Cloud Hands

January Photographs by Karen and Mike Garofalo

Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan - Old Frame First Form

2012-01-25T05:14:00.000-08:00

Chen Style Taijiquan, Old Frame First Form, Lao Jia Yi Lu.

A webpage by Michael P. Garofalo. 145 Kb. 2007-2012.

A detailed bibliography of books, media, and articles. Extensive selection of Internet links. List of movement names in English, Chinese characters, Chinese Pinyin, French, German, and Spanish; and citations for sources of the movement names. Detailed list of DVDs and videos available online. Extensive notes on the author's learning the Old Frame, First Routine, Lao Jia Yi Lu; and on learning Chen Style Taijiquan. Record of performance time of this form by many masters. Breakdown by sections of the form, with separate lists for each section. General information, history, facts, information, pointers, and quotations.

Section I, Movements 1-6, Chen Taijiquan, Old Frame, First Form

Snow on the Yolla Bolly Mountains

2012-01-24T04:10:00.000-08:00

A cold weather storm came in from the northwest last week. That storm dropped 5 inches of rain on Red Bluff. Snow levels dropped to 2,500 feet. We had no snow in the valley, but below freezing temperatures in the valley injured a few of our more sensitive plants.

This is the view from our back yard, looking towards the Yolla Bolly mountain range to the west.

On the west side of the North Sacramento Valley, about 40 miles west of our home, is the coastal mountain range called the Yolla Bolly Mountains. These mountains are mostly from 6,000 to 8,000 feet in our area. Mt. Linn, South Yolla Bolly Mountain, is 8,094 feet. For more information: Yolla Bolly Middle Eel Wilderness

January: Quotations, Poems, Sayings, Lore

"From Heaven I fall, though from earth I begin.
No lady alive can show such a skin.
I'm bright as an angel, and light as a feather,
But heavy and dark, when you squeeze me together.
Though candor and truth in my aspect I bear,
Yet many poor creatures I help to insnare.
Though so much of Heaven appears in my make,
The foulest impressions I easily take.
My parent and I produce one another,
The mother the daughter, the daughter the mother."
- James Parton, A Riddle - On Snow

Leaping Through the Dragon's Gate

2012-01-23T06:16:00.000-08:00

The start of the Chinese New Year in 2012 is on January 23, 2012, today. This date begins 15 days of celebration in China. This is the Year of the Dragon, the Water Dragon, 2012. Gong xi fa cai!

Here are some of my webpages on the themes, myths and lore regarding Eastern Dragons; and some physical culture activities (Qigong, Chi Kung) based on Dragon themes.

The Realms of the Dragons

Dragon Qigong

Dragon Staff

Magic Pearl Qigong

Leaping Over the Dragon's Gate

Dragons: Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Notes

On a Personal Note:

My 66th birthday is in January. My personal objectives and resolutions for the Year of the Dragon 2012 are as follows:

1)   Loose 3 pounds of body weight each month in 2012.
2)   Continue to work part-time for two outside employers and for our home business.
3)   Complete the creation of the Magic Pearl Qigong.
4)   Post each day to the Cloud Hands Blog.
5)   Resume teaching Taijiquan, Qigong, and Yoga at the Tehama Family Fitness Center on March 1, 2012.
6)   Finish the second draft of my website on the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu.
7)   Complete the creative and documentation work on the Dragon Qigong.
8)   Finish learning to perform the Chen Taijiquan Broadsword Form.
9)   As soon as my foot surgeon releases me, then I will participate in the spin cycling class and lift weights every Monday and Friday morning.
10) Learn to perform the Traditional Tai Chi Eight Immortals Cane, Routine Two (Cannon Cane) created by Master Jesse Tsao.
11) Complete repair the patio roof, remove all dead trees, and finish the indoor painting projects.
12) After paying into the United States Social Security Fund for 50 years, I am now eligible to begin receiving monthly benefits.
13) Travel to Indiana, Southern California, Oregon coast, and the Olympia National Forest.
14) Try my best to follow the Lifestyle Advice of Wise Persons.
15) Seek appropriate medical services for my health problems.
16) Finish learning the final movements of the Sun Taijiquan 73 Competition Form
17) Continue to practice martial arts drills with my cane.
18) Continue to maintain and improve our home gardens and orchard.
19) This is my time to try to "Leap Through the Dragon's Gate." It probably is my last time to live in a Year of the Dragon.

Web Publishing Notes for 2012:

I no longer maintain any other blogs besides the Cloud Hands Blog. I will post to this every day in 2012.
Karen and I stopped maintaining Our Paths in the Valley Blog on August 23, 2011.
I stopped maintaining the Green Way Blog in 2010. I stopped maintaining the Valley Spirit Blog in 2008.

I provide an alphabetical subject index to most of my online publishing about Taijiquan and Qigong.

All publications of mine are part of Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California. Green Way Research is the home business of Mike and Karen Garofalo.

My Taijiquan webpages are found at the Cloud Hands Website.

My Qigong webpages are found at the Valley Spirit Qigong Website.

My gardening webpages are found at the Spirit of Gardening Website.

The Cloud Hands Blog is a hodgepodge of posts on the numerous themes cited in the subtitle of the blog: Gardening, Taijiquan, Mysticism, Walking, Qigong and the Eight Ways. The "Eight Ways" is vague enough to cover all my other regular and temporary interests. Most of what I post to the Cloud Hands Blog reflects what I am creating and refining and publishing in static webpages. Therefore, the Cloud Hands Blog is an ongoing index to my overall web publishing projects.

My Brief Biography is available online.

Our two websites: Garden Digest and Green Way Research are still popular. Garden Digest serves up an average of 2.2 million webpages per year. Green Way Research serves up an average of 1.4 million webpages per year. We, of course, provide advertising options to business customers.

May we all enjoy a prosperous, productive, and pleasing Year of the Water Dragon in 2012. May we protect and preserve the Pearl.

Taoism and Circle Walking

2012-01-22T04:54:00.000-08:00

"Tung Hai-Chuan (1813-1882) became a member of the Chuan Chen (Complete Truth) sect of Taoism. This sect was part of the Lung Men (Dragon Gate) school of Taoism which was originated by Chou Chang-Ch'uan. Interestingly enough, Chou also invented a method of meditation whereby the practitioner would walk in a circle and, wouldn't you know, this method was practiced by the Chuan Chen sect. Delving further into this Taoist connection, Professor K'ang Kuo Wu was able to find a section in the Taoist Canon which reads:

'A person's heart and mind are in chaos.
Concentration on one thing makes the mind pure.
If one aspires to reach the Tao, one should practice walking in a circle.'

This bit of evidence inspired Professor K'ang Kuo Wu of Beijing to try and find out more about the circle walk meditation method practiced by the Chuan Chen Taoists. What he discovered was that this practice, which the Taoists called Chuan T'ien Tsun (Rotating in Worship of Heaven) is very similar in principle to the circle walk practice of Pa Kua Chang.

Researching Wang Chun-Pao's book, 'Taoist Method of Walking the Circle,' Professor K'ang found that while walking, the Taoists repeated one of two mantras. The first of these mantras was used in the morning practice and translates to mean 'When Rotating in Worship of Heaven, the sound of thunder is everywhere and transforms everything.' The second mantra was used in the evening practice and translates to mean 'When Rotating in Worship of Heaven, the great void saves us from the hardship of existence.' It was said that the practitioner should repeat the mantra with each movement in the circle walk practice so that 'one replaces one's myriad thoughts with a single thought in order to calm and ease one's mind.' The Taoists said that in walking the circle the body's movements should be unified and the practitioner strives for stillness in motion. This practice was described as a method of training the body while harnessing the spirit."
- Jiang Hao-Quan Chinese Martial Arts Institute

"The solo aspect of its circular solo practice is beautiful, yet exotic, full of graceful twisting movement, sudden stops and changes of direction, swooping and lifting actions as well as explosive hand movements. The functional aspect is harshly effective, without sporting elements as its martial effectiveness was refined by the many practitioners at the turn of the century who earned their living as personal bodyguards and merchant convoy escorts. Like the other internal arts, pa-kua emphasizes balance, natural breathing and relaxation, stability of stance, the development of twisting strength and internal power both for healing and martial purposes as well as the use of the mind to create intent and lead chi flow. Most defensive and offensive movements are done with the open hand; the horizontal energy of the twisting torso is emphasized; the weight of the body stays on the back foot when walking in a circle (though not necessarily when doing postures within each "change"; the steps are rather tight, the knees staying in close proximity one-to-the-other; and, kicks are normally aimed low, to the ankles, shins and knees. The essence of the art is learning to be upright, stable and comfortable in your posture and body mechanics while cultivating the ability to change quickly to deal with the tactics of an opponent. The smaller student learns to evade strikes while counter-attacking and the larger learns to batter his/her way through the attacker's arms as a prelude to counter-attacking."
- Michael Babin, Studying Pa Kua Chang

Walking Meditation

Ways of Walking

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices

Bagua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang)

Dragon Qigong

Principles of Taoist Neigong

2012-01-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

"The Taoists call the science of how you develop strong energy flow or internal power neigong. Neigong has sixteen components:

1. Breathing methods, from the simple to the more complex.
2. Feeling, moving, transforming, transmuting and connecting energy channels of the body.
3. Precise body alignments to prevent the flow of chi from being blocked or dissipated.
4. Dissolving physical, emotional and spiritual blockages.
5. Moving energy through the acupuncture meridians and other secondary channels of the body, including the energy gates.
6. Bending and stretching the body, both from the inside and from the outside in.
7. Opening and closing (pulsing) all parts of the body's anatomy including the joints, soft tissues, fluids, internal organs,
spine and brain as well as all the body's subtle energy channels.
8. Manipulating the energy of the external aura outside the body.
9. Making circles and spirals of energy inside the body, controlling the spiraling energy currents of the body and moving chi in the body at will.
10. Absorbing energy into and projecting energy away from any part of the body.
11. Controlling all the energies of the spine.
12. Controlling the left and right energy channels of the body.
13. Controlling the central energy channel of the body.
14. Learning to develop the capabilities and all use of the body's lower tantien.
14. Learning to develop the capabilities and uses of the body's upper and middle tantiens.
15. Connecting every part of the physical and other energetic bodies into one, unified energy."
- Bruce Kumar Frantzis, Dragon and Tiger Qigong, 2010, xxviii

The Chi Revolution: Harnessing the Healing Power of Your Life Force. By Bruce Kumar Frantzis. Berkeley, California, Blue Snake Books, 2008. 248 pages. ISBN: 978-1583941935. VSCL.

Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body: Chi Gung for Lifelong Health (Tao of Energy Enhancement). By Bruce Kumar Frantzis. Illustrated by Husky Grafx. North Atlantic Books, 1993. Second Edition. 174 pages. ISBN: 1556431643. VSCL.

Relaxing into Your Being: The Water Method of Taoist Meditation Series, Vol. 1 By Bruce Kumar Frantzis. Fairfax, California, Clarify Press, 1998. Reader's Edition. 208 pages. Republished by: North Atlantic Books, 2001, ISBN: 1556434073. VSCL.

The Great Stillness: The Water Method of Taoist Meditation Series, Vol. 2 By Bruce Kumar Frantzis. Berkeley, North Atlantic Books, 2001. 272 pages. ISBN: 978-1556434082.

Dragon Qigong

Valley Spirit Qigong

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices

You've Got a Friend

2012-01-20T05:22:00.000-08:00

Words and music by Carole King
From Tapestry album of 1971
You've Got a Friend

"When you're down and troubled
And you need some loving care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at your door

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there

Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don't you let them

You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend."

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 77

2012-01-19T04:43:00.000-08:00

Dao De Jing, Laozi
Chapter 77

"The way of heaven,
Is it not like stretching a bow?
What is high up is pressed down,
What is low down is lifted up;
What has surplus (yu yü) is reduced,
What is deficient (pu tsu) is supplemented.
The way of heaven,
It reduces those who have surpluses,
To supplement those who are deficient.
The human way is just not so.
It reduces those who are deficient,
To offer those who have surpluses.
Who can offer his surpluses to the world?
Only a person of Tao.
Therefore the sage works (wei) without holding on to,
Accomplishes without claiming credit.
Is it not because he does not want to show off his merits?"
- Translated by Ellen M. Chen, Chapter 77

"The Tao of Heaven resembles a drawn bow.
It brings down the high and exalts the lowly; it takes from those who have superfluity, and gives to those who have not enough. The Tao of Heaven abstracts where there is too much, and supplements where there is deficiency.
The Tao of men does not so.
It takes away from what is already deficient in order to bestow on those who have a superfluity.
Who is able to devote his surplus to the needs of others?
Only he who is possessed of Tao.
Thus it is that the Sage acts, yet does not plume himself; achieves works of merit, yet does not hold to them.
He has no wish to make a display of his worthiness."
- Translated by Frederic H. Balfour, 1884, Chapter 77

"Heaven's Way is like the stringing of a bow: It pulls down what is high it lifts up what is low it takes away from what has an abundance to give to what has not enough.
Heaven's Way: Take away from what has an abundance help along what has not enough.
People's way is not like this: Take away from what has not enough to offer it to what has an abundance.
Who can have an abundance to offer the world?
Only the one who has Tao.
And so the Wise Person: Works but does not rely on this achieves successes but does not dwell in them has no desire to show off his worth."
- Translated by Michael LaFargue, 1992, Chapter 77

"Is not God's Way much like a bow well bent?
The upper part has been disturbed, pressed down;
The lower part is raised up from its place;
The slack is taken up; the slender width
Is broader drawn; for thus the Way of God
Cuts people down when they have had too much,
And fills the bowls of those who are in want.
But not the way of man will work like this:
The people who have not enough are spoiled
For tribute to the rich and surfeited.

