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Welcome to the Comfest Live Arts / Healing Zone

    Welcome to the Comfest Live Arts / Healing Zone - where you'll experience workshops and demonstrations of performance and healing arts as well as chanting, poetry,, improv., theatre,  hip-hop, traditional music, drumming and dancing, puppets, youth performers, bagpipes and storytellers.

                             COMFEST 2007 FEATURED HEALING ARTISTS

    We are just beginning to accept The Healing Arts as an Art much, less a radical political tool. Realizing that many people get sick and die when they don't need to, ComFest started thinking that one of the most radical things we could do is to stop relying solely on western medicine and help heal each other.
    Ancient traditions provide many natural paths to self-healing. They can teach us time-tested methods that show us how we can prevent illnesses and live to our full potentials. This attitude is finding it's way into our communities from multiple sources. Michael Moore's new movie Sicko is all about the ills of our health system. In an interview with Bill Maher he said: "How to beat the system? Take care of yourself!". Lou Reed provides the music and appears in an Instructional DVD by his Tai Chi teacher, and in a recent Rolling Stone interview, Iggy Pop mentions that he does Tai Chi to relax.  
    Qi (Chi) can mean "breath", but a more accurate term is Vital Energy or Life Force. Qigong (Chi Kung) is the science or exercise of cultivating the bodies internal energy (which the Chinese have been researching for the last four thousand years). Qigong by itself or in conjunction with Taiji (Tai Chi) helps develop energy, promote health, aid in self-defense and help prevent illness and achieve mental and spiritual peace. 
    The Community Festival realizes a long-time goal in introducing the Healing Arts  Zone. We will offer workshops and presentations as well as performances by leading teachers and practitioners of many forms of healing arts. Using traditional Asian and other alternative healing philosophies, we can learn methods to heal ourselves of many ailments without relying solely on doctors and expensive, often dangerous pharmaceuticals.

     We have brought in some special guests to help us initiate this new festival feature.

 

 

   Frances Gander - blends five element acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, enriched by techniques and theories from other traditions. She teaches Tai Chi (Taiji) and Chi Kung (Qigong); Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Healing Foods & Herbs and more. State licensed by the Medical Board of Ohio, nationally board-certified by NCCAOM, and a graduate of the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, Maryland, she has been in practice since 1993. Her healing arts are enhanced by nearly 30 years of internal arts practice (taijiquan and qigong). She runs the Three Treasures Health Center in Athens, Ohio and publishes the Journal of Martial Arts and Healing.  http://home.frognet.net/~threetreasures.
   Frances Gander will be teaching the following classes:
fri.
1:15PM - Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong
5:45PM -  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
sun.
4:15PM - Chinese Herbs and Teas  (w/ Master Wu)

  Frances will also be performing Tai Chi and Qigong sat. 3:15PM at the Live Arts Stage. She will also be assisting with other qigong workshops and hanging out in the zone.

 

  

MASTER ZHONGXIAN WU - was born on China's eastern shore in the city of Wenlin in Zhejiang Province. He was inspired at an early age by practicing Qigong and Taiji and recognized the immediate strengthening effects of this practice. Master Wu committed himself to the life-long pursuit of the ancient arts of internal cultivation. Devoted to the study of Qigong, martial arts, Chinese medicine, Yijing (I Ching) science, Chinese calligraphy, and ancient Chinese music over the last thirty years, he has studied with some of the best teachers in these fields. He promotes the Classical Chinese Wisdom Traditions such as Qigong, Taiji, calligraphy, classical Chinese music, Chinese astrology, and Yijing science and is dedicated to the support of everyone who is on this path to healing, peace, harmony, and Enlightenment.

    Master Wu has written a number of books in Chinese; now he has a book and DVD in English, Vital Breath of Dao: Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong. He has written many articles for journals and magazines, and he is the subject of numerous articles and interviews. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon.

   Master Wu will be leading us in ritual shaking throughout the festival, starting with our opening ceremony Friday at noon by the Live Arts Stage. Dancing and music are forms of vibration, as is shaking. When practicing Qigong, Master Wu always begins with shaking in order to open the pores, connect with the Shen (Spirit) and Qi fields, and communicate with the Universe. We will kick off our expanded healing programming there and welcome those interested in healing and raising their spirit to came out and meet him.

