn circled and used his wings beat the snake aside when he
struck. Master Chang contemplated
upon this experience. That night, as the Master slept, Yu Huang,
the 'Glorious Jade Emperor', visited Chang in his
dreams and instructed him, teaching him the secrets of the Tao that the bird and
the snake innately knew. The next
day, Chang sprang up from his sleep wide awake and inspired by his
Celestial Visitor, and immediately set about
the creation of a new Martial Art form that relied upon Internal Power, or Chi, at
its root. This art held as its foundati
on the Truth that 'yeilding overcomes aggression' and 'softness overpowers
hardness'. In honor of his divine influences,
Chang called his art Tai Chi Chuan, the 'Grand Supreme Fist'. For
this, Master Chang is know as the progenitor
of the Wu Tang Ru (schools), so named because they come from Wu Tang Shan
(mountain). These are the Internal
Arts, which are juxtaposed to the External Arts, such as Shao Lin Chuan,
which relies upon the physical mastery of
the body and development of great strengths.
- John Hancock, The
Mythical Life of Chang San Feng.
"Most people recognize Chang San Feng as the
founder of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. The Chang San Feng legend can be viewed
as having three phases: phase I (prior to 1669) merely claims that Chang was a
Taoist immortal; phase II (after 1669)
claims that he founded the "internal" school of boxing; and phase III
(post 1900) claims that Taijiquan originated with
Chang. The Chang San Feng legend evolved during the Ming period (1368-1644),
based on the close association of
early Ming rulers with Taoism and Taoist priests, whose prophecies had supported
the founder of the dynasty. Little is
known about Zhang except that he is described as an eccentric, itinerant hermit
with magical powers, who died once,
but came back to life, and whose life, based on varying accounts, spanned a
period of over 300 years. According to
legend, Chang San Feng created a new set of exercises now known as taijiquan in
the Wudang Mountains."
- Ottawa Chinese Martial Arts, Tai
Chi History
Chang San-Feng
From the The Tao
of Tai-Chi Chuan: Way to Rejuvenation. By Jou, Tsung,
Hwa. Edited by Shoshana
Shapiro. Warwick, New York, Tai Chi Foundation, 1980. 263
pages. First Edition.
ISBN: 0804813574. Excellent textbook. A Third Edition is now
available.
"When the winter was really cold and the track outside the temple, where
he practiced was covered with snow, Chang
liked to go out and enjoy the snow-covered landscape. Where he had walked there
were no footsteps - like no one had
walked there. ... It’s also said, that when he was meditating at night,
his cultivated energy - the so-called Chi or Jing - would
make his coat flap, and the walls around him would shake. This phenomenon
indicates, that his energy had reached its
peak. He had obtained the state where his Chi had been transformed into Shen or
Spirit."
- Bjørn Darboe Nissen, Tai
Chi Chuan and the Human Being
"Some have raised the question of Chang San Feng's existence as there is
much legendary
material about him. He is recorded by reliable historical documents such as the
'Ming History'
and 'The
Ningpo Chronicles' which have no relation to martial arts literature as having
existed
and to have created Wudang Internal Boxing arts. This is in line with the
beliefs held at the
Wudang Temple itself and one can find much old material pertaining to Chang San
Feng
there. According to the available material, Chang lived at the end of the Yuan
Dynasty
(1279-1368) and at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)."
- Peter Lim Tian Tek, The
Origins of Tai Chi Chuan
June 2, 2003, Monday
I switch between names for this daily Tai Chi Chuan journal, or Internet Taiji
blog. I call it the
Valley Spirit Taiji Journal or Cloud
Hands Journal or Taiji Blog. Whatever! It helps keep
the Google web spiders spinning.
I wrote up the principles for the development of the Cloud Hands website today.
"When
it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms."
- Mary Oliver
June 1, 2003, Sunday
Worked all day on mowing lawns, mulching, installing some pipe, and repairing
drip lines. A beautiful,
warm, and breezy Spring day. Taiji at
dawn.
Tai Chi Chuan and gardening
have a lot in common: a productive use of the body, relaxing the body by
exercise, calming to the spirit, natural and close to the earth, a backyard
activity, unhurried, consistent
with the Five Precepts,
environmentally low impact, nurturing, the cultivation of beauty, gentle, open-
ended, pleasing to the senses, a daily effort, and endless.
Gardeners must be patient, so too Taiji players. Our gardens are never
complete, neither are we.
Our gardens need improvement, so does our form. Another day is a fine
opportunity for cultivating
our garden, so too for ourselves.
We just have now, and a plan for tomorrow. The past and distant future
are interesting, often
compelling, but we have our true being defined by what we will accomplish
today. So, on this fine
late spring day - water the garden and discover the Cloud Hands.
"Precisely the least, the
softest, lightest, a lizard's rustling,
a breath, a flash, a moment - a little makes the way
of the best happiness."
