From the Wudang Mountain

Wudang Shan is one of the most revered sacred Taoist mountains in China. Made famous in the west by the Oscar winning film - “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, the legendary mountain has nurtured many Taoist masters known for their exceptional skills in internal martial arts and spiritual attainment.  One of Wudang’s most accomplished masters - Yun Xiang Tseng – is coming down the mountain to visit DC metro area at the end of October. He will share some of the authentic teachings and techniques that have been kept secret from outside world for hundreds of years.

Born in a small village in Fujian (Fukien) Province, China, Master Yun Xiang Tseng, known by Taoist name as “Chen”, was a child prodigy of the Wudang Mountain. At a very young age, Chen showed some special gifts in healing, and a way “knowing things” beyond the comprehension of most people. His teacher, Grandmaster Chen-Yu Li, a Taoist priestess at Wudang Mountain, sent for Chen to be brought back to her monastery. She wanted to train him to be her successor. Chen started his rigorous training at age of six, learning many different forms of martial arts from Taoist priests, especially the highly acclaimed Wudang internal arts, such as Taichi and Internal Alchemy. He also studied Taoist healing arts and wisdom from many different Wudang masters. The years of intensive training and living with Grandmaster Li has helped Chen to cultivate not only exceptional skills in healing arts, but also his essential nature – compassion towards others.

After his training in the mountain, he was sent back to the community. Chen's mission, as conceived by Grandmaster Li, is to “travel 10,000 miles and teach 10,000 students,” and to share the ancient Taoist wisdom tradition with people around the world. When Grandmaster Li passed away at the age of 130, she was very pleased to know that Chen has trained many thousands in America and over 10,000 people in China, thereby far surpassing the number set by the Grandmaster.

As a teacher, Chen has a rare gift for making these authentic Taoist teachings understandable and available to people of all walks of life. His command of English and his modest and humorous delivery have opened the door for Westerners to learn the Taoist philosophy and its simple methods of self-empowerment. His genuine love and caring for his students allowed him to make great connections to them, and inspire them to seek the master within each one of them. Chen’s college education in classical Chinese literature and Taoist philosophy has made his teaching both accessible and profound.

At the invitation of the Traditional Chinese Culture Institute International (TCCII), Chen will teach at a weekend workshop on Oct. 27-28 in Rockville, Maryland. Featured at the workshop is Wudang Tai Yi Qigong, named after Wudang’s preeminent Tai Yi temple. This rare form of Qigong was formally only taught to Wudang Taoist initiates. It is a very effective form suitable for both beginners and experienced Qigong and Taichi practitioners. Chen will also lecture at the Language House of the University of Maryland on Oct. 25^th on Taoist philosophy of life, and share a sample of Wudang internal art forms with the Music Taichi group at Tilden middle school on Oct. 26^th. For detailed information, please contact the Traditional Chinese Cultural Institute International (www.tccii.com, e-mail: info@tccii.com, and phone: 301-785-7505). 

Qi Gong - an Ancient Mind-Body Practice

Qi Gong (pronounced ‘chee gong’) is a simple yet very powerful method to train your mind and body which anyone can learn.

Qi Gong integrates movement, breath and visualization to promote peace, harmony and clarity of the heart and mind. “Qi” translates as essential energy, and “Gong” translates as “to make it work”, or “to cultivate”. It shares concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoist alchemical meditation practice. Qi Gong is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and includes practices to refine body, mind and spirit in the quest for health and longevity, as well as for the unity of man and nature.

The art of Qi Gong involves working with or developing skill in the use and circulation of Qi. The practitioner is trained to use the mind and slow movements to guide Qi flow within the energetic pathways of the body, clear blockages and rebalance the energy system, creating the opportunity for healthy longevity and spiritual awareness.

Qi Gong includes gentle movements that work on the body, Qi and mind in specific ways. Some movements target individual organs improving their function and quality. Other movements improve the quality and quantity of Qi. The goal of Qi Gong is to refine the essence, Qi and spirit to support internal energy transformations. Qi Gong can build the basic supply of Qi to overcome fatigue; balance organs; improve circulation and calm the mind. Under a good teacher’s guidance, after a short period of practice, you can target general health improvement or strive for a specific effect for a particular problem.

Qi Gong effects reported by students include improved eyesight, lower blood pressure, better joint flexibility and range of motion, improved thyroid function, stabilized or improved bone density and increased strength and endurance. Many students report an overall improvement in general well-being and reduced stress. Others report Qi Gong also lowers cholesterol, promotes youthfulness, helps control weight and helps with sleep disorders.

Qi Gong is suitable for any health level and is good for all level practitioners. Different people get different results from their practice. Beginners can expect general health and energy improvements. An intermediate practitioner develops strength, fitness and may experience increased stamina and vitality. As the student progresses, subtle improvements in the quality and quantity of Qi and essence begin to manifest in many subtle ways as internal changes accelerate. For additional information on Qi Gong training, please contact the Traditional Chinese Cultural Institute International (www.tccii.com, e-mail: info@tccii.com, and phone: 301-785-7505).