Qigong Practice
Dharma Based Mindful Movement
This is a spiritual ceremony. Qigong can sometimes be thought of as exercise, this is not an exercise routine and should not be treated as such. This is a meditative practice connected to the movement of energy. Energy (or sometimes thought of as Right Effort) is an important part of spiritual strength. It is as aspect of several enlightenment practices, such as the Five Spiritual Faculties, the Ten Paramis and the Eightfold Path.
Qigong is an excellent energy practice. Its slow, methodical movements are both uplifting and strengthening. As we mindfully tend to the energy of each movement, we can let go of the outside world and liberate the mind from suffering. Liberation (or enlightenment) comes to those who cultivate wholesome qualities that strengthen the heart and calm the mind. This cultivation need not come from a place of striving to become a better person. Simply by becoming more and more familiar with the energy of these wholesome qualities, we can create the causes and conditions for the qualities to naturally arise.
This is a Dharma adaptation of the Shibashi 18 Movements that was developed by Professor Lin Housheng in 1979. I have taken each movement and correlated them to specific mindfulness principles. If you practice this movement sequencing every day you will notice that you become more aware of your conditioning and, as such, the causes of your suffering. You may even find it easier to let go of your grasping because of this awareness. Stillness comes from continuity of mindfulness. These movements can support that continuity of mindfulness as you incorporate the principal into your common understand. Last but not least, you may also notice greater courage and confidence as you learn to see the true nature of phenomenon.
This movement sequencing should be entered into as you would any ceremony or meditative practice. It should be done in a quiet place. Care should be given to the condition of the space around your practice area. It should be clean and clutter free, if possible. It should be a special area that is designated for practice. It does not have to be a separate room, it could be as simple as the wall you face when doing the practice. What is important is that you treat the area with care. You may want to place an altar, picture, a statute of the Buddha, flowers or anything you find grounding and/or inspiring. I like having a special rug to practice on. I do the preparation movements off the rug and step onto the rug for the main practice. A good rule of thumb is to do whatever will support you in tuning out the world and entering into the sacred.
Download the Morning QiGong Practice Instructions here.
Download the Morning QiGong Practice Videos here.
Music:
Heart Caravan by Thanissara, Mel Zeki & Ravi Cintakavi:
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