The Origins
Of
Compassionate Buddhä Qigong__________________________________________________
COMPASSIONATE BUDDHAä QIGONG is a form of qigong that came to me intuitively one late summer evening back in September of 1999. I had decided to go for a walk in my neighborhood in Sebastopol. I remember being filled with energy and walking for the sake of just walking. I was saying my Tibetan mantra- Om Mani Peme Hung. Eventually I found myself at Ragle Ranch Park. The time was approximately 7 pm, and so there was still plenty of daylight.
After walking for about a half-hour, I was ready for some stationary activity. I noticed several trees clustered together and forming something of a grove with an open area for me to do some qigong. Finding my spot, I just stood in an upright position. I remember thinking of how readily I usually move into one of the Standing Qigong* positions with raised arms. This time, however, I stood with arms relaxed at my sides, and feet firmly planted on the ground and having no expectations of ‘what next.’ My intentions were to simply stand there and experience all the energy around me. I felt a great aliveness and a wanting to expand more and more into this openness of energy and life. My body seemed to be holding me back from fully letting go. It felt like a heavy burden. Instinctively, I began to move my hands. First, moving my hands to the front of my body, fingers pointing at each other, palms turned upwards, slowly lifting them upward, as if lifting an object. Raising my hands to my face level, and then turning my palms outward, and lifting further to above my head till my arms were fully extended. Continuing this movement outward to the sides, making a full circle and lowering my hands until they were in the same starting position in front of my lower abdominal area.
At first I just kept repeating this basic pattern. As I continued, I began to slightly bend my knees as if reaching deep into the earth. My mind moved further into the space surrounding me. I felt in complete harmony with the earth, the trees, everything around me, including the sky and beyond. It then occurred to me that it was more than just energy, but another aspect of the qi that I was experiencing. I’ll call it the compassionate nature of the universe. I could give it all sorts of names, but it all boils down to the realization that at a fundamental level of reality there is a profound love and compassion permeating all of existence.
As I moved further along in this qigong state of mind, my movements became slower and slower. I slowed down so much that it felt as if my breathing was regulating my movements by tiny, tiny increments, and sometimes no movements at all. I felt I was doing an extremely slow standing qigong practice. The positions I held the longest were with my arms and hands outstretched to the sides, hands at waist level. Eventually, I did remain motionless for what seemed like eternity.
At some point, I began to move again, but very slowly. As my movements increased in pace, I visualized sending out healing rays of qi and love to all beings. I thought of my family and imagined them engulfed in this healing qi field. The faces of friends and students came to my mind. It felt like they were there with me, healing from this outpouring of nature’s radiance. Gradually, my thoughts turned to all people, all things, including the much needed healing of our planet, Earth. It was like a veil of darkness or illusion had lifted and it was perfectly clear that all things are basically pure energy and in harmony with the Great Tao*, the Great Buddha, and the Great Christ. I looked at the surrounding trees, the people playing in the park, the grass and dirt beneath my feet, and intuitively knew that we were indeed just One Being, and that was good.
A great wave of appreciation swept over my body as I completed my movements. I had come up with a new qigong practice, and I was excited to tell my students about it.
Basic Movements,
Guidelines
and Benefits
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Basic Movement
COMPASSIONATE BUDDHAä QIGONG consists of circular movements using the arms and hands, and bending the legs to move the body up and down.
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First, I’ll explain the arm and hand movements. Start with hands at lower abdominal area, palms turned upwards, and fingertips pointing toward each other. Slowly raise them in front of the body as if lifting an object. At approximately head level, turn the palms outwards-so that the backs of your hands are facing you. Continue moving your hands upwards and outwards in a large circular direction. Your hands and arms move out to the sides and then return to the starting position.
First, I’ll explain the arm and hand movements. Start with hands at lower abdominal area, palms turned upwards, and fingertips pointing toward each other. Slowly raise them in front of the body as if lifting an object. At approximately head level, turn the palms outwards-so that the backs of your hands are facing you. Continue moving your hands upwards and outwards in a large circular direction. Your hands and arms move out to the sides and then return to the starting position.·Next, we’ll look at the up and down movements. To begin with, stand with the feet shoulder width apart, or slightly more. At the start of the movements, bend at the knees only a couple of inches. Sometimes you may squat all the way to the floor. But only do so if you can keep your back fairly straight, and your feet flat on the floor. This is the most difficult part of the whole form. There is a tendency among beginners to lean excessively forward and/or to lift the heels. Watch out for these two incorrect postures. At the least, they will slow your progress, and at the worst, they will weaken your lower back. If you practice the form correctly, you will gain great stability and strength in the legs. You will also increase the flow of qi in your body.
Next, we’ll look at the up and down movements. To begin with, stand with the feet shoulder width apart, or slightly more. At the start of the movements, bend at the knees only a couple of inches. Sometimes you may squat all the way to the floor. But only do so if you can keep your back fairly straight, and your feet flat on the floor. This is the most difficult part of the whole form. There is a tendency among beginners to lean excessively forward and/or to lift the heels. Watch out for these two incorrect postures. At the least, they will slow your progress, and at the worst, they will weaken your lower back. If you practice the form correctly, you will gain great stability and strength in the legs. You will also increase the flow of qi in your body. The movements of the arms and hands, and the legs are coordinated so that you are
moving downwards when the hands are descending. And you are moving upwards
when the hands are being lifted up and expanding outwards.
