April 14, 2013

Week Long Detox and Meditation Course

         On April 3 Master Yuan began teaching his first week long course of Daoist detoxification and meditation.  On the first day Master Yuan conducted a lecture on the sources of toxins and weaknesses in the body and the necessity of removing these toxins.  The Daoist method of detoxification is unique in that we seek not only to get rid of the toxic elements that have accumulated within the body, but also to nourish those areas of the body that have developed weaknesses as a result of mismanagement, neglect, poor eating habits, etc.  In preparation for the course, we prepared different types of herbs to be eaten and drank in the form of tea.

The course was 7 days long and each day consisted of 3 meditation sessions.  For the first several days no food other than fruit was eaten.  We made several different types of juices and also ate some of the medicine balls.  After the first few days we were allowed to eat some simple vegetables and rice soup.  While at the beginning of the week the extensive meditation sessions began as uncomfortable and difficult for most, by the end of the week everyone was able to sit longer and more comfortably as well as really enjoy the meditation.  On one of the afternoons we went to Yu Xu Gong to do some standing meditation and qi gong.  On another afternoon we took a long walk into the mountain and did some standing and sitting meditation in a quiet area.  Everyone greatly enjoyed the week long course and Master Yuan is sure to host more in the future, so stay posted.  Below you can have a look at some pictures of the course.   

Preparing the medicine

Making medicine

Making medicine

Making medicine

Making medicine

Making medicine

Standing meditation

Seated meditation