Quantum Daoist Cultivation: The Five Organs with Professor Livia Kohn and Master Yang Fukui
Each day we will focus on a particular organ, in the order heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen, followed by a comprehensive discussion on Day 6 (Thursday). True power in your body doesn’t actually come from having strong muscles, or high cardio capacity. True vital power comes from strengthening your internal vital organs — your spleen, liver, lungs, heart and kidneys.
After arrival, on Friday, Master Yang will explain the relation between illness and Qi stagnation. Livia Kohn will then give a talk on “Qi: Definitions and Dimensions,” including activations of personal awareness through gentle relaxation exercises.
In the mornings, Livia Kohn will outline the medical and Daoist perspective on each organ, working from the 9th-century Wuzang buxie tu (Illustrated Outline of the Tonification and Dispersal [of the Qi] of the Five Organs) by the woman Daoist physician Hu Yin, also called the Master of Plain Seeing of Mount Taibai. The sessions also include the active practice of the various breathing, healing, and energy guiding exercises included in the text.
Following this, Master Yang will teach animal qigong, such as dragon and tiger, and explain how different animal forms help heal different illnesses. Master Yang will select 3 animal forms for in-depth practice through the week.
In the afternoons, Livia Kohn will give an in-depth analysis of key psychological factors associated with the organs, focusing particularly on spirit, emotions, inner nature, and destiny. This work comes with systematic clearing meditations that release tensions and enhance functioning.
Master Yang in turn will teach medical qigong, with special attention to the specific healing concerns of students.
Each day, before breakfast, we will offer an optional gathering for wake-up qigong, led alternately by the two teachers. In the evening, we will learn additional relevant materials in different formats, including videos and group activities.
Tuition
$100/ Day
Schedule
Day |
Time/Activity |
|---|---|
|
June 19, 2020 Arrival Day |
TBD |
|
Days In Between |
TBD |
|
June 26, 2020 |
TBD |
TEACHERS
Livia Kohn earned her Ph. D. in 1980. After six years at Kyoto University in Japan, she joined Boston University as Professor of Religion and East Asian Studies in 1988, then returned to Kyoto twice more for two-year stays. She has also worked variously as visiting professor and adjunct faculty at Eötvös Lorand University in Budapest, the Stanford Center for Japanese Studies in Kyoto, Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, San Francisco State University, and the Taoist College Singapore. She retired from active teaching in 2006 and now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Master Yang was born into a martial arts family, and began extensive training at the young age of six. When his father first began teaching him a qigong form called Standing Pole, Master Yang was made to stand in water using the slow motion of the form to experience the water’s resistance. This helped him understand the interaction between the body movements and the resistance of the air. From this he realized that internal martial arts are not just about forms. They are more about interactions between the body, the Qi (or energy) Field, and the energy generated from the interaction between humans and nature.
Like many Chinese martial arts families, Master Yang’s family has a deep Chinese medicinal tradition, which can be traced back to the same roots as Chinese martial arts. He learned meridian theory from his family and took courses in schools. It deepened Master Yang’s understanding of Chinese martial arts and at the same time it empowered him to cure sports injuries and illnesses using physical therapy, bone setting, acupuncture, and qigong methods.
In 1996, Master Yang moved to the USA and founded the Heart Mind Martial Arts School. Many of his students have since won medals at various competitions, while he himself also served as a judge and delivered seminars at many events. He currently teaches Chinese medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine as well as taiji quan and qigong at the Confucius Institute at SUNY College of Optometry.
He says, “When you first start learning taiji your body is yang, which means it is rigid and stiff, because your whole being is tight and strained. Through taiji practice your nerves, ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints become relaxed. This is the process of transforming from rigid yang to soft yin. At the same time you obtain the ability to deliver explosive power through the relaxed body. In other words, your reach a higher level of yang. The highest realm of taiji is when yin and yang intermingle. They are combined and they aid each other so there is no longer a perceptible difference between them. There is yang inside yin, and yin inside yang.”
Food
Our menus are based on group preferences and budget. We offer delicious, balanced vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals which typically include raw salads and hot vegetable dishes. Upon request, we will gladly prepare unseasoned blanched or steamed dishes for lunch and dinner. We easily accommodate gluten/dairy free needs, and many of our seasonings and oils are provided on the side for guests to season meals to taste. Several rooms have refrigerators, so guests are welcome to bring food that suit their needs if they have issues we cannot accommodate. Please note that we are unable to reduce meal costs due to food allergies.
Payment Policy
A $50 non-refundable deposit is taken at the time registration occurs.
The full balance is collected 7 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policy
Other than the deposit, no fees are incurred if cancelled up to 7 days after reservation date.
50% of the total cost is retained if cancelled less than 4 days prior to event.
The $50 deposit given at registration is non-refundable.