·The other basic element of this practice is that the speed of moving the arms and hands changes throughout the session. You start at a slow-moderate pace. As you progress, the movements become slower and eventually all movement stops. COMPLETELY. The healing meditations describe this process in much greater detail. Actually, it is this feature of the form that is its uniqueness. Every time you practice Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong, it will be different. Use the healing meditations to gain some experience, and then go ahead and make up your own rhythms of up-down, slow-fast, and stationary standing.
The other basic element of this practice is that the speed of moving the arms and hands changes throughout the session. You start at a slow-moderate pace. As you progress, the movements become slower and eventually all movement stops. COMPLETELY. The healing meditations describe this process in much greater detail. Actually, it is this feature of the form that is its uniqueness. Every time you practice Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong, it will be different. Use the healing meditations to gain some experience, and then go ahead and make up your own rhythms of up-down, slow-fast, and stationary standing. Guidelines
·Before you begin any movements, stand with your hands relaxed at your sides. Expand your mind into the qi field surrounding you. Relax deeply. Visualize that the ground beneath you is dissolving and you are suspended in space. Think of yourself as having a cosmic body of energy and light. Then begin your movements.
Before you begin any movements, stand with your hands relaxed at your sides. Expand your mind into the qi field surrounding you. Relax deeply. Visualize that the ground beneath you is dissolving and you are suspended in space. Think of yourself as having a cosmic body of energy and light. Then begin your movements.·Visualizations, Imagination, and Intuition. The important thing to realize about visualizations is that they make use of the power of the mind. According to qigong theory, the mind directs the qi, or said another way, the qi follows the mind. So when you are visualizing or imagining light filling your cosmic body, your mind is actually causing an increase in the flow of cosmic qi to purify your body and mind. And, for instance, when you sense that your kidneys are weak, you are using your intuition. Learn to trust intuition, and use imagination. Visualizations serve another function, too. By visualizing yourself as having a body of light and full of compassion, it is difficult to hold onto mental images of a limited nature. When using visualizations, we can replace the old, habitual image of ourselves with another image full of health and vitality.
Visualizations, Imagination, and Intuition. The important thing to realize about visualizations is that they make use of the power of the mind. According to qigong theory, the mind directs the qi, or said another way, the qi follows the mind. So when you are visualizing or imagining light filling your cosmic body, your mind is actually causing an increase in the flow of cosmic qi to purify your body and mind. And, for instance, when you sense that your kidneys are weak, you are using your intuition. Learn to trust intuition, and use imagination. Visualizations serve another function, too. By visualizing yourself as having a body of light and full of compassion, it is difficult to hold onto mental images of a limited nature. When using visualizations, we can replace the old, habitual image of ourselves with another image full of health and vitality.·Breathe deeply during the practice of Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong. Emphasize awareness of the breath in the expansion and contraction of the abdomen. Most of the time, the breathing will be slow and deep, but sometimes, when you squat all the way to the floor, the breathing may be quicker. The key to the breathing is not to overly try to control it. Let the breathing be relaxed, but yet deep in the belly and diaphragm.
Breathe deeply during the practice of Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong. Emphasize awareness of the breath in the expansion and contraction of the abdomen. Most of the time, the breathing will be slow and deep, but sometimes, when you squat all the way to the floor, the breathing may be quicker. The key to the breathing is not to overly try to control it. Let the breathing be relaxed, but yet deep in the belly and diaphragm.·Throughout the practice session, be aware of your standing posture.
Throughout the practice session, be aware of your standing posture. 1. Are you standing with your weight evenly distributed on the bottom
of your feet?
2. Is your tailbone slightly tucked in as you bend or squat down?
3. Are your shoulders relaxed?
4. Are you not lifting your heels when you squat?
5. Are you not overly leaning your back forward when you squat?
·Think of the arm and hand movements as symbolic gestures of the expansion of your mind and body. As your hands reach outward, your mind soars into the emptiness of deep space. The more you expand your mind, the more you will experience the release of negative influences and the abundance of health.
Think of the arm and hand movements as symbolic gestures of the expansion of your mind and body. As your hands reach outward, your mind soars into the emptiness of deep space. The more you expand your mind, the more you will experience the release of negative influences and the abundance of health.·The question of whether the eyes should be open or closed is a matter of personal preference. I’ve noticed that many qigong teachers recommend closing the eyes to help the person concentrate their mind and energies. The eyes open approach is perhaps due to the influence of Buddhist meditation and visualization practices. By keeping the eyes open, you are strengthening the mind’s ability to be concentrated and
The question of whether the eyes should be open or closed is a matter of personal preference. I’ve noticed that many qigong teachers recommend closing the eyes to help the person concentrate their mind and energies. The eyes open approach is perhaps due to the influence of Buddhist meditation and visualization practices. By keeping the eyes open, you are strengthening the mind’s ability to be concentrated and expansive, and not distracted by visual appearances. Keeping the eyes open also frees
you from conditioned responses to what you are seeing, and allows you to go deeper into the process of letting go.
·Walking Qigong. Sometimes the mind is restless and cannot easily settle into the meditative quietness of Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong. As an alternative, try starting the practice with 5-10 minutes of slow, mindful walking with the accompanying arm and hand movements as in the basic form. Doing this walking qigong outside is very refreshing and calming. Walking qigong may also have the opposite effect of waking you up if you are feeling sluggish or low in energy.
