Journey Details

Journey into Daoism: April 15 - 27, 2012

This Journey is not a typical tour. As the name implies it is a journey not only to China but into yourself. This will be a journey of self discovery, insight, and study. Open to all interested in profoundly deepening their spiritual and energetic practice.

About the Journey

In our 13-day journey, we will stay at the base of Qing Cheng Shan. We will train with Abbot Zhang Ming Xin, Li Shufa, and Xiao Shifu for taiji.

The discussions will include:

• Daoist cultivation principles;

• Daoist history and philosophy;

• Daoist lineage;

• Daoist Immortals;

• Daoist rituals;

• Daoist talismans and mudras

Additonally, there will be training in Chinese calligraphy with Li Shufa, an internationally sought master calligrapher and taiji will be taught by Xiao Shifu, one of Qing Cheng Shan's preeminent martial masters.

Lastly, and perhaps most important there will be time to integrate. Take time to train, meditate, or just be with yourself. Walk the mountain, visit one or all of the over 30 temples on the mountain, sit in a cave, commune with the forest, or just soak up the mountain's essence.

After leaving Qing Cheng Shan, we will return to Beijing for two “personal" days. You will have a day on your own. Relax, sight see, or shop. We will provide suggestions as well as help make arrangements for your transportation, if you wish.

Keep in mind, this is not a tour; it’s a journey. In a tour you are an observer, watching things go by. A journey is an experience of life, a process or an unfolding that embodies change. It is very possible that those who attend may have their lives changed forever.

About the Mountain

Sun Lu Dong, a master of the internal martial arts, once said his greatest achievement was to find “motion in stillness and stillness in motion”. I can think of no better goal that we can strive for as we delve deeper into our personal training. With this thought, I would like to invite you to Qing Cheng Shan, a place where stillness and mysticism have been cultivated for centuries.

Many famous Daoists have cultivated at Qing Cheng Shan. Zhang Dao Ling, the founder of religious Daoism, spent many years on the mountain before moving to Long Hu Shan. Wang Chong Yang, the founder of Northern Daoism (Quan Zhen) established the monastery in 800 A.D. and remained as the resident Abbot until his death. Also, the Immortal, Lu Dong Bin, achieved the “Dao” and became an Immortal while meditating in the Immortal’s Cave at Qing Cheng Shan.

Known for its lush green environment, the mountain exudes a profound sense of yin. If you open yourself to the mountain, you may forever be changed. People have said training at Qing Cheng Shan is a “journey of the heart”.

About the Host

Linda Burquez has been a student and teacher of healing and movement for 20 years and has practiced and taught in New Mexico, Austin, Boulder, Calistoga, Santa Cruz, Nevada City and Marin. She is the founder of Core Movement Center, a thriving center for mind-body movement and therapies since 2001.

Linda is a doctoral candidate in the field of Medical Qigong, Instructor for the International Institute of Medical Qigong, Inner Radiance Qigong Teacher Trainer, and Daoist Priest.

She specializes in women’s health and prevention and offers workshops and retreats that are both practical and inspirational.

Linda enjoys guiding people into new experiences. Her warm heart and personality engage people so that they feel comfortable and enjoy learning.

Linda is delighted to share the beauty and uniqueness of Daoism, China, and it’s rich culture.

• Ordained Daoist Priest - 22nd Generation Long Men Sect of Quan Zhen Daoism, Temple of Peace and Virtue.

• Masters of Medical Qigong Therapy - studied with internationally recognized Dr. Bernard Shannon, director of the IIMQ.
  

• Doctoral Candidate in Medical Qigong
  

• Authorized Instructor for the International Institute of Medical Qigong
  

• Inner Radiance Qigong Teacher Trainer
  

• Founder of Core Movement Center, Nevada City, CA
  

• Natural Therapeutic Specialist, N.T.S.
  

