Bamboo Stick Exercises Booklet – Qi Gong Movements for Mindful Health

In Plum Village, mindful movement is woven into the fabric of our daily practice, offering a gentle way to nourish both body and spirit. The Bamboo Stick Exercises, practiced each morning by Plum Village monastics, are an essential component of this mindfulness tradition. These simple, graceful movements flow with the breath, creating harmony between body and mind. Now, through the booklet, you can learn this Qi Gong practice, allowing it to become part of your own daily rhythm of mindful living.

“Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

Cultivating Health and Longevity with Duong Sinh Qi Gong

The Duong Sinh method, translated as “life-sustaining,” has been practiced for generations to prevent and cure illness. Based on the teachings of the elderly Mai Bac Dau and revised by Zen Master Tinh Tu, this Qi Gong method consists of 16 simple movements, guided by the use of a bamboo stick. Practiced regularly, these movements promote physical well-being, prevent disease, and cultivate a youthful, peaceful state of mind. This booklet provides detailed instructions and illustrations, making the exercises easy to learn and integrate into your daily life.

In just 30 minutes each morning, you can awaken your Qi, the life-giving force, and nurture the health of both body and mind. The Bamboo Stick Exercises not only support your physical well-being but also deepen your mindfulness practice, creating a sense of joy and presence in each moment.

Bringing Plum Village Mindfulness into Your Daily Practice

The Bamboo Stick Exercises are a central part of Plum Village’s retreat experience, whether online or in person. In this tradition, mindful movement is as important as sitting meditation or Dharma talks. This practice of Qi Gong honors the unity of body, breath, and mind, grounding us in the present moment while nurturing the body’s natural energy. The booklet, made with care in Plum Village and printed in France, invites you to continue this practice at home, bringing the healing and joy of mindful movement into your daily life.

Whether you are new to mindful movement or a seasoned practitioner, this booklet offers clear instructions with beautiful illustrations, helping you engage deeply with the Way of the Heart. The simple yet profound movements will become a beloved part of your day, allowing you to experience peace, health, and happiness with each breath and step.