Walking Qigong. Sometimes the mind is restless and cannot easily settle into the meditative quietness of Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong. As an alternative, try starting the practice with 5-10 minutes of slow, mindful walking with the accompanying arm and hand movements as in the basic form. Doing this walking qigong outside is very refreshing and calming. Walking qigong may also have the opposite effect of waking you up if you are feeling sluggish or low in energy.·At the end of a practice session it is important to gather and store the qi in the dantian. This is done by mentally focusing on the qi flowing into the dantian area, including the kidneys. Visualize that the qi is building up a vast, internal reservoir that is reserved for critical periods as a protection against illness, stress and recovery. From a Taoist perspective, the storage of qi protects the Jing, the essence of qi, and preserves the Jing for Long Life. See my note in the glossary on “Nourish the qi.”
At the end of a practice session it is important to gather and store the qi in the dantian. This is done by mentally focusing on the qi flowing into the dantian area, including the kidneys. Visualize that the qi is building up a vast, internal reservoir that is reserved for critical periods as a protection against illness, stress and recovery. From a Taoist perspective, the storage of qi protects the Jing, the essence of qi, and preserves the Jing for Long Life. See my note in the glossary on “Nourish the qi.”·It is important to realize that the form can be adapted to whatever ailment the practitioner has. For instance, if you have weak knees, emphasize healing energy flowing to the knees as the body moves up and down. Also, focus more on a visualization that is specific to individual body parts which may be weak or diseased.
It is important to realize that the form can be adapted to whatever ailment the practitioner has. For instance, if you have weak knees, emphasize healing energy flowing to the knees as the body moves up and down. Also, focus more on a visualization that is specific to individual body parts which may be weak or diseased.·This last guideline is an important one: Be very familiar with the contents of each healing meditation before you begin practicing it. This way you’ll avoid the problem of trying to remember what comes next.
This last guideline is an important one: Be very familiar with the contents of each healing meditation before you begin practicing it. This way you’ll avoid the problem of trying to remember what comes next.Benefits
The benefits of Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong are similar to other systems of qigong, especially the tradition of Standing Qigong which is essentially standing in stationary postures for extended periods of time. Here are a few basic benefits of qigong practice.
1. A decrease in the occurrence of common illnesses, like colds, or the flu.
2. Increased daily energy and improved immune system.
3. Strengthened muscles, especially in the legs, arms, shoulders, and lower back.
4. The rhythmic and deep breathing promotes calmness and relieves stress.
5. Deep breathing rids the lungs of stagnant air and revitalizes the respiratory system.
6. Increased digestive system functioning.
7. Regular qigong practice strengthens the mind’s ability to concentrate and be free of distracting thoughts.
8. Increased mental functioning abilities, including creativity and intuition.
9. Increased capacity to be an effective healer for others.
Healing Meditation 1
Hindrances
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BEFORE STARTING the healing meditations, make sure you understand the basic movements of Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong, and have thoroughly reviewed the guidelines as well.
·Start practicing the form in the usual manner as described in the chapter on Basic Movements. Visualize or sense that you have a cosmic body and are suspended in deep space. Feel energy flowing into your crown chakra* and throughout the rest of your body. The light energy exits through the soles of your feet. Remain with this image throughout the exercise.
Start practicing the form in the usual manner as described in the chapter on Basic Movements. Visualize or sense that you have a cosmic body and are suspended in deep space. Feel energy flowing into your crown chakra* and throughout the rest of your body. The light energy exits through the soles of your feet. Remain with this image throughout the exercise. ·As you progress in the movements, keep on sensing your cosmic body expanding. Become completely absorbed in your cosmic body.
As you progress in the movements, keep on sensing your cosmic body expanding. Become completely absorbed in your cosmic body. ·After awhile, think of hindrances in your life that are holding you back, e.g., an illness, an emotional blockage, a past injury. Returning to your cosmic body, visualize these hindrances released through the soles of your feet. Let go completely.
After awhile, think of hindrances in your life that are holding you back, e.g., an illness, an emotional blockage, a past injury. Returning to your cosmic body, visualize these hindrances released through the soles of your feet. Let go completely. ·Your movements are becoming slower and slower. Gradually the movements come to a full stop. No more movement. Just stay where you are.
Your movements are becoming slower and slower. Gradually the movements come to a full stop. No more movement. Just stay where you are. ·When thoughts come into your mind, just observe them without attachment. Give the thinking mind a rest. Resist the urge to realign your body, or to find a more comfortable position. Just rest in a natural, relaxed state of mind. A lot of things are happening to you internally. Don’t worry about anything. Merge with the universal source of healing.
When thoughts come into your mind, just observe them without attachment. Give the thinking mind a rest. Resist the urge to realign your body, or to find a more comfortable position. Just rest in a natural, relaxed state of mind. A lot of things are happening to you internally. Don’t worry about anything. Merge with the universal source of healing.·Stay in this stationary position for as long as you are able. You’ll know when it’s time to begin moving again. Make the transition back to moving very slow. There’s no hurry.
Stay in this stationary position for as long as you are able. You’ll know when it’s time to begin moving again. Make the transition back to moving very slow. There’s no hurry.·When you are moving at your original pace, it’s time to begin to close the exercise. First, visualize that your cosmic body is shrinking to the size of your physical body, and become aware of the room you are in and your immediate surroundings.
When you are moving at your original pace, it’s time to begin to close the exercise. First, visualize that your cosmic body is shrinking to the size of your physical body, and become aware of the room you are in and your immediate surroundings. ·Next, affirm to yourself that you are full of Universal Qi and Universal Compassion. All your previous hindrances have been released. Believe that you are healed: physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Next, affirm to yourself that you are full of Universal Qi and Universal Compassion. All your previous hindrances have been released. Believe that you are healed: physically, emotionally and spiritually.·Close by placing your hands on your navel-dantian. Nourish* these healing resources deep in your body. Rest for a few moments in inner peace, happiness and love.
