Program Listings

  • Drala Cabin: Single Occupancy (150/night) – CAD $605.00
  • Gyatso Lodge: Single Occupancy (130/night) – CAD $565.00
  • Lodge: Double Occupancy – CAD $425.00
  • Drala Cabin: Double Occupancy – CAD $415.00
  • Wood Cabin: Single Occupancy – CAD $485.00
  • Wood Cabin: Double Occupancy – CAD $395.00
  • White Hut: Single Occupancy – CAD $445.00
  • White Hut: Double Occupancy – CAD $375.00
  • Bring Your Own Tent: Platform Provided – CAD $375.00
  • Bring Your Own Tent: No Platform Provided – CAD $345.00
  • Shrine Room Floor: Garuda – CAD $355.00
  • Live or Staying Locally – CAD $305.00

Date & Time Details: Arrival Friday 3 pm-6 pm. Dinner is at 6:30 with an orientation to follow. Departure Sunday at 5:30 pm.

Location: Dorje Denma Ling

Address: 2280 Balmoral Road, The Falls, NS B0K 1V0, Canada

Contact: Amara McLaughlin-Harris
[email protected]

Email us about program

Qigong 3 – The Gourd and Cauldron: Chinese Medicine and Qigong

with Donna MacKenzie

November 8 - 10, 2024

Requirements: Qigong 1 and 2

Chinese Medicine and Qigong enjoy a long history of relationship, mutually influencing each other in their approach to health and longevity. The Gourd is the symbol of Chinese medicine, and the cauldron is the symbol of the Taoist arts of health and longevity.

Your introduction to the Gourd and the Cauldron begins with Hua Tu Five Animals Qigong, one of the most well-known systems of health practices. Hua Tu was the founder of Chinese medicine, and his animal qigong forms are designed to enhance both physical and energetic health. In this qigong, the tiger trains tendon strength, the bear trains bone strength, the deer focuses on preserving generative energy, the monkey trains agility, and the bird sends energy from the base of the spine to the head.

As you continue to explore the Gourd and the Cauldron, you will enter the world of Immortals’ Guide to Self Massage and Breath Regulation and the Red Phoenix Calisthenics. Here, you will learn how to use techniques of breath regulation to work on specific health needs such as improving knee and hip mobility, introducing flexibility into tendons and ligaments, aligning the spine, stimulating bone marrow growth, and strengthening qi stored in the internal organs.

The highlight of Qigong 3 is an evening practice that is designed to strengthen bones and increase bone marrow density. Minimizing the risk of bone fracture and breakage is an important part of preventative medicine.

Our exploration of the world of the Gourd and the Cauldron ends with learning how to let qi that is circulated soak deep inside the body. After we have moved qi through the body, we rest in the relaxed stillness of four more standing qigong postures, allowing what we have practiced to have long lasting benefits.

Who Should Attend

This retreat is open to everyone who has completed Qigong 1 and 2.

Graduates of Level 3 may continue their journey with Level 4 – 5, which are offered at various practice centres.

Costs

All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.

Tuition & Meals: $305
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.

Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at [email protected].

Covid Considerations

Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.

Useful Links

What to Bring & Expect at DDL
How to Get Here

Leader

Donna MacKenzie
Donna began studying with Dr. Eva Wong in 2010. She is a Zen Buddhist practitioner, taught yoga for 14 years, currently works as an ecologist and a cook, plays music, and spends her time between Southern Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Learn more about Donna MacKenzie