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October 24, 2005
The Importance of Working with a Good Qigong Teacher
You can only go so far in your qigong practice by learning from books and DVDs. Qigong books are wonderful to get a better understanding of the history and theory of qigong. If the books contain photographs and descriptions of forms, then you can approximate those methods on your own but are most likely to be off in important ways.
DVDs get a little closer to being able to transmit some of the deeper qualities of qigong.
However nothing ever beats the impact of studying with a reputable, experienced qigong teacher. When I started qigong thirty years ago, it was very difficult to find good teachers—and I spent a fortune and much time tracking down different teachers to study with.
Fortunately, it is now relatively easy to locate a qigong teacher in most US metro areas. But how do you gage if the teacher is right for you? Are there any red flags to watch for?
Here’s a few tips garnered from my own experience:
Does the teacher model what he talks and teaches? A good teacher will usually emanate a relaxed, benign presence and will be balanced and respectful.
How is the teacher’s energy? You should be able to feel a definite energy coming off a highly trained qigong practitioner. Their hands will normally be warm to the touch. If they do qi healing work on you, you should normally be able to feel distinct sensations within your body.
When you finish a class with a qigong teacher, how for you feel? You should normally leave leaving energized and relaxed.
Who is attracted to this qigong teacher and why? Take a look at the students who have been studying with that teacher for any length of time. I have attended a few qigong seminars where the teacher’s longtime students appeared surprisingly unhealthy, if not dysfunctional.
Does the teacher make wild claims or make surprising demonstrations of “qi power”? The qigong teachers I most respect have been very down to earth in this department. Outlandish claims and “magical” demonstrations are a big red flag, in my book.
How is the teacher’s sense of humor? Most of the great teachers I have been around have been light hearted and have an excellent sense of humor. Beware the overly serious.
How is the teacher’s own health, physical strength and movement? Again, find a teacher who is clearly practicing what he preaches.
Is the teacher able to answer your questions in a clear manner? If the teacher has truly been around the block, they will be able to answer most of your questions with conviction, even if it is only the conviction that they simply don’t know the answer!
Who has the qigong teacher studied with and for how long? A teacher doesn’t have to have spent twenty years in a Chinese cave or a medical qigong hospital to know their stuff, but lineage remains an important indicator of likely worth.
Does the qigong teacher cover all the bases? While you may be coming to qigong for one particular benefit, a good qigong teacher will transmit knowledge in all the major aspects of qigong—posture, correct movement, correct breath work, correct use of attention and consciousness for energetic and spiritual cultivation.
Finally trust your gut, or BS meter. If you find yourself questioning the integrity of a qigong teacher, most likely your hunch will be correct. “Virtue” is not a word we use much anymore, but look for it in your teacher.
I have sometimes hung in with a suspect teacher simply to learn a particular method, but I don’t recommend it. Studying with a qigong teacher has a very intimate quality to it… be very aware of what you are exposing yourself to.
A good qigong teacher should inspire you, give you a vision of what can be achieved and either jumpstart your practice or help you move it to a new level.
A good place to check out teachers on a national basis is at the National Qigong Association’s website: www.nqa.org
See all of John Du Cane’s qigong resources.
Posted by james at October 24, 2005 6:36 AM