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The Truth About Ilchi Lee: History and Benefits

54 Heart it! Callie Dorian 5.5k
April 19, 2018
Callie Dorian
54 Heart it! 5.5k

The Truth About Ilchi Lee: History & Benefits

Humanitarian and best-selling author Ilchi Lee is one of the world’s experts on living with mindfulness.  Whether your goal is to stay more centered and focused in everyday life or improve your body movement through yoga and tai chi, his teachings have so many real-world applications. Body & Brain yoga, which has locations across the United States, is the best place to learn the meditation and body movement techniques Ilchi Lee became famous for pioneering. Here’s a little more information before your first visit.

Ilchi Lee

Born in South Korea, Ilchi Lee struggled with what is now known as Attention Deficit Disorder. He studied Taekwondo to quiet his mind and help him focus in school, and the experience inspired his career. After earning a degree from Dankook University, he founded a health clinic to start teaching others the benefits of meditation.

Still, he had many questions about existence, so he underwent 21 days alone in a mountain temple. He fasted and didn’t sleep nor lie down until he got the answers he was seeking. From this practice, he experienced a spiritual awakening and formed the philosophies that are the foundation of his teachings today.

He developed his lessons based on an ancient Korean practice called Sun Tao. The principles of Sun Tao may be likened to tai chi, yoga, martial arts forms, meditation and other mind-body practices that grow character and consciousness.

Body & Brain Yoga

Body & Brain Yoga, initially founded in Korea by Ilchi Lee, contains many Sun Tao elements in its modern practices. The centers have classes in multiple practices:

Tai Chi
Ki Gong
Dahnmudo
Meditation
Yoga

Meditation is focused on bringing about spiritual wellness. Practices are designed to benefit all ages, from children to older people who want to move and feel well so they can make the most of life.

Benefits 

These practices offer many benefits for first-timers.

Cardiovascular health—A being’s body, mind, and spirit need to be unified for optimum health. Focused movements that develop mindfulness while raising the heart rate benefit all aspects of being.
Mental well-being—Meditation and focused systems of movement quiet the mind and also spur the brain to release endorphins.
Better focus­—Concentrating on specific movements and breathing trains the mind to maintain long periods of focus in all situations.
Increased flexibility—Gentle movements carefully stretch muscles so that flexibility throughout the body improves.
Sense of presence—Mindful movement during a set form such as Yoga or Dahnmudo increases sense of purpose and presence.

Whether you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment, or something as grounded as improved mental and physical health, the innovative teachings of Ilchi Lee may help. Visit a Yoga center near you and experience the wonder of mindful movement and thought.

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54 Heart it! Callie Dorian 5.5k
54 Heart it! 5.5k

Reply to brianna.sieberg cancel

dykerpk Apr 19, 2018 3:20pm

Thank you for sharing this story.

kilhwa lee Apr 19, 2018 3:32pm

Thank you for the story

lkthadani Apr 19, 2018 3:35pm

So true! These methods are creating a real difference in the world! Thank you!

tonyasabumnim Apr 19, 2018 3:37pm

I like that “the wonder of mindful movement and thought”. Almost like the “thought” is an afterthought. That’s deep.

songoftheeve Apr 19, 2018 3:37pm

Really a helpful method!

jackiejskim Apr 19, 2018 3:43pm

This practice has lots of benefits. Very helpful.

jj.hsp.yoga Apr 19, 2018 3:51pm

I just watched a 58yr old woman heal her high blood pressure, arthritis (thumb), 8 vertebrae, cataracts & glaucoma in 1 year with no medicine from Ilchi Lees teachings & trainings. Holy cow if only more people knew about this…. 🙂

hellomichela Apr 19, 2018 3:57pm

I’ve been practicing Body & Brain yoga and reading Ilchi Lee’s books for over ten years now, so I’m happy to see this history explained so succinctly in an integrated way. I hope his messages of using your body to heal your body and of uncovering and living for your true self reach many people.

ak.fery Apr 19, 2018 4:09pm

Through Ilchi Lee’s amazing program my migraine was cured after suffering for 38 years.

anonymous Apr 19, 2018 4:13pm

Thank you for sharing. I love practicing ki gong!

