Who We Are
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Our Logo
This image is a stylized representation of the Chinese character Dao 道.
It symbolizes the slow consolidation of Yin (in red) as it descends from the Heavens. The unformed Yang (colorless) is unrestrained as it is pure. The Yin and Yang merge to form the Taiji symbol, which represents the interaction of duality. The line beneath represents the path that we all walk on our journey through life.
It symbolizes the slow consolidation of Yin (in red) as it descends from the Heavens. The unformed Yang (colorless) is unrestrained as it is pure. The Yin and Yang merge to form the Taiji symbol, which represents the interaction of duality. The line beneath represents the path that we all walk on our journey through life.
Its Origin
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.
Nelson Mandela
Healing ourselves, healing others
The depth of knowledge to be gained from spiritual, medical, and martial traditions is profound. The deepest meanings are beyond words and can only be grasped by direct experience. Even with partial understanding, life changing events take place.
We offer opportunities to become rooted in spirit, firmly established within the Three Treasures of Heaven, Earth, and Person, and to manifest the subtle mechanics of structural alignment, profound breathwork, and a clear still mind.
The promises of healing in presence and ability that are expressed within the Classics of Chinese medicine are made available to all.
The roots of the ancient medical qigong tradition are the direct experiences of early practitioners of spiritual Daoism, shamanism, and of the internal Chinese martial arts. In accord with these roots,
Dr. Shannon’s experience as a Daoist Priest, and Shifu/Sifu of Chinese martial arts enable him to deeply enrich the training of medical qigong students.
The promises of healing in presence and ability that are expressed within the Classics of Chinese medicine are made available to all.
The roots of the ancient medical qigong tradition are the direct experiences of early practitioners of spiritual Daoism, shamanism, and of the internal Chinese martial arts. In accord with these roots,
Dr. Shannon’s experience as a Daoist Priest, and Shifu/Sifu of Chinese martial arts enable him to deeply enrich the training of medical qigong students.
“I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.”
HERMANN HESSE, SIDDHARTHA
husband, father, teacher, healer
Dr. Bernard Shannon 至厚道长,
DTCM, DMQ (China)
The journey started early in questioning the orthodoxy of tradition. When at university, I met Tony Gneck, a martial arts instructor, who later became a mentor and a friend. He introduced me to a “oneness” style of meditation and like a moth to a flame I was done.
Regardless of my work in the corporate world, as a special education teacher, in the military, or now, the compulsion for stillness, vibration, and light that Tony instilled has been a continual thread. It has shaped my life. Looking back, I can easily see that I have been blessed by many gifted and profound teachers, including Professor Jerry Alan Johnson, Sifu John Bracy, Abbot Zhang Mingxin, Abbot Wu Minghua, Abbot Yuan Zhidui, and Master Duan Zhiliang.
It is said that the author of China's oldest herbal text, stated the highest medicine helped humans fulfill their destiny, the middle helped nourish original nature, and the lowest treated physical illness.
In my clinical work and teaching, I share the same — wanting others to touch the ineffable through these three medicines.
Regardless of my work in the corporate world, as a special education teacher, in the military, or now, the compulsion for stillness, vibration, and light that Tony instilled has been a continual thread. It has shaped my life. Looking back, I can easily see that I have been blessed by many gifted and profound teachers, including Professor Jerry Alan Johnson, Sifu John Bracy, Abbot Zhang Mingxin, Abbot Wu Minghua, Abbot Yuan Zhidui, and Master Duan Zhiliang.
It is said that the author of China's oldest herbal text, stated the highest medicine helped humans fulfill their destiny, the middle helped nourish original nature, and the lowest treated physical illness.
In my clinical work and teaching, I share the same — wanting others to touch the ineffable through these three medicines.
When your mind is detached, simple, quiet, then all things can exist in harmony, and you can begin to perceive the subtle truth.
Laozi, HHC, 25
Our Location
The Property
We are located one hour from Nashville on 369 acres in rural Tennessee.
Each five-day intensive seminar becomes a retreat-like getaway, allowing for solitude and immersion into nature with time and space for study and practice. Walking trails, flowing creeks, and secluded hills provide a serene environment to cultivate and assimilate the teachings. Guests are welcome to arrive early or stay a few extra days if the class schedule and capacity allows for it.
The land allows for direct contact with all the elemental forces as well as embraces an historic 3.8-mile deep saltpeter spring cave perfect for isolated meditation practices. A 3-acre spring fed pond provides for quiet reflection while gazing upon its still surface. Natural springs provide water and natural cliffs and rolling hills provide space and solitude for dissolving into the wonders of the mysteries we study and cherish.
The Qi House
For students wishing to stay on the property, our Qi House, a 5-bedroom 3-bathroom house, offers communal housing with 12 beds and a full kitchen for student use.
Grocery stores such as Sprouts, Kroger’s and Publix and a variety of restaurants are about a half hour away by car. For those who prefer hotels or Air BnB’s, they are a similar distance.