Patriarch Zhao Bichen (1860-1942) inherited the Wu Liu School in 1920 from Grand Master Liao Kong. However, Zhao Bichen did this by being recognised as the 11th generation lineage inheritor of the Longmen School. Masters Liao Kong and Liao Ran were lineage inheritors of the Wu Liu method as preserved and passed-on within the older Longmen (Dragon Gates) School. The Wu Liu method is a modification of the Longmen School – incorporating Ch’an Buddhism mind development and Confucian ethics integrated with Daoist methodology. The two lineages fit together perfectly with the Wu Liu being perceived as a broader interpretation of the Longmen School. Instead of allowing the Wu Liu lineage from dying-out – Master Liao Kong and Liao Ran preserved its teachings as part of the Longmen School. The founder of the Wu Liu School during the Ming Dynasty – Wu Shouyang (伍守阳) gave-up the full-time study of the Confucian path, and dedicated himself to the practice of the ‘Complete Truth Way Dragon Gates Self-Cultivation Law’ (全真道龙门派功法 - Quan Zhen Dao Long Men Gong Fa). He stated that through the later study of the Ch’an Buddhist method - he finally gained a genuine realisation of the ‘Dao’ (道) - and was recognised as the 8th generation inheritor of the Longmen tradition from his teacher – Cao Huanyang (曹还阳) the 7th generation inheritor of the Longmen School. Many decades after Wu Shouyang left the world to live in the remote and isolated hills – during the Qing Dynasty he encountered the Ch’an Buddhist monk Liu Huayang (柳华阳) and transmitted to him the full and complete ‘neidan’ (内丹) method to him. Through the in-depth study of Daoism – Liu Huayang finally realised a deep and profound enlightenment. Therefore, the Wu Liu School (伍柳派 - Wu Liu Pai) is a product of the teachings (and experiences) of Wu Shouyang and Liu Huayang – which was passed-on as part of the Longmen tradition. Masters Liao Ran and Liao Kong were both 10th generation inheritors of the Wu Liu lineage as preserved within the Longmen tradition. Zhao Bichen eventually became the 11th generation inheritor of the Wu Liu School through the Longmen tradition. The Qianfeng School today is headed by the great grandson of Zhao Bichen – Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺) - who is the recognised 14th generation inheritor of the Wu Liu School through the Longmen tradition. Although there are a few private individuals pursuing the Wu Liu path today – the Qianfeng School is the only developed Daoist institution in China that has been found to possess the entire Wu Liu teaching. Many great and accomplished Masters (from many different backgrounds – including other Daoist Schools) come to Beijing to gain teachings from Master Zhao Ming Wagn (who is also the 3rd generation inheritor of the Qianfeng lineage). One strong tradition of the Qianfeng School is that peace and tranquillity must be maintained at all times with no conflict. This is why I use ‘facts’ to dispel any false assumptions said (or ‘written’) about the Qianfeng School.
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Translator’s Note: Zhao Bichen was 35-years-old in 1885 (during the late Qing Dynasty) – when he first encountered the two Chinese Ch’an Buddhist monks who would become his main teachers. After providing Zhao Bichen with a ‘secret transmission’ - Zhao Bichen had to practice for a further 25-years on his own before Master Liao Kong would seek him out in 1920 (when Zhao Bichen was 60-yess-old). Zhao Bichen had to maintain his practice even during the Boxer Uprising (1898-1900) - and the collapse of the Qing Dynasty during the 1911 Revolution. Learn from this situation and stop ‘rushing’ your training. After having his ‘attainment’ confirmed by Master Liao Kong in 1920 – even so – Zhao Bichen did not start officially teaching until he was 68-years-old in 1928. (This was the year the Nationalist government deliberately attacked and destroyed the Shaolin Temple in Henan – killing many of the monks – a terrible event that might well have influenced Zhao