About Master Zhi Yuan (David Azevedo)

Mission Statement

Healing the body, mind, and spirit is essential to the meaning of life. Practicing YeYoung Qigong & Neidan regulates your body posture, breath, and mind, and is one of the most effective ways to improve life and be happy. Most of us have unresolved issues that have accumulated over time. These issues manifest themselves in a host of ailments: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. When we suffer, we know deep inside that changes are needed. You have to change, not your job or boss, not your children or relatives, not your spouse or partner. It is difficult to make these changes on your own.

If you attempt to practice qigong on your own, two things will happen: first, you may hurt yourself, and second, you’ll expend a lot of time and effort while no progress is made. You may be stuck in your situation for a very long time. Consequently, even when you find a healer or master, your situation will not be fixed easily. That’s why in the Chinese culture people always learn meditation from a lineage-based Master, and not on their own. These guided meditation practices are called lineage teachings or traditional teachings.

YeYoung Qigong & Neidan effectively teaches you how to focus on circulating your qi (chi), and over time you build a qi reservoir. When qi flows evenly through the body, healing takes place. Noticeable changes start to happen, and you will see and feel the healing effects.

YeYoung Qigong & Neidan has improved my life and the lives of my students. By fixing small things, real and positive changes have occurred. I used to annoy my wife in endless small ways: leaving messes, agreeing without listening, or saying I would do something then not doing it. These types of passive-aggressive behaviors caused tension and stress in our relationship. I would exhaust myself by working in the yard or going on long strenuous bicycle rides until I was tired, sore, and grouchy. This overexertion taxed my body and ruined my immune system. I would be busy all the time, but I could never accomplish everything. My health declined, I was stricken with hay fever and allergies, asthma, sinus infections, severe headaches, colds and flus, even pneumonia. All of these accompanied chronic back pain, kidney stones, and elevated blood sugar nearing diabetes. Consequently I filled up a 9" × 6" box with my currently prescribed pills and inhalers, and I received flu and pneumonia shots regularly.

In 2008 a friend recommended that I go see Grandmaster YeYoung, just to go and have some tea. I did, and then I started weekly classes in qigong. Grandmaster YeYoung helped me make the changes that were needed. Now I get along better with my wife, I don’t take any medications, and I have no pain from the previous conditions. I have not been sick since starting YeYoung Qigong & Neidan.

A YeYoung Master studies and practices under their Master for years, and belongs to the YeYoung Lineage. A YeYoung Master will teach and guide you though YeYoung Qigong & Neidan, which will give you safe and lasting results. YeYoung Qigong & Neidan targets the source of your issues, allowing for real change. I am certified by Grandmaster YeYoung to teach YeYoung Qigong & Neidan. I have been helped and I would like to help you.

Biography

Born and raised in Sacramento, I grew up on the edge of Oak Park, a blue-collar suburb. Both my parents were third-generation Portuguese, and we followed traditional Catholic customs. I attended the parish grammar school and Christian Brothers High School, which was just around the corner from my house. After graduating I attended community college.

Eventually I became a governmental accountant with the State of California, after working as a welder’s helper at age 15, then as a dishwasher, fry cook, assistant restaurant manager, and finally restaurant manager.

Along the way I met my wife, Sandra, and we married a year later. Our two children are now grown and on their own.

While working at the restaurant I fell and injured my back. After years of physical therapy and practicing yoga, I could manage my back pain, but I couldn’t control it. I was also interested in the spiritual, meditative side of yoga, but there were no teachers nearby. When I attended my first session with Grandmaster YeYoung, I realized I had found the teacher I needed.