From Chapter Three: Qigong Mysteries and Practices Who Can Practice Qigong? In theory, anybody can practice qigong. There are many styles of qigong, and different people can benefit from different routines. However, to the few who suffer from mental illness, or have unstable mental conditions, one restriction must apply in spite of the theoretical presumption that everyone is fit to practice: they must be under the close guidance of an experienced and adept qigong master. Because it is difficult to guarantee such guidance, they are generally advised not to engage in qigong practice. Other types of physical training would be more suitable. With the exception of the above, all others--male and female, old and young-- are fit to practice qigong. Naturally, a qigong style that best suits your individual condition would be the most beneficial both to your mental as well as physical state and even to your life.
Transmitting Qigong From Ancient Times People who are curious about qigong may wonder how qigong masters impart their knowledge and how students learn the routine. They soon find that most students begin their practice by following a certain instructor and a particular routine. They may then begin to wonder just how many teaching methods have been used throughout the history of qigong. Based on my research of numerous historical qigong records as well as through my own practical experience, I have concluded that the following five methods are used: First is the method of guiding demonstration, which is the one used by most qigong masters and instructors. In accordance with the progress of the student's skills, the master or instructor gives a step by step demonstration of the practice routines, and at the same time explains and expounds some qigong theories. Formula, the second method, is a step higher than the first one. Formulae often relate to some restricted higher degree practice. In the third method, the master gives no demonstrative instructions but only talks, either in a few words or in effusive speech, depending on his or her individual style, about the morals of practice. The entire Zen practice, as well as Buddhist qigong and even the methodology used by the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni Buddha, all have this in common. The fourth method is transmitting, or bestowing power. The Guan Ding (sudden realization) method of Buddhist qigong belongs to this category, in which the master transmits, through power of mind, his inner power to the disciple, who immediately experiences immense improvement in practice. The fifth method is the communion of heart to heart, or initiation. This is widely used in Zen practice, and combines the third and fourth methods into a comprehensive and more advanced procedure. Many qigong masters or instructors adopt one or the other of these five methods. It helps to know this, because you then know when and how to receive the messages conveyed by the master.
.Seeking a Master Following are ways one may go about seeking a qigong master: One, a student may seek only one master in a lifetime. Two, a student may have more than one master. To be more accurate, he or she may seek different masters at different stages of practice, or seek several masters during the same stage of practice. Three, a student may experience self-cultivation; that is, receive no instructions from any teacher. This usually happens as a result of natural and special circumstances such as during a thunderstorm, earthquake, or meteorite falling, when one's potential psychic power is suddenly awakened. Very often, powers induced in such a manner can be strong and intense, but the person may lack proper understanding of such qigong phenomena, and may have difficulty staying in control. Such a person can easily go astray and remain on the lower level of self-realization. Four, a student may not study with any particular instructor, but instead draw experience from everyone. He or she learns from all things that are useful and meaningful, and teaches himself or herself the essentials of qigong. Generally speaking, the four methods are not absolutely separate but are often interrelated. Regardless of which method one adopts, one common rule is to respect the master. We should respect anyone or anything that has been of assistance to us. By respect, we do not mean the enslaving worship of the master. In qigong practice, modesty and simplicity always help a person receive energies from different sources. Someone without much education may follow a master sincerely and humbly, and learn very quickly and make great progress. His neighbor may be well-educated and very intelligent, but somewhat dubious of qigong or qigong masters. It is true he also learns qigong, but does so condescendingly and will get nowhere. We certainly need not idealize qigong, but to disregard it won't help us understand it either. It is important to be humble and to pay our respects to qigong, to our masters, and to anyone who has done us favors. This is also a good way to practice.
