 Fall is a wonderful time to visit Taos, New Mexico. The aspen and maple trees are turning red and gold. The air is cool and crisp yet it is still warm in the sun. This year in October, 2014, Taos Mountain was the back drop of our Taoist Practice seminar with guest teacher, Master Deng Ming Dao. As we gathered at the Quail Ridge Conference Center, it was a scene of Deja Vue from my first visit to Taos in 1981 for another workshop in this very room with my brother Chungliang Al Huang. Today, Master Deng is our close friend and collaborator in our pursuit of east/west synthesis studies. Many people have read Master Deng's best selling books, and were glad of a chance to meet him in person. Out of town participants came from Ecuador, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Colorado to join our local friends from Santa Fe and Taos as we "Enter Tao in Taos". Actually, this seminar was Master Deng's second visit to Taos. He was here in 2013 for a lecture and a one-day workshop, which was very well attended. So this year, we reconvened to welcome returning scholars and met some new friends. The focus for this seminar was to emphasize on strengthening our foundation in physical movements as well as finding clarity in the philosophical approach of Taoist practice that is applicable to today's life styles. It is clear we do not live in Lao Tzu's time, nor can we live like what the Chinese martial arts movie depict through digital imaginary. We do not fly up to roof tops and slay villains with a wave of our palms; but we can keep up a practice that can enhance our energy, clear our minds and improve our physical and mental health to meet challenges in today's world. Starting with warm up movements, we learned a set of martial arts stances to maintain good balance and strengthen our legs. As we followed Master Deng across the room repeating all the stances, what looked simple was actually not so easy. We soon realized how important a strong 'foundation' is even for those who consider themselves familiar with Tai Ji and Qi Gong. In addition, we practiced Qi Gong meditation with Master Deng's guidance, which refreshed our muddled minds and replenished our physical energy. One of the best lessons learned from this seminar was the simple statement by Master Deng: "Patience, consistent practice, humility are the basis for a strong foundation". And even a strong foundation requires regular maintenance and fortification.    The Chinese brush calligraphy words demonstrated by Pearl Huang during the seminar, which emphasizes the importance of a good foundation, are: "centering" Zhong, 中, "erect" Li 立, and "Root", Geng 根. Writing brush calligraphy strokes and the composition of each Chinese character practically corresponds with Tai Ji and Qi Gong movements in theory and practice. It requires patience, centering, focus and constant practice.
It was another wonderful experience with Master Deng this time in Taos. Many in the group have expressed their enthusiasm and wish to return annually. We are now discussing next year's programs to be announced in due time. Please stay in touch for updates. For more information on Master Deng Ming Dao: http://www.dengmingdao.com For Ru Yi Studio programs with Pearl Weng Liang Huang :
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AuthorPearl Weng Liang Huang, Founder of
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