Friday, October 1, 2010

Being in the Present Moment, Retreat this Sunday, Qigong Treatments

Greetings everyone,

In this update:
*** Being in the Present Moment
*** Meditation & Qigong Retreat this Sunday (MA Center)
*** Qigong Treatments at Five Branches University (San Jose)
*** Level 2 Medical Qigong Course (Oct. - Dec. 2010)
*** Calendar of Events

Greetings everyone,

Recently a student asked me about being in the present moment versus being apathetic, and I would like to share my answer with you all in this inner alchemy update.

*** Being in the Present Moment

When we are in the present moment, we feel wonderfully alive, We feel connected with all that is happening in this moment. We simply feel alive. In apathy, we feel dull, sleepy, disconnected.
In presence, we choose to drop all the personal drama, the "story" of our life situation, the excessive mental commentary. We simply act out of awareness, to whatever the moment calls for, without the burden of attachment to our personal past, nor our expectations of the future. We are simply in this moment. We laugh with people, we cry with people, meeting them on this human level of mind and emotion, and at the same time, we are also with them on the level of emptiness, for those moments that they too decide to drop their drama, their personal story, to simply be - we can also meet them in this expansive space, if they so choose, but we don't pressure them to be one way or another. There is no personal agenda on our part, we simply allow them to be as they are in this moment. We act in compassion to alleviate their suffering as best as we can, but we don't make it into a personal problem or a personal drama... It is not an easy practice, as the mind has so much momentum, and it lives on drama!

"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

The quality of our awareness with people often determines the outcome of any given situation. In presence, people feel embraced by a deeper profound stillness within which they are free to be themselves. This silent empty space, void of personal agendas, encourages openness, ease, and genuine communication between two people. When our day to day activities become imbued with this quality of presence, our small daily actions are transformed into something much greater...

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." ~ Mother Teresa

Mystical states described in the sacred literature of so many cultures are nothing more than this dropping away of the mental mind and its attendant emotions, revealing the sublime nature of true love underneath, revealing our own true nature that we share with all beings...

"In real love the lover and beloved disappear, and what remains is an unbroken experience of pure, unconditional love." ~ Amma

*** Meditation & Qigong Retreat this Sunday (MA Center)

This Sunday, join us for another day of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal at MA center, nestled in the hills of Castro Valley. The ashram grounds provide a supercharged spiritual vibration within which we'll alternate between sitting and movement meditation practices, as well as another crystal bowl and earth gong Sound Immersion experience lead by Anaghan (http://www.soundimmersion.com). We'll begin at 9 am, and break for a light lunch provided by the ashram at noon. Our afternoon session will end at 3 pm. The cost is $40, all of which is donated to Amma's humanitarian projects (http://www.amma.org). Please RSVP: events@ammachi.org

*** Qigong Treatments at Five Branches University (San Jose)

I'm now offering medical qigong treatments at the FBU clinic in San Jose, every Thursday from 1 pm - 5 pm. I'm very excited to get this going, as I so strongly believe in medical qigong having a place among Chinese medical practice. Medical qigong is one of the oldest branches of Chinese medicine. Treatments can have a powerful effect on one's Shen (spirit) as well as Qi (energy), touching very deep levels of one's being that cannot be accessed by herbs or needles alone.
The clinic front desk can be reached at (408) 260-8868, or sjclinic@fivebranches.edu.

*** Level 2 Medical Qigong Course (Five Branches)

Due to the success of our level 1 course, we will offer level 2 this fall semester at FBU San Jose campus, on the following Sundays, from 9am - 6 pm: 
October 24th
November 7th & 14th
December 5th
Contact Mimi Latno for more information: sjextension@fivebranches.edu
(MTCM students, contact Gina Huang)

*** Calendar of Events

Also in the not too distant future, I'll lead another qigong session at the Insight Meditation South Bay retreat, on December 4th, 2010. More information: http://www.imsb.org/programs/retreatEvent.php?eventId=1184

Thanks for reading this far!

May all beings be happy and peaceful. 
Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu. 
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.

