Body Balance Lotus Study Group | Understanding and Practicing the Ancient Teachings

Each Wednesday after the 4:00pm Advanced Tai Chi Class, the Lotus Study Group meets at Body Balance. The Group is led by Shih Fu Eileen. Her objective for Group members is:

The stated objective of the Lotus Scholars is:

Balancing philosophy, form refinement and health practices to:

Optimize and integrate lifelong health through Tai Chi as a practice and a way of life. Develop a deeper awareness of the philosophical components discovered through the analysis of ancient wisdom in the context of a modern world.

Shih Fu Eileen chooses the reading material, makes reading and writing assignments, invites guest teachers and leads advanced floor work for the members.

Just a few weeks ago, we used a Christian tradition called lectio-divina. We opened a book of ancient wisdom (scriptures), then chose and read the passage aloud. Afterwards, we wrote responses and shared them aloud. Some members have given me permission to share their writings.

First the reading: Chapter 19 of "The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu" by Hua Hu Ching, translated by Brian Walker.

Nineteen
To the ordinary person, the body of humanity seems vast.
In truth, it is neither bigger nor smaller than anything else.
To the ordinary person, there are others whose awareness needs raising.
In truth, there is no self, and no other.
To the ordinary person, the temple is sacred and the field is not.
This, too, is a dualism which runs counter to the truth.

Those who are highly evolved maintain an undiscriminating perception.
Seeing everything, labeling nothing, they maintain their awareness of the Great Oneness.
Thus they are supported by it.

Our responses:

Words lose me,
the Tao moves me.
-Shih Fu Steve

Practice non-separateness
-Sue Simmons

a smile
a frown
the same
yet not the same
different yet the same
rest 
breathe
return
-Shih Fu Eileen

Practice with people
they are the greatest challenge.
One may sit with silence
but reject the noise.
Can you be in the world
but not of the world
seeing the Oneness in the many.
-Shih Fu Chris

What is holy? the
temple, the field, you and me,
vast humanity
-Shih Fu Catherine

The Lotus Group is open by invitation. A student who has completed learning the 108 long form is eligible for membership. Speak with Shih Fu Eileen if you are interested.