Studying in a qigong/meditative state of mind

[DarkCosmoz]

Is it possible to study in a qigong/meditative state of mind? I haven't done so yet because it takes me a while to get into such a state.

Best wishes.
Stephen

Namo Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa

[Andrew]

Yes.

Andrew

[Chiahua]

I remember asking Sifu Wong about this a loooong time ago, but I think the answer got lost when tripod.com decided to eat the website. He had advocated 15 minute qigong sessions in between bouts of studying. (this was prior to 2000, so I can't it sadly)
It's a fascinating question, Stephen, and one that I always wrestle with. In another answer Sifu Wong gave to a student, he recommended a different approach to studying than the way I was taught. He recommended slipping into a qigong state of mind, then reading your material without unduely worrying about comprehending the material. He also pointed out that many great thinkers came up with their ideas in a more relaxed, meditative state.
It's tough though, not getting wound up by challenging material. Sleep deprivation and too much coffee(or mountain dew, red bull, and their ilk) did not exactly help me get into a qigong state of mind either.
I wondered about Zen monks and all the mundane thought work they had to do, like translating sutras, managing the affairs of the monastery-- all of these tasks were done maintaining a one pointed mind, I wonder?
I really wish I could find the original pages.....

[DarkCosmoz]

Thank you very much Andrew with the simple answer and sunyata I will try to do so sometime. I guess it's the subconscious at work.

[Antonius]

then reading your material without unduely worrying about comprehending the material.

I do this.

I think not worrying is the key. Of course, this ain't easy, especially in our culture which is oriented around tests and grades. But you can do it. Just try to relax, to leg go of those "blockages" as you study. You can even try studying with a slight smile on your face.

Also, I believe in frequent breaks. Whenever I get a chance, either at school or when studying, I try to sneak in a few reps of Lifting the Sky.

[DarkCosmoz]

http://www.ksu.edu/counseling/csweb/topics/stress/stresgen.html

Best wishes.
Stephen

Namo Guan Shi Yin Pu Sa

[barrys]

I was messing about with the techniques on the other site and I suddenly realised how habitual breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth has become.

I have had to write a lot of papers over the last few years for various academic courses. I have found one thing really helped. When I was writing something and it was getting complicated or confusing I would sometimes remember to relax, take a deep breath and think "What am I trying to say here?". It seemed to take away all of the tension and stuff flowed out.

Barry

[Chiahua]

I have had to write a lot of papers over the last few years for various academic courses. I have found one thing really helped. When I was writing something and it was getting complicated or confusing I would sometimes remember to relax, take a deep breath and think "What am I trying to say here?". It seemed to take away all of the tension and stuff flowed out.

I'm sure grant deadlines are a big impediment to slipping into a qigong state of mind!