Dr. Eva Wong offers a lineage of wisdom at Taoist Program this fall

No matter where she goes, Dr. Eva Wong carries a thousand-year-old Taoist lineage with her. And when she arrives at Karmê Chöling this fall (2022), she’ll offer an introduction to that lineage that includes qigong instruction, Taoist meditation and the philosophy of her Primordial Limitless Gate Taoist lineage.

The program is designed for both new and returning students.

This is the first time Eva has taught at Karmê Chöling since 2019. Even so, it’s been many more years since she has personally offered qigong instruction to beginning students.

Longtime student Ken Kimball says it’s a rare and precious opportunity to receive this instruction from a lineage holder.

“I come from a martial arts background, and within that culture, being able to study with the most advanced teacher is a privilege,” said Kimball. “It’s like finding a pearl in an oyster. One rarely gets to work with a lineage holder.”

The four-day-program, which runs Sept. 18-22, consists of in-depth practice of Qigong Levels 1 and 2; an introduction to meditation techniques unique to the Primordial Limitless Gate lineage; and discussions on Taoist philosophy.

Gerry Haase, who became Eva’s student when is was 65, said the practice of qigong has improved his posture and overall health, even clearing up his bronchitis and occasional bouts of pneumonia.

“You can’t turn back the chronological clock,” said Hasse, now 80. “But it turns out you can reverse the biological clock, as incredible as that may seem.”

Taoist qigong is a spiritual discipline that cultivates body and mind simultaneously. Originally called taoyin, which means “guiding the flow of internal energy (qi),” it has been practiced for over two thousand years in China.

In Qigong Level 1, Eva will introduce the essence of qigong practice — self massage, bone marrow washing, and calisthenics. Participants will explore how each of these forms can be used to enhance and repair muscularskeletal functions, align energy channel, and build tendon and bone strength.

In Qigong Level 2, Eva will introduce the most potent qigong systems: The 9 Self Massage System and the 12 Tendon-Changing System. The 9 Self Massage System is specifically designed to open energy blockages, stimulate energy centers and guide the flow of energy in the body. The 12 Tendon-Changing System is one of the most effective forms of qigong that can be used to increase spinal mobility and strength, and introduce overall flexibility and strength to ligaments, muscles and tendons.

The lineage held by Dr. Wong specializes in the dual cultivation of body qi and limitless consciousness. Cultivation of the physical and energetic body builds the foundation for cultivating the mind.

Meditation provides practitoners with a consciousness that makes the body safe for gathering and storing internal energy.

Qi, or internal energy, feeds whatever arises in consciousness. What arises — be it anger, kindness, fear, and even wisdom — are all intensified by qi. It is therefore important not just to cultivate qi, but be aware of what is arising in consciousness every moment.

The Taoist philosophical outlook inspires the arts of health, longevity and mental well-being. The essence of Taoist philosophy concerns how one views the world, relates to others and balances one’s worldy and spiritual lives. Eva will present highlights of the Taoist outlook from her various translations of Taoist classics that are both profound and practical.

There are no prerequisites to take this program. COVID protocols will be in place. Depending upon current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, mask may be required indoors. You may learn about Karme Choling’s COVID policy at www.karmecholing.org/visiting-us/covid-policy.