       Master Wu will perform -
   Qigong and Tai Chi Saturday 3:15 at the Live Arts Stage along with demonstrations of various other forms by Frances Gander, Ro-z & Darryl Mendelson of Monkeys Retreat, Chen Taiji of Ohio and others. 
       Master Wu will perform -
   Qin Music Saturday at 3:15 at the Live Arts Stage.
   The Qin is an ancient classical Chinese musical instrument. Chinese hermits and scholars have been using the Qin as a vehicle for spiritual cultivation for over 3,000 years. The Qin has a history of more than 5,000 years as indicated by a story about the ancient Chinese shaman/king Fuxi. He invented the Bagua (the Eight Trigrams) and created the first Qin.
   The Qin is a symbol for the Universe. The size of the Qin is 3' 6.5" (in Chinese feet and inches), which symbolizes the 365 days of the year. It has seven strings to represent the Yin-Yang and the Five Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal). The top of the Qin is rounded and stands for heaven; the bottom of the Qin is angular and stands for Earth. Therefore, the shape of the Qin represents the ancient Chinese cosmos. 
    Qin music has three kinds of sounds to symbolize the three layers of the Universe: Heaven, Earth, and Human Being. These sounds represent the resonance between the Heart and Nature. Qin music is called Qinxin – Heart Music or Musical Heart. In the Chinese wisdom traditions, Qin music represents the rhythm of the Dao or Universal Energy.
    Master Wu will also be teaching Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong  each morning (fri-sun) at 10AM, plus fri. - 8:15PM and sun. -  7:45PM.
    He will also be giving calligraphy demonstrations - fri.  - 4:45 and sun. -  1:15PM and a workshop on Chinese Herbs & Tea with Frances Gander - sun.  - 4:15PM

http://www.masterwu.net/

 

   

    SONAM TASHI - ComFest proudly features Sonam Tashi, internationally acclaimed Tibetan performing artist and composer. He co-founded Chaksampa Tibetan Dance and Opera Company based in San Francisco and also Nangma Boekyi Solgyun Rolyang Tsokpa, based in Dharamsala, HP India.

   Born to a nomad family in the Ngari region of western Tibet, Sonam Tashi left Tibet at the age of four to take refuge in India. He studied traditional Tibetan opera, music and dance with classical masters at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala, India, whre he took important roles in Tibetan operas and dramas.

   He came to the United States in 1982 and studied acting at the Northwest Educational Acting Theater in Seattle, where he made his western acting debut portraying a Japanese businessman for Telemation productions. In 1989, Sonam Tashi co-founded Chaksampa and became one of the leading pioneer artists to bring the lay Tibetan performing arts tradition to the western audience.

    Sonam is the most active elder artist in presenting, performing and promoting Tibetan traditional dance and music to younger Tibetan generations. Recently he has begun to give solo performances to Tibetan youth communities in USA and to western Tibetan Dharma centers in North America, promoting the music of hope, love and compassion. In the genre of traditional Tibetan music, Sonam Tashi has written the lyrics and music for many songs. His most recent are available on his first solo album, "My Dranyen," and his albums with Chaksampa. His first composition, "Mount Kailash" ("Gangkar Tisi") served as the theme for the soundtrack of Paul Wagner's and Thupten Tsering's acclaimed film "Windhorse." Sonam Tashi was an assistant director for the film "Seven Years in Tibet." He has lectured and conducted workshops on Tibetan theater at the University of California at Berkeley Institute of Integral Studies, the University of Washington, the University of Wisconsin, Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Emory University, Denison University, University of Miami, Ohio and the University of Northern Arizona. He has taught master classes in Tibetan music and dance to students at the University of Northern Arizona and has given television, radio, and newspaper interviews on the subject of the Tibetan performing arts. He is highly recognized by his peers and the global Tibetan community-in-exile as one of a few artists living who helps to preserve Tibet's musical heritage which is greatly at threat.

   Sonam Tashi is a U.S. citizen currently residing in Canada, but he has close ties to Columbus, Ohio, as his sister and family have lived here for a long time. Sonam performed here several years ago solo at the local Tibetan Buddhist temple and on another occasion with his band, Chaksampa, at the university. He is further recognized by the Dalai Lama for his skill and talent. 

   According to the Chaksampa web site, the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan Music, Dance and Drama Society in Dharamsala, India in 1959. “The Society was the first institution set up by the Tibetan government in exile. Now named the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), this small school gathered teachers from the growing refugee community and trained 60 young Tibetan children. These children are now grown and represent the only masters of the Tibetan performance arts in exile. All of the Chaksampa's performers are former members of TIPA." Sonam's music is beautiful, haunting, gritty and yet sweet, and captivating. He performs on strange-to-us, ancient and traditional instruments with sound textures many have never heard before.
   Sonam Tashi will perform - traditional Tibetan Music -  sun. 5PM at The Live Arts Stage stage.
   He will be giving workshops - fri. 3:30PM  and sat. 6:45PM at The Healing Tent on Tibetan Music & Singing: The Spiritual and The Secular.

