Erik Oliva
( Zi Yi 子 壹)
I began my journey into meditation at the age of eight, exploring breathwork, Qi Gong, energy work, and non-religious Buddhist and Daoist esoteric practices. Through deep self-introspection and concentration, I developed a strong foundation in cultivating the mind and body.
During this time, I focused on self-introspection, investigating my mind and understanding my thinking, personal, and speaking habits. Looking back, I realize that it was a curious choice for an 8-year-old, but this path I was offered settled deep, and awakened me. By 11yrs old, I knew I wanted to teach people how to meditate, awaken and control their mind, strengthen their bodies, and help themselves heal.
My journey has been about returning the mind to a clear and unconditioned state, free from internal and external influence. I don’t identify as a guru or spiritual leader, and I don’t believe in the labels people often place on these paths. Instead, I seek to guide others based on my own experiences, encouraging them to critically observe and analyze what resonates with their logic and reasoning.
My path led me to China, where I spent nearly a decade immersed in Daoist and Buddhist training. During this time, I took discipleship and new name, Zi Yi 子壹， under Liu Daoshi, (Daoshi meaning Daoist teacher). She guided me in my cultivation, confirming things I practiced before, and offering new insights into future practice. Soon after, while meditating in deep state, I met Master Xuan Hua, where I cultivated the Shurangama and Great Compassion Dharma, like Master Hua. Some of the most influential guidance I received during this period came through deep meditative states and internal practice.”
After returning to Brooklyn, NY, I established Jing Xin Yuan, the Garden of Pure Heart, a space dedicated to mind-body cultivation and martial arts. It became a place for individuals to explore inner balance, discipline, and self-discovery.
Later, I found myself back in China, teaching martial arts and Qigong while building a martial arts department at Wu Xing Experimental Middle School in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. Wanting to further enrich the local community, I also founded the city’s first Wing Chun Kung Fu training group, and started a lion dance troupe to pass on traditional arts to the younger generation.
My journey then brought me to Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, where I taught English, created programs and classes on Chinese culture, meditation, Life Cultivation Qi Gong, and Tai Ji Quan at Rong Hong Middle School. I co-led the Chinese Culture and Research Department, integrating cultural philosophy into education. During this time, I met cultural researcher Liu Ming Wu, which led to my role as the U.S. Representative for the 10 Keys to Understanding Chinese Culture initiative.
Now, I offer Tui Na Therapy and Qigong Therapy treatments, and teach through the Jiu Wu Tan Gong Academy.
What you attain depends on your own discipline and practice. My role is simply to offer guidance, methods, and structure for those who wish to cultivate clarity, stability, and awareness in their daily lives.