By Shawn Cartwright
Question: I have heard that instant realization does not require any work (Wu Wei), that this is the path those of superior virtue follow. The gradual path requires work (You Wei) and is followed by those of inferior virtue. These two paths are related to the formation of the two different Yao. What does this [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
Question: I have heard that there are various stages of realization in Internal Alchemy 100, 10 month, 9 years. On the other hand I have heard that it happens instantly. Which one is it?
Reply:
This reminds me of the instant vs. gradual debate in Buddhism, although I have rarely heard Taoist practitioners arguing about it. Many [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
We’ll answer some common questions on the Taoist art of Nei Dan, or Internal Alchemy. For those new to the concept of Nei Dan, you might want to read this short introduction and this short post.
Question:
Why do practitioners call the Dao De Jing a Nei Dan classic when the academics say Nei Dan was invented [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
Congratulations to those who successfully completed their first Internal Alchemy (Nei Dan) course this past weekend!
Participants from all walks of life gathered in Washington DC on Friday to begin a three day intensive course in the highest level of Qigong training. This course, titled Cultivating the Spirit: Internal Alchemy, provided a comprehensive introduction to the [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
The Dragon and Tiger have long been totems of internal Kung Fu and symbols of Taoist internal cultivation. The highest levels of internal Kung Fu provide an entry point to Internal Alchemy (Nei Dan) cultivation. Here is a video of Dragon and Tiger free movement performed by Mr. Shawn Cartwright, TCCII Executive Director. It was [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
Today is the Summer Solstice. This is the time of maximum Yang, when the first seed of Yin begins to regenerate. Like the Winter Solstice and the Spring and Autumn Equinox, it is an important time for Qigong and Internal Alchemy practitioners.
Today is a day you will reap great benefits from your practice. Spend as [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
“Do nothing and there is nothing left undone” is a pearl of ancient Chinese wisdom inspired by chapter 48 of the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) written by Lao Zi (Lao Tsu)
The Dao De Jing is considered one of the most important classics in all of Chinese culture. The book has been utilized by [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
Today is Easter Sunday in the west. For those of you who don’t know what this means, Easter Sunday is perhaps the biggest holiday in the western calendar (after Christmas). It is perhaps considered more important than Christmas by the Christian churches (although not by secular retail standards….)
Easter Sunday is significant because it is the [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
Nurses, physicists, biologists, business people, yoga practitioners, spiritual healers and others from many different parts of the country and walks of life came together this past weekend to learn about the ancient Chinese art of Qigong.
We just completed our first professional credit course in Qigong. The class was completely full!
The course came about because several [...]
By Shawn Cartwright
Today is the Vernal Equinox (Spring Equinox). In Washington DC, we have a beautiful clear day, perfect for spending some time outdoors, with nature.
The Spring Equinox is one of the two days of the year where daylight and dark are equal. In terms of Chinese thought, this represents the balance of Yin and Yang in [...]