Bichen’s decisions). Around 1936, Ch’an Master Xu Yun (1840-1959) instructed his English speaking (Chinese) disciple – Charles Luk (1898-1978) - to pay a visit to Master Zhao Bichen and show his respect. In 1937 – at the age of 76-years-old – Master Zhao Bichen handed-over the Qianfeng School to his senior disciples and retired from the world to ‘prepare for his own death’. Master Zhao Bichen left his body whilst sat in the upright meditation position in 1942 – aged 82-years-old. Two Western scholars – Vincent Goossaert and Catherine Despeux (and two Asian scholars) Charles Luk and Yokote Yutaka – all agree that Zhao Bichen inherited the Wu Liu lineage (as claimed by the Qianfeng School) via the Longmen transmission received by Master Liao Kong. This assessment was reached only after studying all the extant written and oral material available in China – and after speaking to modern-day practitioners of the Qianfeng School and being allow to see ‘transmission certificates. This is also the position of the Daoist Association of China and the Government of China – both of which carried-out extensive research in this area. There are a small number of independent Wu Liu practitioners in China who have inherited their teachings through family members in private transmissions. However, the only functioning ‘Daoist School’ to still be teaching the Wu Liu lineage to a wide audience is the Qianfeng School. Therefore, the English-language Wikipage is ‘incorrect’ on this matter and lacks any credible Chinese-language sources to back-up its peculiar interpretation of Chinese history. As a consequence, there are NO genuine Wu Liu Schools outside of China operating independent from the Qianfeng School. Indeed, so rare is this teaching within China, that Zhao Bichen had to inherit it through the Longmen transmission. Do not be misled by those who have a corrupt mind and peddle hidden agendas. ACW (15.3.2021) The 11th Generation Inheritor - Patriarch Zhao Bichen (赵避尘) - was the Founder of the Qianfeng (千峰) School. His Daoist-name was ‘Yi Zi’ (一子) - but he was also known as ‘Shun Yi Zi) (顺一子). His family originated in Yangfang Township, situated in the Changqing area of Northern Beijing. Since his childhood, Zhao Bichen excelled at martial arts practice and had a deep and profound connection with the Daoist path of self-cultivation. In order to pursue his gathering of genuine knowledge regarding the ‘Essential Life Mind-Body' (性命双修 - Xing Ming Shuang Xiu) method of Daoist self-cultivation – he trained with at least 36 different Daoist Masters. The problem was that although many of these Masters were highly respected and possessed certain elements of Daoist knowledge – none that he encountered understood the ‘full’ method. Despite showing great respect for his teachers and listening very carefully to their teachings – no matter how long Zhao Bichen trained in ‘neidan’ (內丹) – or the amount of dedicated effort he expanded; he could not make a profound breakthrough in his training. He was eventually informed of the existence of two extraordinary Ch’an Buddhist monks who were also inheritors of the ‘authentic’ Daoist teachings. These monks were known as ‘Venerable Liao Ran’ (了然) and ‘Venerable Liao Kong’ (了空) of the ‘Linji’ (臨濟) lineage of Chinese Ch’an Buddhism. On the 13th day of the 3rd lunar month – during the 21st year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu (光绪) - Zhao Bichen travelled by boat on the canal from Huai'an Pass to the Golden Mountain Temple (金山寺 - Jin Shan Si). This is where Zhao Bichen paid his respects to Liao Ran and Liao Kong. However, when Zhao Bichen looked at these two Ch’an monks – there appeared to be ‘light’ emanating from both the bodies of both men – with their eyes as bright as sparks caused by electricity! In the still and peaceful atmosphere – Zhao Bichen fell to his knees and with his fore-head touching the floor - he sincerely requested the ‘full’ and ‘genuine’ Daoist teachings! As both monks intuitively ‘sensed’ that Zhao Bichen was the sincere and