The Origins and Misunderstandings of Tien Shan Chi Kung and Tibetan Practices
Master Steve Gray, often faced questions and misconceptions about the origins of the techniques he practiced and taught. In one particular instance, he recounted receiving a comment about his book. That led to an important discussion on the historical context of Tien Shan Chi Kung and its relationship to other spiritual traditions and Spiritual Practices that Came Before Religion. Particularly Tibetan practices and Buddhism. The comment raised the idea that Master Gray’s teachings had somehow blended Buddhist and Taoist practices. Questioning the authenticity of his lineage. Master Gray’s response illuminated a deeper understanding of Tien Shan Chi Kung. Its origins, and the misinterpretation of cultural and spiritual exchanges over time.
Spiritual Practices Came Before Religion And A Misunderstood Comment on Taoist and Buddhist Practices
The commenter suggested that Master Gray’s teacher, Mr. Young, had taught him a purely Taoist form of Nei Kung. That was free of any Buddhist influence. Yet, Master Gray had also described a Tibetan practice taught by Mr. Young. which involved an advanced qigong technique that opens the sutures in the head. The commenter implied that this made Master Gray a liar, since this practice, in their view, was linked to Buddhist teachings, not Taoist ones.
Master Gray, in his characteristic way, used this misunderstanding to clarify the deeper historical and spiritual connections between these practices. He explained that while Mr. Young did participate in a Tibetan practice involving the opening of the top of the skull. This technique had roots in an ancient shamanistic tradition that predated both Buddhism and Taoism. This response not only addressed the comment. But also provided a broader perspective on the nature of spiritual traditions and how they evolve.
The Advanced Qigong Technique: Opening the Sutures In Spiritual Practices
One of the most fascinating aspects of this story was the technique that Mr. Young learned from a Tibetan monk. Which involved opening the sutures in the skull.—A rare and advanced practice in qigong. According to Master Gray, this practice allows the top of the head to open up, similar to how a newborn’s skull remains soft. For advanced practitioners, this opening can result in heightened psychic abilities, but it is not without its challenges. Mr. Young described the experience as akin to listening to a 24-hour news station, where most of the information was negative. Despite his efforts to “turn off” these abilities by smoking cigars and eating steaks, the psychic flow remained constant.
This technique, while undeniably powerful, was not part of the core teachings of Tien Shan Nei Kung, which is why Mr. Young never taught it to Master Gray. The commenter’s assumption that Master Gray had learned this Buddhist technique and incorporated it into his teachings was incorrect. The reality, as Master Gray explained, was that this practice existed in a much older tradition.—One that predated both Buddhism and Taoism.
Tien Shan Chi Kung: A Tradition Older than Buddhism and Taoism
A central point that Master Gray emphasized was that Tien Shan Chi Kung existed long before Buddhism and Taoism. This ancient practice, originating over 4,000 years ago. Was developed in the Tien Shan mountains by monks who focused on cultivating energy and spiritual power. Long before Buddhism arrived in Tibet or Taoism was formalized in China, Tien Shan Chi Kung had already established its techniques and principles.
At one point in history, some Tien Shan monks traveled south into Tibet. Seeking like-minded individuals to share their knowledge with. This exchange of ideas contributed to the development of the Bon tradition in Tibet. Which is regarded as one of the most powerful schools of magic and spiritual practice in the world. Bon, like Tien Shan Chi Kung, predates Buddhism. And it was the dominant spiritual tradition in Tibet before Buddhism took root there. This historical context is crucial in understanding that the techniques practiced by the Bon monks were not inherently Buddhist. But were part of a much older shamanistic tradition that also influenced Tibetan Buddhism later on.
The Influence of Bon on Tibetan Buddhism And Spiritual Practices
To understand the connection between Tien Shan Chi Kung, Bon, and Tibetan Buddhism, it’s essential to recognize how spiritual traditions evolve when they encounter new cultures. When Buddhism arrived in Tibet, it did not replace Bon but instead integrated many of its practices. This fusion of traditions led to the development of a unique form of Tibetan Buddhism that retained many of Bon’s shamanistic elements. Over time, these practices became associated with Tibetan Buddhism, even though they originated from a pre-Buddhist, shamanistic context.
Master Gray pointed out that this is a common phenomenon in the evolution of religions. When a religion migrates to a new country, it often adopts the local customs and practices of that region. Over time, people begin to associate those practices with the religion itself. Even though they may have originated from a different tradition. This is exactly what happened with Bon practices in Tibet. While today many people view them as part of Tibetan Buddhism, their origins lie in the shamanistic practices that predate Buddhism’s arrival in the region.
Clearing Up the Misunderstanding
The commenter who accused Master Gray of mixing Buddhist and Taoist practices was operating from a place of ignorance about the deeper history of these traditions. In his response, Master Gray explained that the technique involving the opening of the skull was not a Buddhist practice but a northern Asian shamanistic practice. Which is where Tien Shan Chi Kung itself comes from. The fact that these techniques later became associated with Tibetan Buddhism does not mean they originated from Buddhism.
Master Gray’s explanation highlights an important lesson: spiritual traditions are fluid and dynamic. They evolve and adapt to the cultures they encounter. As a result, it’s essential to look beyond surface-level associations. And understand the deeper historical and spiritual roots of these practices.
The Importance of Discernment in Spiritual Practice
One of the key takeaways from this story is the importance of discernment in spiritual practice. Master Gray emphasized that just because a technique is associated with a particular religion or tradition does not mean it originated there. In the case of Tien Shan Chi Kung, its roots lie in a shamanistic tradition. That predates both Buddhism and Taoism. Understanding this context allows practitioners to approach these techniques with greater clarity and respect for their origins.
For students of Nei Kung and Qigong, it is essential to stay grounded in the principles of the practice. And not get caught up in superficial labels or associations. Master Gray’s teachings consistently remind us that the true essence of Nei Kung lies in cultivating inner peace, wisdom, and energy.—Not in trying to categorize or claim ownership over ancient practices.
Conclusion
Tien Shan Chi Kung, as an ancient tradition, existed long before Buddhism or Taoism and has influenced many other spiritual systems. Including Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. By understanding this rich history, practitioners can approach their practice with a deeper sense of respect and authenticity. Free from the misunderstandings and misconceptions that often arise when traditions intersect.
Ultimately, Master Gray’s message was one of clarity and wisdom. He reminded his students that spiritual practices, whether from Tien Shan, Bon, or other traditions, are not bound by religious labels. But are part of a much larger tapestry of human experience and spiritual evolution.