Teaching, continued

March 5, 2008
My last post, Teaching Begins, was written just before I meet Teacher Hong and the translator, Xihua, in the Park on Friday morning. When I arrived at the knoll where he stations himself, he was ready for me. Xihua, arrived and the three of us did qigong together; a series of movements Teacher has put together for good health. He talked us through and explained the purpose of each movement and even admitted it was boring, but essential. Xihua kept pace with Teacher, speaking English to me in sync with his instructions.
Then the three of us, plus Jane, walked the 15 minutes to the hotel. I first met Jane last June at the knoll and was delighted she could speak English. I don’t know her Chinese name, but Jane is easy to remember and pronounce! Friday she was serving two purposes: one - she suffered a sore throat and sinus pain with a headache, so she’s the perfect patient for Teacher to demonstrate on; and, two - she agreed to serve as the substitute translator Saturday and Sunday for Xihua, who had plans to be away.
Once in my hotel room Teacher gave Jane her second treatment in as many days. Afterwards, Jane said that after the first treatment she felt a bit better, but after the second treatment she felt considerably better, particularly in the sinuses. Then Teacher treated me. My sternum and rib were still tender to the touch and I winced, but not nearly what it was the day before. The stomach treatment was much shorter in length and the liver, still tender, needed attention. Then he placed his hand over my tender rib area and just sat, holding it for a time and commented, “everything is related.” Since that treatment yesterday morning, I haven’t thought about my rib unless I needed to cough. Even lying down at night, which used to be painful, isn’t. It is much improved. For the remainder of the time Teacher continued teaching and telling stories while I took notes and asked questions. This morning, Saturday, I met Teacher in the Park, we did our movement and Jane met us. At the hotel Teacher had me treat Jane following his protocol. He was happy with my technique, and, he said I passed! So we have to determine what he’ll teach next! We’ve come up with some ideas.
A word about our financial agreement… on Wednesday Xihua and Teacher talked for an hour while I sat and watched. I had told Xihua my position clearly and she used her tact and diplomacy to bargain with Teacher. I will pay Teacher less than half of his asking price, and I’m okay with that.

Hong Liang
(“Hong” – my Teacher’s name; and “Liang” – the light that comes from the moon; also, bright, clear voice.)