Close by placing your hands on your navel-dantian. Nourish* these healing resources deep in your body. Rest for a few moments in inner peace, happiness and love. Lower your hands to your sides. Smile. Enjoy life.
Healing Meditation 2
Feelings
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SOMETIMES, instead of expanding our bodies into space, we just stay with the physical body and focus on feelings. By this I mean the physical sensations that our bodies experience.
·Start the movements in the usual way. But instead of expanding your mind into space, simply become more aware of your physical body.
Start the movements in the usual way. But instead of expanding your mind into space, simply become more aware of your physical body. ·Feel the pressure on your knees as you slightly bend down.
Feel the pressure on your knees as you slightly bend down. ·Next, notice other parts of your body that are not very flexible. Feel the stiffness in your joints or muscles. Stay connected to your experiences.
Next, notice other parts of your body that are not very flexible. Feel the stiffness in your joints or muscles. Stay connected to your experiences.·Bring healing intentions to these bodily complaints. Be aware that some of these complaints may have been hidden deep in your energy body and now are resurfacing. Send loving attention to them, feel them, embrace their pain, and then let go, once and for all.
Bring healing intentions to these bodily complaints. Be aware that some of these complaints may have been hidden deep in your energy body and now are resurfacing. Send loving attention to them, feel them, embrace their pain, and then let go, once and for all.·Continue moving through the form until you have worked through all your emotional feelings. When you arrive at the point of stillness, rest there for a long time. Relax deeply in the state of emptiness and well-being. And remember to touch healing.
Continue moving through the form until you have worked through all your emotional feelings. When you arrive at the point of stillness, rest there for a long time. Relax deeply in the state of emptiness and well-being. And remember to touch healing.·Gradually return to moving again. Breathe a sigh of relief that all these old memories and injuries have been released. Now as you make your expansion movements with your arms, feel that you are sending loving energies to all parts of your body. And remember to include others in your gestures of compassion.
Gradually return to moving again. Breathe a sigh of relief that all these old memories and injuries have been released. Now as you make your expansion movements with your arms, feel that you are sending loving energies to all parts of your body. And remember to include others in your gestures of compassion.·Complete the form by placing your hands on top of the navel or dantian*. Nourish the qi deep within the body and feel that all your unpleasant bodily sensations have been healed.
Complete the form by placing your hands on top of the navel or dantian*. Nourish the qi deep within the body and feel that all your unpleasant bodily sensations have been healed.Healing Meditation 3
Breathe Qi
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ONCE YOU HAVE become familiar with the basics of Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong, you can start expanding on your experience of the qi. Try skin breathing, or breathing qi through the pores of the skin. The skin is the largest respiratory organ.
·Start the movements in the usual way. Once you are into the rhythm and your mind is quieted, you can begin breathing through the skin.
Start the movements in the usual way. Once you are into the rhythm and your mind is quieted, you can begin breathing through the skin. ·You start by redirecting the attention of the breathing in and out of the nose or mouth to being aware of every inch of your body. Imagine the air flowing in and out through the pores of the skin.
You start by redirecting the attention of the breathing in and out of the nose or mouth to being aware of every inch of your body. Imagine the air flowing in and out through the pores of the skin. ·Next, visualize the flow of air as the flow of Universal healing energy. As you inhale, you absorb the qi of the universe. Use your imagination to see the qi entering you from every angle, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet. And when you exhale, it exits from every pore of the body.
Next, visualize the flow of air as the flow of Universal healing energy. As you inhale, you absorb the qi of the universe. Use your imagination to see the qi entering you from every angle, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet. And when you exhale, it exits from every pore of the body. ·After you gain some experience with skin breathing, try to loose yourself completely in the sensation that you are the pulsating movement of energy that unites the universe. If you are able to enter this qigong state of mind, don’t hold back. Be like the Tao*, and yield completely. Dissolve every material particle of your being. Become the Universe. Free of any restrictions. Heal. Heal. Heal.
After you gain some experience with skin breathing, try to loose yourself completely in the sensation that you are the pulsating movement of energy that unites the universe. If you are able to enter this qigong state of mind, don’t hold back. Be like the Tao*, and yield completely. Dissolve every material particle of your being. Become the Universe. Free of any restrictions. Heal. Heal. Heal.·When the time is right, you bring attention back to the usual way of breathing, and slowly get grounded in your body.
When the time is right, you bring attention back to the usual way of breathing, and slowly get grounded in your body. ·Finish up with a few more arm circles, and then place your hands on the dantian and nourish the qi deep within you.
Finish up with a few more arm circles, and then place your hands on the dantian and nourish the qi deep within you.Healing Meditation 4
Chasing Away A Cold Recipe
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WHEN YOU’RE feeling down with a cold and flu symptoms of achiness, tired eyes, mild headache try this qigong recipe.
·Start a pot of soup with the following ingredients: brown rice, fresh ginger, garlic, onions, carrots, and a piece of chicken. Season to your preference. The chicken is optional, but according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, chicken is energetically a warm, yang food which is beneficial for cold conditions.
Start a pot of soup with the following ingredients: brown rice, fresh ginger, garlic, onions, carrots, and a piece of chicken. Season to your preference. The chicken is optional, but according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, chicken is energetically a warm, yang food which is beneficial for cold conditions.·Put on some soothing music and burn some incense that is made with medicinal herbs, like Tibetan stick or rope incense. Aromatherapy essential oils are an alternative to the incense.