Blessings,
Tom (Yogeshwar)

Photo below: "Tea Ceremony" Master Zhang and Chen Jie at Qingchengshan (青城山)




















---
Where there is Love, there is no effort. 
Amma
---

Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
408.772.6009

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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Qigong Courses/Retreats this Weekend


Greetings,

I am back in the SF Bay area, and this weekend (August 28th & 29th) I will teach at two separate events:

1) On Saturday, as part of the Insight Meditation South Bay day-long retreat, I will lead a qigong session, while Shaila Catherine will lead the remainder of the retreat in meditation and dharma.

2) On Sunday, as part of the medical qigong program at Five Branches University, I will teach the first 8 hours of a 32 hour course, Medical Qigong Level 1, for anyone interested in qigong for healing and as a treatment modality. I will teach the remainder of the course every other Sunday, namely Sept. 12, 26, and Oct. 10th.

Please email me for more information at:

Quick Update: It has been 5 months since I wrote this list, as during the summer I travelled with my spiritual teacher Amma, and afterwards visited family in Europe. I returned to the bay area on August 14th, and am now settling into the area at least until the end of the year. As always, the journey with Amma was beautiful and amazing in so many ways, and it is most difficult to describe in words. We started in Seattle and went through 10 cities, ending up in Toronto at the end of July. Each city felt like a lifetime of experience and insight, offering unique lessons and challenges. The European vacation felt like another lokah (realm) altogether. Now I'm looking forward to teaching again, and getting grounded in day to day life.

If time allows, I will write more about the depth of the tour experience, and the grace that comes when in Amma's presence.

For now, I'm wishing everyone a beautiful day!
Tom (Yogeshwar)

Photo above was taken in the morning at the San Ramon ashram during the tour

---
Where there is Love, there is no effort. 
Amma
---

Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
408.772.6009
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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Equinox Insight, New Weekly Qigong Class for Health & Longevity



Greetings everyone,

In this update:
*** Equinox Insight
*** Calendar of Events
*** China Trip

Firstly, just a quick note that I will offer a short 6 week course in qigong practice for health and longevity, meeting every Friday, April 2nd through May 7th, from 1 pm - 2 pm, in Campbell. More info below...

*** Equinox Insight

As many of you are aware, we are quickly heading into spring. The vernal equinox takes place on March 20, at 10:32 am Pacific time, marking a balance between light and dark. This is a time when the Yang energy, the light, begins to overtake Yin, the night, which is receding. Yang energy begins to flow to the surface, as life begins to push out into the external world. We see this in the expansion of life all around us, in the blooming of flowers, and the opening of buds on tree branches. It is no coincidence, then, that Wood is the element associated with spring in Daoist traditions, as the energy within Wood naturally rises and expands at the time of spring.

The spring equinox is a very powerful time for cultivation, spiritual practices, and reflection. In terms of using the solar cycle to set intentions, this is a time when intentions set during the winter solstice are now "above ground," growing in the light of the warm spring time sun, where they can be easily seen in the visible world (above ground) by ourselves and others. This is a time to tend to our seeds (intentions) which are now maturing into healthy and vibrant plants, and taking any extra care such as trimming and guiding their growth. While we tend to see all growth as positive in our culture, it is always important to have some form of restraint. Elementally speaking, we say that Metal chops Wood. Metal is the energy of moving inward and downward, and therefore some pause to reflect is indicated. Reflection and meditation offer us insights, allowing us to prune, adjust, and guide our creations. Furthermore, the virtue of Metal is Integrity. Reflection and meditation allow us to double check that our creations are in line with our core values. Life is a dynamic interplay of elemental energies, and this awareness helps ensure that our intentions, our once tiny seedlings now vibrantly expanding in the world of form, don't grow out of control into monstrous creations that even we ourselves can't handle!

The energy of spring/Wood can also be very explosive. Think of the seedling as it begins to push its way above the soil, the explosive growth of bamboo (you can practically *watch* it grow in some cases) as well as other vegetation, and the thrusting upward and outward of life in all its forms during spring. In our own human affairs, when that outward upward movement rises too forcefully, the explosive energy can manifest as outbursts of anger and agitation, especially when we perceive that our outward expansion is even in the slightest way thwarted! Whether a sudden incidence of road rage, an argument with a partner or child, or coworker, we need to be mindful that the energies can be a little hotter in the spring time. Therefore, we should do our best to cool our moods, and not fall victim to our own unconscious patterns, causing undue hurt to those we love... Our loved ones will appreciate us and our efforts all the more!