Travis Kronenberg Apr 19, 2018 4:19pm

I love his training. It’s so easy to connect and let go. The most simple exercises have great benefits that just about anybody can learn.

dtrana09 Apr 19, 2018 4:28pm

I healed myself through these methods! They work!
Thank you for sharing!

temani.aldine Apr 19, 2018 4:39pm

I have been a fan of Elephant Journal for many years and I have admired its insightful, down-to-earth approach to mindful living. Since, I am also a student of Ilchi Lee I am very happy to see his story included here. Thank you for expanding the connectedness!

han360 Apr 19, 2018 4:45pm

Thank you for great story.

panidaklintong Apr 19, 2018 4:50pm

Thank you for this wonderful article. ☺️

kahng25 Apr 19, 2018 4:54pm

Thank you for very hopeful message.

dcfwash Apr 19, 2018 4:55pm

This practice has many amazing benefits with simple methods

ripdeno7 Apr 19, 2018 5:00pm

His methods have helped me immensely!

choi.jiseon0215 Apr 19, 2018 5:26pm

It is great. Thank you for sharing ~.

masteryh Apr 19, 2018 5:36pm

Thank you for the articles.

eyes763 Apr 19, 2018 5:47pm

Thank you for sharing your story, truly inspiring.

yelloow7 Apr 19, 2018 5:48pm

Thank you for sharing!!

bbc103 Apr 19, 2018 5:55pm

Thank you for your great wisdom

han.myung Apr 19, 2018 6:09pm

What an inspiring life story! Thank you for posting it!

ianmaury Apr 19, 2018 6:12pm

Like many others reading this, I also healed my mind and body thru these methods, and I have to say it’s helped not only my physical health and mental presence, but it also helped with a lot of my family relations, because I could better understand myself and relate to my family, we all get along much better now.

bethany Apr 19, 2018 6:15pm

Thank you.

anzababe Apr 19, 2018 6:20pm

A great article about a great teacher, thank you

makiperry Apr 19, 2018 6:28pm

The mindful practice also helps manage stress, improve gut health and attain deeper sleep.

dbeal123 Apr 19, 2018 6:42pm

Great article about an amazing practice. I’m so grateful for these methods!

lauritacastagnino Apr 19, 2018 7:00pm

Thanks for highlighting this great healer and healing practices!

katiebrisleylogue Apr 19, 2018 7:11pm

It is really inspiring that despite Mr. Lee having struggled academically he is making a major contribution to the health and wellbeing of so many.

sedonajiho Apr 19, 2018 7:19pm

I have a lot of Ilchi Lee’s books. It’s like bible for my life.

Seungja7042 Apr 19, 2018 7:21pm

Thank you for your wisdom.

Lovetenshi2012 Apr 19, 2018 8:05pm

Excellent biography

joy179 Apr 19, 2018 8:20pm

Body and Brain Yoga has changed the quality of my life.

holmstromel Apr 19, 2018 9:21pm

This is the best description of this profound teacher I’ve heard. Body & brain yoga has saved my body and mind from constant daily pain!

Nicole Poly Apr 19, 2018 9:52pm

I had searched far and wide for a practice that resonated with me. From the very first day I knew I was at the right place. And since that day I have deep gratitude to Ilchi Lee for bringing such a great program to our country. Thank you.

turanokathy Apr 19, 2018 10:28pm

Nice article.

dahnottogi0808 Apr 19, 2018 11:17pm

thank you

loveny2010 Apr 19, 2018 11:24pm

I love the Mindful movements and clarity and energy circulation this practice has brought to my life and thousands of others .

brianna.sieberg Apr 19, 2018 11:35pm

This article is exactly right… Ilchi Lee is helping so many people to heal. Thank you for sharing his story.

hellolindasuh Apr 19, 2018 11:51pm

Ilchi Lee is a great man and I learned so much from him. His philosophies definitely changed my life and I am so grateful.

sohyung Apr 20, 2018 12:03am

His teaching has influenced so many people around the world including me. Through his brain education, and body n brain practices, I could heal my allergy and chronic fatigue naturally as well as gained clearer goal of my life, benefit for all. I deeply appreciate for his teaching and wisdom.

Jan Cogan Apr 20, 2018 12:50am

What a great article! Thank you for sharing!

perazasol Apr 20, 2018 1:04am

Wonderful background & health benefits

empark1005 Apr 20, 2018 5:03am

Thank you for your gteat story.

elise.kerrigan Apr 20, 2018 6:13am

These methods are simple and usable by anyone and I’ve seen them help so many people. Thank you for sharing this information.