Put on some soothing music and burn some incense that is made with medicinal herbs, like Tibetan stick or rope incense. Aromatherapy essential oils are an alternative to the incense.·Warm-up with any simple twisting or stretching movements.
Warm-up with any simple twisting or stretching movements.·Start doing the Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong with full up and down movements. Get your whole body into action. Encourage the qi and blood to move to drive away the stagnant cold energies. You may want to add some “AH” chanting on the exhales while concentrating on the throat. “Ah*” is a sacred syllable that is beneficial for speech and throat energies.
Start doing the Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong with full up and down movements. Get your whole body into action. Encourage the qi and blood to move to drive away the stagnant cold energies. You may want to add some “AH” chanting on the exhales while concentrating on the throat. “Ah*” is a sacred syllable that is beneficial for speech and throat energies.·Feel yourself expanding. Try to identify with the spaciousness of the mind, and let go of that stuffy, congested feeling in your head and chest. Remind yourself that as yucky as you feel right now, you are still a free energy being, not limited by these bodily sensations.
Feel yourself expanding. Try to identify with the spaciousness of the mind, and let go of that stuffy, congested feeling in your head and chest. Remind yourself that as yucky as you feel right now, you are still a free energy being, not limited by these bodily sensations.·Sit down on a cushion and quietly repeat a healing mantra*. (Refer to glossary for sample mantras.) After awhile, rest in the spaciousness of mind and let go of the cold virus.
Sit down on a cushion and quietly repeat a healing mantra*. (Refer to glossary for sample mantras.) After awhile, rest in the spaciousness of mind and let go of the cold virus.·Stand up and continue with the movements while you slowly walk around. Completely absorb yourself in an expansive state. If you are still not feeling well, accept that, and know that you have tried to heal yourself. You have integrated your own healing powers with the wisdom of the universe.
Stand up and continue with the movements while you slowly walk around. Completely absorb yourself in an expansive state. If you are still not feeling well, accept that, and know that you have tried to heal yourself. You have integrated your own healing powers with the wisdom of the universe.·Slowly come to a close. Nourish your qi deep within the dantian. Make a final prayer and wish to be well, both for yourself and all others who are sick.
Slowly come to a close. Nourish your qi deep within the dantian. Make a final prayer and wish to be well, both for yourself and all others who are sick.·Now go have some soup.
Now go have some soup.Healing Meditation 5
Healing Emotions
With the Colors of the Rainbow
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START PRACTICING Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong in the usual way. Once you have settled into the movements, visualize yourself as suspended in deep space. In this exercise, we are going to use the colors of the rainbow to heal our negative emotions.
·Think about one of your ugly-faced emotions, like pride, anger, hatred, or jealousy. Let the thought of an emotion arise naturally without forcing it. Avoid the habitual tendency to quickly come up with an emotion. Recently, I was practicing this exercise, and I easily thought of anger as the emotion I wanted to work on. My second thought however was, no, there is another emotion I should be working on now. Pride came to my mind, and that’s where I was supposed to be emotionally. So now, allow your mind to gently hold onto the emotion.
Think about one of your ugly-faced emotions, like pride, anger, hatred, or jealousy. Let the thought of an emotion arise naturally without forcing it. Avoid the habitual tendency to quickly come up with an emotion. Recently, I was practicing this exercise, and I easily thought of anger as the emotion I wanted to work on. My second thought however was, no, there is another emotion I should be working on now. Pride came to my mind, and that’s where I was supposed to be emotionally. So now, allow your mind to gently hold onto the emotion. ·As you continue to progress in your movements, visualize your body filled with all the colors of a rainbow: green, yellow, sky-blue, red and deep blue. See the colors flowing freely in and out of your body.
As you continue to progress in your movements, visualize your body filled with all the colors of a rainbow: green, yellow, sky-blue, red and deep blue. See the colors flowing freely in and out of your body. ·Think again of the emotion you have chosen to work on. Allow this emotion to be pierced and opened by these colors of light. Open wide your arms and feel the emotion release into space. Truly let the light disentangle the emotion from your being.
Think again of the emotion you have chosen to work on. Allow this emotion to be pierced and opened by these colors of light. Open wide your arms and feel the emotion release into space. Truly let the light disentangle the emotion from your being.·It is important to have strong belief in what we are doing. The mind is all-powerful. It can pull us down into the hell-realm of dark demons or it can lift us up to the celestial realms of light, forgiveness and love.
It is important to have strong belief in what we are doing. The mind is all-powerful. It can pull us down into the hell-realm of dark demons or it can lift us up to the celestial realms of light, forgiveness and love.·Eventually come to a full stop, and just hold your position. Let go of the emotions and all the lights. Rest in the afterglow of freeing your mind and body from negative influences.
Eventually come to a full stop, and just hold your position. Let go of the emotions and all the lights. Rest in the afterglow of freeing your mind and body from negative influences. ·When the time is right, you’ll start moving again. Slowly complete the exercise in the usual way. Remember to nourish the qi in your dantian and to be grateful for the healing powers of the mind, and the grace of the Universe.
When the time is right, you’ll start moving again. Slowly complete the exercise in the usual way. Remember to nourish the qi in your dantian and to be grateful for the healing powers of the mind, and the grace of the Universe.Healing Meditation 6
Healing With The Help
Of The Guru
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IN TIBET, people rely on spiritual masters or on deities for physical and spiritual healing. Likewise, in this healing meditation, we will seek the help of the guru for healing. Be creative in your interpretation of the word “guru.” The guru is symbolic of a healing source that has a personal human-like appearance.
