China’s Ancient Mysteries of Da Yan Wild Goose Qigong

A Qigong Journal
As an 18 year old, finding a martial arts school was a perfect beginning for forming the foundation of discipline of body, mind, and morality, giving the right basis for Qigong.
Qigong moves away from the martial- combat aspect, into the cultivation of energy known as Qi (life force), through breathing, meditative practices, and refining postures. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is integrated into the many forms of Qigong, working to bring the body, mind and emotions into equilibrium. The practise of Qigong works on cultivating healing energies as well as increases awareness.

The history of Wild Goose Qigong
Da Yan translates to “Great Bird”. Wild Goose, originates from the Kunlun School of Daoism in the Jin Dynasty about 1700 years ago. Kunlun Shan, is a mountain range near Tibet, and was home to many Daoist monks studying Daoist teachings on how to live in harmony with life, nature, the laws that govern nature and everything in the universe. They developed high moral standards and secrets to health and longevity. Kunlun Shan was also home to wild geese, known as the Bar Headed Goose. The geese fly over the Himalayan mountain range, Mount Everest 8,850 meters for their spring migration to Mongolia. The geese reach a peak up to 6,437 meters during their migration which takes nearly two months, and cover’s over 8,000 kilometers. They fly over the Himalayan part of their journey in a single effort, flying for up to eight hours with little or no breaks. These Geese live twice as long and fly higher than any other geese in the world.
The Da Yan became a longevity symbol to the monks who observed these special birds movements very closely. The monks began to develop Qigong movements similar to the flight of the Geese, incorporating Chinese medicine theory and Daoist philosophy. Eventually forming sets of health exercises known as Dayan Qigong. The Wild Goose 1 & 2 forms make up 128 movements.
Through many years of Qigong training, and through study, I was lucky enough to be taught Da Yan Wild Goose 1 & 2 by lineage holders here in Australia, Master Simon Blow, and Cherel Waters. Simon Blow organises yearly tours to China, to meet and train with Grand Master Chen Chuan Gang, 28th Generation lineage holder of Wild Goose Qigong, who at the age of 95, is still very actively teaching, and travelling to other parts of China. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Master Chen, and become qualified to teach the Wild Goose Qigong and keep the lineage alive.
https://www.simonblowqigong.com.

The History of Wudang Mountain and Qigong:
The Wudang mountains located in Shiyan City in the northwestern Hubei Province. Daoist monasteries, palaces, and temples were built there during the Ming Dynasty (14th–17th centuries). The mountains of Wudang have been known to be an important center of Daoism. It’s especially famous for its Daoist versions of martial arts and Tai chi. Kung fu, had it’s roots there as the Daoist counterpart to the Shaolin Monastery. Through the centuries, Qigong has had a continuous evolutionary development and many names. The name “qigong” wasn’t in general use until the twentieth century.