dedicated disciple they had been waiting to receive for many years – it was agreed that he would be accepted as an ‘outside the temple’ disciple – taking the name of ‘Yi Zi’. He was instructed for three-days and three-nights in secret shut inside a private-room – where he was taught the ‘Inner Secret Transmission of Directly Realising Reality’ (内秘授真功 - Nei Mi Shou Zhen Gong) - designed to build a firm-foundation for the penetration of the ‘Essential Life’ (性命 - Xing Ming) at its root. Zhao Bichen was also taught how to ‘close’ all the vulnerable areas of the body to prevent the unnecessary loss of vital force and essential energy. Although Zhao Bichen did not want to leave the temple, Master Liao Kong advised ‘You are a layman. You must sire children and leave offspring before you can do your great work.’ Zhao Bichen returned to the world and carried-on his practice in secret whilst he worked for a living. Then, in 1920, Master Liao Kong travelled to Zhao Bichen’s home to personally transmit the ‘Essential Life Mind-Body Complete Law’ (性命双修全法 - Xing Ming Shuang Xiu Quan Fa). Master Liao Kong confirmed that he was transmitting the Quanzhen (全眞), Longmen (龍門), (Wu Liu - 伍柳) Daoist Lineage to Zhao Bichen - who became the 11th generation inheritor through the Longmen School. Master Liao Kong also conveyed the Daoist-names of ‘Tian Ming’ (天命) and ‘Fa Juan’ (法卷) to Zhao Bichen. Master Liao Kong agreed to Zhao Bichen Founding the ‘Thousand Peaks’ (千峰 - Qian Feng) School – and officially granted him permission to open its doors and begin the instruction of students to keep the lineage alive for the next generation. Master Zhao Bichen formerly opened the doors of the Qianfeng School in Beijing (and personally taught in it) from 1928-1937. During that time, over 2000 students attended his classes – with around forty disciples eventually receiving ‘lineage transmission’. Zhao Bichen became very popular because of his compassionate and wise nature – teaching anyone (regardless of status) who came to seek true Daoist knowledge. Importantly, a number of Daoist Masters came to Zhao Bichen to train with him – and all agreed that the Qianfeng School retained and taught the genuine ‘neidan’ Daoist teachings! Of course, not all Daoist schools were happy with this situation – as Zhao Bichen was perceived as being ‘too popular’ by those who would not admit that their Daoist knowledge was ‘incomplete’. This situation continues today, with Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺) heading the Qianfeng School - (the great grandson of Zhao Bichen).
Founding Patriarch Zhao Bichen (赵避尘) composed a 40-character poem to express the spiritual (and physical) essence of the complete teaching of the Qianfeng School: 玄妙先天道,自然性体空。悟真圆光现,慧命上昆仑。 金丹乾坤大,礼意善养功。虚灵清静意,留得万古春。 Translation – Qianfeng School Transmission Poem 玄妙先天道, (Xuánmiào xiāntiān dào,) How Mysterious – How Wonderful! - the Pre-natal Dao (Way). 自然性体空。(Zìrán xìng tǐ kōng.) Nature – Bodily Essence – All ‘Empty’ from Beginning to End. 悟真圆光现,(Wù zhēn yuánguāng xiàn,) Enlightened Reality – Bright and Round – Here and Now, 慧命上昆仑。(Huì mìng shàng kūnlún.) Profound Wisdom – Purified Destiny – Ascend Like the Kunlun Mountains. 金丹乾坤大,(Jīn dān qiánkūn dà,) Golden Energy-Centre Self-Cultivation - If Only the Universe Was So Great! 礼意善养功。(Lǐ yì shàn yǎng gōng.) Correct Ritual and Profound Intention – Goodness Strengthens Self-Cultivation. 虚灵清静意, (Xū líng qīngjìng yì,) Profoundly Empty Spirit – Still and Pure Perception, 留得万古春。