Who can benefit the world
From stored abundance of his own?
He alone who has the Way,
The Wise Man who can act apart
And not depend on others' whims;
But not because of his high rank
Will he succeed; he does not wish
To flaunt superiority."
- Translated by Raymond B. Blakney, 1955, Chapter 77

"Bend the bow and embrace the tiger
to emulate the way of heave

drawn with resoluteness
the bow changes length and width
turning in on itself

released with resoluteness
the bow projects its arrow fixedly to a target
by equalizing itself

the bow can shoot up or down as needed
always seeking to balance out
flexibility and cohesion
always seeking to resolve
excesses of energy and deficiencies of energy

equalizing and balancing out and resolving
are the ways of heaven

but the ways of man
make things unequal
imbalanced and unresolved
cutting man off from heaven and earth

only a sage wise man humbly cultivating the tao
way of life
can entreat heaven on man's behalf
asking heaven
to reestablish the natural order
by not asking heaven

when he is successful
he does not dwell on it
displaying his skill at emulating the way of heaven

he simply smiles
and moves on to the next task."
- Translated by John Bright-Fey, Chapter 77

"Nature's way is like bending a great bow:
The top comes down, and the bottom comes up.
Length is shortened, and width is expanded.
Nature's way is to take from the too-much, and give to the not-enough.
Man's way is usually the opposite.
Who has enough to offer the world?"
- Translated by Ned Lund, Chapter 77

"The Way of Heaven is like the drawing of a bow.
What is high is brought lower, and what is low is brought higher.
What is too long is shortened;
What is too short is lengthened.

The Way of Heaven is to take away from what is excessive
And to replenish what is deficient.
But the Way of Man is different:
It takes away from those who have little,
And gives to those who already have plenty.
Who is able to offer the world whatever he has in excess?
Only the man of Tao.

Therefore the Sage works without claiming reward,
Accomplishes without taking credit.
He has no desire to display his excellence."
- Translated by Keith H. Seddon, Chapter 77

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 77 of the Dao De Jing by Laozi

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching

Gardening Information and Quotations

Dragon Qigong

2012-01-18T03:17:00.000-08:00

Exercises that involve twisting, turning, spiraling, screwing, sliding, swinging, swimming, sinking down and rising up, wiggling, undulating, circling, or twining are often associated with snakes and dragons. There are many Qigong sets and specific Qigong movements given a name that includes a 'Dragon.' Baguazhang and Shaolin Kung Fu also include many "Dragon" forms, sets and movements. Silk Reeling Qigong is also related to Dragon like movements.

Dragon Qigong is often associated with Wudang Taoist mind/body arts. Maybe the cliffs and valleys of the Wudang Mountain area are home to many dragons? Dragons have a well established place in Taoist symbolism and lore, as well as in Chinese culture in general.

My updated webpage on Dragon Qigong includes an extensive bibliography, links, resources, an introduction, quotations, and a detailed description of my own Dragon Qigong set.

I welcome suggestions for additions and changes to the Dragon Qigong webpage. I have also successfully used these Dragon Qigong movements in my Hatha Yoga classes, and call them "Chinese Yoga."

Are you preparing for the upcoming start of the Year of the Water Dragon in 2012 starting on January 23rd? Check out the sidebar on this blog for links to resources on Dragons.

The East Asian Dragons are often associated with water, rain, vapors, fog, springs, streams, waterfalls, rivers, swamps, lakes, and the ocean. Water can take many shapes and states, and Dragons are shape shifters and linked with transformation, appearing and disappearing, changing into something new. Water is found in three states, depending upon the surrounding temperature: a solid (ice, snow), a fluid (flowing liquid), and a gas (fog, vapor, steam). Since rainfall is often accompanied by thunder and lightening (thunderstorms and typhoons), the Dragon is sometimes associated with fire; and, since hot water and steam are major sources of energy in human culture, this further links the Dragon with the essential energy of Fire. The Dragon is thus linked with the chemical and alchemical transformative properties of two of the essential Elements, both Water and Fire. Dragons are generally benign or helpful to humans in East Asia, but their powers can also be destructive (e.g., flooding, tsunami, typhoon, lightening, steam, drowning, etc.). There are both male and female Dragons, kinds or species of Dragons, Dragons of different colors and sizes, and mostly good but some evil Dragons. Some Dragons can fly, some cannot fly; most live in or near water, a few on land. The body of a Dragon combines features from many animals, representing the many possibilities for existential presence. The Dragon in the East has serpentine, snake, or eel like movement qualities: twisting, spiraling, sliding, circling, swimming, undulating, flowing freely like water. [See: The Dragon in China and Japan by Marinus De Visser, 1913]

A Poor Choice in Plants

2012-01-17T05:24:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago I planted many Leland Cypress trees in my yard. They grew quickly. They stayed bright green in the summer and winter. They seemed to like the hot summers and cool and wet winters. Their dense nature provided an excellent back ground screen and wind barrier. These trees, however, are prone to spider mites and cypress cancer fungal disease. Right now I have six large Leland Cypress trees that are dead or dying of the cancer fungus. All six trees will be removed this winter and will involve much physical effort.

I don't recommend Leland Cypress for planting in the North Sacramento Valley. I have found that the Arizona Cypress tree does quite well up here and shows no signs of being attacked by spider mites or the cancer fungus disease. The Arizona Cypress does not grow as tall as the Leland Cypress, is evergreen, dense, and light grey-green in color.

Likewise, when we choose our own hobbies and activities, for the log run, we must be careful to choose those that fit our nature, skills, age, habits, and outlook. I love listening to music and carry around a Sony Walkman MP3 player quite often, I know that I am unsuited for learning to play a music instrument (I tried before). At age 66, with my build and health, it would be unwise for me to take up Karate, marathon running, or mountain climbing. We need to plant the "right seeds" to cultivate in our bodies and minds. There are always excellent alternatives and options to choose between.
Lifestyle Advice from Wise Persons

"Leyland Cypress is light-demanding but is tolerant of high levels of pollution and salt spray. A hardy, fast-growing natural hybrid, it thrives on a variety of soils and sites are commonly planted in gardens to provide a quick boundary or shelter hedge, because of their rapid growth. Although widely used for screening, it has not been planted much for forestry purposes. In both forms of the hybrid, Leyland Cypress combines the hardiness of the Nootka or Alaska Cypress with the fast growth of the Monterey Cypress.

The tallest Leyland Cypress presently documented is about 130 ft tall and still growing. However, because their roots are relatively shallow, large leylandii tend to topple over. The shallow root structure also means that it is poorly adapted to areas with hot summers, such as the southern half of the U.S.A.. In these areas it is prone to develop cypress canker disease, which is caused by the fungus Seiridium cardinale. Canker causes extensive dieback and ultimately kills the tree. In California's Central Valley, they rarely live more than ten years before succumbing, and not much longer in southern states like Alabama. In these areas, the canker-resistant Arizona Cypress is much more successful. In Northern areas where heavy snows occur, this plant is also susceptible to broken branches and uprooting in wet, heavy snow."
- Leland Cypress - Wikipedia

Lean on Me

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Music and lyrics by Bill Withers
"Lean on Me"

Sung by the Dublin Gospel Choir in 2010

"Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road I'll share your load
If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me..."

Friendship: Quotes, Sayings, Proverbs, Poems

Walking in the Landscape of the Mind

2012-01-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

Because of my recent medical problems, I have not been actively walking since July of 2011. I used to walk a minimum of 4 miles in the morning four days each week, and take longer hikes during the year. I greatly miss this wonderful bodymind activity. Walking and hiking have been an important part of my long life of 66 years. I am hoping my podiatrist gives me the green light to resume walking outdoors and spin cycling indoors starting on February 1, 2012.

Hiking involves such aspects of consciousness as determination, willpower, planning, strength, focus, endurance, adventure, and danger. Just taking a long walk can also be an adventure for the mind, as well as an exercise of willpower.

"The rhythm of walking generates a kind of rhythm of thinking, and the passage through a landscape echoes or stimulates the passage through a series of thoughts. The creates an odd consonance between internal and external passage, one that suggests that the mind is also a landscape of sorts and that walking is one way to traverse it. A new thought often seems like a feature of the landscape that was there all along, as though thinking were traveling rather than making."
- Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking

"Thoughts come clearly while one walks."
- Thomas Mann

"Walking inspires and promotes conversation that is grounded in the body, and so it gives the soul a place where it can thrive. I think I could write an interesting memoir of significant walks I have taken with others, in which intimacy was not only experienced but set fondly into the landscape of memory. When I was a child, I used to walk with my Uncle Tom on his farm, across fields and up and down hills. We talked of many thing, some informative and some completely outrageous, and quite a few very tall stories emerged on those bucolic walks. Whatever the content of the talking, those conversations remain important memories for me of my attachment to my family, to a remarkable personality, and to nature."
- Thomas Moore, Soul Mates

Ways of Walking

Walking Quotations

Way of the Short Staff

In the above photograph, I am standing on top of North Dome in Yosemite National Park. Behind me is Half Dome. My brother Philip and I hiked 12 miles round trip to get to the top of North Dome just four years ago in August. A very memorable hike for us. I am now planning a 2012 summer trip to the Olympic National Park in Washington, and making campground, lodge and motel reservations.

Stand by a Friend

2012-01-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music", comes the first of many "songs around the world" being released independently. Featured is the Ben E. King classic, "Stand by Me," performed by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it travelled the globe.

"Oh Yeah, Oh my Darlin', Stand by Me
No matter who you are
No matter where you go in life
You goin' to need somebody to stand by you
No matter how much money you got
Or the friends you got
You goin' to need somebody to stand by you
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And that moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid, no I shed one tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh now stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me

When the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry, no I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darlin', darlin', stand by me, oh stand by me
Please stand by me, stand by me, stand by me

Darlin', darlin', stand by me-e, stand by me
Oh stand by me, stand by me, stand by me."

For those, like myself, who enjoy songs by Bob Marley, Playing for Change offers two outstanding renditions of the Marley classics:

War: No More Trouble

One Love

You can purchase the Playing for Change CD and DVD.

This video on UTube has been viewed by 38 million people.

The Playing for Change Project is Worthy of Your Support

Tai Chi Fan Forms

2012-01-13T04:47:00.000-08:00

Tai Chi Fan Webpage: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Notes, Lore, Quotations. 65Kb+. Research by Mike Garofalo. I welcome any comments, suggestions, additions, or ideas regarding this webpage.

Does anyone know more about this popular Taijiquan fan form? When was it created? Are there other resources available for studying this fan form?

Tai Chi Kung Fun Fan Form created by Professor Li Deyin (1938-)

52 Movements Fan Dance Form

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan Dance, Form I

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan. Routine 1, created by Grandmaster Li Deyin (1938-). Instructional DVD, 65 minutes, by Master Jesse Tsao. Tai Chi Healthways, San Diego, California. "The most popular Tai Chi Fan form ever practiced in China. The routine was created by Grandmaster Li Deyin, Jesse Tsao's teacher since 1978. There are 52 movements in the whole routine based on the characteristic Tai Chi posture with the fan's artistic and martial functions. Master Tsao presents demonstrations at the beginning and end. He teaches step-by-step in slow motion, in English. There are plenty of repetitions of movements in both front and back view. It is a good reference for home study, or a resource for instructor's teaching preparation." Cost: 35.00 US. Demonstration.

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan Instructional DVD by Professor Li Deyin. Narration in English. "A fan routine, created by Professor Li, which combines the gracefulness, centrality and continuity of Taiji with the power, speed and fierceness of Wushu. It is designed as an addition to the exercises for health, and has received massive interest and support throughout the world. In this DVD, Professor Li provides in-depth teaching with Mrs. Fang Mishou performing detail demonstration." Vendor 1. Cost: $35.00 US.

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. List of 52 movement names, directions, instructions, and notes by Mike Garofalo.

Tai Chi Kung Fun Fan, Form 1. UTube Video, 4:02 min. Lady in white on a stage in Japan. My favorite! "First Form of the Xiyangmei Taiji Kungfu Shan (Taiji Shan). Recorded in Tokyo, Japan when the group headed by Li Deyin went to give an exhibition in 2006."

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. UTube Video, 3:59 min. Three performers in white outfits.

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. UTube Video, 3:59 min. Demonstrated by Patty Lee. Lady in a yellow outfit in a field with a backdrop of mountains.

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. UTube Video, 4:02 min. Lady in black practicing in a dance studio. What is the song used in many of these videos (by Jackie Chan)??

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. UTube Video, 3:42. A group of Master Fay Li Yip's students performing outdoors.

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. UTube Video, 3:53 min. A group in black outfits performs outdoors in Madrid, Spain. Some members need more group practice.

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. UTube Video, 5:57 min. Two ladies in red outfits perform outdoors in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. 中國太極功夫扇

Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan, Form 1. UTube Video Subject Search.

