Symposium Marking the 70th Anniversary of Zhao Bichen Leaving His Body
Original Chinese Language Article By: Qianfeng Daoist Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺)
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
Huang Xinyang (黄信阳) is a Daoist priest and the Vice-President of the China Spiritual Daoism Association, and Chairman of the Beijing Spiritual Daoism Association. He was the honoured guest at the symposium (and other places around the Beijing area) and gave a number of speeches.
The latest Daoist news in Beijing in 2012 is all about the Qianfeng Prenatal School, which has the Quanzhen School as its root, and the 70th anniversary of the leaving of the body of its founder, namely Zhao Bichen (1860-1942). What is remarkable is that the venerable Zhao Bichen passed away on September 1st in the Western calendar (or the 16th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar) the very same day upon which he was born. The Beijing Spiritual Daoist Association has sponsored this honourable event because it recognises and endorses the authenticity of the Qianfeng School, and acknowledges that the health generating and life prolonging methods and exercises preserved within this lineage are a genuine expression of philosophical Daoist culture, which has its roots in the Quanzhen School. In light of this, the Taoyuan Temple has held a number of commemorative events in the Phoenix Ridge area of Beijing’s Haidian District.
On the 31st of August, a series of events and discussions were held during a Daoist training symposium held in the Western Hills, near Phoenix Ridge, that focused upon the 70th anniversary of the attaining of Immortality of Zhao Bichen. Present was the very venerable Master Xi Chunsheng (席春生) , the 2nd generation inheritor of the Quanzhen, Qianfeng Prenatal School, together with the very virtuous Huang Xinyang (黄信阳) who is a Daoist priest and the Vice-President of the China Spiritual Daoism Association, and Chairman of the Beijing Spiritual Daoism Association, as well as the eminent Beijing University academic Professor Wu Shouju (吴受琚). Also in attendance was Beijing Union University Associate Professor Fu Fengying (傅凤英) the former Deputy Director of the National Sports Commission, the National Gymnastic Group Team Leader Chen Fengping (陈风平), the former National Women’s Gymnastics Team Coach Sun Xiaozhen (孙孝珍), the Vice President of the Macao Spiritual Daoism Association Lai Hong (赖宏), the Vice President of the Baoji Spiritual Daoism Association (of Shanxi) Wang Wu (王悟), as well as over 60 other people from China and abroad who are either Qianfeng disciples, or people with an interest in authentic philosophical Daoism.
Old Master Xi opened the discussion by introducing all the honoured guests, and then started to explain the developmental history of the Quanzhen based Qianfeng Prenatal School, as well as its Founding Patriarch Zhao Bichen’s association with the Taoyuan Temple. Vice President Huang delivered a very warm and welcoming speech to the assembled guests on behalf of the Beijing Spiritual Daoism Association and the Taoyuan Temple. He clearly explained the Taoyuan Temple method, and reported favourably on Zhao Bichen’s training, interpretation and application of this teaching in relation to his founding of the Qianfeng School. He advised that it was in everyone’s best interests to discuss freely any relevant or related matter concerning the subject at hand, and to fully explore all aspects without reservation. Only a thorough and systematic approach to any area of study will yield fruitful results.
Next was the venerable Mr Chan Fengping (陈风平) who was 85 years old. He described a lifetime of Daoist self-cultivation practice, and how he has followed Master Xi all his life building good health and prolonging his life by following the Great Way and developing the Golden Energy Centre (lower dantian). As the Leader of the National Gymnastic Group Team, Mr Chen has insisted that his athletes dedicate themselves to a regimen of disciplined seated meditation practice. Nowadays what he says has been listened to, and as a result his athletes have made many great achievements. In fact Mr Chen advocated that everyone study the Daoist philosophy of Zhao Bichen and make good use of the correct Daoist techniques in their training. This approach has brought much honour to our Daoist tradition.
Madam Sun Xiaozhen is 75 years old. This lady explained to the audience that she has been practicing seated meditation for 19 years, and despite being over 70 years of age, she is able to sit in the full-lotus position, whilst her body remains both strong and supple. She said that because of her Daoist meditation practice, her mind and body have remained in very good condition and that sometimes she is still more dexterous than her young students!
Beijing Union University’s Fu Fengying, in recent years, has continuously paid attention to research regarding the Quanzhen, Qianfeng Prenatal School tradition, and has conveyed his understanding of Zhao Bichen’s philosophy in such published texts as the ‘Philosophical Daoism of China’, and ‘Cultural Literature and Historical Knowledge’, as well as articles about the theory and practice of the Taoyuan Temple. Teacher Fu emphasised that more research should be done into the lives of Zhao Bichen and his teacher Liu Mingrui (刘名瑞) at the Taoyuan Temple, so that a greater understanding of the underlying history and philosophy of Qianfeng Daoism can be ascertained.