(Xū liú dé wàngǔ chūn.) Profound Emptiness Contains All Things – As if Reflected in An Ancient (Eternal) Spring. Short Biography of Master Zhao Bichen: Qianfeng (Thousand-Peaks) Pre-Natal School, is also known as the ‘inner alchemy’ (内丹 - Nei Dan) lineage. This is considered part of the ‘Philosophical’ Daoist tradition – rather than the ‘Religious’ Daoist tradition. The Qianfeng (千峰) School was created by its Founding Patriarch - Zhao Bichen (赵避尘) - in the late Qing Dynasty. Zhao Bichen’s Daoist Lineage (transmission) name was ‘Yizi’ (一子). When in his later years, Zhao Bichen was also known as ‘Qianfeng Venerable Old Man’ (千峰老人 - Qian Feng Lao Ren). He was born in Changping County, Beijing, in the tenth year of the reign of Emperor Xianfeng (咸丰) during the Qing Dynasty (1860). When a child (during the reign of Emperor Guangxiu [光绪]) - Zhao Bichen suffered from a medical ailment that involved him suffering from haematochezia (i.e., ‘blood in the stools’). This illness was completely ‘cured’ through Daoist self-cultivation. A reliable biography of Zhao Bichen’s early life can be read in the Chinese-language text entitled ‘Namo School Energy-Centre (Self-Cultivation) Law Genuine Transmission’ (南无派丹法真传 - Na Mo Pai Dan Fa Zhen Chuan). Later, in the 3rd lunar-month of the 21st year of the Reign of Emperor Guangxu (April - 1895), Zhao Bichen went to the Jinshan (金山) - or ‘Gold Mountain Temple’ - to pay homage to Ch’an Master Liao Kong (了空禅师 - Liao Kong Ch’an Shi) - who was also an acknowledged Master of the Daoist tradition and an authentic Daoist lineage inheritor. Zhao Bichen was accepted as an ‘inner’ disciple and received full-instruction in the Daoist tradition as passed-on by ‘Liu Huayang’ (柳华阳) - also known as the ‘Wu Liu’ (伍柳) School. Twenty-five yeas later, Master Liao Kong ‘transmitted’ the full and complete ‘Wu Liu’ lineage to Master Zhao Bichen in 1920 – following this event in Beijing – Master Zhao Bichen - after receiving ‘permission’ from Master Liao Kong - started accepting disciples and teaching in his own right. Zhao Bichen started referring to his lineage as the ‘Qianfeng’ (Thousand Peaks) School around 1937 – named after a range of mountains in the Beijing area. In his manual entitled ‘The Secret Cultivation of Essential Nature and Eternal Life’ (性命法诀明指 - Xing Ming Fa Jue Ming Zhi) – translated in 1970 by Charles Luk, and published in English as ‘Taoist Yoga’ - Zhao Bichen clearly explains the ‘Sixteen Steps’ that he uses within the Qianfeng School to propagate robust health and longevity. The Qianfeng School exists to in modern China and is led by the great grandson of Zhao Bichen – Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺) - the acknowledged Lineage Head of the Qianfeng School in Beijing, whose family and Training Hall is still in the old house that Zhao Bichen used to inhabit during his lifetime. Between the two eyebrows – situated in the centre of the forehead – is located the ‘ancestral aperture’ (祖窍 - Zu Qiao). In other traditions, this sacred space is referred to as the ‘third-eye’ - which is an apt description – as all ‘spiritual insight’ is perceived through this sacred-space. The ‘zu qiao’ and ‘nasal’ area are ‘balanced’ through an ‘even’ perception as the breath enters and leaves the body (through the nose). Some people keep their eyes slightly open so that the tip of the nose can be visually focused upon whilst meditating. Other practitioners prefer to ‘close’ their eyes fully – both approaches are acceptable. As the Qianfeng School is a modern interpretation of the Wu Liu tradition – and given that Zhao Bichen received full-transmission from two Ch’an Buddhist Masters (that is, Venerable Liao Ran [了然 ] and Liao Kong [了空]) - the Qianfeng School continues the Ch’an Buddhist influence within Daoism, and is known as the ‘Northern School of ‘Pure’ and ‘Still’ Energy-Centre Self-Cultivation Law' (北清静丹法 - Bei Qing Jing Dan Fa). As Zhao Bichen trained with over thirty-six genuine Daoist Masters – and given the purity of the transmissions he received – the Qianfeng School is considered one of the most effective and profound Daoist lineages still active in the world today! So important is the Qianfeng School for Chinese traditional culture that many academic scholars visit Zhao Ming Wang in Beijing to compile various studies involving Qianfeng Teaching and medical effectiveness. This is as well as thousands of people in China (and throughout the world) practicing Qianfeng Daoism on a daily basis and looking toward Master Zhao Ming Wang for authentic guidance and instruction.