Dao De Jing, Laozi, Chapter 78

2012-01-12T03:57:00.000-08:00

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Chapter 78

"Nothing in the world is weaker than water
but against the hard and the strong nothing excels it
for nothing can change it
the soft overcomes the hard
the weak overcomes the strong
this is something everyone knows but no one is able to practice
thus the sage declares who accepts a country's disgrace we call the lord of soil and grain
who accepts a country's misfortune we call king of all under Heaven
upright words sound upside down"
- Translated by Bill Porter (Red Pine), 1996, Chapter 78

"Heaven below (the sacred body) is not as soft and yielding as water, yet can take on the rigid and violent.
Without its (the sacred body's) ability to overcome the rigid and the violent, it is nothing.
It replaces violence with gentleness.
It overcomes violence.
Tenderly it overcomes the unyielding.
Without knowing this, no one in Heaven below can progress.
The sages speak of guarding the community:
Dishonor comes from making sacrifices to the gods.
Preserve the community, not its omens.
It is correct to speak of Heaven below as what connects Heaven,
Humanity and Earth.
The words of the person who sacrifices backfire."
- Translated by Barbara Tovey and Alan Sheets, 2002, Chapter 78

"In the world nothing is more fragile than water, and yet of all the agencies that attack hard substances nothing can surpass it.
Of all things there is nothing that can take the place of Tao.
By it the weak are conquerors of the strong, the pliable are conquerors of the rigid.
In the world every one knows this, but none practice it.
Therefore the wise man declares: he who is guilty of the country's sin may be the priest at the altar.
He who is to blame for the country's misfortunes, is often the Empire's Sovereign.
True words are often paradoxical."
- Translated by Dwight Goddard, 1919, Chapter 78

"In the world nothing is supple and weak in relation to water
Yet of those things which attack the firm and unyielding
Nothing is able to do better
In what is absent, this easily happens.
Being supple conquers the unyielding
Being weak conquers the firm
In the world
No one is without knowing it
No one is able to practice it.
Appropriately it happens that sages say
He who accepts the disgrace of a nation
Is appropriately called lord of the grain shrine
He who accepts the misfortune of a nation
Is appropriately acting as the king of the world.
Correct words look like they turn back."
- Translated by David Lindauer, Chapter 78

"remember
to be at your best
pattern yourself after water
nothing in all the world is softer or more powerful
nothing in all the world can substitute for it
nothing in all the world can stop it

in their hearts
everyone easily knows that
the soft and the weak
will always overcome the hard and strong
but they find it difficult to live this way

the secret is to
move the bodymind like water."
- Translated by John Bright-Fey, 2006, Chapter 78

"Nothing in the world is Softer or Weaker than water.
But when it attacks what is hard and strong none of them can win out, because they have no way of affecting it.
Softness overcomes what is hard Weakness overcomes what is unyielding.
Everyone in the world understands it no one can practice it.
And so the Wise Person says: Taking on a state's dirt makes one lord of its earth altars taking on a state's misfortunes makes one King of the world.
Right words seem the opposite."
- Translated by Michael LaFargue, 1992, Chapter 78

"Water is soft and yielding, but
nothing can more effectively dissolve the hard and inflexible.
Weak defeats strong.
Soft defeats hard.
This is well–known, but not easy to put into practice.
Therefore, the Tao–Master says:
He who takes upon himself the dirt of the nation
becomes the master of its sacred soil;
he who takes upon himself the evils of the land
becomes a true king under Heaven.
Straight words seem crooked."
- Translated by George Cronk, 1999, Chapter 78

"Nothing is softer, more flexible, or more giving than
water
nothing can resist it
nothing can take it away
nothing can endure it
there is no way to hurt it.
The flexible overcomes what resists it,
the giving overcomes what takes it,
the soft overcomes the hard,
but who uses this knowledge?
Only the person who knows the earth
as intimately as the trees and grasses
can rule the earth,
only the person who accepts
the guilt and evil of humanity
can rule the universe.
Straight tongues seem forked.
Straight talk seems crooked."
- Translated by Tom Kunesh, Chapter 78

"There is nothing in the world
as soft and weak as water.
But to erode the hard and strong,
nothing can surpass it;
nothing can be a substitute.
The weak can overcome the strong;
the soft can overcome the hard.
There is no-one in the world who does not know this,
but there is no-one who can put it into practice.
Those who are enlightened say:
those who bear a nation's disgrace
will become lords of its shrines to earth and grain; *
those who bear a nation's misfortune
will become kings under heaven.
True words often seem a paradox."
- Translated by Tim Chilcott, 2005, Chapter 78

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 78 of the Dao De Jing by Laozi

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching

Red Bluff Gardening Notebooks of Karen and Mike Garofalo

January Gardening Chores

2012-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

January Gardening Chores
Red Bluff, North Sacramento Valley, California, USA
USDA Zone 9

Typical (Average/Normal) Seasonal Weather for Our Area Normally, in January, we have high daytime temperatures of 54ºF, low nighttime temperatures of 37ºF, and get 4.2 inches of rain.

January Gardening Activities and Chores in Red Bluff
USDA Zone 9

Pruning leafless trees and shrubs.
Adding compost, ashes and fertilizer to the vegetable and flower gardens.
Taking cuttings from dormant figs, grapes, and other shrubs.
Spraying dormant fruit and other trees.
Weeding and mowing where needed.
Burning piles of gardening cuttings.
Fixing wood and metal fences.
Placing cold sensitive potted plants in protected areas outdoors or indoors.
Sharpening and oiling garden tools.
Protect tender plants from frosts.
Checking for and repairing any leaks in sheds.
The soil is usually too wet and cold for much garden digging.
Indoor activities: sorting seeds, planning, reading, writing, etc.
Caring for indoor plants.
Weeding the winter garden.
Watering potted plants as needed.
Adding Ironite and other soil supplements.
Fertilizing under trees and shrubs.
Keeping tools and equipment out of the rain and moisture.
Browsing seed and garden catalogs.
Reading gardening, botany, and agricultural books.
Planning garden improvements for the new year.
Fixing any leaking roofs or rain gutters.
Keep a journal. Write a poem.
Take a slow walk in the garden.

January Gardening Chores and Tips for Other U.S.A. Zones

Oak Hill January Tips - Georgia

Oregon State University January Tips

Earth Wise Creations January Tips - Zone 9

Seasonal Garden Chores - Links

Top Garden Projects for January by Ed Hume in the Pacific Northwest

52 Weeks in the California Garden by Richard Smaus

The Gay Gardener - Monthly Chores

Monthly Gardening January Tips from Ortho

Monthly Garden Tasks in an English County Garden

Winter Rose Care

The Garden Helper Tips for January - Northern U.S.

Fruits and Nuts - January Tips - Virginia

Gardening Tips - January - New York Botanical Garden

Master Gardeners Tips

Magic Pearl Qigong

2012-01-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

Martial Arts, physical culture, and Qigong enthusiasts can benefit from using a medicine ball when doing exercises. There are many routines developed by Taijiquan and Qigong masters using a medicine ball. In addition, upper body strength is also improved by using Taijiquan weapons like the saber, sword, and staff.

Medicine Ball Training and Exercises: Bibliography, Links, Resources . Prepared by Mike Garofalo. A general introduction to the use of medicine balls in exercise programs.

I developed my own medicine ball routine called: Magic Pearl Qigong.

Magic Pearl Qigong, Part I, Movements 1-8 . Instructions, Bibliography, Links, Handouts, Resources, Mythological Associations, Lore. Prepared by Mike Garofalo.

Magic Pearl Qigong, Part II, Movements 9-16 . Instructions, Bibliography, Links, Handouts, Resources, Mythological Associations, Lore. Prepared by Mike Garofalo.

The Magic Pearl Qigong can be a very vigorous physical culture routine if you increase the weight of the ball and the number of repetitions of each movement.

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi

2012-01-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

The Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Series was created by Professor Lin Hou Sheng from China. Part 1, 18 movements (Shi Ba Shi) was created in 1979. Part 2, 18 movements, was created in 1988. Four more Tai Chi Qigong 18 movement sets were created in the 1990's. Professor Lin's best selling book, Qi Gong is the Answer to Health, was first published in 1985 in China.

The movements are done slowly, gently, and deliberately. Deep breathing is coordinated carefully with each movement sequence. There is little or no movement of the feet. Suitable for persons of all ages. A number of the hand movements are similar to those used in Yang style Taijiquan.

Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi: Bibliography, Links, Videos, Lessons, Resources.
By Mike Garofalo.

The Theory and Practice of Taiji Qigong. By Chris Jarmey. North Atlantic Books, 2005. 192 pages.

Part 1, Eighteen Movements (Shibashi) Qigong, Tai Chi Qigong

1.   Awakening the Qi
2.   Opening the Chest
3.   Painting the Rainbow
4.   Separating the Clouds
5.   Cycling the Arms
6.   Paddle a Boat
7.   Lifting the Sun
8.   Turn the Body and Look at the Moon
9.   Push the Palms
10. Rolling Tai Ji
11. Lift and Spray the Water
12. Push the Wave
13. Let the Dove Free
14. Punching the Mud
15. Flying Wild Goose
16. Hug and Swing the Sun
17. Bounce the Ball
18. Quieting the Qi

Bare Root Planting Time

2012-01-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

In December and early January of each year, Karen and I plant bare root trees and vines. We also plant potted plants. We also dig up and move plants to new locations.

This year, we are planting the following bare root trees and vines: a Splash Pluot, a Bartlett pear, a non-pariel almond tree, a neplus ultra almond tree, an Indian free peach variety, and a Moorpark apricot tree. Among the potted plants are oleander shrubs, bay laurel trees, black oak trees, grape vines, mock oranges, bottle brush, and others.

We dig holes, plant the tree or shrub, stake trees as needed, prune excess branches to shape and reduce stress, and water.

The Ten Commandments of Health

2012-01-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

"Eat Wisely
Drink Plentifully of Water
Eliminate Thoroughly
Bathe Cleanly
Exercise Rationally
Accept the Inevitable [Don't Worry]

Play Enthusiastically

Relax Completely
Sleep Sufficiently
Check Up Occasionally

Give 5% of your time to keeping well.
You won't have to give 100% getting over being sick."

- By George W. Calver, M.D.
Physician to the U.S. Congress in 1928

The Ten Commandments of Health

Lifestyle Advice from Wise Persons

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 79

2012-01-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

Dao De Jing, Laozi
Chapter 79

"Patching up a great hatred is sure to leave some hatred behind.
How can this be regarded as satisfactory?
Therefore the Sage holds the left tally,
And does not put the guilt on the other party.
the virtuous man is for patching up;
The vicious is for fixing guilt.
But "the way of Heaven is impartial;
It sides only with the good man.""
- Translated by Lin Yutang, 1955, Chapter 79

"harmonizing great resentments and injuries
requires a soft but steady equilibrium
but even in a gentle balancing of the scales
some friction and pain will always remain
harmony can still be reached
if the sage wise man doesn't push
for complete unity
the sage wise man come to understand that flawless justice
is impossible
so he holds an even temperament instead
great knowledge comes from the left hand
holding something broken an flawed
accept the small inequities
a bodymind embracing the tao way of life
doesn't need perfection
a bodymind rejects the tao way of life
striving for perfection
remember
heaven lends its strength to thos who
follow the natural laws of the universe."
- Translated by John Bright-Fey, Chapter 79

"When enemies are reconciled, some resentment invariably remains.
How can this be healed?
Therefore the Sage makes good on his half of the deal
And demands nothing of others.
One who is truly good will keep his promise.
One who is not good will take what he can.
Heaven doesn't choose sides
It is always with the good people."
- Translated by John R. Mabry, Chapter 79

"Settling a massive resentment
Necessarily some resentment will be left-over.
How can such be deemed as worth?
Using this: Sages grasp the left side of the agreement.
And don't demand from others.
Have virtuosity in supervising agreements.
Lack virtuosity in supervising taxation.
The natural guide has no kin.
It constants being with worthy people."
- Translated by Chad Hansen, Chapter 79

"When there is peace between great enemies
There is bound to be lingering resentment.
How can this be considered virtuous?
So the wise become creditors
But exact no payment from the people.
The virtuous keep the tally,
Those without virtue exact it.
The Way of heaven shows no favoritism.
It merely supports the good."
- Translated by A. S. Kline, 2003, Chapter 79

"Though a great grievance may be appeased there is sure to remain some grievance.
How can one stand well with others?
By requiting grievances with Virtue.
Therefore the Saint, although he holds the left-hand tally, does not serve a summons on people.
He who has Virtue, controls the tally; he who has no Virtue, controls the levying.
The Way of heaven ahs no favouritism; it always gives (the opportunity of) standing well with people."
- Translated by J. J. L. Duyvendak, Chapter 79

"After the settlement of a big case,
someone could breach the agreement.
What can one do about it?
The sage keeps his half of the bargain, and not blame the others.
A man of Virtue performs his part,
A man without Virtue requires others to fulfill their obligations.
The Tao of heaven is impartial.
It awards virtuous men all the time."
- Translated by Tienzen Gong, Chapter 79

"When reconciliation follows a great grievance,
How often there is a residue of grievance!
That can scarcely be called a settlement!
Therefore, the Sage, while himself fulfilling the harder part of a bargain,
Does not claim his due from the other.
He who uses the Virtue of the Tao, keeps to his bond;
He who does not use the Virtue of the Tao drives a hard bargain.
The Tao is no respecter of persons:
Its abundance is always at the service of the good."
- Translated by Herman Ould, 1946, Chapter 79

"At the conclusion of a serious dispute,
It is rare that some resentment not remain behind.
To restore harmony, the Sage,
Keeping to the letter of the agreement with regard to his own obligations,
Never compels the other to fulfill his responsibilities.
Having Te, one would attend to obligations.
Without Te, one would press claims.
While it is the nature of Tao to be free of partiality,
Holding to the essence of the Tao,
The truly virtuous find the Tao abiding within."
- Translated by Alan Taplow, 1982, Chapter 79

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 79 of the Dao De Jing by Laozi

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching

Seeing: Quotes, Poems, Sayings

Devotion

2012-01-05T06:37:00.000-08:00

"Devotion"

From 365 Tao: Daily Meditations
By Deng Ming-Dao
January 3, Day 3

Make the crooked straight,
Make the straight to flow.
Gather water, fire, and light.
Bring the world to a single point.

If we have devotion -- total faith and commitment to our spiritual path -- our determination will naturally build momentum. Fewer and fewer obstructions will come before us. Our path becomes like a crooked one made straight. No matter what tries to keep us from our purpose, we will not be deterred.

Proper devotion lies not simply in a headlong course. It also requires fortitude. Our bodies, our hearts, and our spirits must be totally concentrated upon what we want. Only by uniting all our inner elements can we have full devotion.

If we see our path clearly and our personalities are completely unified, then there is no distinction between the outer world and the inner one. Nothing is faraway anymore, nothing is not open to us. That is why it is said that the world is like a single point: So strong is devotion that there is nothing that is not a part of it.

Willpower Quotations

Kicking Ass

2012-01-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

I was not surprised to hear in the Republican candidates debate that some favored invading or bombing Iran because they managed to steal one U.S. drone that was spying on Iran, and that we should keep our troops in Afghanistan indefinitely until "victory" is achieved. I am suspicious of those "potential leaders" who too often recommend "kicking ass" as a solution instead of diplomacy, wait and see, accept some minor losses, mind our own business, strategic retreat, and ignoring the little bullies tens of thousands of miles away.

There are real conditions and circumstances and a time for "kicking ass," but far less often than the 'road rage' habits of some politicians.

The End of a Mistake

Suggestion for a 28th Amendment to the Constitution:
War Powers Authorization by Public Vote

"There Ain't But One Way" by Hugh Laurie

Artistic Vision

2012-01-03T05:53:00.000-08:00

"Artistic vision registers and prophesies the expanding consciousness of man. I am not speaking only of works of art, but the artistic vision wherever it imbues living acts. Artistic imagination creates what has never before existed. To live artistically is to embody in social forms the unique individual and the intuitions of union."
- M. C. Richards

"I shut my eyes in order to see."
- Paul Gauguin

"The artist alone sees spirits. But after he has told of their appearing to him, everybody sees them."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"One eye sees, the other feels."
- Paul Klee

Tarot Studies, Practices and Research

Compilations by Mike Garofalo, Red Bluff, CA, Green Way Research

Winter Greetings

2012-01-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

Best wishes for a wonderful winter season this new year.

