Primordial Force Activation (Basic Practices II)
The Taoist texts show us the concept of generating the spiritual 'fetus' which acts to provide spiritual immortality. This golden fetus is the new immortal soul, the lesser rainbow body. There are further practices to integrate the five bodies to achieve full immortality.
The navel area is the most important part to Taoist spiritual practice and is considered the key to eternal life. It is believed that the Dantian is located below the navel in the area of the Sacral chakra. However I disagree with simple logic, where do the energies of the Sacral and Solar energies collect ? This is where the lower Dantian, otherwise known as the Ocean of Qi is located. It is where the alchemy process begins and central to Taoist spiritual practice. The following exercises are used to open and strengthen the lower Dantian which is the main storage area for the body's Qi, and can be used to drive this Qi anywhere in the body. This is especially important for martial artists. There are many health benefits to having a strong lower Dantian however the primary alchemical function of the lower Dantian is the cultivation and refinement of the jing (sexual power) within the body.
Deep Abdominal Breathing
Deep abdominal breathing is the most basic breathing exercise that can and should be done all the time. It is the natural way we breathe and what the Taoists call, Iron Shirt. It's simple, babies do it. Expand the belly on the inhale and flatten it as you exhale. You'll find yourself with more energy through the day, sleep better and see your health improve over time.
This daily meditation is greatly enhanced with the foundation meditation along and the cultivation of a powerful ball of light at the lower Dantian. One can also gently tense the belly on the exhale to aid with the packing of energy although this is not necessary with the proper energy control. Qi flow improves as one advances in opening and strengthening the Dantian.
Energizer Breathing
This is the Taoist variant of the Bhastrika breathing exercise. It is the Taoist bellows breath. It works to open up all the meridians in the body, the twelve primary meridians and the eight extrodinary meridians and fill them with Qi. This will improve all aspects of health that the meridians are associated with. This in turn fills the Dantian which further increases the vitality of the practitioner.
The breathing exercise is the same as Bhastrika. Focus on the kevala point and form the Magpie Bridge. Take it easy, the benefits build with each session but the body, mind and soul needs time to adjust.
Laughing Qigong
This exercise involves simple laughter from the belly. This can be of varying degrees of intensity. This works on the 'second brain' of the body which is the gastrointestinal tract, the guts. According to Taoist thought, there is a connection between the brain and the second brain of the body and one can impact the other. This can be positive or negative. The diaphragm is exercised with the laughter which helps the lungs breathe more deeply and fully which further builds upon the previous two breathing exercises. This will also help to lessen the workload for the heart and improve the immune system through the activation of the lymphatic system and thymus gland. The sound 'ha' balances the water/fire ratio of the body which helps one avoid the excess of either.
The duration of this exercise up to the individual however, at the end one should take all the energy that is generated and cultivate it into a ball of light at the Dantian. The Inner Smile can be used as the Inner Laugh Qigong if one decides to do silent laughter.
Dantian Qigong
The lower Dantian has nine areas which can be individually worked upon which further opens and empowers the centre. This is accomplished through the Dragon and Tiger Breath, Perineum Power (root lock) and the Eleven Animal Posture exercises. The full exercises can be found in Tan Tian Chi Kung by Mantak Chia.
Iron Shirt Qigong
Iron Shirt Qigong was originally used by Kung Fu practitioners to improve internal power and resistance through the development of Qi within their organs, tendons and bones. Mastery of such was required before any actual fighting techniques were taught. This Qigong allowed them to withstand blows to their vital organs with the analogy with one without training experiencing the strike as steel and one with training experiencing such as plastic. The Qi protects.
This Qigong helps to properly align and empower the structure of the body through the creation of a Qi belt. Organs and glands are detoxified and worked with packed Qi to help cushion from external trauma and benefit from the increased Qi pressure. The fasciae sheets of the body are also packed with Qi to further protect the body with the added bonus of burning fat. One also learns how to properly root oneself to the Earth to release and absorb energy. Bone marrow is strengthened which enhances the blood and thus the lifeforce. Overall there is an increase flow of Qi and feeling of well-being. This Qigong teaches one Qi control.
The practices of the above can be found in Iron Shirt Chi Kung I, II and III by Mantak Chia.
Tai Chi Qigong & Tao Yin
Tai Chi is a major energy meditation which has many different styles. The one taught by Mantak is the Yang style which consists of thirteen movements performed and repeated in the four directions. The movements and postures (outer form) along with the internal energy working develops the inner structure and Qi flow of the meridians. Many people focus too much on the outer form and thus neglect the true power of the Qigong which is the internal work. With proper training, Tai Chi allows the practitioner to work with various sources of energy such as Earth, Lunar, Solar and such which provide a myriad of benefits too long to list.
Tao Yin (Taoist Yoga) is done to stimulate and harmonise Qi flow within the body and improve flexibility and condition of the spine and psoas muscles which are called the 'Muscles of the Soul'. The second brain is worked on and there is an overall improvement in health and structural alignment. It is a moving meditation and done in either sitting, lying or standing positions.
Tai Chi & Tao Yin Qigong both require knowledge of the previous exercises and how to work with the internal energy of the body.
The practices of the above can be found in Tai Chi Chi Kung I, II and Tao Yin by Mantak Chia.
All of these exercises are foundational and necessary. They work to provide the Qi foundation necessary for the future alchemical workings. In the next article, I will be providing information on the next step of this path which is the control and mastery over the sexual energy and organs of the body for cultivation of the jing. Sexual Kung Fu.
High Priest Lucius Oria
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/OrientalSatanicAlliance/info