When I observe ethnic Chinese people discussing health and self-cultivation on the Chinese-language internet – there is a general atmosphere of respect, seriousness and a striving for self-sufficiency and self-responsibility. This means that within the context of Chinese collective cultural existence, there is an emphasis upon sincerely assisting one another (and relieving burdens), whilst trying not to be a burden to others in trivial or unnecessary matters. What this suggests is that everyone helps their fellow-disciples (a stricture of Confucian respect) whilst attempting to be as self-supporting as possible. From the position of society and culture, this means that a balance is struck between helping others and helping one-self. This demonstrates that even within ‘New’ China – and lineages such as that of Master Zhao Ming Wang of Beijing – old-style Confucian moral and ethical notions of ‘respect’ still define social interactions. Although there are odd exceptions, this attitude of mutual respect does not exist in the contemporary West, driven as it is by the aggrandisement of the ‘self’. Although Master Zhao Ming Wang emphasises ‘face-to-face' transmissions – this mode of teaching is only available to those who possess the time and means to travel to China and communicate effectively in a foreign language throughout the entire process. Those who do attempt this are definitely ‘brave’ and need to be respected by their fellow Westerners. They certainly have my respect and support. For the rest of us mere mortals we must make do with a sense of profound inner purpose, patient endurance and humility. We must make the most of what we have in the Chinese records translated into English (and other Western languages), and cherish the wisdom that Daoist teachers living in the West possess. This includes both Chinese and non-Chinese Masters, disciples, academics, translators and travellers, etc. Indeed, when viewed from a particular perspective, this amounts to a rich seam of Daoist knowledge and wisdom, as well as practical experience. Even if we cannot immediately travel to see Master Zhao Ming Wang – there is much to be getting on with. As the Qianfeng School has a historical association with the Chinese Ch’an Buddhist School – the ‘hua tou’ (word head) is often used to ‘still’ the mind during seated meditation. Without ‘stilling’ the mind, the ‘neidan’ of the Qianfeng School will only have a superficial effect upon a practitioner’s psychological and physical health. Although Master Zhao Ming Wang teaches a certain archaic form of very old ‘Taijiquan’ (as ‘qigong’) - Master Zhao Bichen (1860-1942) taught Charles Luk (1898-1978) - my grand-teacher – that any form of established Taijiquan can be used as this physical component (Zhao Bichen practiced many different systems of martial arts). When Charles Luk met with Zhao Bichen in the late 1936 – they had only a limited time together and so Zhao Bichen focused on transmitting the ‘neidan’ aspect of Qianfeng. Charles Luk could combine this later with his martial arts practice. From this interaction between Master Zhao Bichen and Charles Luk there are two aspects of Qianfeng training that anyone can participate in – here and now – regardless of circumstance. One is ‘stilling’ the mind through seated meditation using the Ch’an method of the ‘hua tou’ - whilst the other is the perfection of physical movement and positioning achieved through the practice of an authentic system of Chinese martial arts. This is the perfection of ‘stillness’ in ‘movement’ and ‘movement’ in ‘stillness’. As Master Zhao Ming Wang is aware of these instructions to my grand-teacher – after ‘testing’ my understanding (both verbally and physically) and consulting other elderly Masters - he graciously recognised and accepted the humble lineage of Qianfeng Daoism we practice in the UK. I am very grateful for this recognition and humbled by this great man’s trust in our lineage. A deep bow of respect! In other words, make the best use of the circumstances you already possess around you. Chinese Language Reference: Master Zhao Ming Wang Confirms Adrian Chan-Wyles as a ‘Descendant’ of Zhao Bichen! http://www.wuwo.org/qfct/2779.html During the recent SARS outbreak in China, I have been accessing news directly from China via WeChat and my numerous ethnic Chinese friends and colleagues living and working in that country. Master Zhao Ming Wang has always emphasised preventative health (despite working with terminally ill people), as does the Qianfeng School. Whilst some people panic and start resorting to all kinds of superstition and faith-based exercises – Master Zhao rejects all this. As Qianfeng Daoism is partly mixed with modern, Western medicine, the idea of maintaining a strong immunity is being advocated at this time (along with the drinking of various TCM soups). Keeping a calm mind and fit body is the Daoist way of prolonging life which exists side by side with the treatments available through modern medicine. Indeed, most people in modern China have access to modern medicine as a norm, with very few practising the Daoist Path. Popular Daoism is often a mixture of superstition, ignorance and commercial exploitation, and many people deliberately avoid it. Master Zhao rejects all these incomplete and misleading pathways and has no problem with modern medicine. Qianfeng Disciples must be rational and reasonable. Preserve the inner forces, eat and drink correctly (preferably through a vegetarian diet), do not over-indulge in pleasure, rich food or alcohol. Sleep well and allow healing to happen properly. Us modern medicine to supplement the long-term effectiveness of Daoist training, assist the Government to cur the latest out-break and build the health of the nature!