·Begin the form in the usual way. As you are getting into the rhythm of the movements, think about a particular spiritual being that has value to you. Next, visualize this spiritual being having a huge body of light which fills the cosmos. As you progress with the movements, you sink down to the ground and expand your arms upwards to the heavens.
Begin the form in the usual way. As you are getting into the rhythm of the movements, think about a particular spiritual being that has value to you. Next, visualize this spiritual being having a huge body of light which fills the cosmos. As you progress with the movements, you sink down to the ground and expand your arms upwards to the heavens.·Your full body movements suggest to your mind that you are open to receiving the loving healing qi from the Guru. Visualize waves of energy coming from this source which then permeates your body, mind and emotions. You allow these penetrating healing waves to uproot and release all the dark forces of your life.
Your full body movements suggest to your mind that you are open to receiving the loving healing qi from the Guru. Visualize waves of energy coming from this source which then permeates your body, mind and emotions. You allow these penetrating healing waves to uproot and release all the dark forces of your life.·As your movements slow down, and eventually stop, you bathe in the light of compassion and health. Stay in this place of deep relaxation for a long time.
As your movements slow down, and eventually stop, you bathe in the light of compassion and health. Stay in this place of deep relaxation for a long time.· Eventually, you begin to move again, filled with devotion and gratitude. Visualize the guru’s immense presence as entering your body, and now, as you expand your arms, you send out healing waves to all beings. You feel like the sun shining on all things, bringing nourishment to all.
Eventually, you begin to move again, filled with devotion and gratitude. Visualize the guru’s immense presence as entering your body, and now, as you expand your arms, you send out healing waves to all beings. You feel like the sun shining on all things, bringing nourishment to all.·Complete the movements and close by nourishing deeply within you this wonderful healing source of Universal Qi and Compassion.
Complete the movements and close by nourishing deeply within you this wonderful healing source of Universal Qi and Compassion.Healing Meditation 7
Quantum Healing
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HEALING using the principles of quantum physics is the subject of this Healing Meditation. Quantum Theory speaks about a fundamental feature of atomic reality which reveals a universal interconnectedness of all things.
·Start practicing Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong in the usual way. Once you have settled into the movements, use your imagination to visualize your subatomic energy structure. Visualize your body as pure energy. Release your mental concepts of what this ought to look like. Be creative.
Start practicing Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong in the usual way. Once you have settled into the movements, use your imagination to visualize your subatomic energy structure. Visualize your body as pure energy. Release your mental concepts of what this ought to look like. Be creative.·Continue moving deeper into your experience of pure energy, an energy without material substance ... a wave ... a force. Enter into a feeling state. Let go of any residual effort to visualize. No effort. Pure potential.
Continue moving deeper into your experience of pure energy, an energy without material substance ... a wave ... a force. Enter into a feeling state. Let go of any residual effort to visualize. No effort. Pure potential. ·By now your movements have almost ceased, or maybe you are already standing motionless. That’s where you remain for as long as you want. Nothing to do but be in this place of unity with everything. It’s possible that thoughts of healing may come to you. Allow the thoughts of any physical complaints to dissolve in the experience of the indivisibility of the cosmos. Stay with the feeling of deep healing.
By now your movements have almost ceased, or maybe you are already standing motionless. That’s where you remain for as long as you want. Nothing to do but be in this place of unity with everything. It’s possible that thoughts of healing may come to you. Allow the thoughts of any physical complaints to dissolve in the experience of the indivisibility of the cosmos. Stay with the feeling of deep healing.·After awhile, there will be movements again, make them very slowly. Think of sharing this experience with others. Send out loving thoughts with your expanding movements.
After awhile, there will be movements again, make them very slowly. Think of sharing this experience with others. Send out loving thoughts with your expanding movements. ·Finally, finish with several full cycles and then place your hands on your dantian. Cherish the close of this healing meditation. Have strong belief in your connectedness with others and be a radiant beacon of light and compassion for the world.
Finally, finish with several full cycles and then place your hands on your dantian. Cherish the close of this healing meditation. Have strong belief in your connectedness with others and be a radiant beacon of light and compassion for the world.Healing Meditation 8
Sky and Human Beings Become One
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“HUMAN BEINGS and the sky become one, is the highest level of Qigong practice.” This quotation comes from the writings of Master Wan Su Jian. I met Master Wan when I was in China in May, 2000. During this visit to China, I practiced Compassionate Buddha Qigong whenever I had the opportunity. I felt I was symbolically returning the form to its roots in China and asking the ancient Taoists for their blessings. The peak of this experience came for me when I discovered a cave in the Fragrant Hills mountains. The following meditation is inspired by my cave experience and the inspiration of Master Wan.
·Start practicing Compassionate Buddha Qigong in the usual way. Once you are into the rhythm of the movements, imagine you are in a cave, in China or whevever else you may have experienced a cave. It is dark and the air is musty with the dust of the rocks all around you.
Start practicing Compassionate Buddha Qigong in the usual way. Once you are into the rhythm of the movements, imagine you are in a cave, in China or whevever else you may have experienced a cave. It is dark and the air is musty with the dust of the rocks all around you. ·As you progress further into the meditation, you leave behind your physical surroundings, and go deep into the past energies of time and place. With your inner vision, you see yourself practicing ancient qigong breathing techniques, and performing supernatural healings on the sick. You are wearing a very old body in years, but have the vitality of youth.
