This book finally shed some light over simple issues that rarely get a straight answer when talking about practicing Qi Gong: Correct alignment of the spine during practice, achieving relaxation easily, clearing the mind from distracting thoughts, correct use of the diaphragm and the use of Standing still meditation to enhance your Martial Arts practice. This book will come handy not only for the martial artist or the athlete, is also directed to the lay person who can use the content of this book as a method for self-awareness and to improve his ability to stay focused. Standing meditation are one of the few rare physical activities in which energy is not spent but accumulated instead. The mere practice of Qi Gong naturally lead us to better comprehend the ways in which body, mind and Qi works. The knowledge shared in this book will definitely help you refine and position or posture used in any physical activity, either in sport, arts, combat or in daily life. - Foreword by Horacio Di Renzo and Mario Schwarz - 15 Tips and Testimonials from Qi Gong Masters and practitioners. - Postural techniques for Meditation, Breathing and relaxation. - Wu Chi, San Ti, Hug tree, partner work. - 192 pages - 134 photos. - 42 graphs and drawings.
This manual will teach you how to correct placement of the spine in practice, how to relax easily, decrease thoughts, use the diaphragm and take advantage of the practice of static postures to improve your daily life, your arts development and your martial arts skills. This book is for everyone, the martial artist, the athlete, even the non-practitioner can use it as a method of self-knowledge and to enhance their mental concentration. Static postures are one of the few exercises in which energy is not spent, but accumulates. Mere practice naturally induces an understanding of the functioning of the body, mind and Chi.Definitely this manual will improve any position that is made in any type of activity, whether sporting, artistic, martial or daily.- Postural, meditation, breathing and relaxation techniques- Wu Chi, San Ti, Tree Hug, and more traditional exercises- 202 pages- 134 photos- More than 40 graphs and drawings- 15 tips and experiences of teachers and practitioners- Forewords by Horacio Di Renzo and Mario Schwarz
The Mind Illuminated is a comprehensive, accessible and - above all - effective book on meditation, providing a nuts-and-bolts stage-based system that helps all levels of meditators establish and deepen their practice. Providing step-by-step guidance for every stage of the meditation path, this uniquely comprehensive guide for a Western audience combines the wisdom from the teachings of the Buddha with the latest research in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Clear and friendly, this in-depth practice manual builds on the nine-stage model of meditation originally articulated by the ancient Indian sage Asanga, crystallizing the entire meditative journey into 10 clearly-defined stages. The book also introduces a new and fascinating model of how the mind works, and uses illustrations and charts to help the reader work through each stage. This manual is an essential read for the beginner to the seasoned veteran of meditation.
This book is a book about Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Standing Meditation. The book is both an introduction to, and an in-depth presentation. The book ¬addresses the beginner, the more experienced student, and the teacher. It covers the Martial, as well as the Civil art of Tai Chi.There are many training systems that are focused on strengthening the body, but that have very little or no relevance to the strengthening and development of the mind. In reverse there exist many meditative practices, which are focused on the strengthening and development of the mind, but in the same way neglect the body. Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Standing Meditation are training systems which both strengthen the mind, the ability to use the body more ¬appropriately, as well as strengthening the internal organs. They will help you find tranquility, balance, rest, and regeneration, and help the individual to become better at exactly what he or she yearns for. They increase the ability to focus and at the same time develop that part of our nervous system that deals with calm, rest and recovery.In this current day and age, the obsession with how looking fit equals good health is a relatively new phenomenon, when seen in relation to how long mankind has existed. Tight, hard and knotted muscles are erringly seen as being fit. It can be difficult to accept and understand, that training is definitively not about exhausting oneself in order to achieve good, healthy results. Especially as we have been indoctrinated by phrases like "no pain no gain". Reality is rather different. Systems of movement like Tai Chi and Qi Gong, which strongly encourage the balancing of bones and joints, and where the movements are aimed at being liquid with a release of the joints while letting go of all unnecessary muscle tension, are a far better bid at an appropriate form of exercise. This way the muscles are being exercised without fatigue. The physical balance is developed while flexibility and mobility are preserved. Added to this is a strengthening of the bones, and the integration of body and mind, as well as one's own experience of peace and wellbeing. A well-balanced skeleton is the foundation for relaxed muscles and free movement of the joints.The book is based on the author's experience of more than 30 years, and contains a wealth of training tips, instructive photos, and links to video clips of key exercises.It also includes excerpts from his dairies, and anecdotes from his personal experiences with some of his teachers - teachers who are among the very best when it comes to Internal Martial Arts, as well as Qi Gong.Standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang) will be a cornerstone and common thread throughout the book. In this you will experience time and again, how the author return to standings and describe new angles and new takes on the subject. Torben Bremann (the author) was born in 1960. He started learning Taiji and Qigong in 1987 from Master Chu King Hung (disciple of Master Yang Shou Shung). In 1989 he came in contact with Master Chen Guan Ming and in 1994 he became a student and disciple of the latter's Master, He Gong De and amongst other things, learned Chen style, Zhanzhuang (standing) and Emei Qigong from him until his death in 1999. From 1991 - 1998 he also received teaching from Patrick Kelly - a long time student of Master Huang Xingxian. In 1998 he was introduced to Master Yek Sing Ong and Master Wee Kee Jin, from whom he has learned Taiji and Zhanzhuang. From 1999 to 2007 he was a private student and close friend of Wee Kee Jin. In 2005 he was accepted as a private student by Master Sam Tam in Taiji, Zhan Zhuang, Qigong etc. Apart from these he has had several other teachers as mentioned in the book. He has amongst other things, an education in traditional Chinese Medicine, psychomotor therapy, psychotherapy, is a specialist in anatomy, motion analysis and physical training, and has a background in both western and eastern medicine.