May we all enjoy good health, happiness, peace, prosperity, and creative challenges in 2012.

Take a peek at my webpages on January and the Winter Season.

"Timeless thoughts of a winter’s stare;
eyes gazing over a landscape bare.
Memories drift on a blustery breeze;
dying light ushers in the freeze.
Reaching out for a grasp on the present;
stillness sets in, alone, and desolate.
Future unknown, outcome uncertain;
brilliance shadowed by a drawn curtain.
Path now set, laid before me known;
closing light now emanating from home.
Enter my homestead, heart filled with glee;
two eyes of the future peering upward at me.
Trusting in him to forge forward until fulfilled;
Basis of strength, values I have instilled.
A wary mind at last permitted to rest;
reflecting on the realization of how I am blessed.
- Michael A. Barron, Winter's Epiphany

"Winter is the time for comfort - it is the time for home."
- Edith Sitwell

Last winter we had plenty of rain in December and January. In the picture below, Karen counts 5 inches of rain in the gauge. This year we have had little rain. Yin/Yang contrast.

Dao De Jing, Laozi, Chapter 80

2012-01-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Chapter 80

"The ideal land is small
Its people very few,
Where tools abound
Ten times or yet
A hundred-fold
Beyond their use;
Where people die
And die again
But never emigrate;
Have boats and carts
Which no one rides.
Weapons have they
And armor too,
But none displayed.
The folk returns
To use again
The knotted chords.
Their meat is sweet;
Their clothes adorned,
Their homes at peace,
Their customs charm.

And neighbor lands
Are juxtaposed
So each may hear
The barking dogs,
The crowing cocks
Across the way;
Where folks grow old
And folks will die
And never once
Exchange a call."
- Translated by Raymond B. Blakney, 1955, Chapter 80

"A small country has fewer people.
Though there are machines that can work ten to a hundred times faster than man, they are not needed.
The people take death seriously and do not travel far.
Though they have boats and carriages, no one uses them.
Though they have armor and weapons, no one displays them.
Men return to the knotting of rope in place of writing.
Their food is plain and good, their clothes fine but simple, their homes secure;
They are happy in their ways.
Though they live within sight of their neighbors,
And crowing cocks and barking dogs are heard across the way,
Yet they leave each other in peace while they grow old and die."
- Translated by Jane English, 1972, Chapter 80

"Let there be a small country with few people,
Who, even having much machinery, don't use it.
Who take death seriously and don't wander far away.
Even though they have boats and carriages, they never ride in them.
Having armor and weapons, they never go to war.
Let them return to measurement by tying knots in rope.
Sweeten their food, give them nice clothes, a peaceful abode and a relaxed life.
Even though the next country can be seen and its doges and chickens can be heard,
The people will grow old and die without visiting each others land."
- Translated by Charles Muller, 1997, Chapter 80

"A small state with few people.
Let the implements (ch'ih) for ten and hundred men be unused,
Let the people fear death such that they do not move far away.
Although there are boats and carriages,
There are no places to ride them to.
Although there are weapons and armours,
There are no occasions to display them.
Let the people again tie ropes and use them (as memory aids).
Let them enjoy their food,
Consider their clothing beautiful,
Be contented with their dwellings,
And happy with their customs.
The neighbouring states overlooking one another,
The dogs' barkings and cocks' crowings are heard from other states,
Yet till they are old and dying the people do not visit one another."
- Translated by Ellen M. Chen, Chapter 80

"Keep the kingdom small, its people few;
Make sure they have no use for tools
That do the work of tens or hundreds.
Nor let the people travel far
And leave their homes and risk their lives.
Boat or cart, if kept at all, best not to ride;
Shield and blade best not to show.
Guide them back to early times
When knotted cords served for signs,
And they took relish in their food
And delight in their dress,
Secure in their dwellings,
Content in their customs,
Although a neighbor kingdom stood in view
And the barnyard cries of cocks and dogs
Echoed from village to village,
Their folk would never traffic to and fro –
Never, to the last of their days."
- Translated by Moss Roberts, 2001, Chapter 80

"Small country, few people -
Hundreds of devices,
But none are used.
People ponder on death
And don't travel far.
They have carriages and boats,
But no one goes on board;
Weapons and armour,
But no one brandishes them.
They use knotted cords for counting.
Sweet is their food,
Beautiful their clothes,
Peaceful their homes,
Delightful their customs.
Neighboring countries are so close
You can hear their chickens and dogs.
But people grow old and die
Without needing to come and go."
- Translated by Stephen Addiss, 1993, Chapter 80

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 80 of the Dao De Jing by Laozi

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

The Sword of Wisdom

2011-12-31T04:46:00.000-08:00

The Sword of Wisdom

"Ever since the adepts handed on
The secret of the sword,
The true imperative has been upheld
Completely, truly adamant.

If someone asks me about
Looking for its origin,
I say it is not ordinary iron.
This lump of iron
Comes from receptive stillness;
When you obtain it, it rises up.

Forging it in a glowing fire,
Through repeated efforts
It is refined
And forged into steel.

When students of the Tao
Know this secret,
The spirit of light is intensely powerful,
And devils of darkness vanish.

The subtle function of spiritual work
Is truly hard to measure;
I now give an explanation for you.
In telling you about it
I divulge the celestial mechanism.

Setting to work when one yang comes back,
First have the six yangs pump the furnace bellows;
Then the six yins work the tongs and hammer.
When the work of firing is complete,
It produces the sword;
When it is first done,
It flashes like lightning.

Brandish it horizontally
And a cold clear breeze arises;
Hold it upright,
And the shining bright moon appears.
Auspicious light illumines heaven and earth;
Sprites and ghosts are distressed.

It stops turbidity, brings out clarity,
Sweeps away weird defilements;
It slays volatility,
Cuts down aggressiveness,
Destroys monsters:
Influences draining away
Vitality, energy and spirit
All vanish in the light of the sword.

Entanglements are cut off, rumination dies down,
And the web of feelings is rent asunder.
Where the spiritual edge is aimed, mountains crumble;
The demon kinds of mundane planes are all routed.

This precious sword fundamentally has no form;
The name is set up because it has spiritual effect.
Learning the Tao and practicing reality
Depend on this sword:
Without this sword,
The Tao cannot be achieved.

Opening up the vast darkness,
Distinguishing heaven and earth,
Dissolving obstructions, transmuting objects -
All is included.
If you ask me to show it to you,
I bring it out before you -
Do you understand or not?"

- The Sword of Wisdom
From "The Book of Balance and Harmony"
Translated by Thomas Cleary, 1989, p. 115-117

Taijiquan Sword: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Instruction, Guides, All Styles

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Sword: Poems, Sayings, Quotations, Wisdom

Grandmaster Sun Lu Tang (1861-1933)

2011-12-30T07:24:00.000-08:00

"When a modern day "New Age" practitioner of tai chi speaks of the art as being "good for his health and a way to align his energy with the energy of the Tao," that viewpoint came largely from Sun Lu Tang. Or when pa kua practitioners walk the pa kua circle on a California beach and talk of how "pa kua forms are physical embodiments of the I-Ching," their ideas derive largely from Sun Lu Tang. Or when modern day practitioners of xing yi opine that "the five forms of xing yi interact like the five basic elements in Taoist cosmology," they to owe their thinking largely to Sun Lu Tang."
- Elisabeth Guo and Brian L. Kennedy, Sun Lu Tang: Fighter, Scholar and Image Maker.

Sun Style Taijiquan: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Quotes
By Michael P. Garofalo

Personal Health Issues

2011-12-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

I have been going to the Mercy Hospital Wound Clinic for the last two months to try to heal a diabetic ulcer in my middle right toe. From June to November, I was treated by a local podiatrist.

Yesterday, after reviewing X-Rays and reviewing my progress, my physicians believe the distal joint on that toe is infected and preventing wound healing. Therefore, next week, Dr. Hawley, will surgically remove the tip of my middle toe and the infected bone.

I will need to change my exercise routine for January and do more upper body work and seated yoga. Hopefully, by February, the surgical wound will have healed properly, and I can begin walking again without wearing an uncomfortable and clumsy orthopedic wedge shoe.

I have been a Type 2 Diabetic for 14 years, without many incidents. However, this chronic disease is bound to catch up with me in some way despite exercise, diet, and taking medicine. Anyway, when you are 66 years of age, you have to face the facts of more health problems.

Returning to the Keyboard

2011-12-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Karen and I returned last night from a seven day trip to Oregon. We visited our children and their families in Portland. Our two grand-children, ages 3 and 5, reveled in the Santa Claus pretending. We all enjoyed a good time visiting together.

Dao De Jing, Chapter 81

2011-12-25T07:46:00.000-08:00

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Chapter 81

"They may have carts and boats
but there will be no need to ride in them;
they may have armor and weapons
but they will never need to display them.
Let the people go back to tying knots for record-keeping;
let their food be savory;
their clothing beautiful;
their customs pleasurable;
their homes secure.
Though they may gaze across at a neighbor's holdings
and hear the sounds of it's dogs and chickens,
they will not bother them, coming and going.
They will die of happy old age."
- Translated by Jerry C. Welch, Chapter 81

"Real words are not vain,
Vain words not real;
And since those who argue prove nothing
A sensible man does not argue.
A sensible man is wiser than he knows,
While a fool knows more than is wise.
Therefore a sensible man does not devise resources:
The greater his use to others
The greater their use to him,
The more he yields to others
The more they yield to him.
The way of life cleaves without cutting:
Which, without need to say,
Should be man's way."
- Translated by Witter Bynner, Chapter 81

"No one likes the honest truth,
And all fine talk falls short of it.

Real words are never used to seduce you,
And those that do are no good.

The one who really knows, knows without books
- the so-called learned know nothing.

The sage holds nothing of himself back-
He uses all he has for you, and that is his reward.
He gives all he is
and that is why he's rich.

And the Tao of Heaven
feeds everything, and harms nothing

And the sage's Tao
completes it,
without doing anything."
- Translated by Kwok, Palmer and Ramsey, Chapter 81

"As honest words may not sound fine,
Fine words may not be honest ones;
A good man does not argue, and
An arguer may not be good!
The knowers are not learned men
And learned men may never know.

The Wise Man does not hoard his things;
Hard-pressed, from serving other men,
He has enough and some to spare;
But having given all he had,
He then is very rich indeed.

God's Way is gain that works no harm;
The Wise Man's way, to do his work
Without contending for a crown."
- Translated by Raymond Blakney, Chapter 81

"Words to trust and not refine.
Words refined are not to trust.
Good men are not gifted speakers.
Gifted speakers are not good.
Experts are not widely learned;
The widely learned not expert.
Wise rulers for themselves keep naught,
Yet gain by having done for all,
Have more for having freely shared;
Do good not harm is heaven’s Way;
The wise act for and not against."
- Translated by Moss Roberts, Chapter 81

Chapter 81 of the Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching

Chapter and Thematic Index to the Tao Te Ching

Yule Celebrations

2011-12-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

Yule, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Xmas, Saturnalia, Wassail Blot, December 20th - 31st, Festival of the Fires, Feliz Navidad, Birthday of Mithras, New Year Celebrations, Santa Claus, Brumalia, Christmas Eve, Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, 2nd Celebration in the NeoPagan Holy Day Annual Cycle or Wiccan Wheel of the Year

Yule Celebrations: Quotations, Notes, Poetry, Lore

One Old Druid's Journey: Notebooks of the Librarian of Gushen Grove

Happy Holidays to All!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!

Peace on Earth and Good Will Towards Mankind!

Making Ashes

2011-12-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

We have a large pile of cuttings with large branches, diseased plants, plants inappropriate for our compost pile, and construction wood discards. Every December, we burn this pile to the ground. The ashes make for a good addition to the garden.

Today was a nice clear, dry, windless December day. The ground was damp. A great day to reduce the cuttings pile to ashes.

Short Staff and Cane Martial Arts

2011-12-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

Way of the Short Staff. By Michael P. Garofalo, M.S. A comprehensive guide to the practice of the short staff, cane, jo, walking stick, gun, zhang, whip staff, 13 Hands Staff, and related wood short staff weapons. A detailed and annotated guide, bibliographies, lists of links, resources, instructional media, online videos, and lessons. Includes use of the short staff and cane in martial arts, self-defense, walking and hiking. Separate sections on Aikido Jo, Cane, Taijiquan cane and staff, Jodo, exercises with a short staff, selected quotations, techniques, selecting and purchasing a short staff, tips and suggestions, and a long section on the lore, legends, and magick of the short staff. Includes "Shifu Miao Zhang Points the Way." Published by Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California. Updated on a regular basis since October, 2008. Filesize: 265Kb. Related to Mike's popular webpage on the Staff.

Blogging in Cold Weather

2011-12-15T08:34:00.000-08:00

The time of the year for sock caps, extra sweaters and pullovers, double layers of pants, wraps, insulated boots, and cups of warm drinks.

Cheers!

Preparing for the Cold

2011-12-14T04:26:00.000-08:00

We brought may potted plants onto our covered back porch to prevent them from freezing.
All supplies and tools are safely stored in dry sheds so they can't get wet.
Holiday lights are in place and on timers.

Fallen leaves have been raked off of the lawns.

Rain is expected tomorrow. Overnight lows are in the upper 30's.

December gardening chores are being taken care of on a daily basis.

Sears coupons are always available for garden tools.

"Bitter cold
autumn wind -
shivering lips."
- Michael P. Garofalo, Cuttings

"This is what I have heard
at last the wind of December
lashing the old trees with rain
unseen rain racing along the tiles
under the moon
wind rising and falling
wind with many clouds
trees in the night wind."
- W. S. Merwin

"Every year at just this time,
In cold and dark December,
Families around the world
All gather to remember,
With presents and with parties,
With feasting and with fun,
Customs and traditions
for people old and young."
- Helen H. Moore

December: Quotes, Poems, Sayings, Chores, Lore

The End of a Mistake

2011-12-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

One action helped brighten the month of December for me, and 77% of Americans agreed with me according to recent polls - the United States of American military forces are leaving Iraq by December 31, 2011.