Martial arts practice is an important part of Qianfeng training. Master Zhao Bichen (1860-1942) learned various martial arts from the 36 teachers he trained under, and out of this rich tapestry he chose a core body of martial knowledge that has become associated with the ‘Zhao Gate’ (or ‘Zhao Family’) of Beijing. These are not the only martial arts suitable for Daoist self-cultivation, but they do serve as a sound and solid foundation. The purpose of these martial arts is to stimulate the flow, storage and retainment of jing (essential nature) and qi (vital force) energy, and the development of shen (expanded ‘empty’ conscious awareness that contains all things). On the other hand, Zhao Bichen was also a renowned martial artist who beat all those who confronted him in a violent manner throughout his life. When he was a tax collector working on the water ways of Beijing, and when he was a bodyguard, his fighting prowess was well-known throughout the area – and even ‘feared’. He even had a fight with the great martial artist known as ‘Du Xinwu (杜心五)’ - with Zhao Bichen fighting him to a ‘draw’. Afterwards, Master Du Xinwu became a disciple of Grand Master Zhao Bichen – and dedicated his life to perfecting the Qianfeng methodology.
Indeed, on July 23rd, 1953, Master Du Xinwu passed away peacefully whilst sat-up in meditation (aged 84 years old). This was reported without question all over ‘New’ China. This is a similar story to that of the earlier example of Grand Master Zhao Bichen who passed away sat upright in 1942 (aged 82 years old). Both Zhao Bichen and Du Xinwu were traditionally trained martial artists who believed that China needed to radically modernize if her ancient traditions had any chance of surviving in the contemporary world. Five times Master Du Xinwu travelled to Japan to accept ‘challenges’ from the top Sumo Wrestlers of the era – and five times he defeated each of these opponents. As he caught the eye of Revolutionary leader Sun Yat-Sen (孙中山), Du Xinwu was hired as his personal bodyguard (with rumours that both Sun and Du were men of Hakka Chinese ethnicity). As Du Xinwu was born in Cili County, western Hunan province, this might well have been a possibility. As ‘Xiangxi’ (湘西) bandits infested this area, the local mountain people trained communally in various forms of armed (including swords) and unarmed Chinese martial arts as a means of self-defense. This is the milieu that Du Xinwu was brought-up within – a culture rich in martial arts practice and real fighting that ended in death or maiming (for both sides). It is remarkable that by the time the highly experienced Du Xinwu fought the elderly Grand Master Zhao Bichen – Zhao Bichen was able to neutralize every technique used by Du Xinwu. I have been told that Zhao Bichen used ‘Eagle Claw’ (鹰爪 - Ying Zhao) to prevent Du Xinwu from gaining the upper hand. This happening was enough for Du Xinwu to recognize Zhao Bichen as a true master and subordinate himself to him. Even if you practice martial arts to gather qi and circulate jing – the traditional view in China is that a superior state of mind should enable a Daoist martial artist to dominate in any violent encounter. This is not the encouragement of violence – but rather the exact opposite. Through the possession of superior insight and physical ability, any violent threat can be over-come and peace restored as soon as possible. This is the correct Daoist attitude – violence is prevented and neutralized through superior positioning, movement and stillness. Certainly, Master Zhao Ming Wang (b. 1966) does not emphasize fighting ability - as many who come to him are very ill, weak or otherwise unsuited to this ability – but every Qianfeng ‘Master’ or ‘Senior Disciple’ is expected to be able to defuse violent situations through the martial applications of ‘peace’. If you find this confusing – good. CW - 釋大道 (16.9.2019) UK Qianfeng Sub-Branch of the 千峰先天派 (Qian Feng Xian Tian Pai) - Thousand Peaks Prenatal School (Beijing) Chinese Language References: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hans/杜心五 http://www.twoeggz.com/news/3631689.html English Language Reference: http://qianfengdaoismuk.weebly.com/venerable-zhao-bichen-fights-master-du-xinwu.html In modern China there a Socialized health system (similar the NHS in the UK) which provides the best healthcare free at the point of use (paid for through taxation). China differs, however, in that there are two types of medicine available; a) Western medicine, and b) Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both are used interchangeably, with patients choosing which treatment method best suits their illness or injury recovery. Therefore, hospitals in China fall into three categories; 1) Western medicine, 2) TCM and 3) Integrated treatment. Hospitals in China are administered either by the Chinese State, or the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Rich individuals can choose to contribute (as a ‘thank you’) to the Chinese State and ‘pay’ for their treatment, but as the standard of medical care is so high in China – the service they receive is exactly the same as that received by the poorest villager. Master Zhao Ming Wang has written in his blog how he has often visited TCM hospitals in China, and helped treat people suffering with cancer when Western medicine has not worked. His experience suggests that the Daoist methods he employs are more effective in certain circumstances than the equivalent Western treatments. This does not mean that Western medicine is ineffective – as just as many Chinese patients report the opposite finding – namely that TCM did not work (or only partly worked), whilst Western medicine cured them fully or to a greater extent. Of course, in some incidences it could be that a combination of the two methods is the best approach.
