Many years ago, I stumbled across a very simple ch’i kung (qigong) exercise that has stayed with me through the years. Every now and then I return to it and just last week was one of those times. But now as the years roll by, it is an even more important addition to my daily life. Being reminded of the joy of discovery of this extremely simple yet powerful practice, I wanted to share it.
There seems to be many different variations on the practice. If you search in YouTube, you will find several. But I want to recommend this particular variation as taught by Master Tzu Kuo Shih. From the back of his book, we learn: Master Shih is a fifth-generation doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (including acupuncture and herbal treatment). Born in Shanghai, he is the first in the West to teach the Swimming Dragon, as well as certain other previously secret forms. Noted in China as a ch’i kung and t’ai chi master, doctor and cancer specialist, as well as painter and writer.
When I first learned of this practice, Master Shih was still living in Kingston, New York. Unfortunately, I never met him in person. However, Amido and I did travel to Connecticut a few years back to attend a Swimming Dragon workshop that was being taught by one of his daughters. Consequently, I learned the practice through Master Shih’s book, The Swimming Dragon, and his video, and then brushed up on my technique with the workshop. The book is still available from Amazon, but I have not been able to find copies of the video available for sale. I am posting a link to view and download the video below. I am also posting two other videos, the first is probably the best for learning. It is from a direct student of Master Shih and is very clear in its instruction. The second video is from someone who was self-taught and learned Master Shih’s version of The Swimming dragon through his book and video – demonstrating the movement.
Personally, I think that it is best to use both the book and the videos. The book is much more detailed about the practice and also introduces a few ch’i kung meditations which include the Sitting Dragon Meditation. The videos are extremely helpful in getting the movement right.
Enjoy!
-purushottama
This is from one of Master Shih’s direct students, very clear in its instructions.
The second is from a self-taught student.
And the third is from Master Shih himself. You can either watch from the link below or download The Swimming Dragon, Master Shih video (I apologize for the quality, but I think still helpful).
Thanks for this, swimming dragon, am immediately attracted to the balance and flow. Ordered the book and watched his video a few, many times. Not so easy in mirror right left…, exactly why my swimming is so bad, in matters of L,R, I get lost easily, but part of that is bad posture conditioning from years of woodturning, pressing always to left with force, has overstretched that side… I will get there!
By the way video link did not work, can only watch from this sat sangha site
Thanks also for huge resource of ‘a course in witnessing’ …Perhaps my time of artistic freedom may boil down to such a discipline, if what comes along in my day is not enough challenge…
Thank you for your comment, Deva Samvado. The download of Master Shih’s video is in AVI format which may be a problem for some to play. I have added another video link which is now first because it is the clearest of the three in its instructions. Again thank you for the feedback. I am always happy to hear of the impact. Love.