A recognized master of Tai Chi gives step-by-step instructions on the ancient art of Chi Kung--Chinese medicine in a physical form. Readers discover how practicing Chi Kung can prevent and treat a wide range of ailments, strengthen the immune system, improve concentration and memory, regenerate the nervous system and more. 10 full-color photographs; 90 two-color illustrations.
For the first time in print, the mysterious transformation process of Standing Meditation is revealed. Filled with tips and tricks to help get more out of training than most practitioners ever thought possible, this book contains a number of concepts and techniques presented for the first time in English. Drawing upon his 7th generation lineage in Chinese Medicine and using straightforward and simple language, Mr. Cohen fills in the missing pieces of the puzzle formerly absent in Zhan Zhuang literature. These include such elements as special masterpoints to relax and release large sections of the body, methods which rapidly create whole-body linkage for any posture; techniques for working with light in the higher energy centers, mechanisms to correct many crucial health problems and special training to develop truly effective martial power. A fast track for beginners. Highly recommended for seasoned practitioners. Take your Zhan Zhuang and Tai Chi to the next level.
Standing qigong is a simple, effective form of exercise suitable for all ages that can increase health, balance and vitality. This complete and accessible guide introduces standing qigong for health and martial arts. Beginning with an introduction describing his own discovery of the practice and an exploration of the health benefits, the author provides detailed instruction on the basic health postures and the process for diaphragmatic breathing. The second part of the book focuses on the martial postures and provides guidance on the subtle variations of the movements that help to cultivate and strengthen healing and internal power. Practice sequences are also included to help readers get started immediately, including, in the third part of the book, the Xing Yi Five Element linking form. Easy-to-follow, and covering all the basics, this guide to standing qigong is perfect for anyone who is looking for ways to improve their health, or with an interest in the internal or martial arts, especially practitioners of Taiji, Qigong, XinYi, Bagua,YiQuan and yoga.
One of the most beloved and trusted mindfulness teachers in America offers a lifeline for difficult times: the RAIN meditation, which awakens our courage and heart Tara Brach is an in-the-trenches teacher whose work counters today's ever-increasing onslaught of news, conflict, demands, and anxieties--stresses that leave us rushing around on auto-pilot and cut off from the presence and creativity that give our lives meaning. In this heartfelt and deeply practical book, she offers an antidote: an easy-to-learn four-step meditation that quickly loosens the grip of difficult emotions and limiting beliefs. Each step in the meditation practice (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) is brought to life by memorable stories shared by Tara and her students as they deal with feelings of overwhelm, loss, and self-aversion, with painful relationships, and past trauma--and as they discover step-by-step the sources of love, forgiveness, compassion, and deep wisdom alive within all of us.
Moving into Meditation is a practical and inspiring guide to integrating mindful yoga and embodied meditation, in a 12-week format. One week at a time, Moving into Meditation lays out a plan for exploring body-based practices to get you more in tune with not only your limbs and core but your mind and heart. Cushman's curriculum integrates asana with mindfulness meditation to help practitioners turn "embodiment" from a concept into a tangible reality. Her insightful mixture of practices, yoga history, and Buddhist philosophy are made relevant to your present-day life. Personal stories from the "trenches" of decades of practice and teaching add color; Cushman's characteristic poetic and funny voice makes all readers feel that much more human. Cushman believes--and experience proves--that by becoming better attuned to and acquainted with the body, the physical forms become a vehicle for becoming more intimate with yourself and your world. From there, we can explore and embody the teachings of the Buddha for a more awakened life. In recent years, "mindfulness" has blasted into mainstream culture much as yoga did two decades ago, making "mindful yoga" an appealing trend. But how does mindful yoga evolve from a buzz-worthy concept to a lived experience? How do yoga asanas and pranayama support and express the practice of meditation? How do you explore the teachings of the Buddha through the vehicle of your own living, breathing, human body? As we quickly learn, the practices are inherently entwined. Experienced yoga and meditation teacher Anne Cushman answers all these questions and more in Moving into Meditation, teaching us to deepen our asana practices with mindfulness meditation and enhance our meditation practice with asana. With compassion, humor, and deep intelligence, Moving into Meditation guides us through integrating mind, body, and spirit practices for a wide-awake life.
