Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain

Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain

“A mountain, according to Chinese philosophy, is an animated being, which operates in silence. The mountain exhales clouds and brews the rain; it covers itself with grass and growing trees, and all that lives finds something for its purpose in it. Thus he is is kind in his gifts and yet quiet and old. The generations pass and each one takes form him what it needs. This is the reason why Confucius has said: "Men of knowledge love water, which changes eternally, but the kindly love the mountains.””

Richard Willhelm, The Soul of China

Taoist scholar Solala Towler shared this quote recently. Coincidentally, one of our group said yesterday “I love that flow we do—something about the tiger, and the mountain”. So, in the Taoist spirit, let’s go with the flow! This week I’ll teach the beautiful Qigong exercise “Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain”. It exemplifies the balance of peaceful groundedness with powerful vitality.  Chiangliang Al Huang wrote a great book by the same name. He is a dancer as well as TaiChi master, now in his 90’s, and as wise and exuberant than ever. (That’s him, above, at the 2017 NQA conference.) I gravitate toward his free, joyful Qigong spirit and will share some of his wisdom with you in our class. Join us! Beginners are always welcome.