Then the Qianfeng disciple named Lei Xiangyang (雷向阳), who has practiced for over a decade, spoke clearly and concisely on his experiences of Daoist self-cultivation exercises, and what such experiences have meant for him in his life. He explained that Daoist methods are an important cultural asset that should be used to better the individual and society, and that everyone should have access to this knowledge. A similar message was conveyed by Lai Hong of the Macao Spiritual Daoism Association, who explained his interpretation of Daoist self-cultivation methods, and why he thought them to be very important for psychological and physical well-being.
After everyone had spoken and expressed their views, Master Xi summed-up the evening. He said that it is important to academically study the history and philosophy of the root Quanzhen (Complete Reality) School, and it’s Longmen (Dragon Gate) Branch School, to fully understand how the Qianfeng came into existence. In this assessment he agreed entirely with Teacher Fu (mentioned above). If superstition is be avoided and logic and reason is to prevail, the pursuing of better academic knowledge must be developed alongside good practice. He then took questions from the audience, and used this opportunity to provide more details about Qianfeng Daoism and its use to attain Immortality. The audience was very appreciative of this information, and were enthusiastic about carrying-out more research to enhance understanding. The theme of this symposium was ‘Daoist Cultural Heritage as a Means for Ensuring Humanity’s Good Health’. It was very successful and had contributions from a wide spectrum of thinkers and health providers. I believe that we must now build a better future for China and the world.
Author: Lei Xiangyang (雷向阳) Photography: Penglai Waishi (蓬莱外史)
Qianfeng Prenatal School, Qianfeng Hermitage, Xian Kui Zi - Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/8830018220128415357156/
纪念千峰老人羽化七十周年座谈会
中国道教协会副会长、北京市道教协会会长黄信阳道长致辞
道教之音北京讯 2012年是全真千峰先天派创派祖师千峰老人赵避尘羽化七十周年,而9月1日(农历七月十六)又恰逢千峰老人诞辰日。为弘扬和传承道家正宗性命双修养生文化,由北京道教协会主办,全真千峰先天派祖庭——桃源观承办的系列纪念活动在北京凤凰岭桃源观拉开序幕。
8月31日下午,纪念千峰老人羽化七十周年座谈会在凤凰岭下的实创西山培训中心举行。会议由全真千峰先天派第二代衣钵嗣法传人席春生老师主持,中国道教协会副会长、北京道教协会会长黄信阳大德,北京大学教授吴受琚,北京联合大学副教授傅凤英,原国家体委副司长、国家体操队领队陈风平,原国家女子体操队教练孙孝珍,澳门道教协会副会长赖宏,陕西宝鸡道教协会副会长王悟,全真千峰先天派弟子以及来自海内外的爱好者60多同道参加了这次研讨会。
席老师首先介绍了出席会议的嘉宾,介绍了全真千峰派的发展历史,以及千峰老人赵避尘祖师和桃源观的渊源。黄会长发表热情洋溢的讲话,代表北京市道教协会和桃源观欢迎各位代表,介绍了恢复桃源观的过程,对于千峰老人的历史功绩给予高度评价。他祝愿各位代表能够畅所欲言进行广泛交流,并预祝会议取得圆满成功。
之后,85岁的陈风平老先生现身说法,介绍了他随席老师修炼性命双修金丹大道的体会。作为国家体委老司长,陈老已坚持打坐修炼几十年,如今眼不花、耳不聋,红光满面,受益颇多。他呼吁大家都来关注道家传统养生,共同研究“千峰老人养生思想”,弘扬道家养生文化,使道家养生文化能使更多的人受益。75岁的孙孝珍老人也介绍了她的修炼体会,她已坚持打坐19年,虽然已年逾古稀,她仍能够轻松双盘,全身柔韧性甚至比年轻人还好。
北京联合大学傅凤英老师,近年来一直在关注和研究全真千峰先天派,已在《中国道教》、《文史知识》等刊物上发表多篇研究千峰老人和桃源观的文章。在研讨会上,傅老师介绍了她研究千峰老人和千峰派的情况,以及桃源观和刘名瑞的研究情况,并提出了下一步的研究方向。
之后,千峰派弟子雷向阳站在文化的角度发言,对道家的历史使命和全真千峰派的历史使命提出了自己的观点和认识,介绍了自己从师十多年的感悟。澳门道教协会副会长赖宏随后发言,对传承道家养生文化提出了自己的观点。
最后,席老师作了总结发言,站在道家文化衣钵传人的角度,详细介绍了全真派和全真龙门派的历史,回答了傅凤英老师等学术界关心的一些问题,并且针对来宾关于道家文化和实修方面的问题进行了生动的讲解。发言引起了与会人员的强烈共鸣,会议取得良好效果。
这次活动的宗旨是“传承道家养生文化,服务人类健康”。研讨会的成功举行,相信对于传播和弘扬正统的道家养生文化,必将产生重要的影响。
(作者:雷向阳 摄影:蓬莱外史)
千峰草堂:千峰先天派:先魁子:赵明旺
The latest Daoist news in Beijing in 2012 is all about the Qianfeng Prenatal School, which has the Quanzhen School as its root, and the 70th anniversary of the leaving of the body of its founder, namely Zhao Bichen (1860-1942). What is remarkable is that the venerable Zhao Bichen passed away on September 1st in the Western calendar (or the 16th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar) the very same day upon which he was born. The Beijing Spiritual Daoist Association has sponsored this honourable event because it recognises and endorses the authenticity of the Qianfeng School, and acknowledges that the health generating and life prolonging methods and exercises preserved within this lineage are a genuine expression of philosophical Daoist culture, which has its roots in the Quanzhen School. In light of this, the Taoyuan Temple has held a number of commemorative events in the Phoenix Ridge area of Beijing’s Haidian District.
