S4:E11 - Qigong Teaching Problems

In this episode, Damo concludes season 4 of the Scholar Sage Podcast with a look at the various types of student and stages in a students development as they engage with traditional, lineage-based systems of inner development. These stages are: The seeker, the student and the initiate. 

In this episode, Damo Mitchell is talking about his stance on the current world situation and what he sees as the bigger problem - the polarisation of communities and society. He looks at the root of fear behind peoples behaviour and the lack of kindness that is being shown by many. 

In this episode, Damo Mitchell is discussing common troublesome points for beginners in Qigong such as Laogong and Yongquan. He is also looking at the nature of what it means to open a point, both physically and energetically. The nature of posture and relaxation is discussed as well as the idea that a students posture should work its way towards correct rather than seeking to be perfectly correct right from the beginning. 

In this episode, Damo looks at the symbolism of Guan Yin and how she may be seen as a symbol for a particular aspect of meditative training rather than as a literal person. The link between the story of Guan Yin is looked at as well as the teachings within Daoism and Chinese Buddhism. Not meant as a definite set of facts on the nature of Guan Yin, this talk is meant to help generate thought processes around the nature of deities in alchemical training.

TRIGGER WARNING: Damo is talking about some of what many consider Woo Woo in taiga in this episode. Please don't watch if you don't like the stranger side of Taiji.In this episode, Damo is discussing the difference between technique and quality within Taiji practice as well as looking at how one quality in particular can be helpful for understanding the idea that Taiji can be a form of moving meditation. 

In this episode of the Scholar Sage Podcast, Damo is looking to answer the question: 'why do I get so angry when I am practicing Qi Gong?'He looks at three main categories of 'anger-inducing' Qi Gong including Qi Gong that over-stimulates the nervous system, Qi Gong that builds Qi as a battery and then Qi Gong practice whereby awareness of existing conditions is increased. 

In this episode, Damo is looking at the classical Daoist principle of (云游) or 'cloud wandering'. He is driving across the US and talking about how this principle was applied to help with creation of malleability of sense of identity. 

WARNING: This is a fairly rambling chat by Damo, where he is looking at the trials and tribulations of teaching. It may only be relevant to those who teach classes of their own. Please skip this episode if you want to stay with more focused talks. This is a fairly random one!In this talk, Damo discusses teaching, how it is possible to become drained by teaching, becoming a cult leader, disappointments and then, the beautiful side of teaching. 

In this episode, Damo is looking at the classical Daoist principle of (云游) or 'cloud wandering'. He is driving across the US and talking about how this principle was applied to help with creation of malleability of sense of identity.