What's in the Winter 2023-2024 Issue?

The Dao of Winter

 

 

The Dao of Winter

There are 12 moons and 24 solar terms in China's traditional lunar calendar. In this Winter issue, we highlight the six solar terms that cover our Winter season and some events and exercises related to each term. This article is composed of selected excerpts and cultural tidbits from The Lunar Tao: Meditations with the Seasons, a delightful book by the author that takes the reader on a journey through the seasons with surprises on every page. By Deng Ming-Dao

 An Introduction to Dao Yin


An Introduction to Dao Yin

Dao Yin, often referred to as Daoist Yoga, is an ancient practice rooted in the centuries-old philosophy of Daoism. As a holistic system, Dao Yin comprises physical and mental exercises designed to foster balance, harmony, and vitality within the body and the mind. It prioritizes cultivating internal energy, known as Qi, and aligning the body's energy pathways. Dao Yin combines the benefits of meditation, Qigong, and yoga to offer a holistic approach to well-being. By Andrew McCart.


Wu Dai Kwai: Grandson of Grandmaster Wu Kam Chuen

This is part 2 of an article about Sifu Dai Kwai who was a prominent figure in the Wu family style of taijiquan. By 1970, Wu Dai Kwai had become the fourth generation Gatekeeper of Wu Family Practice. He followed in the footsteps of his great grandfather, Chuan Yu, grandfather, Wu Kam Chuen, and father, Wu Gongyee. He was taught directly and personally by his grandfather, Wu Kam Chuen, over many years. Later, he crossed hands, [fought] with a wide variety of martial boxers and wrestlers hundreds of times and achieved an outstanding record and reputation for always winning.
By C.L. Chan. Co-translated by Y.L. Yip & LeRoy Clark and edited by LeRoy Clark.

 


Qi: Vital Force in Historical Context

Generally speaking, contemporary (post-1956) Chinese literature represents 'qi' with the simplified ideogram of '气', whilst in older texts, the traditional ideogram of '氣' is used. Both carry exactly with same meaning, with the simplified ideogram presenting the most commonly found usage throughout Chinese society, and the traditional ideogram expressing uncommon philosophical understanding, relevant to the practice of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism, traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts and shamanism, etc. And we have a bonus article entitled Daoism: How to Build Primordial Qi Energy that Adrian translates and shares with us.  By Adrian Chan-Wyles (PhD)


Departments:

The departments in this issue encompass a wide array of topics. It all begins with Essential Instructions for Disciples, a Daoist text penned by Liu Yiming (1734-1821) and skillfully translated by Vitaly Filbert. Next up is Year of the Wood Dragon: A Year of Growth and Renewal by Steven Luo, offering insights into the opportunities the upcoming year might hold. For those looking to bolster their winter wellness, Nourishing Balance: TCM Inspired Winter Foods by Rochelle Johnson furnishes tailored dietary guidance. Delve into the mystical with I-Ching Reading for the New Year by Nori Muster, as she employs the ancient I-Ching (Yijing) to unravel the changes and attitudes of the forthcoming year. Luo Shiwen explores the inevitability of change and its role as a catalyst for progress in Embracing the Inevitable. Mei Li, PhD., continues the seasonal theme with Yangsheng (Nourishing Life) Practices, unraveling the rich historical and cultural influence of Yangsheng in Chinese traditions. Marcus Evans wraps it up with Zhang SanFeng’s Legacy, shedding light on taijiquan principles from the legendary Zhang Sanfeng (Chang San Feng). And, of course, don’t forget to peruse our news and tidbits section for additional content.


I hope you enjoy this, our 132nd consecutive issue of Qi Journal.

 Subscription options available at www.qi-journal.com/subscriptions

 

 

 

What's in the Spring 2024 Issue?

Reawakening the Power of the Single Cell

 

 

Taiji: Reawakening the Power of the Single Cell

The single cell is where our life energy starts to flow. That first single cell's Yin and Yang power cause its first movement—to split. That cell will split and split and split, and this connected sequence of splits has never stopped. But what power makes that first cell split? What tells it to do that? What enables it to do that? Nobody in mainstream science can answer that. This is because they do not yet understand the nature and the power of Qi. By Master Waysun Liao

 Does Qi Really Move?


Does Qi Really Move?

The realm of Qi is a challenging one because it falls into that uncomfortable category of things that can't be measured, ordered, or observed. Many have attempted to do so as that is the deep drive that humans have to pull things out of the unknown and mysterious realms and place them neatly in well-labeled and organized boxes. The fear of the ­unknown and the anxiety that comes from not being able to control or explain things is what happens when the Intellectual Mind dominates our thinking process. By Francesco Garri Garripoli


In Defense of Weaponry: Fitness, Qi Development, and Inner Peace

How could a weapon such as a sword be an instrument of peace or bring us closer to the Dao (Tao), the Way of Nature? As early as the Zhuangzi, the 4th Century BCE Daoist classic, the sword was linked with meditation. In the chapter "A Discourse on Swords", we read 示之以虛. "Those who practice the sword display emptiness." That is, they are free from thought and worry. As his predecessor Laozi said, "The sage empties the heart-mind, and fills the abdomen with qi." Zhuangzi then indicates a sword fencing strategy based on sensing incipient change and an ability to respond to an opponent's intent even before he/she has launched the attack. By Kenneth S. Cohen

 


Wu Kam Chuen's Family Heritage

The goal of this article is to show the genesis of the Wu Kam Chuen Family taijiquan practice, its distinct emphasis, and the close relationship of the early Yang and Wu families by briefly tracing the early and later close ties of family principals and practice. This is final part of a series covering the life and background of Wu Dai Kwai and his martial arts lineage. Authored with translations by Y.L. Yip & LeRoy Clark.


Departments:

Departments include “Bridging the Divide: TCM an Western Medicine” by Luo Shiwen, “Qingming Festival: Honoring Ancestors & Embracing Traditions” by Steven Luo, “TCM Inspired Springtime Foods for Optimum Health” by Rochelle Johnson, “Daodejing Chapter 2: The Dao Has No Opinion”, by Jonathan Snowiss, “Honoring the Past, and Embracing the Future: The New Era of Qigong Training” by Dr. Diego Sanmiquel, and “Spring Festival or Chinese New Year?” by James Evans. And of course we included our News section and random tidbits.


I hope you enjoy this, our 133rd consecutive issue of Qi Journal since 1991.

 Subscription options available at www.qi-journal.com/subscriptions