My advice to you is that if you are ill, visit your General Practitioner (GP) or Medical Doctor (MD) and never leave ailments or injuries to drag on and get worse without treatment. I am aware that in other parts of the world (unlike the UK, Northern Europe, Japan, Cuba, North Korea or China, etc.), many people do not have access to regular or affordable healthcare. This is an unfortunate situation and issue of broader political development and democratic processes. In other words, things can be changed overtime through political effort, but what should a person do ‘here and now’? The internet is a great resource for basic self-healing and further research into herbal remedies and other treatments. There is a plethora of online videos, for instance, offering ‘free’ physiotherapy advice. The local Pharmacy is a good place to gain basic advice on treatment and pain relief, etc. As intelligent human beings, we must use our intellects to overcome our material hardships. Herbology is a good start, as herbology is the basis of the pharmaceutical industry, but can often offer alternative methods of treatment and rehabilitation. Daoist methodology is its greater part, is a system of preventative medicine. This means that we train our bodies and minds in methods that prevent illness through a continuous purification process. The problem with this approach is that we remain ‘unaware’ of how may illnesses we could have contracted, but which we avoided through this wise behaviour. Modern, Western medicine, however, tends to treat definite symptoms as and when they appear. TCM does this as well, but there is a greater tendency toward preventative than there is in Western hospitals (particularly with regard to the use of acupuncture which attempts to ‘undermine’ the illness whilst treating it as an ‘imbalance’ which needs to be rectified). TCM still uses freshly gathered herbs and plants which are viewable in the medicine shop, and which are prepared in front of the patient once a prescription is written. TCM treatment is a much organic experience than its more industrialized Western counterpart. Master Zhao Ming Wang, whilst meeting disciples in his home in Beijing, assesses their wellbeing through their posture, voice, skin-tone, eye colour and behaviour, and usually starts Qianfeng Daoist training by him personally ‘unblocking’ the qi energy channels and putting the disciple on the right psychological and physical path. There are levels, however, below and beyond the physical application of recuperative Daoist medicine, which involve the generation of universal love and compassion for the entirety of creation! Master Zhao Bichen (1860-1942) exercised this when he abolished the old Daoist tradition of one master to one disciple per generation, and threw open the gates for all to train! Daoist methodology is the practice of exact physical methods of discipline which are applied to the mind and body. Although some people have associated superstition and myth with Daoist methodology, Qianfeng Daoism rejects this approach and only focuses upon the physical Daoist techniques that have been proven to work, albeit applied with a sense of love and respect. Belief in miracles or of divine beings is not used to ‘cure’ the mind or body (although this approach does exist in other Daoist lineages, which is fine). We do not rely upon ‘faith’ just as a Western doctor does not rely upon faith. This does not mean that no one should have faith – as this is a matter of personal choice – but it is not within the methodology of the Qianfeng School. It was not part of the Qianfeng School during the latter Qing Dynasty, the Nationalist period, or the ‘New China’ era. It is not a new approach, but a matter of ancient Chinese science which understood thousands of years ago, that effective methods must be premised upon observation of material (physical) process and repeatability of results. This explains in-part why Zhao Bichen was interested in Western biology and science, and incorporated some of this terminology into his numerous Daoist instructional manuals. ACW - 釋大道 (2.9.2019) UK Qianfeng Sub-Branch of the 千峰先天派 (Qian Feng Xian Tian Pai) - Thousand Peaks Prenatal School (Beijing) Daoism begins and ends with honesty for oneself and boundless compassion for others. This is practical Daoism as I personally know of no other type. Of course, I have been to China, I live in the British Chinese community and Chinese blood (amongst other ethnicities) flows through my veins. None of this gives me a special knowledge or insight