In qigong, we have ways of working with the psycho emotional aspects of the elements, i.e. the anger of Wood, so that we can bring more balance to our lives. The Daoist Five Yin Organ exercises help to open and dilate the meridians of the 5 Yin Organs which can affect our various moods and awareness in very powerful ways, as well as increasing health and longevity. The Healing Sounds offer ways of clearing and discharging stagnant energy and emotion from our bodies so that a healthier physical, emotional, and mental state can be regained. In addition, many Daoist alchemy meditations and practices focus on the transformation of turbid energy into consciousness, so that our awareness rises above the quagmire of human emotions, plots, repetitive thought patterns, and selfish desires, resulting in a clear perception, and profound mental peace and stillness.

With sincere effort on our part, following the road maps and footprints left by the masters, results come as surely as plants grow from seeds nurtured in the right way.


*** Calendar of Events

* Qigong for Health and Longevity
Weekly Class, meets every Friday for 6 weeks
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and May 7th
From 1 PM - 2 PM in Campbell (see below for more info.)

This series of 6 classes presents a wonderful journey into the deeply transformative practices of ancient China. Together we'll explore these powerful movement meditations that increase health, well being, energy, vitality, and mind concentration; while reducing stress, tension, fatigue and burnout. This six week course will provide tools for intelligently dealing with low energy, brain fog, the accumulation of negative emotions or other negative states, while focusing on increasing energy, rejuvenation, relaxation, and energetic perception.

Cost: $100 for all 6 classes due at the beginning of the first class.

Please RSVP as class size is limited to 10 participants (we already have 7):


* Medical Qigong Certification

Next Level 1 course offered at Five Branches University, San Jose campus:
Sundays, Aug. 29, Sept. 12, 26, Oct. 10, 2010, 9 am - 6 pm (32 hours)
Level 1 offers an extensive introduction into qigong practices for health, and how they can be modified to address specific organ and channel disharmonies in the body. We also learn several shengong (spirit skill) meditations that enhance our energetic awareness and qi projection skills. The course includes both practical application and theoretical understanding of cultivation for health and energetic detoxification.
More information:
Registration:
Through Five Branches, email Mimi Latno: sjextension@fivebranches.edu

* Qigong Day Retreat at MA Center

Our next event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 3rd:
For more information, please visit:

*** China Trip

A handful of you ask me from time to time whether I would lead a trip to China. It would be ideal to bring a group of about 10 people to the Daoist mountain. Our stay would last from 2 to 3 weeks, giving us time for cultivation, reflection, exploring the mountain, and retreat. When there is interest from enough people, more concrete arrangements can be made. Please let me know if you have an interest in visiting Qingchengshan! =)


With blessings,
Tom / Yogeshwar / Li Zhong

May all beings in all the worlds be happy and peaceful.
Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu.

Photo above: Qingchengshan (青城山) "Tea time on the Daoist Mountain"
Photo below: Master Zhang and Chen Jie at Qingchengshan


---
Where there is Love, there is no effort.
Amma
---

Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
408.772.6009

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Retreat this Saturday, a word about karma, Level 2 course, and other qigong stuff...

Greetings everyone,

Firstly, I'd like to remind everyone that I'm leading a one hour qigong session during the Insight Meditation South Bay retreat this Saturday: "INTRODUCTION TO THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS. Ennobling Truths - A Day of Meditation plus Qigong."
This is a wonderful event where you can get exposure to Dharma, meditation, and qigong all in one place. I'd love to see some familiar faces out there in the crowd, so come by for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. For more information, please visit:

***Medical Qigong Level 2:
This course is also beginning shortly at Five Branches University at the San Jose campus. The dates are Sundays, Feb 7, 21, March 7, 28, 9 am - 6 pm, for a total of 32 hours of practice and instruction. Level 2 is where we round a corner in our qigong training, bringing our qi skills to the treatment table. We also cover a variety of very strong Daoist meditation practices that greatly increase qi sensitivity and projections skills, as well as our protective qi field. For more information visit:

