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The marrow washing classic is an exceptional Qigong series. Every aspect of the physical body is worked; the subtle anatomy, the energy channels, meridians chakras, and physical nerves are also worked. Above all, the body and mind harmonize in a way that makes the emotions smooth. This series was designed as a longevity practice.
Surrounded by a two-acre garden bordering the river Artillac, Tourné is a family-run retreat center offering a range of wellness holidays in a natural unspoiled location. Tourné Manor House provides spacious accommodation in the main house or adjoining stone cottage. You will be staying in the main house offering single and shared rooms.
As an overall systems check of health, emotions, energy, clarity, and composure, the marrow washing classic is unrivalled. With 18 dynamic forms and one harmonizing form, it provides a complete exercise and health program. Da Mo or Bodhidharma or Padampa Sangye provide the scriptural, historical, and spiritual foundation for the form made famous by the first Zen patriarch, the Indian monk Bodhidharma.
The marvellous feats of the monk who sat wall gazing for many years, six or nine according to different account, are well documented. Through his association with the Shaolin temple, Da Mo (the Chinese name) or Bodhidharma (the Indian name) has been adopted as the founding father of the spiritual tradition in the martial arts. Outside the martial tradition, he is known through remarkable feats that defy physicality.
The emphasis in the retreat will be to learn the forms as a means to allow dharmata and compassion to co-emerge. Through repeated practice, marvellous physical feats, longevity, a calm steady mind, and seeing innate nature are easily realised. Bodhidharma is still silently emanating his message.
If you cannot stop thinking, do not believe your thoughts. If you believe your thoughts, do not believe them for long. This method becomes an integrated mandala with the physical hand and body mudras in the marrow washing classic where energy, movement, and awareness combine into a single abiding. This is the key, beyond the ordinary benefits of the physical movements.
When practiced in a calm environment, with a calm mind, this Qigong form is supremely efficient. Not only does it provide physical re-organisation and healing through moving in stillness, it opens the awareness to the possibility of realising dharmata. For the Taoist, it is through the receptive, the feminine, and the earth.
All Qigong forms adapt to the different seasons. The marrow washing classic can be undertaken at any time of year, yet it is most beneficial when undertaken during autumn. Strengthening the bones and tendons, loosening the muscles, releasing stagnant energy, and quieting the mind until the marrow physical and metaphoric is arrived at.
Practicing the marrow washing classic reveals awareness in its essential purity, free of obscurantism, and personal concerns and worries. The mudra, which will be repeatedly introduced, produces wholesome energy, the physical which is produced through movement alone. The synergy of the marrow washing classic does not depend upon producing any particular state of meditation. It is enough to undertake the movements, to feel their energy, and work with empty awareness.
The forms are full of metaphor, symbology, and poetry that silently invite the practitioner into dharmata, a non conceptual state considered tone among the most beneficial and exalted meditative samadhis.
There will be an opportunity for you to cycle to the local village at Castelnau Durban, walk in the forest of Bellissans or walk to the 12th century church at Lacazas. Take part in a group session at the Col de Portel which is a 40-minute drive away for a sunrise practice with magnificent views of the Pyrenees mountain range.
Ram is an expert teacher of Tao yoga, Tai Chi, Bagua (eight trigrams circle walking), Qigong, and meditation with over 30 years experience. He has been certified by Master B.K. Frantzis as a teacher of various Qigong forms, breathing, and Bagua circle walking for health and meditation. His other teachers include Dadi Janki, Sepa Dorjé Rinpoche, Lama Lena Yeshe Katyub, and Victor Sanchez. He has students worldwide and is an inspiring teacher with vast practical knowledge and a unique approach to the universal methods of Tao. He has trained extensively in Buddhist, Yogic, and Taoist tradition.
This retreat will take place in Tourné, set in a secluded river valley in the foothills of the Ariège Pyrénées Mountains. Tourné and the Artillac river are at the very center of the Ariège Pyrénées National Park. Tourné has substantial gardens and outside seating areas with 1000 meters of private river frontage. The altitude of just under 500 meters allows you to enjoy exceptional air quality, warm sunshine with cool shade never far away.
All meals, drinks, and snacks are provided by Tao Meditation. Many vegetables are from their organic vegetable garden. This course is fully vegetarian - we can also cater for other diets with advanced notice.
Our food, your food - freshly prepared for each meal.
Numerous local activities like skiing, walking, lake bathing, cycling, paragliding, horse riding, and white water canoeing are available for you. The area is surrounded by many historic sites, as well. The area is a favorite with serious cyclists many of whom have chosen Tourné as a base within easy reach of challenging Tour de France climbs. Or if you have your own car, you will have time to explore some of the local sites such as Foix Castle, the ancient caves at Mas d'Azil, the local markets in Saint Girons and Foix.
Tourné is two kilometers south of the village of Castelnau Durban. The village is on the D117 which is the main road between Perpignan and Biarritz. If you are coming from the direction of Perpignan, follow the signs for Foix, Tarbes. If you are coming from the direction of Biarritz, follow the signs for Barcelona, Andorra.
Please book your flight to arrive at Carcassonne Airport (CCF) or Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS).
Local buses run from St Girons and Foix to Castelnau Durban. Buses run twice a day, with no service on Sunday and bank holidays. A bus leaves Foix at 12:30 p.m., arriving at Castlenau at 1 p.m. A bus also leaves at 5:30 p.m. arriving at 6 p.m. at Castlenau. On Mondays, there is an additional bus that leaves at 7 a.m. arriving at 8 a.m.
From Foix the bus leaves from by the main post office in the town, about 10-minute walk from the train station.
You can arrive from the UK to Toulouse by using Eurostar or search SNCF website to find train times for all French rail travel. When arriving by train, it is usually recommended to arrive at Foix station.
Taxis are available at the airport at all times. At Foix train station, they are less reliable. It is recommended that you contact Tao Meditation in advance with your arrival time and they will arrange for a pick up from Foix for 30 EUR.
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