into Chinese culture. I am not a disciple of Zhao Ming Wang (b. 1966), as I am not important enough to fulfil this role. I respect and support Master Zhao Ming Wang as he is the great grandson of Master Zhao Bichen (1860-1942), and is the Lineage Inheritor of the Zhao Family Qianfeng School of Philosophical Daoism. My Qianfeng Lineage (acknowledged and accepted by Master Zhao Ming Wang in writing) is Zhao Bichen (1860-1942), Charles Luk (1898-1978) and Richard Hunn (1949-2006). I learned exactly the same Qianfeng Daoism as taught in Beijing today, but through a slightly different trajectory. I did not learn everything that Master Zhao knows (my ‘sweating ox’ is different), and in many incidences I practice alternative Chinese martial arts related to my own (Hakka) Chinese family style. Our Chinese surname is ‘Chan’ (陳) and we practice an elaborate system of Hakka ‘Longfist’ and ‘internal’ martial arts that perform exactly the same function as those preserved in the Zhao Family (which Charles Luk never had time to learn). Charles Luk met Master Zhao Bichen briefly around (or just after 1936), after being directed to this Daoist Master by the Great Ch’an Master Xu Yun (1840-1959). Master Zhao Bichen relayed the ‘nei dan’ teachings to Charles and directed him to a senior disciple named ‘Chen’, after asking him to translate a Qianfeng manual into English as a ‘payment’ for the instruction. Charles finally finished this translation and published the text as ‘Taoist Yoga’ in 1970. This reflects our ‘nei dan’ which we augment with a plethora of other Chinese medical and martial systems. (My ‘Chan’ Hakka family are equally proud of their old traditions as the Zhao family are as proud of theirs). As Hakka Chinese people we specialize in effective combat training (not sport), and health-building. We respect the Zhao family and preserve and practice their ‘nei dan’. After explaining to Master Zhao Ming Wang what we practice – he endorsed our lineage. Therefore, the Qianfeng – UK website presents two versions of Qianfeng:
A) The full system as preserved and practiced by the Zhao Family in Beijing – led by Master Zhao Ming Wang – who takes a very strict approach to emphasizing ‘master to student’ and ‘face to face’ interaction. B) Our ‘nei dan’ specialization of the Qianfeng School. We cater for long distance instruction and the use of manuals if no other teachers are available. We agree fully with Master Zhao Ming Wang – and we also follow the wise instruction of his great grandfather – Zhao Bichen – who understood that quite often people live in difficult circumstances and cannot travel or afford high fees for instruction. Master Zhao Ming Wang has to be particularly strict today, as modern China is very affluent and many people do not possess the self-discipline to train properly. What does all this mean? Our site emphasizes – out of respect – the Zhao Family of Beijing and consider this right and proper – as well as representing our own (humble) Qianfeng lineage which ticks along quietly in the background. Where we are strict is in the manner with which people approach us for instruction. If there are hidden motives, lack of respect or virtue in the mind and body of the enquirer – then we have no spiritual contract together. Each Daoist School – whilst pursuing a distinct method – must also ‘adjust its methods to circumstance’ as a means to help the most people in the most efficient manner. Ultimately, there is no difference between our ‘nei dan’ and what Master Zhao Ming Wang teaches – it is just slightly different manifestations of the same teaching. ACW - 釋大道 (30.8.2019) UK Qianfeng Sub-Branch of the千峰先天派 (Qian Feng Xian Tian Pai) - Thousand Peaks Prenatal School (Beijing) PS: My Ch’an Ordination and Daoist names are exactly the same ‘Venerating the Great Way’ (Shi Da Dao) PSS: Due to an instruction from Master Xu Yun (1840-1959) and Master Zhao Bichen (1860-1942) we do not charge fees for instruction. This prevents people without a good character ‘purchasing’ access to our school. Master Zhao Ming Wang partly follows this, and partly follows another system more suited to a large and important school. |
AuthorAdrian Chan-Wyles (內丹 - Shi Da Dao) - Qianfeng Lineage: Zhao Bichen (1860-1942), Charles Luk (1898-1978) and Richard Hunn (1949-2006). Acknowledges Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺) of Beijing as the ONLY Lineage Head of the Zhao Family Lineage of Qianfeng Daoism in China and the world. Archives
February 2024
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