On-Land Class Series

Embodied Wisdom: The Alchemy of Qigong and Meditation

This QigongDharma program is designed for both novices and seasoned practitioners in meditation and Qigong. It is structured to support and nurture growth through a progressive curriculum that can be tailored to the unique path of each individual. Included are practice logs, guided meditation, Qigong sessions with interactive commentary, and dynamic Q&A sessions. This immersive journey is crafted to transition participants from the initiation of their practice to establishing a lifelong, meaningful routine.   Month #1 – Initiation Initiation is the doorway to the profound realms of Qigong and Dharma. Participants will embark on an exploration of the symbiosis between meditative and spiritual practices and the physical discipline of Qigong. Our aim is to embody the teachings within Buddhist and Daoist traditions, synthesizing ancient wisdom with modern empirical insight. This month, we will focus on: Alignment and Presence in Posture: Participants will learn the practice of standing meditation, incorporating principles of proper alignment. Alternative postures will be provided to support varying abilities. Breath as Life's Rhythm: Emphasizing natural abdominal breathing, we will engage in exercises to enhance breath awareness and its health benefits. Cultivation of Attention: Techniques for developing a focused and expansive awareness will be introduced, setting the groundwork for more advanced practices. Fundamental Qigong Movements: A selection of core Qigong forms will be taught, tailored to be practiced consistently throughout the month.   Month #2 – Engagement With foundational practices established, the second month is centered on deepening engagement with the flows and forms of Qigong and meditation. Participants will refine techniques to nourish all facets of their being, learning to appreciate the practical benefits these disciplines offer. Key aspects of this month include: Enrichment of Practice: Together, we will work to further our Qigong and meditation techniques to cultivate a holistic sense of well-being. Application of Principles: Through lived experiences, participants will integrate guiding principles into their everyday life, enhancing the intrinsic value of their practice.   Month #3 – Deepening The third month ventures into the philosophical and practical applications of the 5 Elements Theory. The correlation between these elements and our health, personality, and connection to nature is profound and provides a transformative lens through which we can view ourselves and the world. This month’s focal points are: 5 Elements Theory: An in-depth exploration of the wood, fire, earth, metal, and water elements and their significance. Practical Qigong Forms: Practice of the five Qigong forms associated with each element, fostering an embodied understanding of the theory. Intuitive Integration: Facilitation of intuitive knowledge through regular practice, beyond intellectual comprehension. Month #4 – Continuance The final month consolidates the practice into a sustainable and evolving journey, reinforcing the value of meditation and its synergy with Qigong. Elements to be covered are: Rowing Qigong Forms: Learning three mindful Rowing Qigong forms, emphasizing fluidity and continuity in practice. Pathways of Progression: Discussion on how to maintain and advance practice across all domains of life. Personal Relevance and Evolution: Encouragement of participants to personalize their practice and pursue their unique path in the vast landscape of meditation and internal arts. Throughout this program, participants will be supported to not only learn but also to live the principles of QigongDharma, leading to a practice that is not just followed but truly inhabited. The curriculum is designed to be a transformative process, guiding participants to a place where Qigong and meditation become integral to their daily existence.

Teaching Team

Teja Bell

Teja Bell

Teacher

Teja Bell (Fudo Myoo Rōshi 老師) is a lineage dharma teacher and Rinzai Zen master. He is a 6th-degree Black Belt in Aikido and a life-long practitioner and teacher of Chinese Internal Arts and Qigong. Teja integrates dharma and qigong as embodied mindfulness. He taught over 150 retreats at SRMC.

You Might Also Like

Class Series Online Dharma Institute

September 5 - October 3, 2024 5 Thursdays | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Compassion & Equity: The Buddha's Approach to Social & Political Life

In this 5-week class, part of our ongoing Refuge of Dhamma study series, we look at teachings from the Pāli Canon that reveal the insightful and still valuable approach the Buddha took to issues like caste, commerce, inequality, militarism, and the web of relationships and hierarchy that defines our place in the social order. We will explore how to bring our practices of intention, ethics, and mindful action into engagement with the world, with compassion and wisdom as our guide.

Sean Oakes

Sean Oakes

Class Series On-Land Dharma Institute

September 13 - October 18, 2024 6 Fridays | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Mindfulness-Based Nature Connection Course: An Immersion in Nature Meditation Practice

10 CE Credits. In this class series, participants will explore accessible and powerful meditation practices while immersed in the beauty of nature. Each week, we will take our meditation practice outside as a way to deepen our awareness of the natural world and cultivate a natural, mindful attention that can help open our hearts to delight, wisdom, and awe. Along with meditation practice, our time together will also include short talks on various mindfulness-in-nature themes as well as time for discussion and inquiry.

Mark Coleman

Mark Coleman

Class Series Online Dharma Institute

October 23 - November 20, 2024 5 Wednesdays | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

The Art of Self-Compassion with Chronic Pain

8 CE Credits. Loving a hurting body is not easy. When things are rough, kindness and compassion can soften that experience. For many of us, however, being compassionate to ourselves is challenging, especially when we struggle with chronic pain. Throughout this series you will learn how to use the tools of self-compassion to help your brain and nervous system counterbalance their autopilot modes around pain. Together, we’ll explore the latest research on pain and self-compassion and combine it with ancient wisdom and compassion teachings.

Christiane Wolf

Christiane Wolf