A Taoist temple in Beijing is offering a unique way for young city workers to alleviate stress and find inner peace amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. Baiyun Temple, located in downtown Xicheng district, has become a sanctuary for young white-collar workers seeking relief from the pressures of their daily routines.
Surrounded by tranquil courtyards and the scent of incense, Baiyun Temple provides a space for residents to practice baduanjin, a form of Taoist qigong that combines traditional Chinese fitness movements with meditation and breathing exercises. The practice has been a popular activity at the temple for several years, attracting eager participants looking to improve their physical and mental well-being.
Deng Jiayi, a 30-year-old instructor at the temple, has been teaching baduanjin since 2017. He noted that modern urban dwellers often struggle with physical stress due to lifestyle factors and overthinking. Through the practice of baduanjin, participants can stretch their bodies, relax their minds, and ultimately achieve a sense of tranquillity.
One student, Jiang Tianxiao, shared her experience of finding solace in baduanjin after feeling overwhelmed by unhappiness in her life. By following the stretching routines and movements taught by the instructors, Jiang found a renewed focus and sense of relief during her practice sessions at the temple.
Baduanjin, which translates to “eight-section brocade,” consists of eight individual movements that focus on stretching and coordination. As more young people show interest in this traditional form of exercise, teachers like Zi You emphasise the importance of starting slowly and gradually building up one’s practice to avoid strain or injuries.
Zi recommends incorporating short sessions of baduanjin into daily routines, especially for individuals who may have been sedentary for prolonged periods. By listening to their bodies and making incremental progress, practitioners can experience the benefits of improved physical and mental health through regular practice.
The practice of baduanjin at Baiyun Temple serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of traditional exercises in a modern urban setting. As more individuals seek holistic approaches to wellness and stress relief, ancient practices like baduanjin continue to offer a path towards balance and inner peace in today’s fast-paced world.