Virtue Empowers the Dao
Original Chinese
Language Article By: Qianfeng Daoist Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺)
(Translated by Adrian
Chan-Wyles PhD)
The teachings of Daoism have existed for thousands of year
in China, and have spread widely and are well known, and are comprised of the
two-broad categories of ‘External Cultivation’ (waidan) and ‘Internal
Cultivation’ (neidan). Overtime, the
ancestors built-up a vast knowledge about Daoist practice, and termed this
‘Health, Life and Mind-Body’ (xingming shuangxu) self-cultivation. Therefore, this data-base of scientific
healthcare is a very valuable asset.
As the great grandson of Zhao Bichen (1860-1942) – and the lineage inheritor of the Zhao family Qianfeng School Daoist lineage – I want to state that I think health and longevity are very important aspects for everyone, and I want people to understand my family’s school of Daoist self-cultivation. In recent years, I have been involved in propagating health and longevity exercises amongst the people. This has included working in the general community (which I consider a social duty), nursing homes, and I have even taught at a centre for retired (elderly) cadres, explaining to them how the Daoist teachings work. However, no matter how well I explain the Daoist concepts and methods, there are some people who do not believe me, and say that all religion is nothing but myth and superstition. Just as Laozi had many conversations with scholars, I too am very careful to explain the Daoist concepts as clearly as possible, to as many people as possible. It is interesting to observe how even Westerners nowadays value Daoist teachings (viewing them as cultural treasures), whilst many people in China show no interest. On the other hand, there are also many interested people searching for authentic Daoist knowledge, but cannot find a suitable teacher or a genuine lineage. Sometimes they practice wrong things and take incorrect paths, becoming lost and confused. Others ask whether the ‘Mysterious Gate’ (xuanmen) of Daoism is real, or does it really possess any real power to transform?
Chinese Daoism is a highly effective means of self-cultivation, even though the Dao seems mysterious at first. In fact the Daoist path is quite rational and logical providing you can find a good teacher who is experienced and willing to guide you. The Qianfeng Prenatal School is both traditional and modern. It is traditional because it stems from the Dragon Gate (longmen) School which combines the essence of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism; and modern because Zhao Bichen developed it for a contemporary audience. How can our Qianfeng teachings not be valid? Generally there are considered 35 different pathways for Daoist practice, but in the Change Classic (Yijing), it mentions 1) virtue [de], 2) fate [ming], and 3) wind and water [fengshui] amongst others. Often virtue is based not only on the actions in this life, but also on those actions from previous lives. Great Daoist masters from the past include Lu Zu, Wang Chongyang, and Qiu Chu Ji, and in early modern times there was Zhao Bichen amongst many others. All these masters shared the same attainment of extensive and deep virtue. It is this virtuous attainment that gives the Daoist path its moral power and practical effectiveness.
Zhao Bichen founded the Qianfeng Prenatal School which developed the method of health, long-life and mind-body – 16 step - self-cultivation. It also uses the four great hand methods which are a) following hand [yixia shou], b) turning hand [zhuan shou], c) knowing hand [liao shou], and d) spreading hand [sa shou]. When combined together, the Dao is successfully cultivated. However, it is not easy to transmit a genuine lineage, as this first of all requires that the student understands what the training entails, and then using this knowledge, works to discipline the mind and body correctly. If there is no genuine lineage to start with, then how can transmission occur? Secondly the qi energy must drop down into the lower energy centre (Dantian), but how should the beginner do this? Thirdly the quietening of the mind that leads to realisation, but how can stillness of mind be attained with no proper guidance? Thirdly, how should qi energy circulate correctly through the stove and cauldron? How should qi energy correctly flow through the energy channels? If qi energy does not flow correctly through the energy channels, then nothing can be achieved. This is why the eight major qi channels must be opened and unified, but should this be done? What technique should be used? How can the yin energy channels be cleared and opened without proper guidance? The fourth aspect of training is using qi energy to refine essential nature (jing). All this knowledge has been conveyed as a ‘secret transmission’ within the Daoist tradition, but what it all comes down to is this; there can be no transmission and no refinement of essential nature (jing) or qi energy, if the practitioner does not possess virtue. Circulating qi energy (which is like the wind blowing) through the micro and macrocosmic orbits, opening and closing, regulating qi energy flow throughout mind body and universe, the six conditions law, and the four ways of virtuous seeing, etc, all need expert guidance to acquire.
What I am saying above is this; if you do not possess genuine knowledge about Daoist self-cultivation, then how can you successfully attain a healthy and strong mind and body? A strong qi energy circulation is only acquired in the mind and body only after instruction has been received from an enlightened master who has inherited a genuine Daoist lineage. This is why it is important to seek out such correct instruction for Daoist self-cultivation.
Beijing Qianfeng Zhao Bichen Cultural Arts and Exchange Centre.
Daojia, Qianfeng Prenatal School Lineage Inheritor.
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/883001822009721843435/
千峰老人赵避尘性命法决
中国道学玄功至今以流传数千年,从外丹术改为内丹修炼。经过先辈不段的发展研究而总结出道家[性命双修]功法,是我国养生学宝贵的财富。
作为千峰老人的后裔,在这里我想对大家说一点真实的道家功夫与如何修炼,为了传承祖上之功法,发展千峰先天派。近年来也传播了一些道家养生文化。有时还义务为社区,敬老院,老年干部活动中心等宣传道家养生知识。但是有很多人不了解道家性命双修养生功夫,认为是神话是天书是不真实的。
老子曰道有三士,在这里我就不过多的讲明了。如今就连外国人都视为珍宝的[道家养生功夫]确不被国人所重视。而又有很多爱好修炼者,在没有真师传承下,误入他门学不到真正功夫,而以迷茫不知如何修炼。现如今讲道学玄门的人很多,请问可有真功?入他门又有何得?
中国真正道家[性命双修]是一门玄道之功,只要你得遇真师,身体力行认真修炼,一定会得到意想不到的效果。本传承是全真龙门一派庙外传承历代传承有据可查。他是结合了儒,释,道三家之精华而得以传承的一派。[千峰先天派]是由千峰老人赵避尘所创,有的人要问了,你把道家功夫说的那样好,可见其真人成仙否?在这里我要讲的是道家讲的是三五之道,易经中讲一德二命三风水其中道首先讲的是德,此德又为前世之德和现世之德。历代中有很多得道成仙之人,如:吕祖,王重阳,邱处机,近代了空,赵避尘等。有德之人以参道修学。
性命双修十六步功夫,是千峰老人赵避尘亲创,又分成四大手,以下手,转手,了手,撒手合道之功。如不得真传永远入不得真道。就第一步收心求静一阳来复之功,如没有真传,何时能一阳来复?以真气来往丹田气穴,如何展开打通?静守之功以是自悟,但无有真传何从入静?二步功夫安炉立鼎,如何发气?如何收气?督脉.任脉只知前后走是不行的。第三步开八脉,如何开通?何时才能打开?以阴桥脉开才是真开,但无师指点何以打开?第四步下手炼精化气,可为是道家密传之功夫,无真修者不传,无德不传,以精化为气,行周天用巽风,阖辟,橐龠,六候法,看四正等,必得师亲传才能以精化气。
以上是我讲的真功修炼关键所在,如无明师真传万不能忙修瞎炼,其十六步功夫都有内在的奥秘。总得真师传承才以修成真功,强壮我身体,炼成得道之真功。
北京千峰赵避尘文化艺术交流中心
道家千峰先天派
千峰草堂 : 赵明旺
As the great grandson of Zhao Bichen (1860-1942) – and the lineage inheritor of the Zhao family Qianfeng School Daoist lineage – I want to state that I think health and longevity are very important aspects for everyone, and I want people to understand my family’s school of Daoist self-cultivation. In recent years, I have been involved in propagating health and longevity exercises amongst the people. This has included working in the general community (which I consider a social duty), nursing homes, and I have even taught at a centre for retired (elderly) cadres, explaining to them how the Daoist teachings work. However, no matter how well I explain the Daoist concepts and methods, there are some people who do not believe me, and say that all religion is nothing but myth and superstition. Just as Laozi had many conversations with scholars, I too am very careful to explain the Daoist concepts as clearly as possible, to as many people as possible. It is interesting to observe how even Westerners nowadays value Daoist teachings (viewing them as cultural treasures), whilst many people in China show no interest. On the other hand, there are also many interested people searching for authentic Daoist knowledge, but cannot find a suitable teacher or a genuine lineage. Sometimes they practice wrong things and take incorrect paths, becoming lost and confused. Others ask whether the ‘Mysterious Gate’ (xuanmen) of Daoism is real, or does it really possess any real power to transform?
Chinese Daoism is a highly effective means of self-cultivation, even though the Dao seems mysterious at first. In fact the Daoist path is quite rational and logical providing you can find a good teacher who is experienced and willing to guide you. The Qianfeng Prenatal School is both traditional and modern. It is traditional because it stems from the Dragon Gate (longmen) School which combines the essence of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism; and modern because Zhao Bichen developed it for a contemporary audience. How can our Qianfeng teachings not be valid? Generally there are considered 35 different pathways for Daoist practice, but in the Change Classic (Yijing), it mentions 1) virtue [de], 2) fate [ming], and 3) wind and water [fengshui] amongst others. Often virtue is based not only on the actions in this life, but also on those actions from previous lives. Great Daoist masters from the past include Lu Zu, Wang Chongyang, and Qiu Chu Ji, and in early modern times there was Zhao Bichen amongst many others. All these masters shared the same attainment of extensive and deep virtue. It is this virtuous attainment that gives the Daoist path its moral power and practical effectiveness.
