28 Constellations Gong is a fascinating form that challenges not only our coordination and fitness levels, but also how much we can memorise of the constellation names. When we practice this form, we work on our Qi by connecting with the Constellations to gather Qi from the sky. Each Constellation covers a group of seven stars distributed over the four directions, and they all create the shape of an animal; the East symbolised by the Green Dragon, the North by the Black Tortoise, the West by the White Tiger and the South by the Red Phoenix. The more names we can memorise, the more benefits we will have during our practice as we connect to the energy of each Constellation by pronouncing their names. By connecting with the sky Qi we strengthen our own Qi, and deepen our understanding of how everything connects to nature, including ourselves!
Sifu told us an inspiring story about Confucius’ encounter with a very self-confident seven-year old boy named Xiàng Tuó, who was blocking the road with a structure he build on the path when Confucius was passing by in his carriage. Confucius was forced to stop and got out of the carriage and had a conversation with the child. They ended up challenging each other by asking and answering many questions, but eventually the young boy bested Confucius who declared him a prodigy. The moral of the story is that similarly to the sage, who honoured the young boy, we should also endeavour to honour wisdom coming from any source, however humble or young, and how important education is to develop as anyone has the potential to become an exemplar of learning.
During the practice, as the first movements of the form are becoming more familiar, the new movements don’t cease to surprise and challenge us, as was the case of this seminars’ new movement, which reminded us all of an advanced version of the “skating on ice” movement – so much fun!
I really enjoyed this seminar and the great feeling it generates in my body after practice – thank you Sifu for sharing your immense wisdom with us all!
by Manuela Quaresma
Student Comments
Interesting new movement reminding me of a more complex skating on ice sideways. Thanks for inspiring story about Confucius too! Thanks, Sigong! -Kay
Inspiring story about Confucius meeting the smart young boy. I like the new bit – like an advanced version of Skating on Ice.
Thank you Sigong.
Paul Hogg
A really great 28 constellation part 14 seminar. The movements of this form are very big and generate a great feeling in my body. I love hearing about all of the connections in the universe and then almost physically experiencing them. Thank you Taisigong for a great seminar and Thankyou for all those who helped with the polishing. Daniel
A fun new part at the ending which reminds me a little of skating on ice sideways, and an interesting discussion in the breakout rooms as to whether we should be thinking the names of the constellations when we are doing these new leg steps the same as when we do the arm steps! Thanks Sigong for giving us plenty to think about!
Lee B
The 28 Constellation Gong seminar today was very enjoyable. I especially like the bit where the hands wind around the head – a very special energy there. I’m already looking forward to next time! Thank you Sigong. Peter Hogg
28 Constellation is quite challenging, a really enjoyable, physical form that needs lots of space. Great seminar, thank you Sifu
Peter A
28 Constellation Gong is much clearer now and the connections between the movements, as well as the movements themselves, feel a lot smoother. The small test during the lecture was great as well as I remembered all constellations even not in the order that we do them in the form so it feels easier to remember them now. Thank you Sifu, looking forward to the next part!
-Radu
Thank you Sigong.
A great seminar!
So good to polish the older part of the form and learn a bit more. The last part is really good and satisfying. Michalis A
Enjoyed the lecture and the story of Kong Qiu and the little boy, very interesting. Complicated new movements with plenty of coordination to work on! Thank you Sigong. Christine