Qigong, Taiji, Daoist Arts, and Meditation Instruction
The Three elements of a Daoist Longevity Practice
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Qigong and Taiji
Qigong, exercise matched to breathing, circulates qi throughout the body. Taiji, a moving meditation, manages and directs the qi. Together, they are 2/3 of a Daily Daoist Longevity Practice. Shui Taiji, Water Taiji, is soft, slow and fluid, with 33 movements. Qi, developed in the legs, directed by the hips, manifested in the hands. No prior experience is required. If you are fit enough to walk and climb stairs, you are fit enough to study and practice Taiji. Loose fitting clothes, athletic shoes or stocking feet are suitable.
Schedule your class when it is convenient for you, weekdays in the morning or afternoon. Classes are open air in a Meditation Garden under construction, and last for about 75 minutes. The fee for each class is $20, or $160 for ten classes if paid in advance.
All classes are with Michael McGrath
Sitting Still, Doing Nothing
Meditation. Being both the observer and the observed. The cultivation of stillness, cornerstone of a Daoist Longevity Practice. The setting is a Meditation Room with a tranquil and serene atmosphere, pictured left, and cushions are provided.
Instruction in basic meditation is offered, and questions about a meditation practice are welcome. All classes are individual and include a short Daoist Teaching Story and 15 minutes of meditation. The course is five (5) classes, and the fee is $20 per class, or $75 if prepaid for the five classes.
Instruction is with Michael McGrath
Daoist Arts
Course materials include three ancient scrolls brought back from my temple in China. The Dao de Qing, of course, is one – the foundation of all Daoist philosophy. The Law of The Heart discusses the Three Jewels of Daoism – The Way, The Scripture, and The Teacher. The 49 Barriers to The Dao, the third scroll, as translated by my Master, the temple’s Abbot, identifies the obstacles we must overcome for our spiriual growth.
This 20-week course dives deeply into Daoist Philosophy in a give-and-take Socratic method of teaching. Course materials are provided as we move through the three scrolls, and sessions run a little over an hour per week. A pot of tea is brewed, and discussions take place in a calming setting inside my home. The fee is $300; $150 to begin, and $150 after the first ten classes.
Instruction is with Michael McGrath
I’ve been studying taiji with Michael for about a year now and have seen a huge improvement in the depth of my understanding and nuance of my movements. I’ve learned some new qi gong from him as well. He is a wonderful teacher for students at every level!
I learned Taiji from Michael and it changed my life. He?s a patient and skilled teacher, and one of the most giving people I’ve ever met. Among many things, he opened my eyes to the depth of this practice?both through discussions, and through the example he set personally as someone who completed many years of study at a Daoist mountaintop temple in China under the tutelage of a master whom he continues to visit regularly. I recommend Michael to anyone interested in learning Taiji, Qigong, and meditation. You will not be disappointed.
Mike is not only an amazing teacher in Tai Chi and Chi Gong, but his mastery in his methods of connecting with a variety of different levels and students. He has been a great mentor in my journey while living and leading by example. An incredible experience!
Serious About Qigong, Taiji and Meditation
Schedule a Class
At the Five Immortals Temple, we train rain or shine, warm or cold, on an outside courtyard for 6 hours per day, 6 days per week. The classes here are 75 minutes, once per week, or twice if you wish to accelerate your learning, so you get off easy, if you will.
