Thoughts & Impressions Regarding Traditional Chinese Daoism
Original Chinese Language Article By: Qianfeng Daoist Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺)
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
Testimony of Qianfeng Disciple Tian Zhen Zi (天真子) of Jilin Province.
An Examination of the Daoist Tradition:
The learned Great Master Ceng Shiqiang (曾仕强) said: ‘In living life correctly there are three rules that need to be followed. 1) Clear goals and objectives must be set. 2) The methods associated with these goals and objectives must be mastered through diligent study. 3) Always apply continuous effort and never give-up. This is correct and inspiring advice that I have striven to follow in my life. If there is no correct guidance, or if a Daoist aspirant receives instruction from a teacher who is not adequately qualified, then no progression can be made. Those who wish to pursue the authentic Daoist path must seek-out a genuine Daoist master who understands the teachings and is willing to accept you as a disciple. If the master teaches you both verbally and physically (in technique) then the achievement of the Dao is in sight.
It is important for Daoist aspirants to develop disciplined habits from the very start of their training, and always be open and receptive to good quality instruction. Since 2009 I have been involved with the Thousand Peaks Prenatal School (Qianfeng Xiantian Pai), which is a branch of the Dragon Gate School (Longmen Pai). The Qianfeng Prenatal School was founded by the Great Master Zhao Bichen (1860-1942), and is today led by his great grandson (and Lineage Inherited) Zhao Ming Wang. Zhao Ming Wang is a good teacher who conveys authentic Daoist knowledge and wisdom to everyone free of charge.
1) Be firmly grounded in reality, and do not be over-ambitious.
My association with the Qianfeng School began with my study of the Daoist training manual written by Zhao Bichen entitled 'The Secret Cultivation of Essential Nature and Eternal Life’. This is an extraordinary book that allows ordinary people to access authentic Daoist knowledge that builds good health and prolongs life. This is how I entered the Qianfeng Gate of Daoist self-cultivation, the teachings and methods of which are precious and highly effective in attaining Immortality. This requires respecting the masters and dedicating oneself to the training. Master Zhao Ming Wang said to me; ‘A master will appear to teach you when the time is right. This is a natural process.’ In other words, take your time, learn things correctly, have patience and never rush.
2) Study with diligence, and do not be remiss.
When you begin your studies, be organised, efficient, logical and reasonable. Do not be lazy, or make excuses for not following the rules of the training. If you procrastinate in your training, your goals of self-cultivation will not be reached. Most of us are lay people with families and livelihoods, but we should not use these facts not to adhere to our Daoist training, as no matter how busy we are, we should always find time in the day or night. In this way there will be progression even after a single day of effort, and we will feel a sense of gratitude to our teachers and Daoist schools.
3) Always ask for guidance and do not assume you already know.
Due to the distance I live from Master Zhao Ming Wang, I always keep my mobile phone on-charge. Why? This is because I telephone him every time I have a question or experience a problem with my training. Master Zhao is very humane, and is always available to teach me no matter what time it is, or the subject of my enquiry. This interaction enables me to keep my training correct, as the instruction I receive ensures that I do not make mistakes or go the wrong way in my self-cultivation. Master Zhao clearly and calmly explains everything to me and is always compassionate and concerned about my well-being. Although I do travel to train with Master Zhao on occasion, the distance between our places of residence means that we often have to communicate via the telephone.
4) Studying Daoist culture is learning how to be humane.
Master Zhao Ming Wang (Xian Kui Zi) is a very good and honest human being. He is polite, courteous, humble and wise. His demeanour is gentle, but he possesses a tremendous inner strength. He sets high standards of behaviour not through force, but rather by example. His behaviour is kind and considerate, and he is a true Daoist master and excellent role model. I am very grateful to the Zhao family, the Qianfeng School, and Master Zhao, because their Daoist knowledge has changed my life and given me an entirely new direction. Master Zhao is a virtuous person and this comes through his mastery of Daoism. As a consequence his teaching is second to none and I respect him without end.