***Qigong Retreat at MA Center:
On Sunday, February 28th, Anaghan and I will return to MA Center for another session of qigong plus the sound bath experience, and we would love it if you joined us! This is a great way to refresh your qigong practice, rejuvenate with the crystal bowls, earth gong and other instruments, and of course reconnect with the ashram. The MA Center is bathed in Amma's wonderful energy even when she isn't there, and the land offers a sublime place of refuge for a weary soul. For more information, please visit:
For more about Anaghan and his sound healing work, please visit:

***A Word About Karma

A few weeks ago, someone asked me a question about karma. I avoided her email for a long time, thinking about the volumes that could be written on this topic. While writing, I thought about sharing my response with you all, and was grateful that she inspired me to contemplate her question. A portion of the answer follows...

According to Amma my spiritual teacher, there are 3 types of karma.
The first type of karma can be easily erased by simple remedial actions.
The second type of karma can be remedied, however, it is never fully removed and can reoccur. It is sometimes likened to a tumor that can be surgically removed successfully, however, it can reoccur after some time.
Finally, there is the third type of karma that cannot be remedied. This is like a completely incurable form of cancer. This type of karma can only be endured.

Our attitude makes all the difference. According to Amma, there are three beneficial ways of looking at karma.

Firstly, see the experiences as necessary to make us more aware. Stepping on a thorn in the road may hurt, but it will make us more careful with our feet so that we don't fall into the ditch later.

Secondly, see the experiences as necessary to exhaust our accumulated negative karma.

And thirdly, see the experiences as necessary to awaken our latent potential and inner strength.

We should always strive to respond to our karmic experiences with the right attitude, understanding that it is the subtle laws of cause and effect that are bringing our own actions back to ourselves. Try to see the people in the various scenarios of our life, as being only the messengers that bring our own karma back to us. Rather than blaming the messengers themselves, we should look at ourselves as the source of these experiences, and try to learn from them. In taking care not to "shoot our messengers," we avoid creating further negative karma, and, we also neutralize whatever karma ripens on us in each moment. When we learn the karmic lesson, we need not experience that karma again - or if we do, we continue to transcend it with a light attitude, rather than getting caught up in endless cycles of violet behavior, retribution, power plays or negativities, whether overt or subtle.

Remedial actions to work with karma include spiritual practices of all varieties. A few examples include qigong, meditation, puja, and selfless service. Qigong and meditation neutralize karma in that these practices bring more awareness into our lives. More awareness brings healthier choices that are in greater alignment with Dharma (or the natural order of a higher good) which in turn neutralize our karma. Puja, a form of ritual worship to a specific deity or power, is also very effective. Pujas can be done to alleviate specific karma, or to bring more auspiciousness into our lives. In either case, they strongly connect the practitioner to the deity or power being worshipped, which in and of itself is precious. Selfless service, known as Karma Yoga, is a powerful way to burn up karma. In this practice, the fruits (or beneficial results) of our actions are surrendered, and we focus on the action itself, bringing our full awareness and attention to it with utmost care.

Doing good things for others puts us in touch with the creative intelligence of the whole, and in turn the whole responds favorably to us. Amma sums this up beautifully by saying it is our actions that come back to us as God's grace. She further says that it is God's grace that brings things together in a favorable way. So we need to recognize that there is something far greater than our little ego running the show. To put it another way, when we get out of our little "me and only me" mode of consciousness, and actually think of others and do things for the good of the whole, we fall into a more beautiful synchronicity with the whole. Life becomes more like a beautiful symphony. Each individual piece of music expresses itself fully, and yet adds to a much greater synchronistic whole. The whole symphony, in turn, immeasurably adds to the beauty of each individual piece of music, giving each piece a magnificent field upon which it can express its individual self. However, in the "little me" mode of consciousness, we short change the bigger symphony, trading the good of the whole for short sighted personal agendas. This brings harm to the integrity of the whole, which in turn does harm to each individual that is a part of that whole.

Blessings and Love,
Tom

Main Temple at Qingchengshan (青城山)

---
Where there is Love, there is no effort.
Amma
---

Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
408.772.6009
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Monday, December 21, 2009

Solstice Qigong Update

...

