Comments & Experiences of Past Students

Misty mountain top.
A single sound echoed from the bamboo flute.
Awakening has come at long last.

I traveled to Wudang in September 2006 with Eternal Spring Tours and Jesse Lee Parker for an intensive Taoist Qigong & Meditation retreat. The Taoist Meditation practice I learned from Teacher Hu Xuezhi on Wudang opened up a vast ocean of truth. After a life of spiritual wandering -- I have practiced six different meditation systems in the past -- the Taoist internal alchemy I learned on Wudang has been life altering. I have yet to go a day without practicing since returning home. The trip was well planed and quite an adventure, allowing a comprehensive understanding and unraveling of the vast country that is modern-day China. I felt totally safe and inspired the entire time during the journey. Eternal Springs Tours and Jesse will take you to the very heart of the many Taoist Spiritual disciplines: Taoism, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, and many more that are the heart & soul of this grand country of China. ~ Mike G., Hawaii

Nature, Art, Discipline & Wonderment - Wudang Mountain 2006. "Nothing-ness" is what I learned; this one word only begins my long list of an absolutely incredible trip with Eternal Spring Tours & Jesse Lee Parker. Jesse Lee Parker, I have met no other guide who does just that, he guides. He guides you to places of wonder not only of exterior vistas but of the interior as well. A trip with Jesse and Eternal Spring Tours is like no other because you will see China through his heart and soul. Wudang Mountain stands out as a teacher on this journey - amongst the many other wise teachers that Jesse shares. I thank you Jesse for an amazing experience in China!　~ K. Atlas-Bauche, Washington DC

Wudang 2006. Sunrise light, clean air, smell of green, beautiful stars. During our first day of meditation with Teacher Hu I felt a warm, happy, universal feeling of freedom in my heart. Tears came forth, expressing the pureness of this spiritual experience.　 I have a feeling that seeds of knowledge and truth have been planted on Wudang. After China, practicing meditation in my home, these seeds have started to grow. The trip was well planed and a lot of fun. Beautiful hotel in Beijing that is right in the middle of an amazing nature green place.　 We saw Taoist sacred temples on Wudang, and also got to go to special Taoist blessing ceremony - It was all magic, wonder & beauty. ~ Yuko K., Japan

I joined Jesse for an intensive Qigong & Taoist Meditation training course in the Qianshan area of North China. It was like nothing I could imagine. The range of sensations during the practice of heat, movement, and vibrations and to some extent emotions is really amazing. I have been suffering from asthma for several years and my past training in qigong and Taiji Quan has never given me these sorts of results so quickly. The instructor, Mr. Hu Xuezhi, is really knowledgeable, and able to answer any question that I have had about Taoism and Qigong theory. The hotel is situated in a national park with mountains in all directions. Among the hills and temples are lovely places to visit between practices. It is an ideal place to sit in tranquility. ~ Ivor, P. Liverpool, England

Although I began practicing Taoist healing arts more than 20 years ago, and have been teaching for some years, I still found myself in 'seeker' mode in the summer of 2006. It was chance -- or synchronicity -- that took me to the website of Eternal Spring Tours. Uncharacteristically, I signed up for the 2006 Wudang Journey, with few expectations, but an open mind.

The course with Teacher Hu was seminal for me. Presented in an accessible, low-key manner, it provided insights, teaching and practices that were new to me, even after many years of practice.

In my own experience, the Inner Alchemy practices, as taught by Teacher Hu, engender an inner stillness, awareness, and intensely tangible field of energetics / Qi. My previous alchemy practices required much visualization and mental directing of Qi. I was surprised to discover that Teacher Hu's apparently much simpler, and mentally quieter practices, took me to a depth I had not previously encountered.

