Qi Gong, Nei Gong and Meditation

Sophie Johnson

NEI GONG

Nei Gong training is the internal development process of Daoism with influences from particularly Buddhism and probably Hinduism as well. Referring to the end result of the process Nei Gong translates as internal skill. Classically taught it is a systematic path of development towards the Dao (the ineffable, ultimate truth). This process starts with body development, energetic development and ultimately mental and spiritual development.

Classical Methods

Like many eastern philosophies, Daoism has suffered the mixed blessing of popularization; where the teachings of an entire complex philosophical tradition have become reduced to suit the ‘quick fix, reduce our stress’ western mind-set. What follows is a description of what is meant by classical and a description of the methods or tools we use to unfold the process of Nei Gong within ourselves.

MEDITATION

The system of Nei Gong builds the foundation in the body with Qi Gong, Dao Yin and the processes described in the Nei gong process section. This for many practitioners leads them towards meditation, as the aim of these process’ was always the elevation of spirit; to understanding and living our connection to spirit, and within that to the source of all.

Blog

Star Gazing – scooping blessings from lockdown

The Big Dipper is one of our most recognisable constellations and has been sacred to the Daoists for thousands of years, from the practices of the shamanistic Wu people through to the influences of Buddhism into China and to the present day.

Spotlight on the Teachers - Sophie Johnson

A question and answer style article with Sophie from the Scholar Sage website highlighting teachers within the Lotus Nei Gong school.

Classical Qi Gong in the Marshwood Vale Or: why does waving your arms about improve your health?

Most people have come across Tai Chi these days, practiced widely now in the UK and I think fair to say, largely associated with the older generation. Qi gong, on the other hand, is not so widely understood, and if practiced often adapted by the New Age movement.

The Moon, Daoism and Women

Daoism as a tradition of cultivation is embedded within the understanding of our place within the natural cycles of the planet and heavenly bodies. Connecting to the earth is just that, the planet, and balancing this connection with that of heaven is also just that; the stars, moon and heavenly bodies, not a man in a white nighty up there somewhere having opinions on our behaviour!

Dogma and Inquiry

Listening to a Rupert Sheldrake talk ignited an interesting internal discussion, and it set me thinking about these two terms ‘dogma’ and ‘inquiry,’ and how they relate to our relationship to ourselves and each other.

Motherhood and the Spiritual Arts

This article is for the women practitioners out there, who are conflicted about whether or not to become a mother due to their perceived loss of time to practice. It is also for all the men who love their women, to help you understand a little more the dilemma that women who value their spiritual journey can have about parenthood

Women, Confidence & Leadership

There are numerous historical/social/political reasons why women struggle or have been actively inhibited in having a voice. For this article I want to explore what for me, is a more interesting question:

Why do women themselves hold back and refuse to step forward in their spiritual/teaching capacity?

Qi Gong Sets for Nei Gong

In order to move through the Nei Gong process we use a series of exercises as ‘tools’. Through static and dynamic Qi Gong and Dao Yin training a person may awaken the various energies required for Nei Gong development.

Feminine Practice

Within Lotus Nei Gongs syllabus we have a number of practices that acknowledge the way a woman needs to train in the internal arts. These practices are an important addition for women upon their Nei Gong journey not a way in itself.

Meditation

Meditation is central to all the teaching on the retreats. All retreats will have an emphasis on sitting practice as I see it as a cornerstone for internal development.

Blog Posts

Sophie teaches classes in Qi Gong, Nei Gong and Meditation at Bonhays Retreat Centre in the Dorset countryside.

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