Greetings every one. I hope this update finds you in good health and well being.

In this update:
*** Solstice Experiences
*** Travels with Amma
*** Upcoming Classes and Retreats

*** Solstice Experiences

It has been the most powerful, and beautiful, solstice transition that I can remember. I was very fortunate that, after such an intense semester, I had a window of no activity during the solstice time, before things got busy again with the Christmas holiday. Just like every other year, I made plans to spend the seasonal transition practicing inner alchemy and puja, as well as setting intentions for this next cycle of expansion. When Yin reaches its peak, the seed of Yang is born, making it a particularly auspicious time for setting intentions, as well as for cultivating one's energy and spirit. The intentions set at this time are like seeds that awaken from dormancy, animated by the Yang life force energy as it emerges from the darkness of Yin.

When Yin reaches its peak, it is a natural time of stillness and slowing down, offering a powerful opportunity to go deep within oneself. In returning to our essence, we can perceive that which is essential, and that which is non essential. In that space of stillness and clarity, intentions emerge that reflect our essence, which can then take form and shape in the year to come. Riding the current of the solar cycle, the intentions are imbued with life force energy for manifestation as the Yang begins to rise and expand. This happened precisely at 9:47 am on Monday, and will continue to do so until Yang reaches its peak at summer solstice, and the cycle of decline begins. In reflecting on recent years, nearly all intentions that I've set consciously in this way, coupled with spiritual practices, have come to beautiful fruition. Following the natural laws of energetic movement simply makes good sense.

This year, the seasonal transition has been particularly powerful. I've had a more personal experience of the veils thinning between the various realms, facilitating the transmission of information from one realm to the next. I've also had a deeper experience of what it means to transform Shen into Wuji (spirit into void), the 3rd alchemical transformation described in Daoist inner alchemy. Opening various gates along the spine and washing the Sea of Marrow has also been greatly facilitated during this time, a process that began in the presence of Amma during my travels with her in November.

In Daoist cultivation, in terms of the solar cycle, there are eight times each year that are particularly auspicious for inner work, austerities, and spiritual practices. Four of these times are marked by the winter / summer solstice and spring / fall equinox. (Zi, Mao, Wu, and You) The other four points include the exact midpoints between these times. Each of these points marks an extra powerful time for cultivation, as highly evolved spirits are much more active, and the energy is especially high. The idea here is "twice the effect for half the effort." Any form of meditation, contemplation, intention setting, as well as practicing loving kindness, forgiveness, and selflessness, are all greatly amplified during this time.

After some stillness and contemplation in the time leading into the solstice, I've set some wonderful intentions for the current cycle that began on Monday. As an example, one of my "seeds" reads like this: "I am confident in teaching medical qigong to doctors, TCM practitioners, acupuncturists, and anyone else." The reason for this seed is that, in the last year, I realized that I've been feeling some intimidation in teaching this material, especially when some of my students have been practicing Chinese medicine longer than I've been alive in this body! =) Of course, the more I teach this medicine, the more I realize that what I received through both my Daoist and Sanatana Dharma lineages, they don't teach in acupuncture school. And so I realize more and more that we are all exchanging information with each other, as I study acupuncture/ herbology, and teach Daoist alchemy. Its a beautiful trade! Working with this "seed" has already brought about much insight and transformation into my purpose, as well as illuminating the "darker" aspects of my personality that hinder the full expression of these arts.

*** Travels with Amma

Since the last update, I've had the opportunity to be with Amma for 2 weeks, including one week in San Ramon and another week in Michigan, for Thanksgiving. Time with her is always life altering. She holds the vibration of pure presence and divine consciousness, while being in the flesh, and tangible for all of us to see and experience. The depth of her love and compassion continue to dawn on me, as more awareness increases over the years of following her teachings and example. The realization that came to me in San Ramon this last time, was just how much seva, or selfless service, really is karma yoga. A deep experience washed over me, of how all of us on staff, and anyone lending a hand to help the programs, feed the people, etc., are all yogis... practicing yoga. All of the service rendered had a deep and tangible sense of being spiritual practice, yoga, helping all of us merge into the divine presence.