5) Live correctly and transcend death.
If we live a life full of ambition for titles, ranks, power, money, friendships and influence, our bodies will age because we are using all our Qi energy and diminishing our essential natures (jing) and spirits (shen). This is a waste of human life that has no purpose except pointless greed. Greed will kill you, but Daoist self-cultivation will save you. You must find a good teacher and pursue the Daoist path with that instructor, who will teach you how to cultivate the golden energy centres by circulating the qi energy correctly. This takes commitment, diligence and a great strength of purpose. My life has been changed by the Qianfeng School and I cannot praise it enough. It possesses the true and authentic Daoist teachings, and these are preserved and taught by Master Zhao Ming Wang (of Beijing), the great grandson of Zhao Bichen. I have committed myself to this method and I dare not disgrace the Qianfeng ancestors. If you want Immortality, follow this school.
Daojia, Qianfeng Prenatal School
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/883001822012667407557/
中国传统养生 学道随感
学道随感
著名易学大师曾仕强说“人生只做三件事:1定下目标 2掌握实现目标的方法3不断的努力。”今我学道之人,当以悟道,体道,为终生之目标。而欲求得修道的妙法,非访求名师,得师父耳边之语。而别无他术。若得明师秘语,加上自己勤修苦练。则大道在望。
访求明师,历来为修道者之要务。然而,拜得明师之后,如何从师学道,也颇有些窍门。我自2009年入龙门千峰先天派以来,拜于千峰先天派第三代传人,赵避尘之重孙,先魁子赵明旺之门下。练功悟道,其中感悟颇多,今述之于下。与众师兄弟分享。
一:脚踏实地,莫好高骛远。
我与千峰结缘,始于《性命法诀》一书。阅读之时,被书中千峰老人,为求国人之健康,大露天机,勇于担当的气概所折服。并得知我千峰门中,藏有千金不换之秘法,得之个个长生。遂心向往之。初入门中,即向尊师提及此法。师父淡淡一笑,说:“功夫到时自然传你,绝不保留。”可知练功要自卑登高、循序渐进,不可一蹴而就。
二:学而时习之,不亦悦乎。
得诀得法之后,要勤而行之,不可始勤终怠。不可,以事务繁忙为借口。当以练功为生活中第一件大事方可。若能坚持,身体日益强健,神清气爽。则练劲儿更足。养成习惯,一日不练,都有亏欠之感。
三:不耻下问,别闷着。
有不懂的地方,要勤打电话向师父询问。师父乃过来之人。往往一点拨,我们就会获益良多。我每次和师父通过电话,皆如电池充电一般,精神好几天,所以大家要多问,及时汇报练功的进度。师父也好随时指导。
四:既学功夫亦学做人。
尊师先魁子赵明旺,为人光明磊落、正直和善,在和师父学功夫的同时,其生活中的点点滴滴也是我们学习的典范。师父为人谦逊,每次通电话,不论什么时间,都精气十足,态度和蔼,耐心得讲解,对徒弟一视同仁、倾囊相授,常令我感激不已。另外,师父对世事淡然的态度,随缘应物的大度,以及与人为善,心平气和,声色不迷,诚实守信的行持。都是我们要学习的。
五,看破人生,了生脱死
不求大道出迷途,纵负贤才岂丈夫。方今太平盛世,一派和谐。吾劝有志男儿,于衣食无忧,功名利禄之后,当积德以利天下,修道以脱生死。方不枉此生。且金丹大道,得之者身强体壮,不受病苦折磨。德高志坚者神仙可冀。今我千峰草堂,大门敞开,尊师先魁子怀揣秘法,静心端坐,以待有缘。可叹世间迷人,不识无上珍宝。妄猜私度,盲修瞎练,枉费时日,耽误前程。慕道之人,听我肺腑之语,入千峰,得真法,勤修炼,必不枉此生。
天真子于吉林
道家千峰先天派
千峰草堂: 赵明旺
An Examination of the Daoist Tradition:
The learned Great Master Ceng Shiqiang (曾仕强) said: ‘In living life correctly there are three rules that need to be followed. 1) Clear goals and objectives must be set. 2) The methods associated with these goals and objectives must be mastered through diligent study. 3) Always apply continuous effort and never give-up. This is correct and inspiring advice that I have striven to follow in my life. If there is no correct guidance, or if a Daoist aspirant receives instruction from a teacher who is not adequately qualified, then no progression can be made. Those who wish to pursue the authentic Daoist path must seek-out a genuine Daoist master who understands the teachings and is willing to accept you as a disciple. If the master teaches you both verbally and physically (in technique) then the achievement of the Dao is in sight.