As you progress further into the meditation, you leave behind your physical surroundings, and go deep into the past energies of time and place. With your inner vision, you see yourself practicing ancient qigong breathing techniques, and performing supernatural healings on the sick. You are wearing a very old body in years, but have the vitality of youth. ·As you practice, you meditate upon the hugeness of the sky, and how human beings are like the sky and universe. You see how the Qi of the universe and the human being are the same.
As you practice, you meditate upon the hugeness of the sky, and how human beings are like the sky and universe. You see how the Qi of the universe and the human being are the same. ·When you arrive at the still point in the Compassionate Buddha Qigong movements, you totally surrender to this feeling of oneness with the universe. Whatever sounds you are hearing, images you are seeing, sensations in your body, or thoughts in your head, become united with them. Don’t make this a stumbling block. Just do it. It’s possible, and not as difficult as you think.
When you arrive at the still point in the Compassionate Buddha Qigong movements, you totally surrender to this feeling of oneness with the universe. Whatever sounds you are hearing, images you are seeing, sensations in your body, or thoughts in your head, become united with them. Don’t make this a stumbling block. Just do it. It’s possible, and not as difficult as you think. ·Eventually, you begin to move and place your attention in the dantian. As your arms expand outward, you see a golden elixir of liquid Qi filling the dantian and spreading throughout your body. When you are completely saturated with the golden elixir, the sky and the human being have become one.
Eventually, you begin to move and place your attention in the dantian. As your arms expand outward, you see a golden elixir of liquid Qi filling the dantian and spreading throughout your body. When you are completely saturated with the golden elixir, the sky and the human being have become one.·Bring your movements to a close, place your hands on your dantian, and cherish this feeling of Bliss for a long time.
Bring your movements to a close, place your hands on your dantian, and cherish this feeling of Bliss for a long time.Healing Meditation 9
Qigong Song
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The following qigong song was taken from a small booklet about the teachings of Master Wan Su Jian. As you practice Compassionate Buddha Qigong, you can meditate on the meanings of this song.
Qigong Song:
Breathe with the Earth
·First, breathe in deeply the high quality energy from the universe,
First, breathe in deeply the high quality energy from the universe, Then breathe out fully the bad Qi from the organs.
·Second, breathe in Happiness,
Second, breathe in Happiness, and breathe out troubles.
·Third, breathe in Tolerance,
Third, breathe in Tolerance, and breathe out jealousy and hate.
·Fourth, breathe in Kindness,
Fourth, breathe in Kindness, and breathe out anger, resentment and slander.
·Fifth, breathe in Strength and Uprightness,
Fifth, breathe in Strength and Uprightness, and breathe out crookedness and evil.
·Sixth, breathe in health and long life,
Sixth, breathe in health and long life, and breathe out toxic qi from the meridians.
·Seventh, breathe in wisdom,
Seventh, breathe in wisdom, and breathe out delusion.
·Eighth, breathe in Innate Perfection,
Eighth, breathe in Innate Perfection, breathe out obstinacy and stubbornness.
·Now virtuous light surrounds our body,
Now virtuous light surrounds our body, and our body becomes one with the universe.
·Finish your meditation and movements in the usual way. Feel that you have been fully purified, and your body is saturated with healing light. Remember to think of others and bathe them in the same light of health and unity with the universe.
Finish your meditation and movements in the usual way. Feel that you have been fully purified, and your body is saturated with healing light. Remember to think of others and bathe them in the same light of health and unity with the universe.Healing Meditation 10
Polar Bears and Humans Are One
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On a TV special, I saw how global warming is causing the polar bears at the North Pole to starve to death. Initially, I felt hopeless in what I could do for them. After some consideration, I remembered the essence of my spiritual practices-that we are all connected on the deepest levels of truth. I dedicate this healing meditation to all polar bears and other animals suffering the consequences of mankinds short-sightedness.
·START PRACTICING Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong in the usual way. Once you have settled into the movements, visualize yourself practicing qigong at the North Pole.
START PRACTICING Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong in the usual way. Once you have settled into the movements, visualize yourself practicing qigong at the North Pole.·Imagine the frozen land and ocean, and nothing but the whiteness of the snow all around you. You eventually see in the distance a moving form that you recognize as a polar bear, in fact there seems to be a family of polar bears. Continuing in your qigong movements, you feel elated to be doing qigong in such a special place and viewing these magnificant animals.
Imagine the frozen land and ocean, and nothing but the whiteness of the snow all around you. You eventually see in the distance a moving form that you recognize as a polar bear, in fact there seems to be a family of polar bears. Continuing in your qigong movements, you feel elated to be doing qigong in such a special place and viewing these magnificant animals. ·Unfortunately, the way of the Tao includes both the good and the bad. You are reminded of this as another polar bear comes into site. It’s condition is poor and you can see that it is suffering.
Unfortunately, the way of the Tao includes both the good and the bad. You are reminded of this as another polar bear comes into site. It’s condition is poor and you can see that it is suffering. ·Returning to the qigong movements, sadness overwhelms you, and all you can do is release these feelings out to the universe.
Returning to the qigong movements, sadness overwhelms you, and all you can do is release these feelings out to the universe.·Gradually, your movements come to a complete stop and in the stillness of your compassionate heart, you send out radiant light and love to all suffering polar bears.
Gradually, your movements come to a complete stop and in the stillness of your compassionate heart, you send out radiant light and love to all suffering polar bears.·As you complete your practice, you send the compassion of the universe out to these polar bears and other animals in their struggle to survive the impact of modern technological side effects, like global warming and ozone depletion.
As you complete your practice, you send the compassion of the universe out to these polar bears and other animals in their struggle to survive the impact of modern technological side effects, like global warming and ozone depletion.·Finish with your hands on your dantian, and send a healing blessing to these polar bears that they be well and free of suffering.