The United States military invaded Iraq in 2003. This "War" will eventually cost us 4 trillion dollars. Our U.S. soldiers gave much in this "War": 4,480 dead and 32,000 wounded. There were an estimated 654,000 Iraqi's killed.

We found no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. There was little evidence that Iraq was involved with planning or implementing the 9/11 attacks in the U.S - all the attackers and masterminds of 9/11 were Saudis and Islamic Al-Qaeda terrorists. We got rid of one dictatorial regime in Iraq, and plenty still remain in the Middle East. Islamic sectarianism is still rife in Iraq, and civil unrest is likely in the future. Not surprisingly, very few nations helped us in this "War" with troops or financial support.

We did show Middle Eastern countries, most with far less military power than Iraq, that the United States is the biggest and strongest man on the block. The federal political leaders of the U.S. are very willing to go into deep debt and sacrifice many lives to prove to others that they can do what they want even when their justification for doing so is minimal and deemed unreasonable by many. Even a conservative independent can seriously question the purpose and usefulness of this past "War" with Iraq.

I would have rather spent 4 trillion dollars on helping States in the U.S., and not killing so many people.

I remember vividly one Iraqi mother, distraught over seeing her mangled dead children after a U.S. bomb attack, screaming into the camera "Americans are Terrorists!" Were we?

Thankfully, we are leaving Iraq. It is part of our unpleasant and embarrassing past mistakes.

Suggestion for a 28th Amendment to the Constitution:
War Powers Authorization by Public Vote

Iraq War Facts

Cost of the Iraq War - Wikipedia

Christian Science Monitor - Cost of the Iraq War

Outdoors Again

2011-12-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

We have been busy raking leaves, putting down compost and manure, pruning, planting shrubs and trees, repairing a window and porch corner, putting up Christmas lights and decorations, cleaning, wrapping Christmas presents, sending out Christmas cards, starting new gardens, and, of course, each of us working at jobs. We are both very pleased to be in relatively good health and able to be very busy.

Here are some photos of our yard in early December 2009. This year, all the leaves had fallen by the end of November. It has been much colder in the past month, with numerous rainstorms and high winds.

Looking towards the east. The Raywood ash trees have more reddish and orange leaves.

Looking towards the southeast. The taller pecan trees have yellow leaves.

Looking towards the south. The mulberry trees still have many green leaves.

Looking towards the south. We use all the fallen leaves as mulch.

Looking towards the west from the back gate ouside our porch area. The large fig leaves are yellow.

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 46

2011-12-11T07:19:00.000-08:00

Dao De Jing, Laozi
Chapter 46

"When the Tao is present in the universe,
The horses haul manure.
When the Tao is absent from the universe,
War horses are bred outside the city.
There is no greater sin than desire,
No greater curse than discontent,
No greater misfortune than wanting something for oneself.
Therefore he who knows that enough is enough will always have enough."
- Translated by Jane English, Chapter 46

"When the world follows Tao,
racehorses work on farms.
When the world forsakes Tao,
cavalry horses practice in parks.
The greatest curse is discontent.
It is the greatest misery.
The greatest sin is selfish striving.
Being content with contentment
is to be always satisfied."
- Translated by C. Ganson, Chapter 46

When the world follows Tao,
the horses haul manure.
When the world abandoned Tao.
War horses run wild.
There is no greater sin than unable to be satisfied.
No greater misfortune than wanting and wanting.
Thus, he who knows that enough is enough will always have enough."
- Translated by Tienzen Gong, Chapter 46

"When the world yields to Tao, race horses will be used to haul manure.
When the world ignores Tao war horses are pastured on the public common.
There is no sin greater than desire.
There is no misfortune greater than discontent.
There is no calamity greater than acquisitiveness.
Therefore to know extreme contentment is simply to be content."
- Translated by Dwight Goddard, 1919, Chapter 46

"When the Way rules the world,
Coach horses fertilize the fields;
When the Way does not rule,
War horses breed in the parks.
No sin can exceed
Incitement to envy;
No calamity's worse
Than to be discontented,
Nor is there an omen
More dreadful than coveting.
But once be contented,
And truly you'll always be so."
- Translated by Raymond B. Blakney, Chapter 46

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 46 of the Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu

Chapter and Thematic Index to the Tao Te Chning

Whirling Like a Dragon

2011-12-10T07:24:00.000-08:00

"It is easier to leave a circle than to enter it.
The emphasis is on the hip movement whether front or back.
The difficulty is to maintain the position without shifting the centre.
To analyse and understand the above situation is to do with
movement and not with a stationary posture.
Advancing and retreating by turning sideways in line with the
shoulders, one is capable of turning like a millstone, fast or slow,
as if whirling like a dragon in the clouds or sensing the approach
of a fierce tiger.
From this, one can learn the usage of the movement of
the upper torso.
Through long practice, such movement will become natural."
- Yang Family Old Manual, The Coil Incense Kung

"Silk reeling (pinyin chánsīgōng, Wade-Giles ch'an² ssu¹ kung¹ 纏絲功), also called "Winding Silk Power" (chansijing) (纏絲勁), as well as "Foundational Training"(jibengong), refers to a set of neigong exercises frequently used by the Chen style, Wu style and some other styles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. The name derives from the metaphorical principle of "reeling the silk from a silk worm's cocoon". In order to draw out the silk successfully the action must be smooth and consistent without jerking or changing direction sharply. Too fast, the silk breaks, too slow, it sticks to itself and becomes tangled. Hence, the silk reeling movements are continuous, cyclic patterns performed at constant speed with the "light touch" of drawing silk.

In common with all Qigong exercises, the patterns are performed in a concentrated, meditative state with an emphasis on relaxation. However, rather than being isolated exercises purely for health benefits, the focus is on strengthening and training the whole body coordination (nei jin) and grounded body alignment that is used in the Tai Chi form and pushing hands. Silk reeling is commonly used in Chen style as a warmup before commencing Tai Chi form practice, but its body mechanics are also a requirement of Chen Style Tai Chi throughout the forms. In other styles, silk reeling is only introduced to advanced levels. Many schools, especially those not associated with the orthodox Tai Chi families, don't train it at all."
- Silk Reeling - Wikipedia

Silk Reeling Webpage

Dragon Qigong Webpage

Eight Section Brocade Exercises

2011-12-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

In 1973, archeologists in China excavated the tomb of King Ma who lived in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD). In this tomb at Mawangdui, on the outskirts of the city of Changsha in Hunan Province, they discovered medical manuals, compilations, and a silk scroll on which were drawn 44 humans in various poses or postures. Under each pose, or Dao-yin diagram, was a caption with the name of an animal or the name of the disease that the posture might help cure. Enthusiasts for the Eight Section Brocade exercises can find some of their exercises in this 2100 year old document.

- The Wonders of Qigong, 1985, pp. 13-17.

Eight Section Brocade Qigong Exercise Set

String Figures and String Games

2011-12-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Years ago, in 2003, I created a webpage called "Strings on Your Fingers" served at http://www.gardendigest.com/string/index.htm

A Sitemeter report today says that, for this html file, total visits =47,684, total page views = 81,708, average page view per day = 70, average visit length = 1:30.

This webpage is about string figures, string catches, ropes and twine knots, string and rope art designs, knotting, Cat's Crade games with string, string figures from around the world.

Games with string help strengthen the fingers and wrists, exercise memory and coordination, give us another way to play, help us learn about different cultures and string players from around the world, let us meet and succeed with a new challenge of learning to perform a new string figure.

Haiku Poetry

2011-12-07T05:52:00.000-08:00

Teaching Haiku Poetry: Links, Resources, and Ideas.

Indexing by Martin Dejnicki and Mike Garofalo.
Last updated on December 7, 2011.

First published on online in 2001.

http://www.gardendigest.com/poetry/haiku4.htm

Poetry by Mike Garofalo

Guidelines for Integral Practices

2011-12-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

"Some Guiding Principles for Integral Practices and Institutions That Support Them:

They promote a simultaneous development of our various faculties.

They generally require mentors, rather than a single guru.

They require a strong and developing autonomy.

They are facilitated by personal traits that promote creativity in general.

Though they encourage individual autonomy, they require surrender at times to transformative agencies beyond ordinary functioning.

They require patience and the love of practice for its own sake.

They utilize inherited all-at-once responses, or psychosomatic compliance for high-level change.

They utilize the manifold changes catalyzed by images and altered states.

They enlist more that one mediation to achieve particular outcomes.

They surpass limits by negotiation rather than force.

They depend upon improvisation.

They utilized images of unity.

They require and facilitate conscious transitions between different states of consciousness.

They depend on a developing awareness that transcends psychological and somatic functioning.

They orient all our capacities and somatic processes toward the extraordinary live arising in us."

- Michael Murphy, "The Future of the Body: Explorations Into the Further Evolution of Human Nature," 1992, pp. 579-586.

To Dance on the Line

2011-12-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

"The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play."
- Arnold Toynbee

"In Hindu philosophy the whole creation is regarded as the Vishnu Lila, the play of Vishnu. Lila means dance or play. Also in Hindu philosophy, they call the world illusion; and in Latin the root of the word illusion is ludere, to play."
- Alan Watts, Work as Play

"We may play with and pass on a garden, possessing one is an illusion.
Gardeners must dance with feedback, play with results, turn as they learn.
Some gardeners don't grow old and stop playing; they stop playing and grow old.
Nature's playfulness is a gardener's delight.
A garden is a sporting field, an area for play."
- Michael P. Garofalo, Pulling Onions: The Maxims of Gardening

"Zen Dance is beyond religion, it manifests all of reality. It is an embodiment of meditation in motion, or movement creation, as well as spiritual practice and physical conditioning. But, like life, it is also ephemeral: Dancing is painting on air."
Lee Sun Ock, Creatrix-Choreographer of Zen Dance

“That man is successful who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of the intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.”
- Robert Louis Stevenson

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 29

2011-12-04T06:24:00.000-08:00

Dao De Jing, Laozi
Chapter 29

"If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed.
The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing.
He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.
The course and nature of things is such that
What was in front is now behind;
What warmed anon we freezing find.
Strength is of weakness oft the spoil;
The store in ruins mocks our toil.
Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence."
- Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 29

"When one desires to take in hand the empire and make it, I see him not succeed.
The empire is a divine vessel which cannot be made.
One who makes it, mars it.
One who takes it, loses it.
And it is said of beings:
Some are obsequious, others move boldly,
Some breathe warmly, others coldly,
Some are strong and others weak,
Some rise proudly, others sneak.
Therefore the holy man abandons excess, he abandons extravagance, he abandons indulgence."
- Translated by Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki and Paul Carus, 1913, Chapter 29

"Ambition
Those who wish to change the world
According with their desire
Cannot succeed.

The world is shaped by the Way;
It cannot be shaped by the self.
Trying to change it, you damage it;
Trying to possess it, you lose it.

So some will lead, while others follow.
Some will be warm, others cold
Some will be strong, others weak.
Some will get where they are going
While others fall by the side of the road.

So the sage will be neither wasteful nor violent.
- Translated by Peter Merel, Chapter 29

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 29 of the Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu

Chapter and Thematic Index to the Tao Te Chning

Chapter 27 No Talents are Wasted, The Function of Skill, This is a Great Paradox, Dexterity in Using the Dao, Cultivating Perfection, A Good Walker Leaves no Tracks, Dexterity in Using the Dao, 巧用

Chapter 28 Simplicity, Embrace Opposites, Be a Model, Returning to Simplicity, 反樸

Chapter 29 Abandon Excess, Not Forcing Things, Variations, No Extravagance, Taking-Loosing, Immaterial Spirit, Taking No Action, Wu Wei - 無為

Chapter 30 Abandon Excess, Avoid Daring, Strike Only of Necessity, Be Wary of War, Maturity, Avoid Battle, 儉武

Chapter 31 Create Don't Destroy, Avoid Weapons, Stop Wars, Delight Not in Warfare, Be Peaceful, Avoid Wars, 偃武

Chapter 32 The Tao with No Name, The Virtue of Holiness, Valley Streams, Rivers that Run to the Sea, 聖德

Rake It Up

2011-12-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

Karen, Tammy and I raked up the layers of pecan leaves. Karen and I pruned branches. I disposed of dozens of barrels of leaves and cuttings in the large field pile. It was a clear, cool and windy day.

Now you can walk safely down the concrete sidewalk around the south side of the house to the front door, or on sidewalk out to the west chain link fence gate, or north down the path of concrete pavers to the north gate and car parking. Good footing, no more layers of fallen leaves. Rain is coming.

December: Poetry, Sayings, Quotes, Lore, Songs, Gardening Chores

Walk Around

2011-12-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

I was feeling the effects of a cold: coughing, aches and pains, sinus drainage, dry mouth. I rested at home all day, sipped herbal teas, and pampered myself.

I did walk around the yard on Thursday and Friday.

We have four pecan trees on the west side of our house. The pecan trees drop quite a few leaves in November and December. The leaves must be raked up and moved to composting areas. Here are some views outside of our back porch door.

Entering the Heart of Trees - Just Standing

2011-12-01T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Mike,

I've been a fan of your site ( http://www.egreenway.com/taichichuan/index.htm ) for a while now, as I've become more and more interested in QiGong and NeiGong, and was wondering if you would be interested in doing a favour for me?

I live in the UK, where I learn Yang Taiji locally, and there is an exercise we do, Standing Like a Tree (I believe), at the beginning of each session, for ten to fifteen minutes. As I may not be able to train for a while, and found this one particularly of use, I wonder would you be able to give me some insight on it, and, if possible, record a short MP3 with simple directions for it, so that I could plug in my headphones and go through the meditation myself in the morning. I find it a bit hard to focus myself without another person's voice to help me focus, and I have a feeling I'm not doing the breathing correctly, so again, hearing it would help.

I'd really appreciate if you could, I've been trying to find a reputable and contactable source online who I figured would be able to record, but It'd really help.

Anyways, would really help me if you got a minute to do so.

Thanks for your time,

Guy

Dear Guy,

Look at my webpage Standing Like a Tree. There are many positions for standing exercise/meditation (Zhan Zhuang) for purposes of physical exercise, NeiGong, Qigong, Meditation, Yoga.