- Frederich Nietzsche, Thus Spake Zarathustra
Red Bluff, Tehama
County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern California, U.S.A.
Close to the Cities of Chico, Orland, Corning, Los Molinos,
Anderson, and Redding CA
Valley Spirit Taijiquan Journal
© Michael P. Garofalo, 2003, All Rights Reserved
Cuttings: Haiku and Short Poems
Cold Mountain Buddhas (Han Shan)
Cloud Hands: Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung Website
Tai Chi Chuan, Taijiquan, T'ai Chi Ch'uan,
Tai Chi, Tai Ji Quan, Taiji, Tai Ji Chuan, Tie Jee Chewan
Chi Kung, Qi Gong, Qigong, Chee Gung, Qi, Chi, Tu Na, Dao Yin, Yi, Neigong
Index to the Valley Spirit Journal
Alphabetical Subject Index
Cloud
Hands Website
Taijiquan, Qigong, Taoism, Classics,
Weapons: Sword and Staff
Fitness and Well Being Website
Gardening, Meditation,
Walking, Yoga, Strength Training,
Fitness for Older Persons, Aerobics, Relaxation
The Spirit of Gardening
2,700 Quotes Arranged by 130 Topics,
History, Guides,
Psycho-Spiritual Aspects of Gardening
Web Guides, Bibliographies, Links, Directories, Quotes, Notes
Alphabetical Subject Index
Alphabetical Subject Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Ancient Goddesses - Quotations, Poems, Sayings, Prayers, Songs
Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi): Tiger, Bear, Crane, Deer, and Monkey
Arthritis Therapy - Exercise: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Chi Kung
Bear, Standing Bear, Level 1 Ranking, Valley Spirit Taijiquan
The Bear: The Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Bird - Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Blog - Valley Spirit Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
Breathing Practices: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Quotes
California (Northern) T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Charkas (Energy Centers of the Subtle Body)
Ch'i Kung: Bibliography and Links
Ch'i Kung Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Classes, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Instructional Program
Cloud Hands: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Ch'i Kung
Cloud Hands T'ai Chi Ch'uan Journal
Cold Mountain Poets: Wanderers, Mystics, and Sages
Confucius (K'ung Fu-tzu) (551 - 479 BCE)
Crane - Bird - Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Crane, Soaring Crane, Intermediate Program, Level 3, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Cuttings: Short Poems by Michael P. Garofalo
The Deer: The Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Diabetes Therapy - Exercise: Taijiquan and Qigong
Disclaimer of the Cloud Hands Website
Eight Section Brocade Ch'i Kung
Embrace the One - Zhan Zhuang - Standing Like A Tree
Entering Tranquility (Ru Jing) Meditation
Exercise - Diabetes Therapy - Taijiquan and Qigong
Feedback, Kudos and Reviews for the Cloud Hand's Website
Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi): Tiger, Bear, Crane, Deer, and Monkey
Five Elements (Wu-Xing) and Taijiquan
Five Stepping Movements of Taijiquan
Five Elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water, Metal)
Gardening: Quotes, Poems, History, Sayings
Gardening: Quips and Maxims by Michael P. Garofalo
The Four Gates: Grasping the Sparrow's Tail
Michael P. Garofalo's Biography
Michael P. Garofalo's T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Practice
The Goddess - Quotations, Poems, Sayings, Prayers, Songs
Goose - Bird - Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Green Way Research - Taijiquan and Qigong
Gu Shen (Valley Spirit) Taijiquan Instructional Program
Health and Fitness - T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Hidden Tiger, Beginning Program, Level 2, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Instructional Program, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Journal - Valley Spirit Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
Kudos for the Cloud Hands Website
Kundalini (Coiled Serpent) Energy
Kwang Ping Taijiquan of Kuo Lien Ying
Links and Bibliography: Qigong
Links and Bibliography: Taijiquan
Long Form 108 Yang Style Taijiquan
Master Chang San-Feng (circa 1350)
Master Cheng Man-Ch'ing (1901 - 1975)
Mastery, Self Control, Self Mastery, Choices, Will Power, Strength of Character
Meditation Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Meditation Methods and Techniques
Meditation - Standing Like A Tree
Meditation - Wu Ji - The Edge of Emptiness
Michael P. Garofalo's T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Practice
Months of the Year: Quotes, Poems, Links
Moving Hands Like Clouds: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong
Northern California T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Nine Movement Temple Ch'i Kung Exercise Set
Older Persons Exercise and Wellness Programs
Oregon T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Original Waving Hands Like Clouds URL
Photography - Valley Spirit Photography Gallery
Pilates: Links, Bibliography, Resources, Quotes, Notes
Pranayama: Breathing Techniques from Yoga