 

                                          LOCAL HEALING ARTISTS
      
      DR. FRED (MING-AN) WU was Columbus'  first and most influential teacher of Tai Chi and Traditional Chinese Wisdom. He taught thousands in Central Ohio, including many that are teachers today. He provided the inspiration for many to become interested in Healing Arts and left us with an incredible body of knowledge.
    Dr. Wu was born in Guangzhou, China in 1916. He continued his family's long tradition of martial arts and medicine. He came to the United States in 1947 and in 1957 he earned his PhD. in Plant Biochemistry from Ohio State University and began teaching Chinese Kung Fu.
     He studied with many teachers besides his family and was always learning something new. He taught Tai Chi & Kung Fu, (including self-defense applications, weapons, push hands & two-person forms), Pa Kua & Hsing-I, Taoist breathing, Qigong & Meditation, Fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture, Herbs and more; plus Chinese Philosophy, I Ching Numerology  & Astrology.  Dr. Wu continued teaching until his death in September 2000. He was way ahead of his time. His teachings live on. Some of his students will be teaching and performing in the Healing Zone.

    JEFF RADCLIFF and VINNIE RIVERA  of CHEN TAIJI OF OHIO - have been teaching and demonstrating Tai Chi and Qigong in Goodale Park and at Comfest for many years. They have been giving free lessons to the community for over 15 years. They studied under Fred Wu and for years assisted in teaching his classes at OSU. They have brought some of the world's best Tai Chi teachers to Columbus including  Masters Chen Qingzhou and Zhang Xuexin, who are direct lineage holders of the original Tai Chi. 
   Jeff & Vinnie teach at the Thompson Recreation Center - 1189 Dennison Avenue at 11AM each Sunday and 11AM Saturday mornings at Goodale Park just west of the Gazebo. In the fall their sat. classes are at The Tuttle Park Recreation Center - 240 W. Oakland Avenue. All classes are free.

    RO-Z and DARRYL MENDELSON of MONKEYS RETREAT - started taking Tai Chi Chuan lessons with Dr. Fred Wu in 1974. They continued studying with him until his death in 2000.
     Since Dr. Wu's death, they have studied with other Tai Chi teachers. They learned Chen style (the original Tai Chi Chuan) from Master Chen Qingzhou, 19th generation lineage holder of the form and a direct descendant of the ancestral founder of Chen Village where Tai Chi Chuan originated. For more on their classes go to http://www.monkeysretreat.com/Taichi/class.html
     The Mendelson Brothers have owned and operated Monkeys Retreat Bookstore since 1975. They have been involved with Comfest since its inception in 1972 and they are the rhythm section of their band, The Mendelsonics.

    SIPRA PIMPUTKAR currently teaches Yoga 4p.m. Wed. and 9a.m. Sat. at Whetstone Park, 3923 N. High St.; and 9 a.m. Thu.  at AlphaState Yoga, 433 W. Third Ave.
    She will be teaching Hatha Yoga 9:00AM sat. & sun. and giving the following workshops:

     sat. 7:45PM -  Sipra Pimputkar Workshop - The Medicinal Uses and Inclusion of Herbs and Spices in the Diet for Good Health and Good Taste. For instance, the use of spices such as Turmeric, that gives curry its typical yellow color, has been effectively used in India and Japan for literally thousands of years to conserve the quality of food and protect the human body from disease, now has been found to be an effective treatment against cancer. In Okinawa, it is used as a tea, and people are long lived, on an average living over 100 years. It is also an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and natural immune system defense.

    sun. 6:30PM - Sipra Pimputkar Workshop  - Analyze Your Biological Body Type Based on Ayurveda for Optimizing Your Diet. Learn about what your personal body intuitively should eat and avoid eating for perfect digestion. Known as Doshas in traditional Indian medicine, it is enlightening to find out the reason why you actually hate that broccoli, and that maybe you should respect that instinctive dislike and eat something else that will give you the same nutrients.
    
    DEBRA WEISENBURGER LIPETZ teaches Chi Lei Qigong and Reiki in Columbus.

    DR. SANDY GOLENBERG is a Chiropractor in the Athens area.

    CINDY RIVIERE (Plant It Herbs) cultivates Chinese Medicinal Herbs near Athens. 