I have been working on an audio-recording project to produce .MP3 digital audio recordings of lessons/guides to practicing these mind/body exercise methods, internal training methods, Qigong sets, and meditation forms you referred to in your email. I should have two audio lessons ready on January 1, 2011.

Look also at very slow walking meditation methods: Walking Meditation

Mike

Gnomes at Home

2011-11-30T05:46:00.000-08:00

Ms. Sancy Liu

S&Z Evergreen Creation Ltd

Room 609, Lankun Building ,213 Min Kang Road, Bao’an District, Shenzhen, China,518000

E-mail: sales@evergreencreation.com

Tel: 86-755-83156852

Fax: 86-755-83198526

Website: www.giftwaresuppliers.com

Press the Heavens with Two Hands

2011-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I discovered your web page on Eight Section Brocade—what an amazing resource! Thank you for putting it together.

I'm a beginning/intermediate qi gong student, mostly practicing at home. I've learned this form from various teachers and as a result, I've gotten rather confused. So the information here is helpful. One sticking point I've had is regarding the breathing on the first exercise, since some teachers have told me to inhale up and others have told me to exhale up. Can you explain what the difference is? I noticed as I was scanning your page that you mention something about one being the Buddhist method and the other being the Daoist method. What's the difference to the one practicing?

Also, is there one resource you'd recommend for the Eight Section Brocade? (like one book or one dvd or one teacher...)

Thanks so much!

Kristi
___________________________

Kristi,

Best wishes with your practice of the Eight Section Brocade Qigong Form. May you enjoy good health and uplifting vitality.

The first movement in this set is "Pressing the Heavens with Two Hands." Arms press upward and forward. When I practice this movement I spread my feet a bit wider, toes out 45 degrees. As my arms come down in semi-circular arc on either side, I exhale. As my arms come down to my legs I squat within my training zone, then my hands come together between my legs, I turn my palms up, and as I inhale I slowly draw my hands up close to my body up to my forehead. Turning my palms out, press both arms upward into the Heavens. At the end of the press relax, begin to exhale as your arms circle back down to your legs. Inhale moving up, exhale moving down. If you are doing deeper squats with longer holds, probably better to exhale as you push up from a squat. Sometimes, I like to inhale until my hands turn at my forehead, then exhale as I press the arms up and out, inhale at the peak of the upward stretch, exhale going down. I prefer relaxing my abdomen on the inhale, and gently tightening the abdomen on the exhale. Eight repetitions for each movement is recommended. Some players like to come up on their toes as they press up and out. There are many breathing methods in Chinese Qigong and Indian Yoga, and some methods are used by Buddhists and Taoists in spiritual practices including chanting. Breathe (inhaling/exhaling) in any way comfortable to you to allow you to complete eight repetitions of "Pressing the Heavens with Two Hands."
Yin, Exhale, Lowering, Emptying, Downward, Squatting, Tightening Abdomen
Yang, Inhale, Rising, Filling, Upward, Standing, Relaxing Abdomen

Unfortunately, I can't suggest the best resource because I cannot afford to purchase them and spend time comparing them.

Cheers,
Mike

Portland Oregon Trip

2011-11-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

Karen and I took a trip up to Portland, Oregon. We left Red Bluff on Tuesday, 11/22, at 6:30 am. We returned to Red Bluff on Sunday, 4 pm, on 11/27. Portland is 470 miles from our home in Red Bluff.

Our children and their families all live in Portland.

We enjoy visiting a metropolitan area like Portland.

We live in a rural area in the sunny North Sacramento Valley in Northern California, seven miles south of Red Bluff, California.

Visiting with and learning more about how your children and grandchildren are developing and changing is a pleasure for both Karen and I.

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 42

2011-11-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

Dao De Jing by Laozi, Chapter 42

Transformations of the Tao, Reason's Modifications, Avoid Violence, Unnatural Death, One Produces Many, 道化

"The Dao produced One; One produced Two;
Two produced Three; Three produced All things.
All things leave behind them the Obscurity (out of which they have come), and go forward to embrace the Brightness (into which they have emerged), while they are harmonised by the Breath of Vacancy.
What men dislike is to be orphans, to have little virtue, to be as carriages without naves; and yet these are the designations which kings and princes use for themselves.
So it is that some things are increased by being diminished, and others are diminished by being increased.
What other men (thus) teach, I also teach.
The violent and strong do not die their natural death.
I will make this the basis of my teaching."
- Translated by James Legge, 1891, Chapter 42

"The Way gave birth to unity,
Unity gave birth to duality,
Duality gave birth to trinity,
Trinity gave birth to the myriad creatures.
The myriad creatures bear yin on their backs and embrace yang in their bosoms.
They neutralize these vapors
and thereby achieve harmony.
That which all under heaven hate most
Is to be orphaned, destitute, and hapless.
Yet kings and dukes call themselves thus.
Things may be diminished by being increased, increased by being diminished.
Therefore,
That which people teach,
After deliberation, I also teach people.
Therefore,
"The tyrant does not die a natural death."
I take this as my mentor."
- Translated by Victor Mair, Chapter 42

"Dao sprouted as one.
One sprouted into two.
Two sprouted into three.
Three sprouted into all the living things in the universe.
All living things suffer through darkness and embrace the light.
In the middle, life's energy finds a way to act from the harmony of both.
A person's stance might be to really hate being "alone, isolated and One Without Grain".
Yet the nobility choose to call themselves by that title.
A living thing may be damaged by increase; or may profit by decrease.
Therefore, if a person realizes that their attitude can teach others,
In the evening they will consider and discuss things, teaching each other.
Therefore those who are aggressive and violent will die incomplete.
I'll take these lessons as though they came from my father."
- Translated by Nina Correa, 2005, Chapter 42

"The way begets the one
The one begets the two
The two beget the three
The three beget the myriad beings
The myriad beings carry the shadow and embrace the light
Mixing the breaths with harmonious action
People have their reasons to truly dislike being
“Orphaned & friendless, without worth”
Yet sovereign & duke take (these) as titles
Since beings may sometimes lose something, and yet benefit
May sometimes gain something, and yet be diminished
What someone else has taught
I too come to teach:
Those who are forceful & hostile
do not meet their (natural) ends
I will regard (this) as a premise of the teaching."
- Translated by Bradford Hatcher, 2005, Chapter 42

"The Tao gives birth to the One.
The One gives birth to two.
Two gives birth to three.
And three gives birth to the ten thousand things.
The ten thousand things have their backs in the shadow
while they embrace the light.
Harmony is achieved by blending
the breaths of these two forces.
People dislike the words "alone," "helpless," "worthless,"
yet this is how Princes describe them selves.
So it is that sometimes a thing is increased
by being diminished and
diminished by being increased.
What others teach I also teach:
"A violent person will not die a natural death."
I shall make this the basis of my teaching."
-   Translated by Tolbert McCarroll, 1982, Chapter 42

"The principle is not a thing. Call it zero.
The principle in action is the unity of creation. This unity is a single whole. Call it one.
Creation consists of pairs of opposites or polarities. Call these polarities two.
These polarities become creative when they interact. Their interaction is the third element. Call it three.
For example, a man and a woman are two. Their interaction, or intercourse, the third element makes babies. That is creative. That is how all creativity occurs.
The wise leader knows about pairs of opposites and their interactions. The leader knows how to be creative.
In order to lead, the leader learns to follow. In order to prosper, the leader learns to live simply. In both cases, it is the interaction that is creative.
Leading without following is sterile. Trying to become rich by accumulating more and more is a full-time career and not free at all.
Being one-sided always produces unexpected and paradoxical results. Being well-defended will not protect you; it will diminish your life and eventually kill you.
Exceptions to these examples of traditional wisdom are very hard to find."
-   Translated by John Heider, 1985, Chapter 42

"Tao gives birth to One,
One gives birth to Two,
The Two gives birth to Three,
The Three gives birth to all universal things.
All universal things shoulder the Yin and embrace the Yang.
The Yin and Yang mingle and mix with each other to beget the harmony.
People distain the orphaned, widowed and worthless,
Yet they are the name by which rulers called themselves.
Therefore all things may increase when diminished,
And they may diminish when increased.
What people teach is "get rid of weakness and become strong,"
But what I teach is "get rid of the strong to become weak.
The violent and forceful do not die a natural death,"
I will begin my teaching just from this saying."
- Translated by He Xuezhi, Chapter 42

"When the Principle has emitted its virtue, the latter begins to evolve according to two alternating modalities.
This evolution produces (or condenses) the median air (tenuous matter).
From tenuous matter, under the influence of the two modalities yin and yang, all sentient beings are produced.
Coming out from the yin (from strength) they pass to the yang (to the act), through the influence of the two modalities on matter.
What men dislike is being alone, unique, incapable, (in obscurity and abasement), and yet emperors and princes are designated by these terms, (which imply humility without debasement).
Beings diminish themselves by wanting to augment themselves, and they are augmented through diminishing themselves."
-   Translated by Derek Bryce, 1999, Chapter 42

"Nature first begets one thing.
The one thing begets another.
The two produce a third.
In this way, all things are begotten.
Why? Because all things are impregnated by two alternating tendencies, the tendency towards completion and the tendency towards initiation, which acting together, complement each other.
Most men dislike to be considered of no account, lowly, unworthy.
Yet intelligent leaders call themselves thus.
For people are admired for their humility and despised for their pride.
There are many other ways of illustrating what I am teaching: "Extremists reach untimely ends."
This saying may be taken as a good example."
-   Translated by Archie J. Bahm, Chapter 42

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 42 of the Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu

November: Quotes, Poems, Sayings, Chores

Chapter 40 Avoiding Activity, Existence from Non-Existence, By Contraries Proceeds, Movement of Tao, 去用

Chapter 41 Sameness and Difference, Hearing of the Tao, Hidden and Nameless Tao, The Unreality of Appearance, Path of Contraries and Opposites, Bringing to Completion, Laughing it Off, 同異

Chapter 42 Transformations of the Tao, Reason's Modifications, Avoid Violence, Unnatural Death, One Produces Many, 道化

Chapter 43 At One with the Tao, The Function of the Universal, 偏用

Learning from DVD or Videos

2011-11-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

"Whereas a form-instruction video is no substitute for a qualified teacher, those who live far from any teacher are still better off learning from a video than if they had no instruction at all. For those who have a teacher, a video can augment and accelerate the learning process. Finally, those who have had prior instruction in internal arts should be able to attain a substantial benefit from a video.

One method of learning a form from a video is to repeatedly do the entire form or blocks of the form along with the video. However, this method is not efficient because there is insufficient opportunity to reinforce each movement. A better way is to refrain from doing movement while watching the video. Rather, it is good to choose a small block of material, watch it a few times. Then, without any major physical action, visualize the sequence of movements as clearly as possible. Next, go back to the beginning of that block of material, and view and visualize it again a few times. Only after clear and complete visualization is achieved should the movements be attempted physically.

At first it will seem extremely difficult to work this way. With persistence, however, it is possible to achieve a level of visualization so intense that the imagined movements are almost as vivid as those seen on a TV screen. The dividends of the process of visualization are twofold: (1) By subduing the physical aspects of movement (e.g., balance, coordination, kinetic sense, timing), you can completely focus the mind on the details of the movement. (2) By cultivating the ability to visualize and mentally encompass complex details, you become increasingly able to observe and learn new movements quickly, especially in situations where it is not feasible to move while observing (e.g., dreams, teacher showing movements while the class watches). Referring to the dimension of self-defense, the more you can observe and mentally encompass the movements of the opponent, the greater the advantage achieved."
- Robert Chuckrow, The Tai Chi Book, YMAA Publication Center, Boston, MA, 1998, pp. 119–120

Refer to my suggestions and remarks about learning the Standard 24 Taijiquan Form using DVDs, videos, and books.

Digital Video Editor Needed

2011-11-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

I own a digital video camcorder. It is the Canon Vixia HF R21 model.

I need to choose a good video editor. I purchased Adobe Premiere Elements 10, but could not get it to install on my computer. I purchased Corel Video Pro Studio 4, but it has not arrived yet. Time will tell.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

"How wonderful it would be if we could help our children and grandchildren to learn thanksgiving at an early age. Thanksgiving opens the doors. It changes a child's personality. A child is resentful, negative—or thankful. Thankful children want to give, they radiate happiness, they draw people."
- Sir John Templeton

T   hanks for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather.
H for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.
A for autumn's frosty art, and abundance in the heart.
N for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember.
K for kitchen, kettles' croon, kith and kin expected soon.
S for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that about.
    That spells THANKS for joy in living and a jolly good Thanksgiving.
-   Aileen Fisher, All in a Word

"To educate yourself for the feeling of gratitude means to take nothing for granted, but to always seek out and value the kind that will stand behind the action. Nothing that is done for you is a matter of course. Everything originates in a will for the good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to put off the word or action for the expression of gratitude."
- Albert Schweitzer

Cheerfulness, Gratitude: Quotes, Poems, Sayings

Lifestyle Advice from Wise Persons

Moving Towards Having No Edges

2011-11-23T04:47:00.000-08:00

"Case:
Jui-yen asked Yen-t'ou, "What is the fundamental constant principle?"
Yen-t'ou said, "Moving."
Jui-yen said, "When moving, what then?"
Yen-t'ou said, "You don't see the fundamental constant principle?"
Jui-yen stood there thinking.
Yen-t'ou said, "If you agree, you are not yet free of sense and matter; if you don't agree, you'll be forever sunk in birth-and-death."

Verse:
The round pearl has no hollows,
The great raw gem isn't polished.
What is esteemed by people of the Way is having no edges.
Removing the road of agreement, sense and matter are empty:
The free body, resting on nothing, stands out unique and alive."
- Jui-yen (Zuigan, Song Am) was a Chinese Zen Master who lived from 800-900 CE.
Found in The Roaring Stream: A New Zen Reader, Edited by Nelson Foster and Jack Shoemaker, p. 182

Magic Pearl Qigong

Cloud Hands Blog

2011-11-22T04:27:00.000-08:00

Most of my Internet publishing is done at the Spirit of Gardening Website, the Cloud Hands Taijiquan Website, the Valley Spirit Qigong Website, Ways of Walking website, Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practice website, the Meditation and Yoga websites, and the One Old Druid's Final Journey website. Most of my many webpages are organized and listed in the right side bar of this Cloud Hands Blog. I do have an alphabetical index to most of my internal arts webpages at Green Way.

