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The Chinese calligraphy on the left names this style of Zi Ran Qigong as
Shuichuan, or ‘Sleeping River’. It is different from the other styles because it was begun by a Westerner, who had practiced Zi Ran Qigong for most of his life and sees it through Western eyes. Shuichuan is for Western people and conforms to their quite different approach and understanding.
Shuichuan is also unusual because Zi Ran, or natural Qigong, is relatively unknown outside of China, and while most forms taught in the West centre on an exercise system, Shuichuan is 100% free movement. In this sense the energy generated
(Qi or Chi), conforms to you - you do not conform to it. This is the original idea behind Taoism (Daoism), which Shuichuan returns to.
The name ‘Sleeping River’, when expressed in the Chinese language, evokes some very beautiful images - a peaceful river with the slow trickle of water. The current is always hidden, and this is true within ourselves.
Shuichuan is a non-religious spiritual practice, and if you look at the symbolism of the calligraphy again, you can see the existence of the basic principle of Taoism, the belief in a Universal Life Force, the Da
Qi. This force is not personalised at all and remains always a mystery.
This energy is everywhere and when you practice Shuichuan Qigong with sincerity you can really feel it. As Dr. Lui in the US TV documentary ‘Healing and the Mind’ said - ‘You must first cross the threshold - once inside, you will begin to understand.’
This mysterious force can, in the Shuichuan style, be a great deal of fun. We play games with energy and the energy plays games with us. We also practice the ancient Wai Qi healing system, which is still widely practiced and preferred in Chinese state hospitals. The object of both is balance and this is what Shuichuan is all about.
Elisabeth Rusch
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