Cultivate strength of body and calmness of mind through the practice of qigong as presented by two distinct Taoist schools.

Cultivate strength of body and calmness of mind through the healing Taoist practice of qigong. Take this rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique lineages, The Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School, neither of which have previously been fully transmitted to students in the West. Xiantianwujimen was founded in the Song dynasty (circa 10th to 12th centuries) by Taoist sage Chen Xiyi, who is recognized as "the father of qigong.” This lineage specializes in using qigong techniques to build the foundation for sitting meditation. The Yiquan School was founded by Wang Xiangzhai in the early 20th century. Yiquan is most well-known for its standing qigong postures called Zhangzhuan, which are designed to still the mind while simultaneously gathering and circulating internal energy.

In Level I, we will practice techniques of inner and outer qigong, including tendon changing, marrow washing, self-massage and calisthenics, which strengthen the muscular-skeletal system, nourish the internal organs, circulate internal energy and still the mind. We will learn Chen Xiyi’s sleeping and walking qiqong and Wang Xiangzhai’s standing qigong. Eva will give a talk entitled "History of the Xiantianwujimen and Yiquan Lineages."

In Level II, we will delve more deeply, studying the Twelve Devas Tendon-Changing and Nine Self-Massage systems in their entirety. The Tendon-Changing postures are powerful techniques that cultivate flexibility, strength and softness in the joints, muscles and tendons. The self-massage exercises focus on nourishing the internal organs and facilitating the circulation of qi in the meridians. Eva will give a talk entitled "The Triplex Unity and the Picture of Internal Circulation."

New and experienced practitioners are welcome.

Required Reading: Nourishing the Essence of Life: The Outer, Inner, and Secret Teachings of Taoism by Eva Wong.

Eva Wong, author and translator of 13 books on the Taoist arts of health, meditation and qigong, is the 19th-generation lineage carrier of Xiantianwujimen Taoism (Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School of Taoism) and 3rd-generation student of Wang Xiangzhai, founder of Yiquan martial arts and Zhangzhuan (standing qigong).

Extend Your Stay. We are offering a 25% housing discount for additional nights. Come early and relax before your program starts or stay an extra day or more after this program to savor your retreat experience.

Please arrive between 2 and 5pm. Program ends at 6pm. View Detailed Program Information.

Traditional Chinese Qigong with Eva Wong

Take this rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique qigong lineages, the Pre-celestial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School, known for its standing postures, neither of which has previously been fully transmitted to students in the West.

These practices strengthen the muscular-skeletal system, nourish the internal organs, circulate energy and still the mind. Below are the practices covered in the first five levels.

Introduction to Xiantianwujimen Forms: Techniques of massaging,
kneading and stretching | Levels I & II

Zhangzhuan Standing Postures: Poses for gathering and circulating
energy | Levels I, II & III

Sleeping Qigong: Practices for conserving and nourishing energy |
Levels I & II

Nine Self-Massage System: Exercises focusing on nourishing the
internal organs and facilitating the circulation of qi in the meridians |
Levels I & II

Twelve-Devas Tendon-Changing Postures: Powerful postures that help
recover flexibility, strength and softness in the joints, muscles and
tendons | Levels I & II

Hua Tu’s Five Animal Forms: Tiger, for tendon strengthening; bear,
bone strengthening; deer, preserving generative energy; monkey,
enhancing agility; and bird, improving sense of balance | Level III

Immortals’ Guide to Self-Massage & Breath Regulation and Red
Phoenix Calisthenics: Practices for removing blockages in the
meridians; aligning the spinal column for optimal circulation of qi;
and strengthening tendons, bones and muscles | Levels III, IV & V

Wudang Shan’s Five Internal Animals Training: Tiger, for building bone strength; dragon, facilitating the union of spirit and body; leopard, training tendon flexibility and strength; snake, creating flexibility in the spinal column to facilitate the circulation of qi; and crane, enhancing the body’s ability to conserve and store generative energy | Levels IV & V

LEVEL III : JULY 31 – August 2 | LEVEL IV: August 2 - 4 | LEVEL V: August 4 - 6

These levels must be taken in sequence. The price for each two-day program is $195 tuition + 2 nights lodging & meals. Levels III – V may be taken together for $390 tuition + 6 nights lodging & meals.