Certification Program Gets Off To An Auspicious Start!

By QinWind (formerly Diane Wilson)

It was an exciting and rigorous weekend filled with lots of theory, practice and correction. Eight aspiring candidates, including three residential staff members, were participating in Qinway Qigong Institute’s first Level I Instructor certification intensive (held June 21-23^rd). From morning to night, candidates engaged in didactic training augmented by student-to-student critiquing segments. Master allowed us several opportunities to practice “smoothing qi in sleep” throughout the first day.

In the technical training session, Master Qinyin had each of us give his or her understanding of an exercise and demonstrate the technique. In the beginning, each candidate moved confidently to the front of the dojo, sure he would do reasonably well, only to have Sifu scowl and shout “No! Wrong!” in the traditional manner of the strict Taoist master.

“Our instructors must be the best!” Master would say. Then, demonstrating correct posture and movement, she’d explain  about the proper hand and body alignment necessary for wuji (primordial energy) to flood the Middle Way (taiji pole).

Every student practiced hard. We repeated each technique again and again, until she clapped and said, “Good! Next!” And, when the last student finished, we sat. As Sifu began the deeper teaching, she said, “You must know what you have. Now, I make it easy for you.”

With Buddhist compassion, she taught us that magnetic resonance with a true Master was superior to even the best technique. Suddenly a light began to come on in our heads and we were grateful to be her first instructor-students. We understood that with our intention and Qinway’s high technology, we were connecting to the eternal signals of enlightened masters who have left the earth realm for the purpose of continuing and perhaps fulfilling the bodhisavata’s divine mission. Sensing our awakening, she went further, sharing technique about how to arrange a  spiritual, healing qi field and the purpose and benefits of correct mudras.

We completed our exams and chatted nervously despite Master’s assurance that we had done well. Late Sunday evening, one-by-one, John would call us and give us our certificates. A hoot of delight resounded in the air each time! Alas, for me – no certificate. “I hold Institute staff to an even higher standard,” Master said sternly. “You must practice more and work on your emotions.” I went to bed angry. But, the next morning I awoke refreshed and satisfied. She was right. Happily, I went about my chores knowing that one day soon, I would see her smile because I will have become the best I can be.

What about you? Are you ready to know your true self? What is your purpose – do you know? I believe it is everyone’s karma who has met Master to seriously consider these questions. In the West, we are used to going to the doctor when we are ill and once well, we forget about him until we are sick again.

But, in China, when students are helped by a qigong master, many realize it is not just human help but spiritual intervention-- arranged by the universe to point them towards their ultimate destiny. They usually start by assisting in the Master’s work and in doing so, awaken to their purpose. If you are wondering where to start or go in your desire to help people, consider our faculty program. It just may be the next step of your journey. Click here for details about the “Certification Program” (including “Certified Instructors’ contact”)!