A few of the webpages of mine are served to over 20,000 readers a month during some months of the year. The Cloud Hands blog is currently served to less that 2,500 readers each month. Therefore, I focus more on developing and improving webpages, and put far less effort into writing for this blog. Nearly everything you read in this blog is found in one or more of my webpages.

I try to post something to the Cloud Hands Blog every day. When pressed for time, I sometimes repeat a previous post and just change the title of the post. Most of the posts function as pointers to my more detailed webpages on the same or related subjects.

Most of my web publishing from October 2011 until February 2012 will be focused on my study of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, and on the Magic Pearl Qigong.

My wife, Karen, and I no longer make any posts to the Our Paths in the Valley blog. This change will help us reduce expenses for Typepad and save time. Maintaining just one blog is sufficient for our purposes in 2012.

Nearly all individual bloggers and web publishers that I know earn no significant income from their web publishing. The same is true for us, therefore more of our time and effort is spent as employees at our regular part-time jobs.

This is the week for Thanksgiving Celebrations in America.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mike

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Cane and Walking Stick Practices

2011-11-21T06:26:00.000-08:00

The only martial arts weapon that I practice with is a cane. I practice all the Taijiquan sword and broadsword forms that I know with a cane.

Every time I take a walk I carry my cane with me. Using various cane strikes and stretches while walking is an excellent way to exercise the upper torso.

I use an Instructor's Walking Cane, 40" (103 cm) long and 1" (2.54 cm) in diameter, from Cane Masters. This cane weights 1lb, 2 oz (510 gm). This beautiful martial arts combat cane is made of pure hickory heartwood, has multiple notches at three key gripping points, has a rounded hooked horn, and has a rubber covered tip. I also own the same Instructor's Walking Cane made of oak - a gift from my children.

Cane Research Project at Valley Spirit Taijiquan

Self-Defense Arts and Fitness Exercises Using a Cane, Walking Stick, or Short Wooden Staff
All documents were created by Michael P. Garofalo, M.S.
Published by Green Way Research, Valley Spirit Taijiquan, Red Bluff, California, 2009-2011

Way of the Short Staff. Comprehensive bibliography of books, media, links, and resources. Includes research on cane, short staff, walking stick, jo, etc..

These documents normally include a list of the movement names in the specific cane or short staff form, and the final direction to face for each named movement sequence. Some documents provide detailed descriptions for each of the movement sequences. All documents include some commentary, notes, and a bibliography of books, media, and links. Many of these documents are in Adobe PDF read/print only format. The documentation of this research is an ongoing project of mine in 2009-2012; consequently, many documents are still incomplete. Over time, I intend to provide for each movement: 1) the martial technique used, 2) direction of technique application, and 3) the final leg stance. All of these forms can be practiced with a cane or walking staff under 40" long.

Bodhidharma's Shaolin Cane (Damo Cane, Shaolin Damo Kung Fu Cane). As taught by Master Shi Deyang. 21 movements in 3 sections. List of names and directions.

Cane Research Project and Blog Notes from Michael Garofalo, Valley Spirit Taijiquan.

Cloud Hands Taijiquan Bibliographies, Instructions, Guides, and Research in Taijiquan and Qigong.

Chen Taijiquan Broadsword Form. As taught by Grandmaster Chen Zenglei. 23 Postures/Movements. Practice with cane. List of Names.

Chen Shen-Pu's Taijiquan Short Staff. Created by Grandmaster Chen Shen-Pu, and taught by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye.. 74 movements. List of Names.

Eight Immortals Taijiquan Cane, Routine One, Yang Style of Taijiquan. As taught by Master Jesse Tsao. 36 movements in 10 lessons. List of Names.

Eight Immortals Taijiquan Cane, Routine Two, Chen Style of Taijiquan. As taught by Master Jess Tsao. 36 movements in 10 lessons. List of Names.

How I Use Instructional DVD's to Learn Cane Forms

Martial Arts Techniques for the Cane and Short Staff. Lists, Notes, and Commentary.

Northern Energy Taiji Cane (Beifang Qi Taiji Zhang). As taught by Sensei James Bouchard. 24 movements. List of names and descriptions.

Shaolin Cane. As taught by Shifu Ted Mancuso. List of the names of the movements, and detailed descriptions in 16 Lessons.

Standard Simplified Yang Style Sword Form. 32 movements. Detailed descriptions. Practice with a cane.

Tchoung Ta-Tchen Cane. Created by Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-Tchen. 33 Movements. List of Names.

Thunder Stick Cane Form developed by Chen Pan-Ling and as taught by Chen Yun-Ching. 24 Movements. List of Names.

Way of the Short Staff. Comprehensive bibliography of books, media, links, and resources. Includes research on cane, short staff, walking stick, jo, etc..

Way of the Staff. Comprehensive bibliography of books, media, links, and resources. Includes research on the staff, bo, gun, quarterstaff, pole, etc..

Wudang Tiger Tail Short Staff . As taught by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. 48 movements in this Wudang Mountain Taoist sort staff form. List of names.

Yang Family Tai Chi Short Staff by Xu Minshan. As taught by Shifu Jiang Jian-ye. 104 postures. List of names.

Personal Transformation Principles

2011-11-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

We sometimes feel the need for dramatic changes in our lifestyle for a a variety of good reasons including a dissatisfaction with the results of previous actions and habits. We want to change our character, behaviors, habits, thinking, or values so as to effect a "Transformation."

I recently reread a book by Baron Baptiste, a influential and popular yoga master, titled "40 Days to Personal Revolution: A Breakthrough Program to Radically Change Your Body and Awaken the Sacred Within Your Soul' (Fireside, Simon and Schuster, 2004). Yogi Baptiste gives an explanation of a plan for personal transformation, and includes his views on the guiding principles (Laws) for such significant changes:

"The Twelve Laws of Transformation

1. Seek the Truth
2. Be Willing to Come Apart
3. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
4. Commit to Growth
5. Shift Your Vision
6. Drop What You Know
7. Relax with What Is
8. Remove the Rocks
9. Don't Rush the Process
10. Be True to Yourself
11. Be Still and Know
12. Understand that the Whole is the Goal"
- Baron Baptist, 40 Days to Personal Revolution, 2004, pp. 5-45.

Over the years, I have also collected many quotations regarding the power of the will in human action. Willpower is a key component of successful personal transformation. The will is very much like a muscle: with exercise it gets stronger, it needs time for rest and recuperation, it needs to be feed properly with behavioral and mental nutrients, it needs some stretching and flexibility work, and needs to be cross-trained to develop full and responsive power.

I think some of the guiding techniques for personal change include:

1. A realistic and truthful assessment of our physical, mental, emotional, and social
self-potential and possibilities.
(Baptiste: 11, 10, 1, 5)

2. A clearly articulated vision and goals for the future.
(Baptiste: 12,5)

3. A detailed action plan, objectives and timetable needed to accomplish the goals.
(Baptiste: 12, 5, 1)

4. A wholehearted commitment to and belief in the action plan.
(Baptitste: 4, 2)

5. Direct efforts on a daily basis to fulfill the action plan.
(Baptiste: 4, 11, 10)

6. Having patience, steadfastness, determination, courage, and flexibility.
(Baptiste: 7, 9)

7. Acknowledging and breaking through one's inner resistance to change, abandoning
or tearing away from one's past actions.
(Baptiste: 2, 3, 6, 8)

8. The regular review, evaluation, and realistic assessment of progress on a weekly
and monthly basis.
(Baptiste: 1, 3, 8)

We also need to take advantage of techniques to manage the unconscious and well as conscious forces that comprise our inner life. Try exploring techniques such as visualization, repeated affirmations, guided meditations, rituals, art, hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, music, etc.

Lifestyle Advice from Wise Persons

Planting Blubs

2011-11-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

In our area, this is the time of the year for planting bulbs, corms, and tubers for late winter and spring blossoms.

We plant a lot of onions and garlic. We also have a large garden with many iris and narcissus plants.

“Since Iris is the Greek goddess for the Messenger of Love, her sacred
flower is considered the symbol of communication and messages.
Greek men would often plant an iris on the graves of their beloved
women as a tribute to the goddess Iris, whose duty it was to
take the souls of women to the Elysian fields."
- Hana No Monogatari: The Stories of Flowers

School of the Seasons

“The Iris flower is the flower of wisdom. Iris flowers are the emblem of France. Iris Flowers are associated with twenty fifth wedding anniversary. These Iris Flowers grow in the temperate, sub-arctic and warm climatic zones. They are poetry by themselves. There is numerous folk loree on Iris Flowers. It is believed to this day that “pothos” or passion is the son of “Iris” and “Zephyros”. The story unfolds that when the west wind passed through alluring “Iris”, it symbolized the vividness of passion. In Greek, “Iris” meant both a flower and rainbow. Iris Flowers are often termed as eyes of heaven.”
- Iris Flowers

Green Way Wisdom - Flowers

Pulling Onions: Quips and Sayings of an Old Gardener

November Chores in the Garden

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 52

2011-11-18T03:52:00.000-08:00

Dao De Jing by Laozi
Chapter 52

Returning to the Source, Great Mother, Soft and Small, Avoiding Misfortune, Study Origins, Humility, Listening, Seeds, Undying Nature, Examine Relationships, 歸元

"All under Heaven has a generatrix, which we regard as the mother of all under Heaven.
Once one has access to the mother, through it he can know the child.
Once one knows the child, if he again holds on to the mother, as long as he lives, no danger shall befall him.
Block up your apertures; close your door,
And to the end of your life you will never be exhausted.
But if you open your apertures and deal consciously with things, to the end of your life you will never have relief.
To see the small is called "perspicacious."
To hold on to softness is called "strength."
Make use of its brightness,
But always let its brightness revert.
Never let one's person be exposed to disaster: this is a matter of practicing constancy."
- Translation by Richard Lynn, Chapter 52

"The world (t'ien hsia) has an origin (shih),
Which is the world's (t'ien hsia) mother (mu).
Having reached the mother,
(We) know her child.
Having known the child,
Return and abide by its mother.
(In this way) one loses the body without becoming exhausted.
Stop the apertures (tui),
Close the doors,
(In this way) one's whole life (shen) is without toil (ch'in).
Open the apertures,
Going about the affairs,
(In this way) one's whole life (shen) cannot be saved.
To see the small is called illumination (ming).
To abide by the soft is called strength.
Use the bright light (kuang),
But return to the dim light (ming),
Do not expose your life (shen) to perils,
Such is to follow (hsi) the everlasting (ch'ang)."
- Translated by Ellen M. Chen, Chapter 52

"If you trace problems in your relationship
back to the beginning
you will find their seeds
were sown and then ignored.
They grew unnoticed until their fruit
ripened and surprised you.
But if you can find
where the seeds were sown,
there you will find the roots as well.
And if you remove the roots
your problems will wither."
- Translated by William Martin, Chapter 52

"When creation began, Tao became the world's mother.
When one knows one's mother he will m turn know that he is her son.
When he recognizes his sonship, he will in turn keep to his mother and to the end of life will be free from danger.
He who closes his mouth and shuts his sense gates will be free from trouble to the end of life.
He who opens his mouth and meddles with affairs cannot be free from trouble even to the end of life.
To recognize one's insignificance is called enlightenment.
To keep one's sympathy is called strength.
He who uses Tao's light returns to Tao's enlightenment and does not surrender his person to perdition.
This is called practicing the eternal."
- Translation by Dwight Goddard, Chapter 52

"The beginning of the universe, when materialized, is considered to be a mother.
When a man finds the mother, he will know the children, accordingly.
Even though he knows the children, he still clings to the mother:
Therefore, although his body wanes, he never perishes.
The person who shuts his mouth and closes his doors
Will never perish.
If he opens his mouth and increases his affairs,
He will never be saved.
The person who sees the tiniest thing possesses clear vision,
The person who adheres to the weak possesses strength.
Use your light, but dim your brightness,
In this way you will not do yourself any harm.
This is called following the eternal Tao."
- Translated by Chou-Wing Chohan, Chapter 52

"Everything begins with the Tao and ends with the Tao.
To know it retrace the steps of your life.
When you reach back to the beginning, the Tao lies herein.
Then you will realise there is no death.
Without desire your heart is at peace.
Without judgment your mind is clear.
See who it is that sees.
Witness thoughts come and go.
Turn the light around and find its source.
Practicing this leads to enlightenment."
- Translated by David Bullen, Chapter 52

"This world must have begun in certain way;
We may thenceforth consider it the origin (mother) of our world;
Once we manage to ascertain the origin, we could [apply it] to study its offsprings;
After we learn more about the offsprings, we may reciprocally eke out our knowledge about the mother (the origin);
This is my never-ending life-long quest.
If paths and openings of one's connections [to the outside world] are blocked, he will never be aroused to do anything in life;
If paths and openings of one's connections [to the outside world] are unlocked and he is properly motivated, he will never cease [from the quest described above].
One who perceives subtleties is brilliant;
One who maintains humility is strong.
One who would use [the light of Tao] to illuminate his [potential] brilliance will thus leave behind nothing that could cause misfortune to later generations.
A person, who achieves all of the above described fulfillment, is what I called the person with embodiment of the perpetual [Te]."
- Translated by Lee Org, Chapter 52

"The world had a beginning
And this beginning could be the mother of the world.
When you know the mother
Go on to know the child.
After you have known the child
Go back to holding fast to the mother,
And to the end of your days you will not meet with danger.
Block the openings,
Shut the doors,
And all your life you will not run dry.
Unblock the openings,
Add to your troubles,
And to the end of your days you will be beyond salvation.
To see the small is called discernment;
To hold fast to the submissive is called strength.
Use the light
But give up the discernment.
Bring not misfortune upon yourself.
This is known as following the constant."
- Translation by D. C. Lau, Chapter 52