Finish with your hands on your dantian, and send a healing blessing to these polar bears that they be well and free of suffering.Healing Meditation 11
Taiqi Pole and Heaven & Earth
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This meditation was inspired by studying Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson’s monumental book on qigong, Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy. The Taiji Pole is a column of light connecting the Baihui point at the crown of the head through a center line of the body to the Huiyin point at the base of the trunk at the perineum.
·Begin practicing Compassionate Buddha Qigong in the usual way. Initially focus on releasing the daily stresses of everyday living.
Begin practicing Compassionate Buddha Qigong in the usual way. Initially focus on releasing the daily stresses of everyday living.·As you settle into the movements, go deeper into your body and release the toxins and negative energies of diseased or weakened organs. Visualize these organs being cleansed and returning to health.
As you settle into the movements, go deeper into your body and release the toxins and negative energies of diseased or weakened organs. Visualize these organs being cleansed and returning to health.·Next, visualize other areas of your body which need healing: muscles, bones, nervous system, circulatory system, immune system, skin, and so on. Let go of the negative energies associated with those areas.
Next, visualize other areas of your body which need healing: muscles, bones, nervous system, circulatory system, immune system, skin, and so on. Let go of the negative energies associated with those areas.·Use the full, wide open arm movements to completely free yourself of any weaknesses.
Use the full, wide open arm movements to completely free yourself of any weaknesses.·Go now deeper into your mind. Let go of the emotional baggage which keeps us stuck in the same old patterns of sickness/wellness. Loosen the grip on ego attachments and our false sense of permanence.
Go now deeper into your mind. Let go of the emotional baggage which keeps us stuck in the same old patterns of sickness/wellness. Loosen the grip on ego attachments and our false sense of permanence.·Finish up with this purifying process, leaving “no stone unturned.”
Finish up with this purifying process, leaving “no stone unturned.”·Feel that you are as physically and emotionally healed as is possible, right now.
Feel that you are as physically and emotionally healed as is possible, right now.·Mentally pause for a few moments, slow the arms movements down substantially, and rest in a state of peace and well-being.
Mentally pause for a few moments, slow the arms movements down substantially, and rest in a state of peace and well-being.·As you move your arms in a circle, you have a greater sense of connectedness to the energies of Heaven and Earth. Feel these forces of Nature entering your body as Light at the Baihui and Huiyin points-top of head and base of trunk. Visualize a brilliant, and purest of pure, channel of Light running through the core of your body.
As you move your arms in a circle, you have a greater sense of connectedness to the energies of Heaven and Earth. Feel these forces of Nature entering your body as Light at the Baihui and Huiyin points-top of head and base of trunk. Visualize a brilliant, and purest of pure, channel of Light running through the core of your body.·Your mind is completely immersed in this Light, and the longer you focus on it, the more spacious it becomes. Gradually, you find yourself bathing in the Light of the Universe.
Your mind is completely immersed in this Light, and the longer you focus on it, the more spacious it becomes. Gradually, you find yourself bathing in the Light of the Universe.·Nothing to do now. Mind at rest, movements have come to a stop. Just Stillness.
Nothing to do now. Mind at rest, movements have come to a stop. Just Stillness.·After awhile, movements return, and you mentally send out a wave of healing energy from the taiji pole to every cell of your body. Mentally affirm: I am completely healed.
After awhile, movements return, and you mentally send out a wave of healing energy from the taiji pole to every cell of your body. Mentally affirm: I am completely healed.·Continuing this wave of energy beyond yourself, you send blessings of Light and Compassion to all humans, animals, plants, and the whole Earth.
Continuing this wave of energy beyond yourself, you send blessings of Light and Compassion to all humans, animals, plants, and the whole Earth.·As you finish the meditation and movements, you are full of wisdom and love and vitality. Stay with this knowledge!
As you finish the meditation and movements, you are full of wisdom and love and vitality. Stay with this knowledge!Epilogue
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NOW that you have read this training manual, it is time to practice. In my qigong studies, I remember reading about all the wonderful benefits that people obtained from their qigong practice. One qigong master told how her students with AIDS were improving in their health from regular qigong practice. However, the sad part of her story was that when some of the students stopped their qigong practice, their symptoms returned.
So please remember the purpose of this training manual: get involved in qigong!
There are many different kinds of qigong out there. If Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong is not the one for you, then look for another qigong form. The universe is full of qi and qigong forms. But if you do stay with this form, start practicing right now. “Sincere practice with an intention to gain balance and enhance sensitivity is the key to experiencing the full benefits of Qigong.” (Garripoli, p.206) And so, my departing words to you are an encouragement to practice, because when one of us practices, we all practice since we are all connected through infinite energy, light, and compassion.
Second Edition, 2001
Compassionate Buddhaä Qigong is a trademark of Michael Rinaldini.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the author.
Please Note: This book is not intended as a replacement for medical advice or treatment of any health problem. Consult a licensed medical professional for any health problems before beginning a system of exercise. The author, or anyone involved in the creation of this book cannot be held responsible for any injury which may result from the use of information in this book.
Michael Rinaldini,
Qigong Teacher
and 22nd generation Dragon Gate Daoist priest (Dao Li-Chang).
Director of Daoist Medical Qigong Center in Sebastopol, CA. Classes in qigong, meditation, Daoist studies and group Qi healing. 100 hour Qigong Certification Program available for local and distance learners. Professional member of National Qigong Association.
Email: michaelrqi@aol.com
