Instruction in Qigong and Meditation
Current Schedule of Trainings
Qigong
New Dates
Qigong Training May, 2024
Four Saturday mornings
May 4, 11, 18 and 25
9:00 a.m. to noon
Bishop’s Hall, Greenwich, NS
Learn qigong in four three-hour sessions. There is a description below of what you will learn in this qigong training.
Price: $200.00
25% discount for repeating students.
10% discount for each friend you recommend.
For special consideration contact Jack directly.
Meditation
Jack periodically holds ten-week meditation courses online. These courses are for people who have received training in qigong from Jack.
Check back here for updates or you can contact Jack to have your name added to a notification list.
There is a description of the course contents below on this page.
Qigong Training
What You Will Learn in Qigong Training
Learn qigong first and then return for meditation training
Jack Risk provides ongoing support to trainees
1. The Hexagram
The Hexagram is a seven-movement set that has an overall cleansing effect. It contains the tools for your self-healing and resilient health. You will find that the benefits of practicing the Hexagram are immediate and cumulative. Along with closing affirmations and breathings, the whole set takes less than fifteen minutes.
2. Twelve Complementary Movements
You will also learn a dozen stand-alone movements that can easily fit into your busy life. These include standing, seated and walking movements. Each qigong movement is capable of bringing about huge changes in outlook, state of health, stress levels, immune function etc.
3. Principles of Healing
Qigong gives you the tools to heal yourself and build radiant health. You will receive an introduction to the theory and principles that underlie the movements. These principles will support you in your daily practice and guide you as you move toward greater vitality, clarity and calmness.
4. An Experience of Group Healing
As well as being about self-healing and meditation, qigong is about the external healing of others. In this training session you will participate in a demonstration of group healing.
Ongoing Support
Opportunities to Practice
Monday afternoons you can take advantage of Jack’s free online qigong sessions.
After you have maintained a qigong practice for several months consider taking a course with Jack in how to meditate.
Resources on this Website
A password-protected set of resources is available to everyone who has taken qigong training with Jack. These resources include:
videos of movements (in progress)
complete written instructions for each of the movements
notes on technique, principles, concepts
helps to assist and encourage you in your practice
information on self-healing and working with pain
Repeating Levels Policy
Any continuing student will receive a 50% discount to repeat any level. There are real benefits to repeating your training experience. You will be helped to deepen and further refine your practice.
Qigong and Pregnancy
Pregnant women ought not to begin qigong training until after the birth has occurred. There is a small but real chance that enhanced blood flow to the uterus may increase the possibility of a miscarriage. Those who become pregnant after commencing the practice, however, are encouraged to continue. Qigong will make for an easier delivery, healthier baby and reduced post-partum depression.
To Register for Qigong Training
Register by email or telephone
Payment in advance is required.
Scholarships are available.
A minimum number of registrants is required.
Dates of trainings are tentative until confirmed.
In the case of cancellation payments will be refunded or held over.
Online Course in Meditation
Jack occasionally holds online courses in meditation. Anyone who has studied qigong with Jack and maintained a qigong practice for several months is invited to participate. Courses are conducted online over a ten-week period. Online sessions are weekly for one and a half hours. There is an additional eleventh introductory session. You will be expected to maintain a meditation practice of at least 30 minutes daily for the duration of the course. For a complete list of expectations and requirements contact Jack.
Contents of Course
Session One
Meditation Theory
Benefits of meditative calming
Methods to calm the mind
Basic skills of meditation
Meditation Practice
Sitting meditation: mindfulness of thoughts
Concepts
To study the self
Mind training
Threefold training: morality, meditation, discernment
Moral discipline
Precepts
Compassion and self-compassion
Bodhicitta: the awakening mind
The bodhisattva commitments
Śamatha—meditative calming
The two wings of meditation: calming and discernment
Session Two
Meditation Theory
Prerequisites for meditation
Attitude in meditation
Cycle of practice
Meditation Practice
Sitting meditation: Left-Right Lotus
Concepts
Four noble truths
Suffering
The eightfold path
Enlightenment
Buddha's enlightenment
Chan/Zen
Session Three
Meditation Theory
Wrong ideas of meditation
Clearing karma and overcoming afflictions
Detachment
Letting go
Dealing with obstacles to meditation
Releases in meditation
Meditation Practice
Sitting meditation: counting the breath
Concepts
Impermanence
Conditioned arising
Interconnectedness
Session Four
Meditation Theory
Dullness and excitement in meditation
Meditation Practice
Sitting meditation: using a mantra
Concepts
Cycle of rebirth
Karma and rebirth
Session Five
Meditation Theory
Balancing stability and clarity
Qigong to feel like air
Meditation Practice
Internal aspects of qigong movements
Standing meditation: basic posture
Concepts
Samsara
Nirvana
Session Six
Meditation Theory
Correcting problems in meditation
Dealing with difficulties
Meditation Practice
Standing meditation: hand postures
Standing meditation: heels
Concepts
Afflictions
The three poisons
Session Seven
Meditation Theory
The three times
Seven phases of meditative development
Enlightenment
Meditation Practice
Walking meditation: Lotus Walk (normal walking)
Concepts
Buddhanature
Original enlightenment
Session Eight
Meditation Theory
Changes brought about by meditation
Signs of progress
Equanimity
Meditation Practice
Walking meditation: slow walking
Concepts
The three gates of liberation: emptiness, signlessness, aimlessness
The first gate: emptiness
Not-self
Session Nine
Meditation Theory
Mindfulness practice in daily life
Healing in meditation
Meditation Practice
Reclining meditation
Concepts
Second gate of liberation: signlessness Real and unreal thought — ignorance
Levels of consciousness — manas and mano
Beyond language and concepts: the ineffable
Suchness
Session Ten
Meditation Theory
Nine stages in progress in meditation
Mirror mind
Silent illumination
Meditation Practice
Sitting meditation: silent illumination
Concepts
Third gate of liberation: aimlessness, wishlessness, without intention or desires
Ordinary mind
