WUJI QI GONG AND THE SECRET OF IMMORTALITY
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ABOUT
In this short and unusual work Stephen Elliott and Dr. Meng-Sheng Lin put forward a practical and philosophical discussion of a very ancient Taoist practice for promoting health, well-being, and longevity that they refer to as “Wuji” Qi Gong.
Wuji Qi Gong is the author’s interpretation of the mysterious Can Tong Qi, generally considered to be the first Taoist book on internal alchemy, thought to date back to the 1400s. As most Taoist canons the Can Tong Qi is written in cryptic language, where to comprehend, one must understand what is meant.
This is not the name given to the practice in the Can Tong Qi, but “Wuji” is the theme, hence the author’s chose “Wuji Qi Gong” for the practice described in the book.
Together Lin and Elliott translate and interpret the Mandarin, Lin with her extensive understanding of Chinese Medicine and Taoist literature, and Elliott with his long experience in deep internal practice. The outcome is surprising, and even more profound, their theory is supported by the Yi Jing, making clear that the Yi Jing was the theoretical context for the writing of the Can Tong Qi in the first place. No surprise, in retrospect.
The practice of Wuji Qi Gong involves “integration” of the four primordial elements, Air, Earth, Fire, and Water, in effect reordering the elements in man such that they promote life vs. consume it, the outcome being health, vitality, and longevity, vs. decay and death.
If you are familiar with Elliott’s other works, you may be wondering what this has to do with breathing… The answer is that Wuji Qi Gong is about learning to breathe in harmony with Heaven and Earth.
Meng-Sheng Lin has been a Dr. Oriental Medicine for many decades and is also a trained surgeon. Elliott says that the reason he was able to contribute to the effort to understand the Can Tong Qi is that he was able to comprehend the internal meaning, this because he had been practicing Wuji Breathing Exercise with Coherent Breathing for many years prior to he and Lin’s attempt to unravel the meaning. Elliott has also practiced and instructed Eastern martial arts for several decades, and has a penchant for researching ancient abstruse characters. He asserts that Wuji Qi Qong is foundational to any internal martial art and is a reason the Tai Chi classics say that Taiji comes from Wuji. After mastering Wuji Qi Gong, martial artists will begin to see all of their movements as “moving wuji”, i.e. their connection between Heaven & Earth is never lost – even as they move.
Elliott asserts that Coherent Breathing is integral to the practice of Wuji Qi Gong, as the body becomes an “instrument” strung between Heaven and Earth. Breathing causes the instrument to play.
REVIEWS
Elliott and Lin have done an excellent job at breaking down the step-by-step method of training in the little known method of Wuji Qi Gong. Their insights into the historical and philosophical basis of the method is truly profound. To my knowledge their explanation of the four primordial elements and the Yi Jing has never before been presented. It has inspired me to delve deeper into my work with this meditation system. Thanks for sharing this gem.
Andrew Stronski, Martial Arts Colleague
Wuji Qi Gong casts a whole new light on the practice of standing meditation. The authors have done a tremendous job linking the fundamentals of the practice to the ancient concept of the primordial elements and the method to achieve self-transformation and longevity. It is presented in a clear step-by-step way, enabling both the newcomer and long time practitioner to deepen their understanding and experience. It has inspired me to renew my practice of standing meditation and my study of the Yi Jing.
Jacques Bélanger, Tai Chi and Qi Gong Practitioner
In Wuji Qi Gong, Elliott and Lin shine the light of deep understanding over the Yi Jingby translating its esoteric principles into a series of simple, integrated exercises that will rejuvenate the practitioner. I heartily recommend this book to anyone seeking a meditative “map” that leads to health and longevity.
Master Robert Peng Founder, Elixir Light Qigong
After many years of seeking the way to heightened understanding and awareness through the practice of yoga, martial arts, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuji Qi Gong And The Secret Of Immortality makes the ultimate goal seem attainable. It provides in depth explanation and easy to follow guidance to what is otherwise a very complex subject. Anyone dedicated to the journey of self-discovery will find it to be of great value.
Kristin Turner, Yoga and Martial Arts Colleague
This ancient archetypal diagram is where the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the eternal laws of nature meet for reflection, understanding and integration into daily life. As a teacher and practitioner of TCM, I encourage you to re-examine your practice in the light of these profound ideas about Fire and Water and their part in health and aging.
Carol Elliott, L.Ac., Qi Gong Teacher and Colleague
Indeed, this method connects our inner circuitry to the omnipresent ever flowing qi, allowing it to do what it does – heal, protect, and empower. Without sacrifice, Wuji Qi Gong reveals and simplifies complicated ancient teachings in a way that is manageable for the 21st century Western mind.
Jenna Ritter, Founder Dhara
Wuji Qi Gong is an excellent introduction to qi gong practice, gently taking the beginner through the fundamentals that apply to both static and moving styles. I like the way the authors root the practice in the discusson of the primordial elements and their novel explanation of the wisdom contained in the trigrams and hexagrams of the Yi Jing, the interpenetration of Yin and Yang, and the subtleties of Chinese internal alchemy.
Richard Bertschinger, Author , The Secret of Everlasting Life/
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