What is Shaolin Cosmos Qigong?
As Qigong is such an ancient Art, there are thousands of different Qigong.
Shaolin Qigong is relatively recent, as it originates in the 6th century AD, with the historical and legendary figure of Bodhidharma, said to be the first Zen patriarch, the very founder of the Zen tradition.
Bodhidharma was born as a prince in the south Indian Pallava kingdom. In the same way as the historical Buddha centuries before, he renounced the kingdom and became a monk. Upon Realization, or Enlightenment, he travelled to China and arrived at the Shaolin Monastery. There, he saw the monks immersed in their most demanding meditation practices and he gave them a series of exercises or “forms” called the 18 Lohan Hands, destined to bring them optimum physical health, vitality, serenity, emotional balance and mental clarity. A “form” is a combination of 3 elements: specific movement in space, particular breathing pattern and focused and relaxed attention.
The Lineage
This teaching has been passed on over the centuries, from Master to disciple, within the Shaolin Monastery.
The Art was taught to the monks, and also to the Emperor and the high dignitaries of the empire who came every year to receive the teachings. In the middle of the 19th century, it happened that one Emperor of the Jing dynasty and the southern Shaolin Monastery was in serious opposition. The Emperor sent his army to destroy the Monastery and kill all the monks.
One monk named Jiang Nan escaped. He had one mission in life: Pass on the Shaolin Arts to one successor. After 50 years of search, he passed on the Arts to Yang Fatt Khun. When Yang Fatt Khun himself was in his seventies, he transmitted the Art to Ho Fatt Nam, who in turn passed it on to Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit, who inherited the Art in its pristine essence. Hence authentic Shaolin Qigong is now available to the world thanks to Master Wong Kiew Kit, heir to this tradition. In 2000, Pragata was blessed with meeting with Grandmaster Wong, received his teaching, was transmitted the Art and confirmed to teach to eager aspirants.
The 18 Lohan Hands:
The sequence of the 18 Lohan Hands is truly a rare jewel.
Each form is both holistic, in the sense that it enhances globally the flow of the life force within and at the same time it targets a specific area within the body.
Each form is so simple that it can be learnt and performed by any one. Not only is it simple, it is also remarkably non strenuous and enjoyable, giving practically immediate results. One is therefore encouraged to get into a regular practice, which is the key to restoring and maintaining health on all levels, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
You will find a short description of the 18 Lohan Hands on Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit’s webpage (LINK: https://www.shaolin.org/chikung/lohan.html).
Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit has written an outstanding book about Shaolin Chi Kung, that can be purchased on Amazon.com. The books title is: Chi Kung for health and vitality.
Pragata with Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit in Costa Rica, 2008
Pragata with Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit in Costa Rica, 2008