Health is wealth
I roamed with my camera over the festive break, trying to capture the last glimpses of Chinese New Year celebrations.
When people greet each other Gong Xi Fa Cai, I reckon 'Fa Cai' (striking wealth) must be taken as fortunes incarnated in the form of health and wellbeing.
At Thian Hou Temple, Robson Heights, yesterday, I chanced on a group of senior citizens practising the 18-style Taiji juxtaposed against the red lanterns.
Some regrets.
I should have a 12-24mm superwide for the three pictures. I couldn't 'shrink' the three men in the first picture as cables, wires and protruding structures of the temple would have been exposed had I zoomed out the lens from where I stood.
The dark curve at the corners on the third picture was due to vignetting induced by the thick circular polarising filter mounted on the 18-70mm.
But I really admire the slim build of the three old folks in the top picture. They don't have barrel-stomach. They are wealthier than most of us.
Comments
Try saying Gong Xi Fa Cai in English! Doesn't really come out right does it? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to say "San Nin Fai Lok", or something like that? I realise Gong Xi Fa Cai is the favoured greeting. I guess my anglicised education plays the devil here.
Posted by: Observer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 6, 2006 09:41 AM
Where can us young uns learn that 18-style kungfu or whatever they call it? Wah it sounds like those moves in HK comics man
Posted by: C-Fu![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 6, 2006 10:14 AM
From the first photo, it looks like they are doing Xiang Gong and not the Taiji Shibashi.
Posted by: rakyatrakyat![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 6, 2006 10:54 AM
In Taiwan I have seen the older women taking to the open parks in the morning and with a small tape recorder blaring folk music, they all danced various folk dances and the waltz and so on. It was so graceful. Apparently a daily happening. And they were all trim and although you could see they were aged, yet still looking fit and young..Most importantly for a visitor like me..it was just great watching all that grace. How come Chinese women folk here did not adopt this form of exercise eh?
Posted by: Observer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 6, 2006 11:52 AM
If you are interested to learn xiang gong, here are the instructions with photos. It's really easy to learn on your own.
http://www16.brinkster.com/xianggong/en/actions.html
Posted by: rakyatrakyat![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 6, 2006 01:45 PM
Health is wealth
and
http://tinyurl.com/86u6l
Posted by: Neil![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 6, 2006 01:59 PM
Qigong exercise takes many forms. One principle which must maintained is self-discipline and perseverance and patience. Once this persists, the result and benefits will be very fantastic. As a practitioner for over two and half decades, I can vouch the benefits and the efficacy of such Qigong exercise. I have benefited from this form of exercise for many years now! Mind you, it also saves medical expenses. The number of visits to see medical doctor has drastically reduced over the years!
Yes, the pictures depict the practice of Xiang-gong which is itself another form of qigong. The Taiji 18 styles especially the first set is most beneficial. I have been doing it for the last 24 years and it helps to improve health.
I know of a group practising in the One-Utama Central Park every morning without any fanfare. Perhaps those living near there can see for themeselves.
Posted by: peterpan![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 7, 2006 09:48 PM