“Realizing the interplay of the Tao way of life
and the virtue of nuturing all things under heaven
will introduce you to the primal mother
The mother of the world
resting peacefully with the mother
will introduce you to her sons and daughters
The sons and daughters of the world
these children can be exhausting
and though they mean no harm
trying to follow or control them
will only bring great danger to you
To be safe
rest peacefully with the mother
gently close your eyes
and look inward
softly direct your eyes
to listen within
lightly close your mouth
raise your tongue to its roof
and quietly savor the interior
gently lift your crown
sit firm with a relaxed hold
on your bodymind
and let her love
fill you up
you will never be empty
again
remember
chasing children
brings calamity
no matter
how hard
you try
to follow
or grasp them
the whole universe is in the palm
of your hand
but without
illumination
you cannot see it
the real world is not open
to the rational mind
the ancient child asks
when you have rested sufficiently
in the arms of the primal mother
and you vision begins to clear
what occurs
it is an unexpected sense of making
that first arises within the bodymind
then you are engulfed in a benevolent flame
that outlines rather than burns
and I do not know if I am
the source or the witness
the senses play
leaping to and fro
mischievously acting against their nature
emotions of comfort and satisfaction swell
so that even the harshest rain
feels like a lover’s kiss
resting deeper
you fell as if an unseen enemy
has been vanquished
and life courses through you limbs
as the warrior’s belt collects you
the connection to the Tao source and way of life
becomes punctuated and definite
possessed of a wholly benevolent clarity
language leaves you
and a light and sensitive energy collects at your
crown
visions cascade upon you so rapidly
that it becomes impossible
to divide or discern
what we normally regard as real
death becomes impossible
fire and force penetrate deeply
within you bodymind
and a new truth shapes you
into someone altogether different
you begin to breathe
the Tao way of life
as true respiration
within a quickening
that shines out
for all to see
spinning out of the quickening
you understand the mother’s children
you sing and dance
you paint and play
you look at the palm of your hand and
you see
you can still make mistakes
you can still be confused
you can still misstep
but you will always have the eyes of the Tao
however
should you ever see yourself as separate from it
you will cease
to see
altogether”
- Translation and Interpretation by the Reverend Venerable John Bright-Fey, Chapter 52

“All the universal things have a common origin. We regard it as the “Mother” of all things.
Gaining the mother, we can know its children,
Knowing how the children come into being, we can return to hold onto the mother.
Thus ensuring nor danger to life.
Closing the eyes and shutting up the mouth,
One can keep from sickness forever.
Opening the eyes to chase after desires and passions,
One can be helpless forever.
Watching less and less can be enlightened.
Holding onto the weak can be mighty.
Using the outgoing eyesight,
To turn to illuminate the inward,
Thus, there can be no disaster to the body.
This is called practicing enduring Tao.”
- Translated by Hu Huezhi, Chapter 52

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 52 of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu

Index of English Language Translators of the Tao Te Ching

Caloric Expenditures Per Mile by Walking

Chapter 50 The Value Set on Life, Value Life, Esteem Life, Become Invulnerable, Followers of Life, Accept Death, Esteem Life, Out of Harms Way, 貴生

Chapter 51 The Nourishment of the Tao, Virtue as a Nurse, Guiding, Creativity, Mystical Power, Freedom, Nature, Follow the Tao, Harmony, Honor Virtue, 養德

Chapter 52 Returning to the Source, Great Mother, Soft and Small, Avoiding Misfortune, Study Origins, Humility, Listening, Seeds, Undying Nature, Examine Relationships, 歸元

Chapter 53 Follow the Way, Avoid Shortcuts, Disadvantages of Wealth, Avoid Greed, Work, Be Diligent, Gaining Insight, Look at the Facts, Appearances, Thieves, 益証

Chapter 54 Cultivating Insight and Intuition, Person, Family, Village, State, Cultivation, Views, Virtue, Observing the Tao, As Below So Above, 修觀

Chapter 55 Mysterious Virtue, Sign of the Mysterious, 玄符

Bear Frolic Qigong

2011-11-17T04:48:00.000-08:00

I have practiced various versions of the Five Animal Frolics Qigong for a number of years. There are many different versions of the Animal Frolics. In the winter months I practice the Bear Frolic a bit more often.

The exercise set is considered to be Daoyin, or what is now called Qigong (Chi Kung). In this context, the word "Dao" means to guide, lead, show the way, slowly, inch by inch. The word "Yin" means to pull out, draw out, or stretch. So Daoyin are mind-body exercises that show us how to draw out the potential for diseases and restore an integrated or balanced state of well-being in body and mind.

Many people credit the famous Chinese physician, Hua Tuo (110-207 CE), with developing a popular Daoyin animal frolics set which consists of exercises based on the deer, crane, monkey, tiger, and bear. Hua Tuo's best student, Wu Pu, lived to be over 100, and wrote that Hua Tuo told him:

"Man's body must have exercise, but it should never be done to the point of exhaustion. By moving about briskly, digestion is improved, the blood vessels are opened, and illnesses are prevented. It is like a used doorstep which never rots. As far as Tao Yin (bending and stretching exercises) is concerned, we have the bear's neck, the crane's twist, and swaying the waist and moving the joints to promote long life. Now I have created the art called the Frolics of the Five Animals: the Tiger, the Deer, the Bear, the Monkey, and the Crane. It eliminates sickness, benefits the legs, and is also a form of Tao Yin. If you feel out of sorts, just practice one of my Frolics. A gentle sweat will exude, the complexion will become rosy; the body will feel light and you will want to eat."

"In addition to the key points of Qigong exercise, the Frolics of the Five Animals require attention to the following points:
1. Integration of Form and Mind
2. Flexible and Circular Movement
3. Slow and Fast Movement [The Bear's movement is slow and steady.]
4. Heaviness, Stability and Subtlety
5. Softness and Toughness
6. Order of the Frolics [The Bear movement is done first in the series: bear, deer, tiger, monkey, and crane.]
7. Coordination of Movements with Respiration
8. Three-way Stability
9. Preparation
10. Conscientiousness
11. Perseverance in Practice
-   Jiao Guorui, Qigong Essentials for Health Promotion, 1988, pp. 193-195. This is one of the earliest good English language texts on Qigong practices.

Be sure to take a look at:

Bear Frolic. UTube Video, 2:08 Min. Performed by Anson Rathbone, 2007. As taught by Deguang at NESA's Medical Qigong Class.

Seldom Just One

2011-11-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

The Many Create and Elevate The One

“Simplifying our relations to things sometimes allows us to live
more complex intellectual and emotional lives.
Repetition and diversification are Nature’s formulas.
Simplifying and simplicity are never simple matters.
The empty garden is already full.
The simplest garden is never simple.
It takes four seasons to know one year.
Complexity is closer to the Truth.
Diversity, multiplicity, relations, combinations, mixtures, complexity -
rarely just one process or one thing.
Never just One: fruit, a hoe, the moving Sun.”
- Michael P. Garofalo, Pulling Onions

Photo by Karen Garofalo taken in downtown Red Bluff, CA, November 2008.

“An agricultural adage says the tiny animals that live below the
surface of a healthy pasture weigh more than the cows grazing
above it. In a catalogue selling composting equipment I read
that two handfuls of healthy soil contain more living organisms
than there are people on the earth. What these beings are and
what they can be doing is difficult to even begin to comprehend,
but it helps to realize that even thought they are many,
they work as one.”
- Carol Williams, Bringing a Garden to Life, 1998

Green Way Wisdom - Complexity

Walking in the Harmony of the Unborn

2011-11-15T05:31:00.000-08:00

Ways of Walking: Bibliography, Links, Resources, Quotations, Notes.
A website by Michael P. Garofalo.

Walking Meditation

"A person's heart and mind are in chaos.
Concentration on one thing makes the mind pure.
If one aspires to reach the Tao,
one should practice walking in a circle."
- Taoist Canon

"I was the world in which I walked."
- Wallace Stevens, Tea at the Palaz of Hoon

"Allow walking to occupy a place of stature equal with all the other important activities in your life. As difficult as that might seem, here's how to do it. Make it a practice. That's right. Turn your walking into a vehicle for personal growth as well as for fitness. This will add a higher level of integrity and intention to your approach because you will find that it is a way to deepen and upgrade your relationship to your body. Instead of merely giving your legs and a good workout, you'll be practicing to relax more, to breathe better, to expand your vision, to open up your range of motion, to increase your energy, to feel and sense your body. The list is exciting - and endless. With all of this to look forward to, your walking program will take its place alongside everything in your life you value most, and you'll be amazed at how easy it is to schedule time for something you really love to do."
- Katherine Dreyer, Chi Walking, p. 56

Ba Gua Zhang: Circle Walking Internal Martial Arts

"When you walking along naturally, you're walking in the harmony of the Unborn."
- Bankei (1622-1693)

"Above all do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday I walk myself into a state of well being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. But by sitting still, and the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill...if one keeps on walking everything will be alright."
- Soren Kierkegaard

Walking Quotations

Playing Around

2011-11-14T03:34:00.000-08:00

T'ai Chi Ch'uan is for me, among other things, a way of playing. Playing to lift my spirits, playing to meet a challenge, playing for delight, playing to show off, playing for exercise, playing for no reason at all.

"We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing."
- Charles Schaefer

"The true object of all human life is play.
Earth is a task garden; heaven is a playground."
- G. K. Chesterton

"It is a happy talent to know how to play."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Index to the Cloud Hands Website

Sitting Quietly

2011-11-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

"The first level of stillness is about being with yourself in order to know yourself. This is accomplished by being wide awake and aware as you deliberately relax into yourself. The idea is to consciously enter into a state wherein you temporarily suspend everything you think you know about who you are, including anything you have ever been taught, and simply be attentive to what's going on right there where you are. You practice being quiet, both physically and mentally, as you pay attention to the sensations in your body, the various thoughts in your mind, and your current experience of being conscious and alive. You practice simple body-mind awareness, being conscious of the moment you are now in, and thereby experience with clarity the energy of you. You consciously experience yourself as you actually are. In this way you open yourself to a new, truer, less distorted experience of you and the world."
- Erich Schiffmann, Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness, 1996, p. 7.

"Sit quietly
focus and forget
rest with the great achievement.
The ancient child asks
"what is the great achievement?"
It is beyond description in any language
it can only be felt intuitively
it can only be expressed intuitively.
Engage a loose, alert, and aware
body, mind, and sound
then look into the formless
and perceive no thing.
See yourself as a sphere
small at first
growing to encompass
the vastness of infinite space.
Sit quietly
focus and forget then
in a state of ease and rest
secure the truth of the great achievement.
Employing the truth will not exhaust its power
when it seems exhausted it is really abundant
and while human art will die at the hands of utility
the great achievement is beyond being useful.
Great straightness is curved and crooked
great intelligence is raw and silly
great words are simple and naturally awkward.
Engaged movement drives out the frozen cold
mindful stillness subdues the frenzied heart.
Sit quietly
focusing
forgetting
summon order from the void
that guides the ordering of the universe."
- Tao Te Ching, Chapter 45, Translated by John Bright-Fey, 2006

"There are many matters and many circumstances in which consciousness is undesirable and silence is golden, so that secrecy can be used as a marker to tell us that we are approaching the holy."
- Gregory Bateson, Angels Fear

"You are sitting on the earth and you realize that this earth deserves you and you deserve this earth. You are there - fully, personally, genuinely."
- Chogyam Trungpa

"Teach us to care and not to care.
Teach us to sit still."
- T.S. Eliot

Ripening Peaches: Taoist Studies and Practices
Standing Meditation

Quiet in the Garden

Sitting in the Garden

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, Chapter 45

2011-11-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

Dao De Jing by Laozi
Chapter 45

"Perfection cannot be attained,
but it can be noticed.
If you pay full attention
to what seems flawed and ordinary
you will notice the perfection
hiding beneath appearances.
If you pay full attention to each other
you will notice how perfectly
you are each becoming who you really are.
By seeing the perfection in what is
you allow the creation
of what is not."
- Translated by William Martin, 1999, Chapter 45

"What is most perfect seems imperfect,
But using it doesn't use it up.
What is most full seems empty,
But using it doesn't wear it down.
Great straightness seems crooked;
Great skill seems clumsy;
Great eloquence seems hesitant.
Movement conquers cold,
But stillness conquers heat.
Clearness and serenity
Are beneath-heaven's norm."
- Translated by Herrymon Maurer, 1985, Chapter 45

"Esteem lightly your greatest accomplishment, your patience will not fail.
Reckon your great fullness to be emptiness, your strength will not become exhausted.
Count your rectitude as foolishness,
Know your cleverness to be stupidity,
Recognize your eloquence to be stammering words,
And you will find that
As movement overcomes cold, and as stillness overcomes heat, even so, he who knows the true secret of tranquility
Will become a pattern for all mankind."
- Translated by Isabella Mears, 1916, Chapter 45

"True perfection seems flawed
Yet its usefulness is never exhausted.
True fulfillment seems empty
Yet its usefulness is infinite.
True straightness seems crooked,
Great skill appears easy,
Great eloquence sounds awkward.
Cold overcomes heat.
Tranquility conquers agitation.
Purity and stillness is the universal ideal."
- Translated by John R. Mabry, Chapter 45

"Great perfection appears defective,
but its usefulness is not diminished.
Great fullness appears empty,
but its usefulness is not impaired.
Great straightness seems crooked,
Great cleverness seems clumsy,
Great triumph seems awkward.
Bustling about vanquishes cold,
Standing still vanquishes heat.
Pure and still, one can put things right everywhere under heaven."
- Translated by Victor Mair, Chapter 45

"The greatest accomplishments seem imperfect,
yet their usefulness is not diminished.
The greatest fullness seems empty,
yet it will be inexhaustible.
The greatest straightness seems crooked.
The most valued skill seems like clumsiness.
The greatest speech seems full of stammers.
Movement overcomes the cold,
and stillness overcomes the heat.
That which is pure and still is the universal ideal."
- Translated by John H. McDonald, Chapter 45

"The greatest attainment is as though incomplete, but its utility remains unimpaired.
The greatest fullness is as a void; but its utility is inexhaustible.
The greatest uprightness is as crookedness; the greatest cleverness as clumsiness; the greatest eloquence as reticence.
Motion overcomes cold; stillness conquers heat.
Purity and stillness are the world’s standards."
- Translated by C. Spurgeon Medhurst, 1905, Chapter 45

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu: Introduction, Bibliography, Commentary, Chapter Index

Chapter 45 of the Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu