Qi: Before the Beginning

Excerpts from
​

The Healing Promise of Qi:
Creating Extraordinary Wellness Through Qigong and Tai Chi ​

by Roger Jahnke

Before the Beginning

'Before we begin, it is inspiring to know that healing and empowerment in the ancient traditions that honor Qi (Chi) are rooted in nature and the cycles of the seasons; the rising and setting of the sun, moon, and stars; and fire and water in their multiple manifestations. Qi infuses all of life  — humans, plants, and the transformation of the caterpillar into the butterfly.

...

'It is valuable to know in advance that this immersion into the cultivation of Qi may often seem fantastic and even paradoxical. Qi is not only energy but also the quintessential foundation of the universe. Qigong is not really just an exercise; it can become a powerful way of being. Tai Chi is much more than a martial art; it can actually be defined as a method of accessing and sustaining harmony with the universe.

...

'The One is Primal Origin, the Source — everything comes from it, is contained within it, and returns to it. However, it is not necessary — nor is it possible — to understand the One; it is mysterious and incomprehensible. In the more advanced phases of Qi cultivation the ultimate ideal is to merge with the One — to become the One....

...

'Simply stated, Yin and Yang are opposites.

'In temperature they are cool and warm or cold and hot. In texture they are smooth and rough.

'In density they are soft and hard.

'In their original form as Chinese characters, Yin describes the shaded side of a mountain — the north; Yang represents the slope that gets full sun — the south. Together they make the whole.

'From practical features — temperature, texture, density — the Yin-Yang concept graduates toward the realms of the profound. Yin is mystery — hidden. Yang is revelation — revealed.

'Yin is absorption; Yang is radiance. Yin is gravity; Yang is levity. As you can see, Yin-Yang cannot be fully translated into English and yet its place in our quest for power and understanding is enormous.

'These secrets will reveal their meaning to you over time, through your practice of Qi Gong and Tai Chi. Your awakening to these ideas through your experience of the Qi will potentially become keys to deeper secrets.

'Embodying and experiencing Yin-Yang through your practice can trigger revelation and cause you to evolve in your relationships, your work, your quest for health, and your ability to make decisions based on a growing sense of the deep and subtle workings of the universe.'

From the book description:

'Rather than focus on a particular form of qigong, Dr. Jahnke presents concise, easy-to-follow techniques from among the more than 25 traditional and modern forms...'

​http://www.feeltheqi.com/

Excerpts from the book are reprinted here by permission.

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