Private Instruction by Michael P. Garofalo, Instructional Programs
Pulling Onions: The Quips and Maxims of a Gardener
Qigong: Bibliography and Links
Qigong, Ch'i Kung - Chinese Mind-Body Exercises
Qigong Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Red Bluff, Valley Spirit Taijiquan Instructional Program
Resolve, Will. Willpower, Self Control, Self Discipline
Reviews of the Cloud Hand's Website
Self Control, Self Mastery, Choices, Will Power
Senior Citizens Fitness Programs
Sensing Hands: Push Hands - T'ui Shou
Shoong, Sung, Song - Loose, Relaxed, Open, Yielding, Responsive
Short Form, Yang Style, Beijing Simplified 24
Simplified 24 From, Yang Style
Soaring Crane, Intermediate Program, Level 3, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Speaking to the Spirit Meditation
Staff Weapons: Jo, Bo, Can, Staff, Spear
Standing Bear, Level 1 Ranking, Valley Spirit Taijiquan
Standing Like A Tree - Zhan Zhuang
Stork - Bird - Five Animal Frolics
Subject Index to the Cloud Hands Website
Swordsmanship and T'ai Chi Ch'uan
T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Bibliography and Links
T'ai
Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information, Workshops
Northern California,
Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Red Bluff, CA
T'ai Chi Ch'uan Short Form, Beijing Simplified 24, Yang Style
T'ai Chi Ch'uan: Links and Bibliography
Taijiquan: Bibliography and Links
Taijiquan For Good Health, Fitness and Vitality
Taijiquan Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo in Red Bluff, California
Taoism, Nature Mysticism, Alchemy
Temple Qigong - A Nine Movement Exercise Set
Thirteen Postures: 8 Gates and 5 Steps
Thirteen Treasures Walking Qigong
The 300 Missing Poems of Han Shan
The Tiger: The Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)
Tiger, Hidden Tiger, Beginning Program, Level 2, Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Tree Qigong - Zhan Zhuang - Standing Like A Tree
Trees - Quotations, Poems, Lore, Wisdom
Trees - Lore, Magick, Myths, Magick
Valley Spirit Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
Valley Spirit Photography Gallery
Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan Club
Valley Spirit Taijiquan Instructional Program
Valley Spirit Taijiquan and Qigong Journal by Michael P. Garofalo
Vancouver, B.C., T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools
Walking - General Fitness Exercise
Washington T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong Directory: Instructors, Schools, Information
Waving Hands Like Clouds: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong
Will Power, Self Control, Self Mastery, Choices, Strength of Character
Yoga Class, TFFC, Red Bluff, CA
Yang Style Taijiquan Long Form 108 Movements
Yang Style Taijiquan Short Form 24 Movements
Yin-Yang Sensitivity Training: Sticking Hands - T'ui Shou
Yoga Class, Red Bluff, CA - Instructor: Michael P. Garofalo
Yogalates: Links, Bibliography, Resources, Quotes, Notes
Zhan Zhuang - Standing Like A Tree
Valley Spirit T'ai Chi Ch'uan Club
Red Bluff, Tehama County, North Sacramento Valley, Northern California, U.S.A.
Cities and small towns in the area: Oroville, Paradise, Durham, Chico, Hamilton
City,
Corning, Rancho Tehama, Los Molinos, Vina, Tehama, Proberta, Gerber,
Manton, Cottonwood, Olinda, Cloverdale, Dairyville, Bend, Centerville,
Summit City
Anderson, Shasta Lake, Palo Cedro, Igo, Ono, Redding, Shasta, Colusa, Willows,
Richfield, Fall River, Montgomery Creek, Alturas, McCloud, Dunsmuir, Yreka,
Happy Camp,
Shingletown, Burney, Mt. Shasta City, Weaverville, Williams, Chester, Orland,
Susanville, Weed, Gridley, Marysville, Yuba City, NorCalifia, CA, California.
January 2, 2005
Cloud Hands: T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Ch'i Kung
Older Persons Fitness, Exercise, Strength
Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Personal Trainer
Senior Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation,
Walking
Mature Persons Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Walking, Meditation
Senior's Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga,
Meditation, Walking
Instruction, Classes, Lectures, Seminars, Training, Lessons, Group Instruction
Over 60 Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation,
Walking
Over 65 Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation,
Walking
Over 55 Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation,
Walking
Over 70 Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation,
Walking
Retired Person's Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga,
Meditation, Walking
Retiree Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation,
Walking
Seniors' Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga,
Meditation, Walking
Senior Citizens Fitness, Exercise, Strength Training, Tai Chi, Qigong
Senior Citizens Fitness and Well Being Personal Instruction, Classes, Lectures,
Seminars, Training
Older Persons Fitness and Well Being Personal Instruction, Classes, Lectures,
Seminars, Training
Instruction, Classes, Lectures, Seminars, Training, Lessons, Group Instruction
