The style of Qigong taught draws from the transformative Hua Gong approach developed by the master Zhixing Wang. This form puts special emphasis on awakening our ability to direct, spontaneous realisation of the flow of energy in the subtle channels and spaces of the body. When we have accumulated enough energy at this level, we can expand our perspective to also include the organising and directive qualities of the field of energy that surrounds us. This is the lighter, more spiritual dimension of our energy universe, sometimes referred to in the tradition by the concept of Shen. Equally, we could use existential or phenomenological terms from Western spiritual tradition to hint towards the universal principles involved. To keep the practice simple, we will just refer to our particular approach as a light touch, or touch of light.
Qigong of this style is primarily practised through soft, floating body movements and meditations. The general aim is to clean, merge and clarify substandial and insubstantial elements of our being through the energy movements and gestures we practice, so that we can bring stronger intent, harmony and efficiency to our lives and the lives of people we touch. In this sense we cultivate Qi as the medium to fulfil our existence. Our style is easy for beginners to learn, but advanced and sophisticated enough to become a life long practice.
Until recently, Qigong training was largely kept secret within martial arts traditions and amongst Buddhist and Daoist sages and monasteries in China. Through more than four thousand years of unbroken history, the tradition has been developed as a science for cultivating the human body’s internal energy. Parts of the knowledge were available to the general public in the form of acupuncture and Qigong-exercises aimed at improving health and cure illnesses. The pearl of the master’s pursuit, however, was in the realisation that Qigong practice could help human beings to achieve mental and spiritual peace.
Through the history of Qigong practice, knowledge has been held and passed on through lineages of masters, who have added their own flavour and insights to the tradition. In ancient times these people, men and women, were seen as intermediators between humans, spirits, gods and demons. The powers they possessed were seen as signs of ability to intervene in a supernatural way, like “magicians” or “sorcerers”. Up to this day the stories of living masters have some of these qualities. These people were called by the Chinese term Wu.
The powers of Wu relied on the ability to see the determining qualities implicit in objects, words, natural forces and humans. We are helped by masters and teachers, but the true magic of nature and our lives is readily available to everyone, if we just open our eyes.
Wu, – a person who can communicate with heaven and earth.
Be still like a mountain.
Move like a great river.
(Wu Yu-hsiang)
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