KUNGFU & QIGONG MAGAZINE. Aug I Sep. 1996
Visiting the Palace of the Heavenly Dragon
by Pratiti Pryor
Shortly after our meeting in New York City, Master Yuanming Zhang warmly invited me to visit his center in China. I never dreamed I'd act upon the invitation, but in August of 1994, I found myself hiking up one of China's most sacred mountains, Mt. Qingcheng.
Located in Sichuan Province, Mt. Qingcheng is part of a massive mountain range in southwest China. Today, exiled Tibetans consider areas of this region to be part of Tibet. I traveled there with thirty Americans from across the nation who had studied with Master Zhang in the States. We had come to China for the inauguration of Master Zhang's center, the Palace of the Heavenly Dragon, and to learn more about qi (also called chi,) the fundamental life-force energy. Qigong literally means "energy practice," and its beginning practice leads to improved health and helps one to be happier, feel better, look younger and live longer. Advanced qigong practice, involving meditation, represents a total life science that is both profound and sacred. It involves both the micro and macro aspects of existence; it provides firsthand experience of our inner being while simultaneously connecting us to the far reaches of the universe.
The Source of Energy Work
Master Yuanming Zbang had come to America to share what his many masters had taught him since childhood. Now, he had brought us to the very source of where much of this ancient energy work had developed: Mt. Qingcheng. According to Taoist scholars, this area is were China's original science, the study of Tao (the science of origin,) had its roots. Here, generations of Taoist hermits filled shamans had lived and practiced. They observed nature, fasted, meditated; and developed multidimensional practices designed to bring the body-mind complex into a state of ideal harmony and health.
It is said, for example, that Zhang Tao-ling, the founder of Taoism, practiced at the mountain. At that time, Taoism was referred to as "five pecks of rice," a reference to the fee that members paid for tuition. Zhang Tao-ling healed people by energizing spring water, and he became well known in the area. When construction of Master Zhang's center began, an ancient bronze seal was unearthed confirming this legend.
The founder of Tai Chi-the famous Zhang San Feng of the Ming dynasty, ancestor of Wu Dang Pai martial arts-transmitted many methods of esoteric practices and did I his own work and cultivation here as well.
Just being on this mountain, practicing and meditating, I could feel the energies of these ancient sages, mystics and mountain masters. Their all-pervading presence and fragrance still remained in these magical mountains. Visiting Mt. Qingcheng was like visiting a pristine source of energy. The mountain air was fresh, the vegetation was lush, and plants and trees seemed to be bigger than life. Every thing vibrated and was intensely healthy and alive. .
Palace of the Heavenly Dragon was designed in the style of a traditional Taoist temple: rectangular in shape, an open air space sat in the middle of the temple. It was here that we' d gather to practice qigong, to meditatively drink water that Master Zhang had filled with universe qi, to meditate, sing and dance. It was a central meeting place. Rooms surrounding this area were used as classrooms, meeting rooms and for accommodations.
Heavenly Days
A typical day at the Palace of the Heavenly Dragon began with sunrise group qigong practice and include afternoon lecture ,demonstrations, vegetarian meals, free time, and time for practicing qigong alone or in smaller groups. During the afternoon classes, teachers who represented various aspects of Chinese thought and culture calligraphers, scholars of Taoism, musicians, medical doctors, herbalists and others taught with warmth and hospitality.
On some days we went on special trips in the afternoon. On one such afternoon, Master Zhang led us along narrow mountain paths. Just following Master Zhang was aworkout. He traversed those mountain trails with the agility of a balletdancer. Finally, he led us to a cave where ancient hermits and masters had meditated. It is said that the Yellow Emperor had practiced in these caves and transmitted many secret methods of practice. Also, Lao Tse is said to have practiced and written some of his famous Tao Te Ching here.
Over the years, many of the cave entrances were covered over, becoming "lost." But Master Zhang, being a direct descendant of Zhang San Feng and Zheng Taoling, had practiced in these caves since childhood, and had the_ reopened. To preserve these caves, which contain naturally formed rooms and beds, as well as flowing water, Master Zhang purchased them as part of his center. The largest of the caves is not open to the public, but is reserved for special teaching and use. Because the trip to this cave takes an entire day, we were unable to visit this cave, but Master Zhang said he will take us there on our next trip so that the wonder of this treasured place can be explored.
Magical Experiences
One night, after the full moon had just risen, Master Zhang came to me and whispered, "Go out and meditate." I went to the front courtyard. I don't know how long I was there, but! Remember meditating freeform qigong-sty1e, gazing at the moon while moving, singing and dancing and feeling the blessing of that moment. It was a magical experience.
Another afternoon we went on a walk with a family oflocal herb collectors. These mountain people were sincere and knowledgeable; collecting herbs had run in their family for generations. They eagerly showed us the various types of herbs they collected on Mt. Qingcheng.
No Room Service
At times, things did get uncomfortable. Traveling to remote, rural and mountainous areas of China, we had to leave many comforts and conveniences at home.
Having visited India several times, I came to China well prepared, bringing vitamins and supplements to boost my immune system and ayurvedic remedies for stomach problems that might arise. I ate lightly and consumed only cooked foods. Drinking bottled water exclusively, I remembered to drink often to prevent dehydration. I also brought my favorite tapes and a down pillow.
Living in New York, climbing up and down mountains is not something I was accustomed to. I remembered to bring my most comfortable walking shoes and thick socks. Some of my colleagues had practiced on Stairmaster machines to prepare for the trip; others used qigong techniques for getting up and around the mountains. At the end of my stay in China, I was the finest I've been in years.
Returning Home
After returning home from my trip to Mt. Qingcheng, I came across a book by Bill Porter, Road To Heaven: EncollI1ters with Chinese Hermits. I learned that during the devastating Chinese Cultural Revolution (1965-1975) many monks, nuns, hermits and masters were killed. The numbers of masters living in the mountains of China went from thousands to hundreds in just a short time. Today; recent reforms in China's religious politics have made it a bit easier on resident mountain Taoist monks, but nonetheless, much irreparable damage was done.
Historically, much material from the ancient classics-transmissions and secret methods of the Yellow Emperor, Bodhidharma, Confucius and Lao Tse, Shaolin martial arts etc.-was initially carved in stone for preservation. Master Zhang's center contains storage rooms that were specially designed to house rare editions of these classics.
The Palace of the Heavenly Dragon, as a comprehensive center, is officially recognized by the national government, national qigong society, Chinese medical community, and different schools of traditional qigong, martial arts, and related practices. Master Zhang, himself, is a treasure. In him reside the rare teachings of his teacher's teachers, of generations of masters. He is a true lineage holder.
Recently, I read an article on the value of pilgrimages. The author pointed out that certain geographical formations, like hot springs, rivers or mountains that stand alone, can increase the "blessings" of those who meditate there. Looking back on my visit to Mt. Qingcheng, I realize that I did not just visit another mountain, but a sacred one. I honor and cherish the blessings I received there.
Pratiti Pryor is a Juilliard graduate who owns a music school in New York. She is founder and director of the OshoShambala Intentional Community and Meditation Center near Ithaca, New York. The community is located on 300 acres of mountaintop land where there are plans for Master Yuariming Zhang to base a Traditional Chinese Medical Arts Institute. Land adjoining OshoShambala has been given to the Namgyal Tibetan Institute in Ithaca. It is the site of a future Tibetan style temple, guest house and retreat center which will be the North American seat of the personal monastery of H.H. The Dalai Lama.