A Basic History of the Taiji Ruler System Si-Fu Richard Mooney |
Chen is also credited with creating the internal set called Liu Ho Ba Fa (six Combinations/eight Methods ).
This system was held as a Chao family secret until the 1950's. The latter day descendant of Emperor Chao, Chao Chung Dao (1844-1962) decided to teach out his method to the general public. One of those he taught was a man named Ta Tsai Ching. Ta Tsai Ching taught many people, including my teacher, Si-Fu Ma Teh Feng.
The practice of Taiji Ruler comes in 7 stages, with 6 months in each stage being the minimum.
The First stage is the sitting set.
This set is done while either sitting on the floor, or if you have
a weak back, you may sit in a chair. This practice allows the energy paths
of the practitioner to open up, remove any restrictions, and enhance and
stimulate and promote a greater flow of QI along the various meridians
and channels of the body. The key focal point of the practice is the Ruler,
which is a piece of wood, cut to a length of about 10.5 inches. The shape
of the ruler reminds one of the shape of ancient chinese sword handles.
The calm focus is directed to the center of the ruler at all times.
The Second stage is the Standing Set.
In the standing set, you learn to move with the energy that has been
built up and accumulated as a result of the sitting set . The postures
include both dynamic (moving), and static (stationary) methods. This set
will build up endurance and stamina, as well as flexability and the ability
to move with root.
The Third stage is the Ball Set.
The ball Set of Taiji Ruler uses a wooden ball, made of poplar wood,
or any wood of that density. The ball is representative of your internal
qi, and you train to fill the ball with the Qi, and manipulate the energy
whiloe going through the exercises of the set. The ball training also builds
up strength in the back and the arms, as well as the legs.
The Fourth stage is called Shen Kung.
Shen Kung is the 4th stage of Ruler training, and it dispenses with
the external implements of practice, and focuses on the development of
the Shen, and also the superconcious aspect of the mind. The higher functions
of intellect and reasoning. This set also helps to fortify the Yi of the
practitioner, because a strong Yi is required for the correct expression
of Jing.
The Fifth stage of Ruler is 2 person Ruler.
Two person Ruler uses a ruler that is 1 meter long. The goal of this
training is to gain adhering, sticking and listening jing forces. The ruler
is manipulated between the two practitioners, with the focus of getting
sensitive to the energy field of each other.
The Sixth Stage of Ruler is called Kao Ban.
Kao Ban, or leaning on board is a training method wherein a plank of
pliable wood is buried in the ground. The practitioner, in various stances,
uses his fingers to press on the board and cause it to flex slightly. the
goal is to focus on the fingers and fill them with abudant qi. the uses
for the training include both martial arts aspects, as in striking the
blood, and the qi, as well as being used for healing and massage applications
(waiqi liao fa, an mo, tui na, etc..)
The final stage of taiji ruler is the Taiji Ruler Kong Jing practice.
The taiji ruler kong jing practice only uses 2 standing (zhan Zhuang)
postures, and 2 auxilliary exercises. This training allows the practitioner
to express his jing over a distance, and allows him to use that skill for
healing and for martial arts usage. A weapon used by a practitioner of
this method becomes an extension of the practitioners energy body.
This sums up the practice of the taiji ruler system of qigong. If any are interested in find out more about this method please feel free to contact me at qimaster@hotmail.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Si-Fu Richard Mooney is a senior student of Master Paul Dong, noted author and qigong teacher. Si-Fu Mooney has been active in chinese martial arts since 1970, in Japanese arts since 1977, and has been into Qigong since 1987. He is also a Reiki Master of the Usui lineage. He has helped over 550 people recover from wide variety of pains and afflictions
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