It is important for Daoist aspirants to develop disciplined habits from the very start of their training, and always be open and receptive to good quality instruction. Since 2009 I have been involved with the Thousand Peaks Prenatal School (Qianfeng Xiantian Pai), which is a branch of the Dragon Gate School (Longmen Pai). The Qianfeng Prenatal School was founded by the Great Master Zhao Bichen (1860-1942), and is today led by his great grandson (and Lineage Inherited) Zhao Ming Wang. Zhao Ming Wang is a good teacher who conveys authentic Daoist knowledge and wisdom to everyone free of charge.
1) Be firmly grounded in reality, and do not be over-ambitious.
My association with the Qianfeng School began with my study of the Daoist training manual written by Zhao Bichen entitled 'The Secret Cultivation of Essential Nature and Eternal Life’. This is an extraordinary book that allows ordinary people to access authentic Daoist knowledge that builds good health and prolongs life. This is how I entered the Qianfeng Gate of Daoist self-cultivation, the teachings and methods of which are precious and highly effective in attaining Immortality. This requires respecting the masters and dedicating oneself to the training. Master Zhao Ming Wang said to me; ‘A master will appear to teach you when the time is right. This is a natural process.’ In other words, take your time, learn things correctly, have patience and never rush.
2) Study with diligence, and do not be remiss.
When you begin your studies, be organised, efficient, logical and reasonable. Do not be lazy, or make excuses for not following the rules of the training. If you procrastinate in your training, your goals of self-cultivation will not be reached. Most of us are lay people with families and livelihoods, but we should not use these facts not to adhere to our Daoist training, as no matter how busy we are, we should always find time in the day or night. In this way there will be progression even after a single day of effort, and we will feel a sense of gratitude to our teachers and Daoist schools.
3) Always ask for guidance and do not assume you already know.
Due to the distance I live from Master Zhao Ming Wang, I always keep my mobile phone on-charge. Why? This is because I telephone him every time I have a question or experience a problem with my training. Master Zhao is very humane, and is always available to teach me no matter what time it is, or the subject of my enquiry. This interaction enables me to keep my training correct, as the instruction I receive ensures that I do not make mistakes or go the wrong way in my self-cultivation. Master Zhao clearly and calmly explains everything to me and is always compassionate and concerned about my well-being. Although I do travel to train with Master Zhao on occasion, the distance between our places of residence means that we often have to communicate via the telephone.
4) Studying Daoist culture is learning how to be humane.
Master Zhao Ming Wang (Xian Kui Zi) is a very good and honest human being. He is polite, courteous, humble and wise. His demeanour is gentle, but he possesses a tremendous inner strength. He sets high standards of behaviour not through force, but rather by example. His behaviour is kind and considerate, and he is a true Daoist master and excellent role model. I am very grateful to the Zhao family, the Qianfeng School, and Master Zhao, because their Daoist knowledge has changed my life and given me an entirely new direction. Master Zhao is a virtuous person and this comes through his mastery of Daoism. As a consequence his teaching is second to none and I respect him without end.
5) Live correctly and transcend death.
