TRIPS TO CHINA SINCE 2008
Laoshi Markle took her first tour in 2008 with one of her teachers, Buddhist Monk and Kung Fu Master Reverend Chun Bo. The 3 weeks were spent primarily as a pilgrimage to the Buddhist Temples on Mount Pu Tuo and Jiu Hua Shen. In addition, she briefly visited sites and Buddhist Temples in Nanjing, Shanghai, Ling shan and Suzhou.
Her first experience in China was key in shaping her future visits. During this trip, she learned many things about the life in China, including the way in which Buddhism was practiced. In addition, she picked up some skills in bargaining and understanding the pricing of goods by observing Reverend Chun Bo. She even practiced speaking Chinese in daily conversation for shopping and bargaining on her first visit.
At Putuo Mountain, Laoshi Markle had the opportunity to practice Kung fu in one of the Buddhist Temple courtyards. Even though her Master insisted she not go anywhere alone for fear of the danger, she snuck away when she could to train her Kung fu. She found her way to a Temple on Mount Putuo that was more than 1,000 years old. She felt energized, and as she practiced she says that it was as if she were on a cloud. She found this time to be a very profound time in her Kung fu practice, and says after this experience she reached another level in her training.
Her first experience in China was key in shaping her future visits. During this trip, she learned many things about the life in China, including the way in which Buddhism was practiced. In addition, she picked up some skills in bargaining and understanding the pricing of goods by observing Reverend Chun Bo. She even practiced speaking Chinese in daily conversation for shopping and bargaining on her first visit.
At Putuo Mountain, Laoshi Markle had the opportunity to practice Kung fu in one of the Buddhist Temple courtyards. Even though her Master insisted she not go anywhere alone for fear of the danger, she snuck away when she could to train her Kung fu. She found her way to a Temple on Mount Putuo that was more than 1,000 years old. She felt energized, and as she practiced she says that it was as if she were on a cloud. She found this time to be a very profound time in her Kung fu practice, and says after this experience she reached another level in her training.
2011 SIGNING OF THE SISTER CITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CITY OF BUFFALO AND CHANGZHOU CHINA
In 2011, Laoshi became the President of the Buffalo Changzhou Sister City Commission. The Commission would represent the City of Buffalo in their Sister City relationship with Changzhou. Shortly after, she became the Director of all China Sister City Affairs, which soon turned into hosting many Chinese delegations that came to Buffalo, even those that were not Sister City related.
In 2011, Changzhou China held an International Tourism Forum between her and her Sister Cities, of which there were 15 cities from around the world. During the forum, they had an official signing ceremony between City of Buffalo and Changzhou. As the Mayor of Buffalo could not accept the invitation, Laoshi Markle went on behalf of the City. 3 days of events included giving speeches, receiving tours of the beautiful city, and evening banquets with the largest round tables known to man.
In 2011, Changzhou China held an International Tourism Forum between her and her Sister Cities, of which there were 15 cities from around the world. During the forum, they had an official signing ceremony between City of Buffalo and Changzhou. As the Mayor of Buffalo could not accept the invitation, Laoshi Markle went on behalf of the City. 3 days of events included giving speeches, receiving tours of the beautiful city, and evening banquets with the largest round tables known to man.
GOLD SUMMIT CHINA TOUR 2012
12 Gold Summit members accompanied Laoshi on a tour of Jiangsu province and a Martial Arts exchange in Buffalo's Sister City of Changzhou. The tour was arranged by Foreign Affairs and Laoshi Markle for special pricing and with special events. In the 9 day trip, the group visited 5 cities and did Martial Arts exchanges with 3 separate schools/groups in Changzhou. From the tallest Buddhist Temple in the world to the Amazing Bamboo Ocean, people in the group will tell you they had life altering experiences.
Another tour is set to go in 2016. Call Gold Summit for details and join us! 716-874-3939
Another tour is set to go in 2016. Call Gold Summit for details and join us! 716-874-3939
CHINA TEACHING, SISTER CITIES 2012
Following the Gold Summit Tour, Laoshi Markle remained in China for another 4 weeks teaching Kung Fu for Changzhou Institute of Engineering Technology's Physical Education program. During her time at the College, she gleaned the interest of about 10 of the Chinese students in studying with her further. (In 2013, some of those students would meet up with her again in Changzhou.) She also took a trip to Mao Shen, home to a certain sect of Daoism and very famous Daoist Masters from Chinese history.
In addition, she personally met the Abbot of Tianning Temple, who does not normally receive visitors. He did a special ceremony with she, and to their surprise, with the Foreign Affairs Staff. After the ceremony, he took her to his office and had a discussion. Before Laoshi Markle could say much, he said he knew that she wanted to help others to have a good life, and that she had a great compassionate heart. As he spoke, Laoshi says she was overwhelmed with the Abbot's compassion and tears came to her eyes. It was as if he understood her mission without ever having met her before. This was indeed a special meeting. At the end of their visit, he took off his robes and did a little bit of Tai Chi with her! According to the Foreign Affairs staff, this was yet another unprecedented moment.
CHINA 2013 and 2014 VISIT
Laoshi Markle took a trip to China again in both years, to attend Sister City events in Changzhou, as well as visit a local Chinese Art College and Tea plantation. More information and pics coming soon!