On the 31st of August, a series of events and discussions were held during a Daoist training symposium held in the Western Hills, near Phoenix Ridge, that focused upon the 70th anniversary of the attaining of Immortality of Zhao Bichen. Present was the very venerable Master Xi Chunsheng (席春生) , the 2nd generation inheritor of the Quanzhen, Qianfeng Prenatal School, together with the very virtuous Huang Xinyang (黄信阳) who is a Daoist priest and the Vice-President of the China Spiritual Daoism Association, and Chairman of the Beijing Spiritual Daoism Association, as well as the eminent Beijing University academic Professor Wu Shouju (吴受琚). Also in attendance was Beijing Union University Associate Professor Fu Fengying (傅凤英) the former Deputy Director of the National Sports Commission, the National Gymnastic Group Team Leader Chen Fengping (陈风平), the former National Women’s Gymnastics Team Coach Sun Xiaozhen (孙孝珍), the Vice President of the Macao Spiritual Daoism Association Lai Hong (赖宏), the Vice President of the Baoji Spiritual Daoism Association (of Shanxi) Wang Wu (王悟), as well as over 60 other people from China and abroad who are either Qianfeng disciples, or people with an interest in authentic philosophical Daoism.
Old Master Xi opened the discussion by introducing all the honoured guests, and then started to explain the developmental history of the Quanzhen based Qianfeng Prenatal School, as well as its Founding Patriarch Zhao Bichen’s association with the Taoyuan Temple. Vice President Huang delivered a very warm and welcoming speech to the assembled guests on behalf of the Beijing Spiritual Daoism Association and the Taoyuan Temple. He clearly explained the Taoyuan Temple method, and reported favourably on Zhao Bichen’s training, interpretation and application of this teaching in relation to his founding of the Qianfeng School. He advised that it was in everyone’s best interests to discuss freely any relevant or related matter concerning the subject at hand, and to fully explore all aspects without reservation. Only a thorough and systematic approach to any area of study will yield fruitful results.
Next was the venerable Mr Chan Fengping (陈风平) who was 85 years old. He described a lifetime of Daoist self-cultivation practice, and how he has followed Master Xi all his life building good health and prolonging his life by following the Great Way and developing the Golden Energy Centre (lower dantian). As the Leader of the National Gymnastic Group Team, Mr Chen has insisted that his athletes dedicate themselves to a regimen of disciplined seated meditation practice. Nowadays what he says has been listened to, and as a result his athletes have made many great achievements. In fact Mr Chen advocated that everyone study the Daoist philosophy of Zhao Bichen and make good use of the correct Daoist techniques in their training. This approach has brought much honour to our Daoist tradition.
Madam Sun Xiaozhen is 75 years old. This lady explained to the audience that she has been practicing seated meditation for 19 years, and despite being over 70 years of age, she is able to sit in the full-lotus position, whilst her body remains both strong and supple. She said that because of her Daoist meditation practice, her mind and body have remained in very good condition and that sometimes she is still more dexterous than her young students!
Beijing Union University’s Fu Fengying, in recent years, has continuously paid attention to research regarding the Quanzhen, Qianfeng Prenatal School tradition, and has conveyed his understanding of Zhao Bichen’s philosophy in such published texts as the ‘Philosophical Daoism of China’, and ‘Cultural Literature and Historical Knowledge’, as well as articles about the theory and practice of the Taoyuan Temple. Teacher Fu emphasised that more research should be done into the lives of Zhao Bichen and his teacher Liu Mingrui (刘名瑞) at the Taoyuan Temple, so that a greater understanding of the underlying history and philosophy of Qianfeng Daoism can be ascertained.