If we live a life full of ambition for titles, ranks, power, money, friendships and influence, our bodies will age because we are using all our Qi energy and diminishing our essential natures (jing) and spirits (shen). This is a waste of human life that has no purpose except pointless greed. Greed will kill you, but Daoist self-cultivation will save you. You must find a good teacher and pursue the Daoist path with that instructor, who will teach you how to cultivate the golden energy centres by circulating the qi energy correctly. This takes commitment, diligence and a great strength of purpose. My life has been changed by the Qianfeng School and I cannot praise it enough. It possesses the true and authentic Daoist teachings, and these are preserved and taught by Master Zhao Ming Wang (of Beijing), the great grandson of Zhao Bichen. I have committed myself to this method and I dare not disgrace the Qianfeng ancestors. If you want Immortality, follow this school.
Daojia, Qianfeng Prenatal School
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/883001822012667407557/
中国传统养生 学道随感
学道随感
著名易学大师曾仕强说“人生只做三件事:1定下目标 2掌握实现目标的方法3不断的努力。”今我学道之人,当以悟道,体道,为终生之目标。而欲求得修道的妙法,非访求名师,得师父耳边之语。而别无他术。若得明师秘语,加上自己勤修苦练。则大道在望。
访求明师,历来为修道者之要务。然而,拜得明师之后,如何从师学道,也颇有些窍门。我自2009年入龙门千峰先天派以来,拜于千峰先天派第三代传人,赵避尘之重孙,先魁子赵明旺之门下。练功悟道,其中感悟颇多,今述之于下。与众师兄弟分享。
一:脚踏实地,莫好高骛远。
我与千峰结缘,始于《性命法诀》一书。阅读之时,被书中千峰老人,为求国人之健康,大露天机,勇于担当的气概所折服。并得知我千峰门中,藏有千金不换之秘法,得之个个长生。遂心向往之。初入门中,即向尊师提及此法。师父淡淡一笑,说:“功夫到时自然传你,绝不保留。”可知练功要自卑登高、循序渐进,不可一蹴而就。
二:学而时习之,不亦悦乎。
得诀得法之后,要勤而行之,不可始勤终怠。不可,以事务繁忙为借口。当以练功为生活中第一件大事方可。若能坚持,身体日益强健,神清气爽。则练劲儿更足。养成习惯,一日不练,都有亏欠之感。
三:不耻下问,别闷着。
有不懂的地方,要勤打电话向师父询问。师父乃过来之人。往往一点拨,我们就会获益良多。我每次和师父通过电话,皆如电池充电一般,精神好几天,所以大家要多问,及时汇报练功的进度。师父也好随时指导。
四:既学功夫亦学做人。
尊师先魁子赵明旺,为人光明磊落、正直和善,在和师父学功夫的同时,其生活中的点点滴滴也是我们学习的典范。师父为人谦逊,每次通电话,不论什么时间,都精气十足,态度和蔼,耐心得讲解,对徒弟一视同仁、倾囊相授,常令我感激不已。另外,师父对世事淡然的态度,随缘应物的大度,以及与人为善,心平气和,声色不迷,诚实守信的行持。都是我们要学习的。
五,看破人生,了生脱死
不求大道出迷途,纵负贤才岂丈夫。方今太平盛世,一派和谐。吾劝有志男儿,于衣食无忧,功名利禄之后,当积德以利天下,修道以脱生死。方不枉此生。且金丹大道,得之者身强体壮,不受病苦折磨。德高志坚者神仙可冀。今我千峰草堂,大门敞开,尊师先魁子怀揣秘法,静心端坐,以待有缘。可叹世间迷人,不识无上珍宝。妄猜私度,盲修瞎练,枉费时日,耽误前程。慕道之人,听我肺腑之语,入千峰,得真法,勤修炼,必不枉此生。
天真子于吉林
道家千峰先天派
千峰草堂: 赵明旺