All Episodes

August 11, 2025 10 mins

Uncover the dynamic essence of Chinese Chan (Zen) with "Stillness and Motion: The Energy of Zen." This profound audio guide delves into the core teaching that there is "stillness in motion, and motion in stillness". You'll explore the two fundamental approaches to Chinese Chan practice: Sitting Zen (Sitting Chan) and Motion Zen (Motion Chan).

Discover how both practices are powered by the same essential element: Energy—life force, qi, the power of manifestation and wisdom.

In Sitting Zen, learn to cultivate stillness externally while becoming deeply engaged with the body's internal energy systems. As external motion ceases, your focus turns inward to the meridians, chakras, and the flow of vital qi. This deep engagement leads to a profound experience where the sensation of the physical body dissolves, leaving only a sense of living, flowing energy. It is a state that is "quiet on the outside, but full of motion on the inside".

Conversely, Motion Zen guides you through active movement—such as walking, jogging, or stretching—while maintaining deep stillness and focused awareness within. Your external movements become guided and aligned by an internal focus, allowing you to detach from distractions and concentrate on the balance, rhythm, and flow of your motion. This practice cultivates a state that is "moving on the outside, but still on the inside".

The audio emphasizes that energy is not optional, but fundamental to Zen. Without this vital life force, wisdom, and power of manifestation, Zen would be "a withered Chan—not a living Chan". Energy is the very "foundation upon which the teachings of Zen stand," fueling the practice and opening the path to deeper realization.

Ultimately, both Sitting Zen and Motion Zen are presented as tools pointing towards the same ultimate experience: Wu Wei. This is a state of effortless being, pure awareness, and a merging with universal consciousness, where doing disappears and effort dissolves.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.