The importance of Post Standing (Zhan Zhuang)

An excerpt from: http://chentaijiquanworld.blogspot.com/2014/01/can-modern-students-cope-with.html

Advice from 'old Taiji Sifu':

"You must practice Post Standing (Zhan Zhuang). No matter which Chinese martial art you study, Post Standing is considered fundamental practice. In ancient times, students had to practice standing for one or two years before they were allowed to learn any forms. That is why each generation produced outstanding martial artists. Society and people's way of thinking have changed, making adapting to these requirements difficult...If you skip the fundamentals, your form will remain undeveloped and you will be ridiculed by experts." 

Global Standing in Plaia Lopez, Brazil

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"Our first day we hike 3 or 4 hours through beautiful coastal rainforest to finally arrive at Plaia Lopez, one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world – fine white sand, crystal clear, warm water, nearly deserted and – because its in a nature reserve, bereft of any buildings, skirted only by jungle and the occassional granite rock. I start taking a run down to the most distant part of the beautiful, 3km cresent beach. Eventually find myself in this magical, secluded cove. Absolutely no people, ocean perfectly crystal clear, out to sea, epic mountains and islands rise out of the haze, the waves rock in a benevolent swell. I wade into the water, laughing out loud – THIS IS SO AMAZING!!! The water gently rocks my body, the temperature is perfect. Turning to look back at the shore, I see palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, in the mountains rising above the beach, ferns and grasses gently rocking. As I wade back to the perfect white beach, a cheeky wave tries to knock me over. I sit on the sand for a long time, utterly alone, jungle behind me, salty ocean in front of me. There is a slight breeze. I suddenly remember it’s Christmas day. The moment felt right for some Zhang Zhuang."

-Excerpt from the Journal of Sean 12/25/2012

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MIT QIGONG GLOBAL STANDING GALLERY
Send your pictures to: qi@mit.edu

Thank you to all of our readers who have shared their Qigong practice from around the world!! Traveling this summer? Please send pictures of your favorite Qigong pose from an exotic location! Or send us a picture from your favorite peaceful local practice spot! Most recent additions to our gallery are from Pondicherry, India and the Roof of Africa, Ethiopa (seen below).

Sean || Ethiopia

"The definite highlight was our second night, where we made camp at this kind of sun-burnt alpine plain, at around 3600m. I can't imagine a more Dali-esque landscape: smooth hills covered in short, dry yellow grass; the occasional rocky outcrop, a few lonely cacti standing watch - right down to the occasional skinny horse grazing at dead grass, ribs showing. And looking beyond all this, mountains descending to the horizon below. Then began an epic march up to the yellow hills overlooking our campsite. But the crowning moment was unquestionably making it to the other side of the mountain top, revealing a biblical view of the canyons and mountains below. Yes! This was the opportunity I had been waiting for!  The sun was setting; the sky a rarefied azure; no sound but for mountain winds. On this peak - literally the roof of Africa - I stood and watched the sun set on the cradle of humanity as if from above. A single eagle soared above the sun, effortlessly gliding on ethereal thermals. I felt I needed to be on my knees, paying silent homage to the scene." 

Sifu Hendrik Santo: Loose & Quiet

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    Date: 3/28/11

    From: Jim (info@apricotforesthall.com)

    Subject: Loose & Quiet

When it comes to Qigong there are a few CORE principles that one must follow otherwise the result will be a depleted body rather than a nourished natural body. My teacher has always made it clear to me that we do not force anything and our goal is to be physically loose and mentally quiet. This is the foundation of Yang Sheng (life nourishing) Qigong! This method breaks any obstruction within our body and allows the Qi to grow and flow smoothly with the blood. Below you will find notes from my teacher regarding Qigong.

***

Notes come from the Cho family heir; Hendrik Santo (Sifu):

1, When the mind is quiet, the spirit will settle, when spirit settles, the Qi will grow itself to full. When the Qi is full, the Blood circulation will be strong, and thus both Qi and Blood will smoothly flow. This is how to grow the Qi.

2, Blood and Qi have their own natural path and both need to flow smoothly. One must never interrupt the natural flow of the Blood and Qi. What we can do is to help remove any obstructions and let the Blood and Qi naturally develop and expand. This is how to lead the free flow of the Qi and Blood.

3, The goal and cultivation process of Qigong is relax the physical body, quiet the mind, and let everything flow naturally. Only pay attention to these three things.

In other words, The training of Qigong is an act of Let Go and Just BE. This will lead one's body, mind & energy to return and vibrate (or resonance) with nature's frequency. We are not trying to create anything. Only to help the mind, body, energy return and balance with nature's vibration.

This is also called Wu Wei or Non Doing. One is not doing anything but achieving everything! But one is helping lead the body, mind, energy to return to its natural state and let it grow or repair itself on its own.

***

Looking forward to training with everyone tonight!!!

Time: 7:00-8:00

Room: Student Center/Room 306

Cost: FREE FREE FREE

Peace,

Jim Roselando
www.ApricotForestHall.com