• Polarity therapist and instructor
  

• Nia black belt instructor
  

• Pilates personal trainer
  

• Subtle body analysis (Rae method)
  

• Student of Taiji and Baguazhang

“Linda encouraged me to move beyond where I thought I could go and made it an enjoyable experience”, J.C. Nevada City

“Linda’s workshop was well taught and informative but even more importantly, it was very healing”, B.L. Nevada City

“The feeling of freedom and joy that I experience in Linda’s classes stay with me throughout the day”, L. P. Calistoga

“Linda’s presence is calming and comforting. I felt safe to try new things and appreciate the corrections that she offered and the easeful way that they were delivered.”, B.B. Calistoga

About the Teacher

Abbot Zhang Ming Xin (Bright Heart) has been practicing Daoism since the age of 15. She is a 20th generation Long Men Sect (Dragon’s Gate Sect) of the Quan Zhen Branch (Complete Reality) of Daoism; the Chief Master at Jian Fu Gong at Qing Cheng Mountain; the Director of the Cheng Du (city) Daoist Association; the Director of the Si Chuan (provincial) Daoist Association; and the Deputy Directory of the China Daoist Association.

Her knowledge, compassion, and willingness to share have made Abbot Zhang a sought after resource for Daoist thought, alchemy, and mystical training. I am honored to call her one of my teachers.

Registration

Please print and fill out this form:

• Registration Form & Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release Form (pdf)

You may fax or mail the Registration form:

International Institute of Medical Qigong

PO Box 1435

Palm Desert, CA 92261

Fax (800) 848-0649

What you need to do:

• Purchase your international ticket (see Transportation below for information)

• Get a passport

• Get a Tourist visa to China

• Take the following to a Chinese Consulate or send to an online service:

• Visa Application Form

• Passport

• Two passport sized photos
• http://www.mychinavisa.com/index.html
• http://www.visamailservice.com

  
  

   

Fees & Deadlines

 Methods of payment

Accomodations

The hotels are double occupancy unless single room supplement is purchased.

If you would like to share a room with a friend or acquaintance that will be on the trip, please make the note on the registration form. Otherwise, we will attempt to pair you with another traveler. If we cannot pair you with someone else, you will be required to pay the single room rate.

Travel Documents

All travelers must hold a valid passport whose expiration is at least six months after the end of the trip. All Visa applications fees to China are NOT included. Please make sure that you have signed your passport and completed the visa application.

• Please make sure your passport is signed!

What's Covered

What's Not Covered

Transportation

Travelers are responsible for their own international travel expenses. It is STRONGLY recommended that everyone take the same international flight. The recommended flight is United Airlines, UA 889, departing San Francisco (SFO) Sunday, April 15 at 12:05 pm, and arriving Beijing (PEK) Monday, April 16 at 3:15 pm.

We will be continuing our journey the same afternoon to Chengdu at APPROXIMATELY 6:30pm. So it IMPERATIVE that everyone be at the Beijing (PEK) 3 hours before the flight (be there by 3:30pm April 16.

For the flight back to the States (SFO), I suggest UA 888 on Friday, April 27.

Baggage

On flights in China, you are allowed two (2) checked pieces of luggage (50 lbs maximum, not per bag), one (1) carry-on, and a personal item (purse, laptop, small backpack).

However, please try to limit your checked luggage to one. We recommend traveling as light as possible. Many travelers will bring one checked luggage and bring have a large duffle bag for the return flight to carry dirty clothes and other non-breakable things, while using there suitcase for fragile items purchased in China. See Packing List (PDF, 43 Kb) for helpful ideas on what to pack. Keep suitcases unlocked at airports to facilitate inspections.

This trip is not overly strenuous. Although there will be a moderate amount of walking and physical demands, how much hiking you do is your choice once we arrive at Qing Cheng Shan.

Cancellation Insurance

It is strongly recommended that trip cancellation insurance be purchased to protect you against losses due to accidents and/or illness. Check with your insurance agent regarding coverage you may presently have via other insurance policies that may cover illness during your trip.

Travel Tips

Money

Exchange rate is approximately 6.20 RMB to $1 USD. Cash (or travelers checks) and a credit card are recommended. Cash has the best exchange rate. Also, most stores do not take credit cards; you can use them at bank to withdraw cash (with PIN). Exchange your money in China.

Weather

Dress in layers, it will be cold and perhaps wet. Check online for up-to-date weather reports.

(http://www.wunderground.com/global/CI.html)

Time Difference

China is 15 hours ahead of us.