Primordial Essence Qigong History and Lineage

The Primordial Essence Qigongs are profound methods for cultivating our Qi and self-healing. There are three different Qigong exercises that will be taught in our upcoming seminar. All three methods are perfect for beginners who have never learned Qigong or may be new to exercise in general.

At the surface level they shine with a beautiful and refined simplicity that makes them easy to learn and easy to remember. With practice a deep transformation of one’s health, vitality and posture is achieved. 

All three of these Qigong methods were developed in the Taoist monastic traditions. I learned the Zhan Zhuang or Post Standing method from my primary teacher Wong Jackman. Wong Jackman in addition to being the Grandmaster of Northern Shaolin was one of the earliest masters of Xing Yi Quan (Form and Will Boxing) to teach in North America. His Xing Yi Quan lineage was traced through Sun Lu Tang – Ku Yu Jeong – Yim Sheung Mo – Wong Jackman – Scott Jensen. Sun Lu Tang was exceptionally famous during the early part of the 20th century and much has been written about him. Wong Jackman was quite fond of Post Standing and San Ti Shir and would often practice them while his students were busy practicing.  

Post Standing is widely believed to originally be from a Taoist traditional transformational longevity lineage. Post Standing is a bedrock foundation of modern Qigong practice used by countless practice groups worldwide. Although its origins and original practice may now be obscure its benefits are widely acknowledged and admired.  

Many believe that Zhan Zhuang originated in the Xing Yi Quan and I Quan (Intention Boxing) lineages of martial arts. I Quan originated form the Xing Yi Quan which evolved from Six Harmonies Boxing which came from the Buddhist Shaolin Temple style of Northern Shaolin. In I Quan it is one of only a hand full of training methods and I Quan practitioners spend vast amounts of time practicing it. Certainly, the Standing Qigong method known as San Ti Shir or Heaven and Earth Stance originated and is a foundation part of Xing Yi Quan. But pure Zhan Zhuang practice is so widespread and so essential to Tai Chi as well that I personally think the origin is truly Taoist rather than a single martial family and that it has been shared or adopted widely because of its value. 

Although there are some occasional differences about details amongst masters, Zhan Zhuang practice is remarkably similar between different groups. Certainly, my practice of Zhan Zhuang or Post Standing was influenced by individual comments of many of my teachers and by my own deepening understanding gained through diligent practice. 

I learned the Pre-Birth Qigong and Swimming Dragon Qigong from Taiwanese martial arts master and traditional Chinese medicine doctor, Zhou Chin Tsai, who was steeped in both Buddhist and Taoist traditions. In Taiwan many traditional Chinese cultural practices and religious traditions still flourish. Most of these groups combine elements of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism blended in different proportions. Zhou stated that he learned these exercises from his Buddhist teacher even though the method was originally a secret Taoist teaching. Although these exercises are far less well known than Zhan Zhuang, they are truly foundational in nature and perfectly suited for students of Tai Chi Chuan and as a base for the personal Qigong mastery development essential for high level massage therapy, bone setting, and energetic healing.  

Taoists hope to use practices like these and others in a profound process of internal transformation called internal alchemy to become immortal. Although true immortals seem to be extremely adept at hiding, Chinese history is full of stories and lore about Taoist Immortals. We can’t guarantee immortality through these methods, but it is almost certain that we will have a long, healthy life from practicing these beneficial exercises and becoming healthier, stronger, friendlier, and happier! 

Hopefully you will be able to join us on April 27th and become a practitioner of these ancient traditions and member of the modern living lineage of practice yourself! Looking forward to seeing you there!