A powerful slide show of Amma pictures, which contain a video towards the middle of the segment, can be found here:
I've been playing this over and over during this special solstice time. =) Seeing Amma with her arms raised towards heaven like that is so sweet!

*** Upcoming Classes and Retreats

At Five Branches University (San Jose campus):

In the spring term, I will only teach the Level 2 qigong course at Five Branches, as Francesca Ferrari will teach the Level 1 course as an intensive. The dates are arranged so that both courses can be taken sequentially:

Level 1 (with Francesca)
Saturday and Sunday, January 16 & 17, 30 & 31 (32 Hours/CEUs)
9 am - 6:30 pm (1.5 hour lunch)
Level 1 offers an extensive introduction into qigong practices for health, and how they can be modified to address specific organ and channel disharmonies in the body. We also learn several shengong (spirit skill) meditations that enhance our energetic awareness and qi projection skills. The course includes both practical application and theoretical understanding of cultivation for health and energetic detoxification.
More information: Mimi Latno sjextension@fivebranches.edu

Level 2 (with Tom)
Sundays, February 7, 21, and March 7, 28 (32 Hours/CEUs)
9 am - 6 pm (1 hour lunch)
In level 2, we practice advanced shengong (spirit skill) meditations designed to open one's prenatal awareness, facilitating greater diagnostic as well as energetic projection skills. We also bridge the gap between personal cultivation and the application of energetic skills on a treatment table.
More information:

We will offer Level 1 and 2 again in the Fall of 2010.

Retreats:

Insight Meditation South Bay presents:
INTRODUCTION TO THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS
Ennobling Truths
A Day of Meditation plus Qigong
with Shaila Catherine & Tom Leichardt
Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:30 am — 5:00 pm
Edwards Hall of St Timothyís Church
2094 Grant Road, Mountain View, 94040
More information:

Qigong at MA Center:
I would like to offer at least one qigong day at MA Center in the first part of 2010. The format will likely be similar to those of the past, including the "sound bath" meditation by Anaghan. Stay tuned for details, as I'll be setting this up over the next few weeks.

Thanks for reading this far! =) I hope to see you all sometime soon.

Blessings,
Tom (Yogeshwar)

---
Where there is Love, there is no effort.
Amma
---

Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
408.772.6009
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

October Qigong Update

Greetings everyone,

My last update went out in June, at the very beginning of the summer tour with Amma. Even though I have been quiet since my return in late July, a lot of movement has been happening in my world. I've taken a lot more courses this semester towards my acupuncture license, and am also teaching a Level 1 and Level 2 qigong course at Five Branches. Life is moving along rather quickly these days, sprinkled with grace and momentum. Since this is the first update after tour (as I've been caught in the whirlwind and haven't found time to write) I'll include a few notes from the road with Amma.

In this update:
*** Notes from the Road (with Amma)
*** Calendar of Events
*** Crystal Bowls, Kirtan, and Sacred Sounds

*** Notes from the Road (with Amma)

These are thoughts I wrote down as the tour was coming to a close:

"The coming end of this tour means that each moment is filled with an extra specialness, knowing that it will all be over so soon. The mind becomes more present, as it recognizes that these moments will all slip away forever... A new life is about to begin, like the old life, only this time with new awareness. It will all be the same, and yet it will all be different, because I have changed..."

"The flowers have been thrown! The great mandala that formed around Amma is dissolving. All the intricately laid pieces, the people, are now being blown in all directions by the changing winds of time. Dissolution creates space to allow new mandalas to form, new adventures, new experiences. New arrangements with new people, and some of the old, in ever changing forms and patterns... Amma has sustained us for almost 2 months, holding the divine vibration around which this mandala formed, all of us coming together to participate in this great adventure. Now it dissolves forever like the sands swept away by Tibetan monks. Each city was a new rendition of this mandala, dissolving and reforming, dissolving and reforming. Tour is an absolute exercise in impermanence, and constant change. Now change sweeps again, and we are off to our own individual adventures, to participate in other mandalas, some out in the world, others continuing on to India, but all of us filled with a divine love that only a realized one can give... Jai Jai Ma!"

