Taoist Sanctuary

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Page 34
Nature - Tao Manifest

- There are a wide variety of spatiotemporal, interconnected cycles and rhythms that directly and indirectly affect the body.

- When human beings follow these cycles harmoniously the Qi of the body is strengthened. To the extent that these cycles are not followed the Qi of the body is weakened, hastening an untimely and unfulfilling death.

- When the Qi is strong and harmonious it purifies and controls the destructive , polluting influences of the P'o soul. This leads to a longer ,more harmonious , spiritually fulfilling life.

- Longevity is desirable because it takes a long time to fully harmonize and strengthen the Qi. This is one reason old age is valued by both the Taoists and Confucians.

- All things manifest can acquire and develop Qi which can benefit other Beings. Trees, rocks, special animals, special places in Nature can all be of influence and benefit to other Beings.

- The human body must charge itself regularly with Qi and cultivate its development and
production.

Qi influences and production in the body

- Humans are born with Yuan Qi -- Original Qi that is stored in the Kidneys as Jing-Essence. The Jing controls and regulates growth and development and the ability to Reproduce.

- Following birth the Spleen-Stomach and Lungs are the main source of Nutritive Qi. This is manufactured from the Pure Qi of food and air.

- The Kidneys also store and are the source of the Yang Qi, which warms and activates the entire body and the Yin Fluids which cool, moisten and lubricate the body.

- The Heart regulates the circulation and production of Blood and houses the Shen Qi which coordinates the consciousness and functions of the mind and emotions.

- The Liver stores Blood and regulates the free flow and circulation of Qi throughout the Body.

- The charging and cultivation of Qi is a central practice in Taoism.

- By increasing the flow and quality of the Qi in the body, the entire spiritual and physical manifestation of the individual Tao is changed.

- Wu-Wei-non-intentional action.

- This is a state of reflection, reacting appropriately to what action is reflected in the mirror of the mind. The mind is unperturbed, using the two polarities of unity and unity in multiplicity as references for perception.

Sheng Jen

Physical practices - first active step
- goal of all practices is to guide, control or harmonize the Qi to free up, open up the flow, to accord with nature.

Methods
1. Breathing exercises - first step
2. Become aware of and regulate the flow of Qi in the meridians
3. Meditation - concentrated inward gaze increases awareness of subtle movememnt
4. Qi gong exercises for moving, developing flow of Qi
5. Massage-self massage, Tuina opens flow of Qi
6. Acupuncture regulates, strengthens flow of Qi in meridians.
7. Herbal medicine - strengthens production circulation of Qi and Blood.
8. Dietary regulation - give up grains, use of special fasting methods.
9. Sexual practices - conserve jing, nourish Qi

World in the body

Taoist meditation
Types of meditation

1. Concentration
• empty circle, focusing attention on one point
• cultivating one pointedness
• guarding the one, securing the presence of the gods in the body

2. Insight
• concentration moves, self-observation of Tao in the world
• active, conscious introspection of body-mind

3. Ecstatic Excursions
• otherworld shamanic excursion
• soul leaves the body to experience other worlds

4. Observation of energies moving around the body and in the world
• seeing the continuous chain of the transformations of the Tao
• observing that all things are ultimately empty since they have no intrinsic solidity
• thinking and realization of emptiness are forgotten

Four stages
1. affirmation of being
2. affirmation of non-being
3. negation of both being and non-being
4. affirmation of both being and non-being