September 11, 2013
Remember who was lost, who was saved, the responders, and the soldiers, who was healed and the still healing…
Please support our Ground Zero workers, the brave responders who saved over 20,000 lives. These are the heroes who are still with us, and who deserve adequate care. You can help by visiting the FealGood Foundation
August 6, 2013
Good kung fu! Marvel at the amazing expression of human excellence in this video: The Incredible Power of Concentration with artist Miyoko Shida. Be warned, there are no kicks or punches or fighting techniques, but this is an artistic and athletic example of real kung fu – great skill that demands discipline effort over time.
This feat epitomizes supreme mental concentration and expresses the zenith of balance and control of the human body. Although there is no apparent martial application, think again. If you can cultivate the equivalent mastery of mind, body and spirit, you will invariably become a superior martial artist what ever your style.
This video is for everyone. We urge impatient young warriors to slow down and watch the entire video to appreciate the great power of softness.
Be inspired,
Lawrence Tan
March 10, 2013
Faith is the bird that feels the light
and sings when the dawn is still dark.
~Tagore
March 8, 2013
March 8, 2013. It is a day to imagine balance. And to celebrate the work of equilibrium. Achievement. Justice.
It is a day of global awareness…celebrating women — past and present, with the courage to make their voices heard. And for the future — the songs and struggles of daughters everywhere in this world, who deserve the human right to live their lives in balance and in peace…
Peace in our lives. Peace in our homes, our streets, our cities and towns, our countries, our world. OUR world.
Equity in our lives. Equity in our homes, our streets, our cities and towns, our countries, our world. OUR world.
Speak the truth even if your voice shakes….
February 24, 2013
If there is to be any peace,
it will come through being,
not having.
~Henry Miller
February 16, 2013
Photo: http://www.catalysthouse.net
In TanDao, we use this famous zen tale as a metaphor for long and winding path to martial arts mastery:
The Master’s Three Sons
Once upon a time two old kung fu masters were in a teahouse. One master asked, “How are your three sons progressing with their martial arts?”
“Let’s test them,” said the host. He took a heavy vase and placed it over a door so when opened the vase would fall. He called his youngest son, a strong youth who demonstrated powerful punches and kicks with fierce shouts.
“Pay your respects,” his father said. His son strutted over and shoved the door open. The vase crashed on his head but when it hit the floor he shattered it with a punch.
“Your boy is powerful,” said the guest. “He is young, one day he may understand power,” said the host, placing another vase over the door. He called his middle son, a tall youth who performed graceful and ferocious animal movements. When the youth pushed open the door he dodged and caught the vase as it fell. He bowed.
“Your second son has power and control,” complimented the visitor. “If he perseveres he may one day achieve true power.” the host said, putting up another vase. He called his eldest son.
After doing a slow moving meditation form, the son calmly walked towards the door. Noticing the vase, he reached up and took it down. He held it out while bowing, “Pleased to meet you, sir.”
“This is my number one son,” his father smiled. The visitor said, “Indeed, he is on his way to becoming a master”
Three Stages of Mastery: Technical. Strategic. Intuitive.
The sons correspond to three different stages: technical (youngest son), strategic (middle son) and intuitive (eldest son). Each stage is a different mindset and focuses on a particular way of problem solving (the falling vase). The three sons express three alternative options reflecting their stage of development: the youngest son aggressively confronts the problem, the middle son strategically defuses the problem and the eldest, avoids the problem through mindful awareness.
Think about it.
Lawrence Tan
February 15, 2013
Managing cancer or crisis?
Listen to our ENERGY WARRIORS book interview with Bob Ellal on Chris Springmann’s Body Language show at Radio MD.
ENERGY WARRIORS is Bob Ellal’s journey from four bouts of cancer to healing, along with simple how-to qigong exercises by Master Lawrence Tan. It also includes Master Tan’s signature exercise, The Universal Form.
Energy Warriors is a sign post for the future of medicine — the bridging of eastern and western paths to healing and health.
January 14, 2013
In addition to being the founder of ChiFusion, his modern, effective approach to tai chi and qigong, Al Simon is the author of:
To Float Like Clouds, To Flow Like Water: Tai Chi As A Zen Path to Mindfulness.
Great title!
Al Simon’s book integrates two separate, though related, Chinese traditions: Tai Chi (taiji), a prearranged sequence of slow and flowing body postures and Zen (chan) meditation, a way of awareness through sitting. He links Tai Chi’s way of movement with Zen’s way of stillness.
Through his personal experiences and clear descriptions he succinctly conveys essential Tai Chi principles based on the Daoist philosophy of balance and harmony and Zen Buddhist mindfulness awareness. His writing distills complex Eastern concepts and creatively updates and makes them relevant with clear, practical information and tools to help you relax, become aware and cultivate the qi life force energy.
For those of you who would like to get a modern master’s creative insights on Tai Chi and Zen (and a perspective on our own Universal Form and TanDao Energy Snacks), read Al Simon’s book. It flows and nourishes.
And please join us in wishing Sifu Al Simon a Happy Birthday.
To Float Like Clouds, To Flow Like Water
December 31, 2012
Happy 2013 Everyone. We wish you good health, peace, and magic…
TanDao Wellness 