"We said goodbye to Amma at the airport, and I've just landed at the Toronto ashram for a nite, before the long flight home tomorrow. This is a great pause in between worlds, as the work of integration is about to begin. It was a bitter sweet goodbye at the airport. She sat with us for just moments, which on the inside spiraled into infinity. I can still see that look of parting in her eyes, all the sadness of the devotees reflected, and her deep compassion. Then in a moment it was all over... The Toronto ashram is really sweet and beautiful. It is a great stop over point before heading home. Amma was here just a few hours before us."

"I am getting ready to say goodbye to the Toronto ashram, all packed for the airport, and leaving shortly. This morning, tears of gratitude for all I had experienced in the last 2 months, finding that space of no mind before thought and desire arise, a space where sublime happiness dwells, usually obscured by the cares of the world... Longing to stay connected to that very source of pure joy and happiness that is uncaused, but rather is our own very true nature, that exists before all cares, thoughts, desires, and ripples in the mind arise. The lake is still, like a mirror, and all else just comes and goes like a reflection..."


*** Calendar of Events

1) Qigong and Meditation Retreat at MA Center
Sunday, October 11, 2009, 9 am - 2:30 pm
Includes "sound bath" meditation by Jaire Vieira (Anaghan)
More information:


2) Insight Meditation South Bay presents "Walking the Path"
Lead by Shaila Catherine and qigong movement by Tom Leichardt
Saturday, January 30, 2010, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
More information:


Medical Qigong Certification: Five Branches University
Both our Level 1 and Level 2 courses for the fall semester have already begun. We plan to offer both of these courses again in the Spring trimester that begins in January 2010.

*** Crystal Bowls, Kirtan, and Sacred Sounds

Jaire Vieira (Anaghan) has been playing crystal bowls at several retreats that I've lead. Jaire is bringing the sacred sound to many people around the bay area, and has a calendar of events on his website. If any of you have enjoyed his work, you might want to visit him at: http://www.soundimmersion.com/

Also, my good friend Prajna Vieira sings and leads kirtan with her band Mukti. They just released their CD, filled with divine music, sound, and inspiration. You can check them out at: http://www.muktimusic.net/

Thanks for reading this update.

May all beings benefit from our pursuits.

Blessings,
Tom / Yogeshwar

---
Where there is Love, there is no effort.
Amma
---

Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
408.772.6009

Photo taken at Qingchengshan (青城山), Daoist Lineage Home

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Monday, April 20, 2009

Active Qi Cultivation this Sunday

Greetings Everyone,

This is a quick update to let everyone know we are having our daylong Active Qi Cultivation class this Sunday at Five Branches University. This class is open to all who have either taken Level 1, are currently taking Level 1, or have taken Qigong from me in the past (retreats, workshops, etc.)

Course Description:
The Active Qi Cultivation course, wonderfully energizing and enriching, enables students to dive deeper into energetic cultivation for health and longevity. A complete set of practices is reviewed, deepening one's understanding of how to use Medical Qigong for self healing, as homework prescriptions to clients, and as a healing modality. Group practice, as well as the instructor's gentle presence and guiding support, create a rich atmosphere for the refinement of these subtle arts. Active Qi Cultivation is a part of the requirements for certification at Five Branches University, but can also be taken by itself.

We'll spend the day alternating between sitting, standing, and movement practices, creating a rich flow of energy and movement. The day is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions about cultivation, and the many inner transitions that occur as a result of practice.

These 8 hours can be a powerful gift to give oneself, as it sets an intention for rejuvenation, transformation, healing, and realigning with the flow of creative divine energy.

Course Details:
Date & Time: Sunday, April 26th, from 9 am - 6pm
Location: Five Branches University, San Jose campus
This is a CEU course (8 hours), and a part of the Medical Qigong Certification Program for those that are interested in that path.

Registration Information:
Register through Five Branches University. Please call Mimi Latno at 408-260-0208 x216 or email her at: sjextension@fivebranches.edu.

Picture: Qingchengshan, Main Temple, home of my Daoist Lineage


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Where there is Love, there is no effort.
Amma
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Tom Leichardt, DMQ (China)
408.772.6009
www.InnerAlchemyCenter.com
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