ONE SHOULD NOT PRACTICE CHI KUNG AT NOON
One Should Not Practice Chi Kung at Noon
Question
You teach that one should not practice chi kung at noon. Is it better to skip practice or to practice at noon or 11am or 1pm, assuming it is a very busy day and that is the only possible time? Also, does not practicing at noon apply just to chi kung or also to Zen and traditional' western physical exercises? Does this apply if you are practicing indoors?
-- Artem, USA
Answer
One should not practice chi kung at noon indoors or outdoors because of the alignment of heavenly bodies, like the sun and the moon, which influence us unconsciously. It is not because of the temperature. Because of certain conditions, one may practice at noon once a while, but not on a regular basis. If noon were the only time available, it is better to skip practice.
But noon is not the only time. A person can wake up earlier or go to sleep later to practice chi kung. Most types of chi kung need an hour to practice, but our chi kung, besides being genuine is also of a very high-level, needs only about 10 to 15 minutes. The cost effectiveness we derive from practicing genuine, high-level chi kung can more than compensate the extra time we get up earlier or sleep later.
Not practicing at noon applies to different aspects of Zen. If we are simple, direct and effective -- which are the characteristics of Zen -- it does not apply. If we practice sitting or standing meditation -- which are the main methods of Zen -- not practicing at noon applies.
It may not affect traditional Western physical exercises, like working in a gym, skipping a rope, playing football or punching a sandbag. Traditional Western exercises work on the physical level, and not on the energy or the spiritual level.
LINKS
Courses and Classes