Daehan Kim Apr 20, 2018 7:20am

Thank you so much

dryskill Apr 20, 2018 7:38am

Simple, powerful good news is the best. Like eating natural food. It may not always be flashy but it will keep you healthy and happy!

harmonyjv Apr 20, 2018 9:14am

Having practiced going on my 18th year i can ckearly acknowledge my life has changed as i changed me thru the principles i live, thru my vision i follow, thru my teacher IlChi Lee. Wom i honor. Thank you

powerthruunity Apr 20, 2018 9:48am

Best practice I’ve ever found to promote overall well-being of body, mind and spirit. Ilchi Lee is one of my all time Heroes with all that he has contributed to humanity.

rominadonolo Apr 20, 2018 1:23pm

All his methods are so incredible easy to do and so powerful! His teachings made a huge difference in my life! Thank you for sharing this.

rominadonolo Apr 20, 2018 1:24pm

All his methods are so incredible easy to do and so powerful! His teachings made a huge difference in my life!

ohgeunlee Apr 20, 2018 2:00pm

Thank you for detailed information. That’s very helpful.

ctetra11 Apr 20, 2018 2:17pm

An excellent succinct distillation of Ilchi Lee’s philosophy and work. I have healed myself of many health issues based on his ideas at my Body and Brain community.

burbank Apr 21, 2018 12:58am

I appreciated this thoughtful & factual account of Ilchi Lee.

muah4best Apr 21, 2018 1:11pm

He is the real teacher.

Lauren Rowe Apr 21, 2018 1:35pm

So many easy healing methods. Ilchi Lee has changed my life forever.

yana.lee0404 Apr 21, 2018 1:50pm

Body & Brain practice is deep into my life now in most positive way creating lifestyle that helps me stay healthy physically and mentally. I really appreciate every bit of it.

Lucy Lui Apr 22, 2018 11:46am

Like

Sandra Scheer Jun 11, 2018 5:47am

Dear Elephant Journal, thank you for this clear and concise writing about Ilchi Lee and the system he has been sharing for almost 40 years now. I have been trying for so long to understand through the words both from Ilchi Lee and about him. Today, I see that Ilchi Lee has always been saying we need 100 million like minded people to be truly connected to who they are and stand it fully, completely and without waivering – this is about going through the thinking behind arrogance and pride to health, happiness and peace for humanity and the earth. We just need to be it, to do it, to have it Now!!! Thank you again for the simple words,,,

Pollywoods12 Jun 13, 2018 6:02am

Fascinating!

brianspatterson Jun 14, 2018 10:07am

What a really interesting life story for Ilchi Lee. I’ve seen his name come up a few times now, and it seems like his total approach for mind & body makes a lot of sense. I’ll definitely be looking up more about Ilchi.

golden Jul 9, 2018 9:01pm

I find Ilchi Lee’s history very amazing. I have experienced the Body and Brain classes with exceptional results in health and well being.

eyes763 Jul 13, 2018 12:35pm

Thank you for sharing, I am awakend to love humanity

joy179 Jul 13, 2018 8:32pm

His teachings have made wonderful changes in my life!

alanpion Jul 17, 2018 1:25pm

This stuff really works.
Thank you ?

Marni Wasserman Jul 20, 2018 9:55pm

I really love this article – actually i keep coming back to it! Its actually surprisingly hard to describe Body and Brain and how it was created so this is super helpful for sharing with others. Thank you so much!

taradahnd Jul 26, 2018 8:54pm

Well Written!! It is good to know that there is always people who is doing good for humanity !!

mujinbohn Aug 26, 2018 5:43am

This practice has helped my sense of calm and presents. I am greatful.

shewillbloom Aug 26, 2019 9:58am

I can’t even take this seriously. This man runs a cult that preys off of women for money and sex. This is not a man, this is a rapist.

    anonymous Jan 20, 2022 8:01pm

    I think you are correct.

anonymous Dec 9, 2021 6:17am

This is so important in this day and age!

anonymous Jan 20, 2022 8:00pm

Hello, as a former student, as well as a 5 year employee, I hope that anyone reading this will read other articles that are more in depth into the life of this man. It is an organization built to use manipulation tactics as well as deceiving members to achieve income vision every month. This article was most likely written so that the negative articles don’t show. Please be careful and do your homework, I made a mistake not doing that.

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