QI
Qi is commonly mis-translated as “energy” or “breath.” Energy is a function of qi, and breath is one manifestation of qi, but neither of these are accurate for describing what qi is. There is no correct translation for the word qi—it is not intended to be translated as there are a great many types of qi (e.g., yin qi, yang qi, wei qi, tian qi, Dao Qi, prenatal qi, post-heaven qi, etc).
A better way to understand qi is as “vital air” or “vital force that animates all life.” Qi in the body is an inseparable combination of fluid (blood) and this vital air or life force that has a direct affect on the properties and systems of our body, whether they are in excess, deficient, or balanced (neutral).
GONG
The word “gong” may be considered as skill work, practice, or cultivation. However, skill is not our focus or intention; it is simply a result of our dedication, discipline, and constancy of practice. Today’s use of the word “qigong” was birthed from western influence during China’s Mao era in the mid-twentieth century, in an attempt to modernize Chinese culture, and to separate spirit (religion) from science.
The more accurate word to use for our practice is Gongfu: a process whereby awareness in repetitive action establishes precision and cuts through habituation.
The movement and stillness practices of gongfu (qigong) aids us in a multitude of practical ways, including but not limited to: understanding the properties and principles of the many types of qi; how to regulate, balance, or harmonize qi in accordance with our mind, body, breath, and emotions; and adapting to our environment and relationships with the self, others, and the ineffable. Each of these are their own qi.
AUTHENTIC QIGONG
There are three main focuses of qigong: Martial, Medical, and Spiritual. I was taught, practice, and teach Authentic Qigong from the Quanzhen Longmen Daoist Lineage. “Authentic” does not mean my qigong is more real than other qigong. It means the qigong I practice is not overly focused on one aspect but on all three, dynamically, for a complete and harmonious practice.
Authentic Qigong is not focused on flowing forms and choreographed movements. It is a practice and philosophy of Yangsheng (nourishing life) a combination of qigong movement forms with internal alchemy (neigong), apophatic meditation (zuowang), diet, and seasonal food cures rooted in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for preventing sickness, promoting longevity, and encouraging natural healing to occur by the rhythms and virtue of nature, through wuwei (the way of effortlessness).
DÉ & WUWEI
Both virtue (dé) and wuwei are another two commonly mistranslated words due to the rise of material (superficial) spirituality and appropriation of eastern practices by the west. Modern modalities have taken components of eastern practices/traditions and combined them with others (at times, ones entirely fabricated from imagination, media, or other appropriated modalities) under the banner of holistic healing practices or arts. This is an example of the sickness of sameness—or delusion and confusion.
Virtue does not only refer to morality but as the designated movement or conduct that spontaneously arises from the practice of wuwei (effortless action in accordance with original nature). It is the spontaneous response which naturally arises from a calm and unified heart-mind engaged in complete undifferentiation.
INTERNAL ALCHEMY (NEIGONG)
Traditional Daoist Qigong Training cultivates the three treasures (sanbao): Jing (essence), Qi (vital forces), and Shen (spirit); with a primary focus on internal alchemy: the dual-cultivation of original nature (xing) and life-destiny (ming). Original nature has to do with the heart-mind, the untainted, original nature of the spirit. Life-destiny is one’s embodiment or personal body.
In a practical sense: we are refining the complex body to return to the effortless nature of original simplicity. This is accomplished through consistent study and disciplined training, which goes beyond skill.
LINEAGE TEACHER (SHIFU)
Your qigong instructor is an ordained Daoist Priest and sub-lineage holder of the Quanzhen Longmen Lineage. Shifu Shane Fike, Priest Bao Pu Tian, is founder of the Baopuzi pai (Master Embracing Simplicity Branch) and lineage holder of the American Dragon Gate Lineage (ADGL).
Quanzhen is the Complete Perfection school of Daoism (founded in the 12th century CE) and Longmen is the Dragon Gate sect. Priest Shane (Bao Pu Tian) is a 1st Generation disciple of Shifu (Tai Shifu) Li Chang Dao (Michael Rinaldini), a 22nd Generation Longmen Priest and Abbot of the American Dragon Gate Lineage, founder of the Taoist & Qigong Training Center.
The American Dragon Gate Lineage is a sister sect (sub-lineage) of the White Cloud Temple in Beijing, China.