Zhao Bichen founded the Qianfeng Prenatal School which developed the method of health, long-life and mind-body – 16 step - self-cultivation. It also uses the four great hand methods which are a) following hand [yixia shou], b) turning hand [zhuan shou], c) knowing hand [liao shou], and d) spreading hand [sa shou]. When combined together, the Dao is successfully cultivated. However, it is not easy to transmit a genuine lineage, as this first of all requires that the student understands what the training entails, and then using this knowledge, works to discipline the mind and body correctly. If there is no genuine lineage to start with, then how can transmission occur? Secondly the qi energy must drop down into the lower energy centre (Dantian), but how should the beginner do this? Thirdly the quietening of the mind that leads to realisation, but how can stillness of mind be attained with no proper guidance? Thirdly, how should qi energy circulate correctly through the stove and cauldron? How should qi energy correctly flow through the energy channels? If qi energy does not flow correctly through the energy channels, then nothing can be achieved. This is why the eight major qi channels must be opened and unified, but should this be done? What technique should be used? How can the yin energy channels be cleared and opened without proper guidance? The fourth aspect of training is using qi energy to refine essential nature (jing). All this knowledge has been conveyed as a ‘secret transmission’ within the Daoist tradition, but what it all comes down to is this; there can be no transmission and no refinement of essential nature (jing) or qi energy, if the practitioner does not possess virtue. Circulating qi energy (which is like the wind blowing) through the micro and macrocosmic orbits, opening and closing, regulating qi energy flow throughout mind body and universe, the six conditions law, and the four ways of virtuous seeing, etc, all need expert guidance to acquire.
What I am saying above is this; if you do not possess genuine knowledge about Daoist self-cultivation, then how can you successfully attain a healthy and strong mind and body? A strong qi energy circulation is only acquired in the mind and body only after instruction has been received from an enlightened master who has inherited a genuine Daoist lineage. This is why it is important to seek out such correct instruction for Daoist self-cultivation.
Beijing Qianfeng Zhao Bichen Cultural Arts and Exchange Centre.
Daojia, Qianfeng Prenatal School Lineage Inheritor.
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2015.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://752315496.blog.163.com/blog/static/883001822009721843435/
千峰老人赵避尘性命法决
中国道学玄功至今以流传数千年,从外丹术改为内丹修炼。经过先辈不段的发展研究而总结出道家[性命双修]功法,是我国养生学宝贵的财富。
作为千峰老人的后裔,在这里我想对大家说一点真实的道家功夫与如何修炼,为了传承祖上之功法,发展千峰先天派。近年来也传播了一些道家养生文化。有时还义务为社区,敬老院,老年干部活动中心等宣传道家养生知识。但是有很多人不了解道家性命双修养生功夫,认为是神话是天书是不真实的。
老子曰道有三士,在这里我就不过多的讲明了。如今就连外国人都视为珍宝的[道家养生功夫]确不被国人所重视。而又有很多爱好修炼者,在没有真师传承下,误入他门学不到真正功夫,而以迷茫不知如何修炼。现如今讲道学玄门的人很多,请问可有真功?入他门又有何得?
中国真正道家[性命双修]是一门玄道之功,只要你得遇真师,身体力行认真修炼,一定会得到意想不到的效果。本传承是全真龙门一派庙外传承历代传承有据可查。他是结合了儒,释,道三家之精华而得以传承的一派。[千峰先天派]是由千峰老人赵避尘所创,有的人要问了,你把道家功夫说的那样好,可见其真人成仙否?在这里我要讲的是道家讲的是三五之道,易经中讲一德二命三风水其中道首先讲的是德,此德又为前世之德和现世之德。历代中有很多得道成仙之人,如:吕祖,王重阳,邱处机,近代了空,赵避尘等。有德之人以参道修学。
性命双修十六步功夫,是千峰老人赵避尘亲创,又分成四大手,以下手,转手,了手,撒手合道之功。如不得真传永远入不得真道。就第一步收心求静一阳来复之功,如没有真传,何时能一阳来复?以真气来往丹田气穴,如何展开打通?静守之功以是自悟,但无有真传何从入静?二步功夫安炉立鼎,如何发气?如何收气?督脉.任脉只知前后走是不行的。第三步开八脉,如何开通?何时才能打开?以阴桥脉开才是真开,但无师指点何以打开?第四步下手炼精化气,可为是道家密传之功夫,无真修者不传,无德不传,以精化为气,行周天用巽风,阖辟,橐龠,六候法,看四正等,必得师亲传才能以精化气。
以上是我讲的真功修炼关键所在,如无明师真传万不能忙修瞎炼,其十六步功夫都有内在的奥秘。总得真师传承才以修成真功,强壮我身体,炼成得道之真功。
北京千峰赵避尘文化艺术交流中心
道家千峰先天派
千峰草堂 : 赵明旺