 

THE HEALING ZONE SCHEDULE:

Fri.
10AM - Master Zhongxian Wu - Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong
1:15 - Frances Gander  - Eight Pieces of Brocade Qigong
2:15 - Tai Chi / Qigong Demonstrations and Lessons
3:30 - Sonam Tashi Workshop - Tibetan Music and Singing: Spiritual and Secular
4:45 - Master Wu - Calligraphy Demonstration  
5:45 - Frances Gander - Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
7:00 - Debra Weisenburger Lipetz - Qigong
8:15 - Master Zhongxian Wu - Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong 

Sat.
9:00 - Sipra Pimputkar -  Hatha Yoga
10:00 - Master Zhongxian Wu - Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong
11:45 - Chen Taiji of Ohio - Huan Yuan Qigong
12:45 - Tai Chi / Qigong Demonstrations and Lessons   
1:45 - Dr. Sandy Golenberg - Nutrition For Health
2:45 - Cindy Riviere - "Growing Chinese Herbs"
3:45 - Short North Muay Thai - Kick Boxing
4:45 - Chen Taiji of Ohio - Chen Family Style Tai Chi and Push Hands
6:45 - Sonam Tashi - Workshop on Tibetan Music and Singing - Spiritual and Secular Secular Sides
7:45 -  Sipra Pimputkar Workshop -  Medicinal Uses of Herbs and Spices  

Sun.
9:00 - Sipra Pimputkar -  Hatha Yoga
10:00 - Master Zhongxian Wu - Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong
11:45 - Chen Taiji of Ohio - Silk Reeling Exercises
1:15 - Master Wu - Calligraphy Demonstration  
2:15 - Tai Chi / Qigong Demonstrations and Lessons   
3:15 -  Gail Burkholder - Nia (Mind/Body/Spirit Fitness)   
4:15 - Frances Gander & Master Wu - Chinese Herbs and Teas   
5:15 - Tai Chi / Qigong Demonstrations and Lessons
6:30 - Sipra Pimputkar Workshop -  Ayurvedic Body Type and Diet 
7:45 - Master Zhongxian Wu - Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong

 

Live Arts Workshops and Demonstrations
Fri.
12:00 - Opening Ceremony, Ritual Shaking with Master Zhongxian Wu and Qigong Jam
8:00 - Master Zhongxian Wu - Ritual Shaking
Sat.
3:15 - Tai Chi Demonstrations with Music by Paul Brown
4:00 - Master Zhongxian Wu - performing Qin Music
5:00 - Sonam Tashi - Musical Performance - Traditional Tibetan Music
9:45 - The History of Women in The Blues Presented by Gaye Adegbalola. Gaye incorporates video clips, audio clips, live performance and lecture into this exciting, inspiring, enlightening, empowering and entertaining workshop presentation.
Sun.
7:15 - Master Zhongxian Wu - Ritual Shaking

Master Zhongxian Wu will also be conducting Ritual Shaking at The Gazebo at 7PM Sat.

 

Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong -
Fri. 10AM -
Master Zhongxian will start off each morning teaching this ancient tradition of shamanic wisdom that integrates posture, movement, mind & breath.

   From  Master Wu's introduction to his book  - Vital Breath of the Dao Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong (Laohu gong)

   Vital Breath of the Dao — Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong (Laohu Gong ???) is the first English book about Chinese Wu ?(Shamanic) Qigong. This book is about the ancient Chinese wisdom tradition and its spiritual cultivation from Wu? (Chinese Shamanism).
   Wu (Chinese Shamanism) — is the origin of Chinese civilization and culture. In the Wu perspective, the balance and union of Heavenly Yang and Earthly Yin Qi (energies) result in a peaceful and harmonious world. Likewise, imbalances in these energies can result in disharmony in the world, which can take the form of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, storms, floods, and volcanoes. As part of this dynamic universe, human beings are also subject to the effects of these energies. By following and living by the balancing principles of the universe, it is possible to achieve harmony in the body. Through study and observation of this universal way, the ancient Chinese Wu (shamans or sages) created numerous methods to help people maintain/rebuild their body balancing systems in order to keep their physical bodies, minds, and spirits healthy. People have used these methods to improve their lives for thousands of years in China. Now, we call these modalities Qigong.

   Qigong is a practice for cultivating inner knowledge and a way to help people return to the union of the Human Being and the Universe. Qigong facilitates the development of a deeper relationship with Qi, which helps the practitioner understand the laws of the universe and how they influence human life.