After six months of practice, I feel this is the most energetically 'tangible' meditation practice I have. Not only do I feel strong registrations from the meditation itself, but am sure it is improving the internal energetics of my long-term tai chi and Qi gong practices. The meditation and the practices seem to interplay and interact with each other, deepening both. I have also observed a stronger 'charge' when giving healing treatments and this is corroborated in feedback from clients, both in relation to the treatment itself, and the ongoing therapeutic effect they experience. It can be difficult to describe the intangible, but it is as if things have been 'notched up a level' since my stay on the Wudang Mountain.

Some of the Taoist theory and cosmology taught by Teacher Hu was familiar to me. But some I had not encountered anywhere before. I felt greatly inspired, as if a kaleidoscope had shifted, to provide new insights, understanding and inspiration. Whether new to the teachings of Inner Alchemy, or an experienced practitioner, I believe Teacher Hu's unique presence and knowledge come as a gift and heirloom to his students. The whole trip was an inspiration! Jesse's long-term friendship with people -- villagers, Taoists, healers and hermits -- of Wudang mountain, and his personal familiarity with temples and sacred spots added a dimension that could not be matched by a tour leader who had not spent time living on the mountain. He pulled out all the stops to ensure that from start to finish we had a richly rewarding stay in China, which combined fun, tourism, teaching and practices, and a good introduction to Taoist principles of balance and harmony. I highly recommend it. ~ Muriel K., London, UK

I am a Licensed Acupuncturist in Texas, and recently traveled to China with Eternal Spring Tours and a group of ten local people. I am very happy to recommend both Jesse and his trips! I had a fabulous time on this trip to China and feel I can speak for the others who did so as well. Certainly just being in this foreign country, going to temples, studying Taoism and Qigong, (and being tourists), were themselves very exciting. But also: never did I feel unsafe or that details were not competently taken care of. I was able to relax totally and know that I was in the hands of efficient, responsive, and caring people. The food was great, our accommodations were comfortable and safe, and our transportation was reliable. Our guides were sweet, capable, and helpful people and the whole experience wonderful and memorable. Jesse himself is a likeable guy. He is very skilled in the Taoist arts and has a wealth of information and experience to share. Also, he is enthusiastic to a degree that spills over and becomes contagious. I trust him and recommend him.
~ Elizabeth M.  USA

I recently traveled to China with Jesse Lee Parker and Eternal Spring Tours. It was the experience of a lifetime! I went on the Taoist Sacred Sites tour and I was totally amazed at the rare places and people I was introduced to. Jesse really put together a tour that covered all the things I wanted. Yes we saw the sights...Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tienamen Square, Terra Cotta Warriors and the city of Shanghai. BUT, for me the most amazing things were the Temples and monks we met. Through Jesse's connections we were introduced to the most amazing teachers. I've been involved in martial arts for 28 years...I originally got involved because of the TV series "Kung Fu"...the teachings appealed to me. Unfortunately I never met a person I would say had truly mastered themselves. Over in China, because Jesse knew the right people I met several!! The tour just couldn't have been put together better in my opinion. Great Hotels, Great restaurants, remote temples, tiny meals served by the monks...just unreal!!! Check the pictures to get a better idea. Throughout the tour Jesse continuously worked with the local guides and the tour group to create an experience that I will never forget. We were a tough bunch to accommodate, too!!! In conclusion I cannot recommend Jesse highly enough. I thought I would never go back to China, but since I've been back in the States, I can't wait to go again, thanks to Jesse! ~ Gene S.  USA

We had a great trip to China this past October. I had never been to China and also had never traveled as a group. I found both with Jesse's guidance a lot of fun. We stayed at really nice hotels and had great food. Unfortunately I gained weight from all the great food. Jesse's guidance was very enthusiastic and flexible. He kept us informed on our activities and schedules. Worked with all the group members meeting their needs. I think we were a difficult group since we were so diverse in age, interests and abilities. Jesse kept up with all of us. I would highly recommend traveling with Jesse and would think he could offer you or your group some unique perspective. ~ Mark W.  USA