The 18 Luohan Qigong sequence is a beautiful and fun set of 18 movements that provides a full body stretch, stimulates the body’s Qi, and develops balance and basic martial skill.  The 18 Luohan incorporates medical, martial and spiritual qigong techniques. It is a particularly powerful qigong form for developing mind-body awareness and physical energy, flexibility, and strength.  For anyone who practices yoga, the ancient connections between this beautiful form and traditional yoga postures will be obvious.

The 18 Luohan Hands Shiba Luohan Shou  (十八羅漢手), or 18 Hands of Buddha, are ancient mind-body exercises from early Buddhist practice dating back at least 2,000 years.

The word Luohan comes from the Sanskrit word Arhat.  Both words refer to a person who has cultivated a high level of spirituality, like an advanced monk or gifted saint. After the Buddha passed away, 500 leading Buddhist scholars and teachers gathered together in a grand council. Together, they reviewed and discussed Buddha’s teaching and standardized the writings (sutras) to be passed down. These disciples are known as the 500 Arhats.

Over 1,000 years later, Bodhidharma (Da Mo) taught at the Shaolin Temple around the year 550 C.E. Da Mo's transmission of this root series of movements had a large part in the origin of internal arts practice in China. Statues depicting these 18 legendary Luohan are often found in Chinese Buddhist temples today.

The word Shou means “hands”, but refers to the 18 techniques or moving patterns. Another translation sometimes seen is the 18 Techniques of the Enlightened Ones. These 18 historic qigong exercises are intended to be protectors of your body, mind, and spirit.

Chapters

1. Introduction

2. Full form, full speed with power

3. Movements 1-6, slow motion with narration

4. Movements 7-12, slow motion with narration

5. Movements 13-closing, slow motion with narration

6. Full form, front and rear view

Credits:
Videography: Mark Edwards
Graphic design: Rebecca Gould
Still photography: Bill Truslow