   As a practitioner of some of the Wu traditions, I want to share my experience with westerners. The reason I am bringing the reader into my personal experience is that in the course of my Wu (Shamanic) Qigong practice, I have realized that the external world is a reflection of the heart and that a peaceful world is brought into existence by the whole of humanity. As a microcosm in the macrocosm, the physical body is a reflection of the heart as well. I hope that through sharing my story, this ancient wisdom will inspire more people to move into a state of well-being and bring peace to the world.In writing Qigong books and articles, my intent is not to teach techniques, but to share the way of my life, the experience of my Qigong practice, and the ancient wisdom I am cultivating.

   12:00 - Opening Ceremony at Live Arts Stage  - We will be introducing some of are guests and then Master Wu will conduct us in Ritual Shaking.

The following is taken from Master Wu's book; Vital Breath of The Tao

Ritual Shaking - Inner Drumming & Dancing

    Before practicing Master Wu's Qigong form, we start with Dou - shaking. Shaking is reminiscent of shamanicdancing and drumming. The ancient shamans regarded the Univeral Qi as a harmonious musical rhythm, the universal vibration. Shaking focuses the body and Shen (Spirit) on the universal vibrations we are experiencing. This is a way to awaken the energy and consciousness in the body. Most people do not realize that there is a subtle enegy - Qi - accompanying them throughout their entire lives. Some people will never believe the existence of this kind of energy in the body because they have never experienced it. The shaking movement can help us open our energy gates and
meridians - the energy channels in the body. It allows the free flow of Qi to connect with universal energy for moving into the basic Qi state.

   The Chinese character Yao is composed of two parts: a radical, meaning grass or herb, and the character for music. In addition to carrying the meaning of medicine or cure, this character can stand for music itself, happiness, or enjoyment. Ancient sages spoke of music as an analogy for universal energy. Harmony is derived from the resonance of sacred sounds. Harmony is also the connection and response of different entities. The Yijing (I Ching) illustrates this idea with the image of a mother bird’s song and  the response of her babies. In other words, the energy created by resonating in harmony with the universe is the original medicine.
   Dancing and music are forms of vibration, as is shaking. When practicing Qigong, Master Wu always begins with shaking in order to open the pores, connect with the Shen and Qi fields, and communicate with the Universe. We also use different sounds or mantras to open the meridians and all the cells of the body to connect with the universal energies and harmonize with the universal Qi. This process in Qigong is no different from the Wu rituals of dancing and drumming – through the vibrations and special frequencies, they connect with the universal Qi, their own spirits, and high-level beings.

For more on Dancing and Drumming plus Qigong and Calligraphy by Master Wu visit:

http://www.masterwu.net/article_dancing_and_drumming.htm

    Qi and Qigong - We have discussed Qi and Qigong but how does one go about becoming aware of and cultivating one's Qi? There are different ways to work on this energy and one must find what works best for them. Qigong means the science of or cultivation of one's qi, so in a broader sense it is more than a form of exercise.
   TCM practices include theories, diagnosis and treatments such as herbal medicine and diet, acupuncture and massage, and qigong.
   Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is based on Chinese philosophy  including the theory of Yin and Yang; the human body Meridian System and the Three Treasures. - jing, qi, and shen (body, mind, and spirit).  Some of the different ways we can strengthen our three treasures are:  
   Diet, Herb, Teas and Spices which have a long Asian Tradition of being used to increase ones qi.
   Philosophy, Calligraphy, Art, Music, Drumming and Dancing which all play a significant role .
   Tai Chi and Qigong which are very effective methods of working on ones qi and come in many different forms.
    Qigong can be done without movement, either standing or sitting. This is sometimes called Taoist Meditation and there are many different techniques. Qigong can also be an exercise made up of a series of movements. There are many different qigong forms, several will be demonstrated in the healing zone including Eight Pieces of Brocade, Chinese Shamanic Tiger Qigong, Huan Yuan Qigong and The Silk-Reeling Exercises
   Tai Chi is a martial art form of qigong with all the movements having self-defense as well as healing applications. There are several different  tai chi forms that will be demonstrated including Chen Family Style, Yang Style and Wudang He Style. Most forms also have their own two-person forms, weapons  and push hands techniques.
    Also shown will be additional Chinese Martial Arts forms that are based on using inner energy rather than muscular strength. They include Pa-Kua (Baqua) and Hsing-I. 
    For more information on The Three Treasures  - http://home.frognet.net/~threetreasures/Jing-qi-shen.html

     We welcome you to The Live Arts / Healing Zone and wish you Optimal Health, Happiness, Long Life and Enlightenment.