WUDANG FIVE IMMORTALS TEMPLE

Mysterious experiences were woven into my day

The Daoist Medicine course not only provided a comprehensive overview of Daoist medicine theory and treatments, but also introduced me to the formless world that affects our health and well-being. Being exposed to the “heaven, earth, and human 3-part diagnostics” to identify the root cause of bodily ailments, I gained a foundation for future exploration in Daoist/Chinese medicine, as well as clues to finding one’s path as a healer. The classes also provided tools for developing a personal practice that one can continue at home.

In starting a daily qigong and sitting practice, mysterious experiences were woven into my day. It was not unusual that I felt heat in the center of my palms during the morning practice while at night I was dipping my fingers into the dark fabric of the universe. Sometimes I felt it pulsating inside, a sense of certainty that one is alive for a reason. Other times it’s as if my body was emitting a protective energy ball that expelled external and internal disturbances.

Then there were the frequent reminders to let these experiences go. Besides shifu’s admonitions to “放下来”(let it go), I found the practical aspects of the course quickly brought me back to the physical world. The reality of fear—dipping my hands into a flaming bowl during fire healing, or inserting a needle deeper into the flesh than I was used to during our acupuncture session—taught me to be humble and recognize my personal human limitations. I also learned to work with this fear to increase my human capacity, and with a classmate’s help, learned to breathe through it as well.

The lessons on meridians and acupuncture points opened in me a whole new understanding of qigong and the human body. The methods I learned were also useful for self-care. On the colder days, I used my new self-made moxa sticks on acupuncture points to keep my feet warm. When I was feeling fatigue, seven star slapping or haha/detox gong brought back my vitality. The healing tones song helped ease anxiety and loneliness.

Perhaps one of the most profound parts of the course was learning to ask for support from the higher dimensions with a simple gesture and an incantation to say before meditating or healing. What would it be like to continue to communicate with the higher dimensions, to receive their guidance and support? Would there be more peace in the world and within ourselves? Would one’s compassion be able to find its way to those in need?

Many thanks to Li Shifu for opening his doors to seekers from all over the world to study and explore the Dao together!