Then the Qianfeng disciple named Lei Xiangyang (雷向阳), who has practiced for over a decade, spoke clearly and concisely on his experiences of Daoist self-cultivation exercises, and what such experiences have meant for him in his life. He explained that Daoist methods are an important cultural asset that should be used to better the individual and society, and that everyone should have access to this knowledge. A similar message was conveyed by Lai Hong of the Macao Spiritual Daoism Association, who explained his interpretation of Daoist self-cultivation methods, and why he thought them to be very important for psychological and physical well-being.
After everyone had spoken and expressed their views, Master Xi summed-up the evening. He said that it is important to academically study the history and philosophy of the root Quanzhen (Complete Reality) School, and it’s Longmen (Dragon Gate) Branch School, to fully understand how the Qianfeng came into existence. In this assessment he agreed entirely with Teacher Fu (mentioned above). If superstition is be avoided and logic and reason is to prevail, the pursuing of better academic knowledge must be developed alongside good practice. He then took questions from the audience, and used this opportunity to provide more details about Qianfeng Daoism and its use to attain Immortality. The audience was very appreciative of this information, and were enthusiastic about carrying-out more research to enhance understanding. The theme of this symposium was ‘Daoist Cultural Heritage as a Means for Ensuring Humanity’s Good Health’. It was very successful and had contributions from a wide spectrum of thinkers and health providers. I believe that we must now build a better future for China and the world.
Author: Lei Xiangyang (雷向阳) Photography: Penglai Waishi (蓬莱外史)
Qianfeng Prenatal School, Qianfeng Hermitage, Xian Kui Zi - Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/8830018220128415357156/
纪念千峰老人羽化七十周年座谈会
中国道教协会副会长、北京市道教协会会长黄信阳道长致辞
道教之音北京讯 2012年是全真千峰先天派创派祖师千峰老人赵避尘羽化七十周年,而9月1日(农历七月十六)又恰逢千峰老人诞辰日。为弘扬和传承道家正宗性命双修养生文化,由北京道教协会主办,全真千峰先天派祖庭——桃源观承办的系列纪念活动在北京凤凰岭桃源观拉开序幕。
8月31日下午,纪念千峰老人羽化七十周年座谈会在凤凰岭下的实创西山培训中心举行。会议由全真千峰先天派第二代衣钵嗣法传人席春生老师主持,中国道教协会副会长、北京道教协会会长黄信阳大德,北京大学教授吴受琚,北京联合大学副教授傅凤英,原国家体委副司长、国家体操队领队陈风平,原国家女子体操队教练孙孝珍,澳门道教协会副会长赖宏,陕西宝鸡道教协会副会长王悟,全真千峰先天派弟子以及来自海内外的爱好者60多同道参加了这次研讨会。
席老师首先介绍了出席会议的嘉宾,介绍了全真千峰派的发展历史,以及千峰老人赵避尘祖师和桃源观的渊源。黄会长发表热情洋溢的讲话,代表北京市道教协会和桃源观欢迎各位代表,介绍了恢复桃源观的过程,对于千峰老人的历史功绩给予高度评价。他祝愿各位代表能够畅所欲言进行广泛交流,并预祝会议取得圆满成功。
之后,85岁的陈风平老先生现身说法,介绍了他随席老师修炼性命双修金丹大道的体会。作为国家体委老司长,陈老已坚持打坐修炼几十年,如今眼不花、耳不聋,红光满面,受益颇多。他呼吁大家都来关注道家传统养生,共同研究“千峰老人养生思想”,弘扬道家养生文化,使道家养生文化能使更多的人受益。75岁的孙孝珍老人也介绍了她的修炼体会,她已坚持打坐19年,虽然已年逾古稀,她仍能够轻松双盘,全身柔韧性甚至比年轻人还好。
北京联合大学傅凤英老师,近年来一直在关注和研究全真千峰先天派,已在《中国道教》、《文史知识》等刊物上发表多篇研究千峰老人和桃源观的文章。在研讨会上,傅老师介绍了她研究千峰老人和千峰派的情况,以及桃源观和刘名瑞的研究情况,并提出了下一步的研究方向。
之后,千峰派弟子雷向阳站在文化的角度发言,对道家的历史使命和全真千峰派的历史使命提出了自己的观点和认识,介绍了自己从师十多年的感悟。澳门道教协会副会长赖宏随后发言,对传承道家养生文化提出了自己的观点。
最后,席老师作了总结发言,站在道家文化衣钵传人的角度,详细介绍了全真派和全真龙门派的历史,回答了傅凤英老师等学术界关心的一些问题,并且针对来宾关于道家文化和实修方面的问题进行了生动的讲解。发言引起了与会人员的强烈共鸣,会议取得良好效果。
这次活动的宗旨是“传承道家养生文化,服务人类健康”。研讨会的成功举行,相信对于传播和弘扬正统的道家养生文化,必将产生重要的影响。
(作者:雷向阳 摄影:蓬莱外史)
千峰草堂:千峰先天派:先魁子:赵明旺