Taoist Inspiration

"I am in no way interested in immortality,

but only in the taste of tea."
...the 400 year-old Lu T'ung, (b. 755 A.D.)

"When a superior man hears of the Tao, he immediately begins to embody it. When an average man hears of the Tao, he half believes it, half doubts it. When a foolish man hears of the Tao, he laughs out loud. If he didn't laugh, it wouldn't be the Tao."
                      Chapter 41, Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

                                                               ©Sharon Smith

                                                         All rights reserved

Once upon a time, I, Chuang-Chou, dreamed that I was a butterfly, a butterfly flying about enjoying itself. I did not know that it was Chuang-Chou. Suddenly I awoke and was veritably Chuang-Chou again. But I do not know whether it was I dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am a butterfly dreaming that I am Chuang-Chou.

-from Chuang-Tzu

Study the Way and never grow old
Distrust emotions; truth will emerge
Sweep away your worries
Set even your body aside
Autumn drives off the yellow leaves
Yet spring renews each green bud
Quietly contemplate the pattern of things
Nothing here to make us sad.

--Daoist poet Shih-Shu

"The Perfect Man is a spiritual being. Were the ocean itself scorched up, he would not feel hot. Were the Milky Way frozen hard, he would not feel cold. Were the mountains to be riven with thunder and the great deep to be thrown up by storm, he would not tremble. In such case, he would mount upon the clouds of heaven and, driving the sun and moon before him, would pass beyond the limits of this external world where death and life have no victory over man."

--Chuang Tzu

                                                              ©Sharon Smith

                                                         All rights reserved

When walking, the gait should be like that of a crane and the body should move like an immortal floating with the winds.

When sitting, the body should be still as a rock.

When sleeping, it should be curved like a bow.

When standing, it should be like a tall pine.

Your body should be as flexible as a willow in the wind and asrelaxed as the petals of a lotus.

                                      -- anonymous Taoist



                                                            ©Sharon Smith

                                                         All rights reserved

Wind stirs the bamboo,
But once the wind passes,
The bamboo is silent.
Geese land in the chill pond,
But once the geese fly away,
There are no reflections.
In the same way,
Once the red dust passes,
The mind is still.

                                                           -Deng Ming Dao

                                                              ©Sharon Smith

                                                                 All rights reserved

What is Qigong?

By Sharon Smith

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Smith34.html

Microcosmic Orbit, 6 Healing Sounds, Inner Smile -- Awaken your life force energy (Chi), open your major acupuncture meridians & learn to circulate energy internally. These sitting practices manage stress, calm the mind, & energize the body with regular practice . These are the foundations of sexual Energy culivation/Circulation, emotional energy work, & internal alchemy.

Solo Sexual Energy Practices for Men & Women -Learn the Taoist techniques which utilitze sexual energy for health & spiritual development. Good for overall sexual vitality, premature ejaculation, PMS, & menopause. Women will learn Ovarian Breathing, the Orgasmic Upward Draw, Breast Massage Techniques, & Egg Exercises. Men will learn Testicle Breathing & the Power Lock (Big Draw) & focus on separating Ejaculation from Orgasm. Become Multi-Orgasmic!

Dual Cultivation Practices for Couples -- Find balance & harmony in your relationships while moving them in a spiritual direction & experiencing more pleasure.   Learn to exchange sexual energy with a partner in sexual & non-sexual situations. Healing positions, sexual reflexology & more! No sexual contact or nudity. Singles welcome.

Iron Shirt Chi Kung I - Chi Kung means life force training. Dynamic standing postures incorporate breathing techniques which pack air around the vital organs and direct the earth's healing power through the bone structure. Previous knowledge or simultaneous study of the Microcosmic Orbit Meditation is recommended.

Iron Shirt Chi Kung II - Iron Shirt Qigong was previously the secret teaching devised by martial artists to create the "steel body". In contemporary life, it is used to strengthen and move chi into the connective tissues, ligaments, joints, tendons, and finally the bones. Learn the secrets of moving from your tendon body, send chi to your joints and ligaments, and learn to absorb and discharge power. The perfect practice for the spring season! Iron Shirt I recommended.

Fusion I - Take the next step...Begin the process of inner alchemy by transforming negative emotions and organic energy into a
neutral force, nourishing your higher spirit. Crystallized into
a "pearl", this is circulated internally, attracting energy from
external source.   Prerequisite: Microcosmic.

Fusion II - Refining your pearl & cultivate your natural virtues & compassion. Open up other channels in the body - the Thrusting Routes (3 channels which run from the perineum to the crown) and Belt channels (9 levels) encircling the major energy centers of the body.  Prerequisite: Fusion I.

Fusion III - Open up the Bridge & Regulator Channels, the last of the 8 Extraordinary Vessels which irrigate and regulate the organs of the body. Learn powerful psychic self-protection methods to prevent burnout and protect the nervous system, spine, & brain. The energetic infrastructure allowing the body to become extremely permeable to chi circulation is now in place for further alchemical work.  Prerequisite: Fusion II