December 2010
What we teach
Our teachings are designed to help you gain a finer level of control of your mind, body and what some people call spirit. The true meaning of "spirit" is explained elsewhere. The teachings are based mainly on practices originating in India and China, and these practices often have a long and colourful history. This history means that when the practices were invented, there was insufficient knowledge about how our bodies work for sensible explanations to be proffered about why real benefits were often achieved. Of course, in addition, many of the respected teachers relied on the benefits of these techniques for their livelihood, so it is no wonder that the benefits have been greatly exaggerated, as has any understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Here at ASHW, we believe in only those subjects with a clear benefit, experienced in different parts of the world, and where at least one of the founding members has experienced the benefit. For example, meditation is generally agreed to provide stress reduction; for us, meditation does lead to "enlightenment" or "liberation". These aspects of meditation are taught. Other claims which are disputed such as meditation leading to flying are not included as we don't see any scientific support for such claims.
Not only does a method have to bring known benefits, but why the techniques work is discussed in scientific terms. Many of these techniques have not been investigated sufficiently to show the mechanism at work. Any suggested mechanism is done in line with current anatomical knowledge. The level of scientific support for the suggested mechanism is also clearly shown.
Your help and support is much appreciated in gaining insight into how techniques work. Please contact us with any insight achieved. Please, though, do not tell us that chi exists because you have felt it. Feeling can be valid if it is in agreement with anatomical structure. Feeling is not sufficient justification for chi, where the chi channels do not correspond with anatomical structure. Would you believe an amputated leg has regrown just because the amputee has an itch on their missing leg?
If our practices here seems a lot of work – yes they are, traditionally a lifetime. Benefit can be felt within the first half-year or so and accumulate with time. Just try practising for six months and see what happens. Hopefully, you will be taking your first steps towards being nearly a superhero!