A Comparison of Esoteric Buddhism Qigong and Taoist Qigong!
Esoteric Buddhism belongs to the esoteric sect of Buddhism, which is distinct from other Buddhist schools such as Pure Land, Huayan, and Zen. It is based on the principles of body, speech, and mind (the three secrets), leading to various profound and intricate practices that are difficult to enumerate.
In contrast to the exoteric teachings of Buddhism, which primarily focus on meditation methods with fewer other practices, the ultimate goal pursued in Buddhism—attaining true nature—is largely dependent on the practitioner’s level of wisdom and depth of understanding. Clearly, this is not as practical or operational as the step-by-step efficacy found in Esoteric Buddhism.
Two thousand years ago in our country’s history, the earliest Taoist sects emerged: the Fangxian Dao and Huang-Lao Dao. Later, these combined with primitive shamanism to form early Taoism in our country; Zhang Jiao’s Huangzhong Taiping Dao and Zhang Ling’s Wudou Mi Dao.
However, the most dazzling and desirable aspect of Taoism is undoubtedly the flourishing Neidan (Internal Alchemy) school during the Liao-Jin period, also known as the Golden Elixir school. The Neidan school emphasizes cultivating essence (jing), vital energy (qi), and spirit (shen) within oneself through refining essence into qi, refining qi into spirit, and refining spirit back into emptiness to achieve immortality.
As esoteric practices gradually spread into Central China, people were astonished to discover a significant similarity between Esoteric Buddhist practices and Taoist practices.
Esoteric Buddhism cultivates through the left, middle, and right channels; Taoism cultivates through the Ren and Du meridians; Esoteric Buddhism works with seven chakras; Taoism focuses on three dantians; Esoteric Buddhism practices precious vase breathing; while Taoism has胎息 (fetal breathing); Esoteric Buddhism cultivates spiritual heat. In terms of cultivation outcomes, Taoism seeks for Three Purities while Esoteric Buddhism aims for Nirvana—both representing extremely high spiritual and material realms.
To compare these two schools’ methods in detail clearly, we will start from specific cultivation techniques to glimpse their inner truths contained within different forms.
1. Body
The body secret (shēn mì) as one of the three secrets in Esoteric Buddhism has very strict regulations.
Hand seals are one of the main methods for body secret practice. Practitioners form different shapes by bringing their palms and fingers together which represent different techniques and functions.
Counting from the little finger to the thumb represents “earth, water, fire, void (space), wind,” where the left hand symbolizes stability while the right hand symbolizes wisdom; when practicing deity yoga in Esoteric Buddhism practitioners must unify with their chosen Buddha deity by forming hand seals corresponding to that deity during meditation. For example, Shakyamuni Buddha forms a fearlessness seal with his right hand bent at elbow with palm open at chest level; his left hand is open palm facing upwards resting on his knee—this corresponds with a vow seal.
Similarly in Taoist practice hand seals are also formed—during stepping movements practitioners may also use sword gestures or thunder gestures among others.
From an internal principle perspective, both hands communicate with endless cosmic functions through all ten fingers allowing practitioners to continuously receive vast amounts of information from the universe during their practice thus enhancing their power continually.
In terms of bodily posture, both Esoteric Buddhist’s Vairocana seven-point sitting method and Taoist’s five hearts facing heaven sitting method are almost identical—the requirements for various body parts are quite similar: both involve crossing legs together while placing hands forming seals at abdomen level with a straight spine while allowing eyes to gaze downwards lightly with tongue touching palate.
The internal mechanism behind this involves crossing legs allowing qi to descend into dantian; connecting hands forming seals facilitates communication between left-right energy blood flow; maintaining a straight spine allows internal organs to hang down comfortably enabling smooth qi flow; tongue touching palate generates saliva aiding digestion while gazing downward keeps focus inward preventing distraction or drowsiness—all have their intrinsic rationale.
2. Speech
The speech secret (kǒu mì) as one part of three secrets refers specifically to mantras found within Taoist techniques known today as special sounds indicating that practitioners chant specific sounds during their practice achieving corresponding purposes.
There are numerous types of mantras within Esoteric Buddhist practices categorized into four worldly Siddhi mantras: first is cessation mantra starting with “Om” ending with “Svaha”; second is subjugation mantra followed by three enhancement mantras. The widely circulated six-character mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” has long been well-known among people across our country.
Similarly within Taoist practices there’s significant emphasis placed upon chanting mantras—the “Taoist Spirit Communication Techniques” recorded in texts like “The Book of Ten Thousand Methods” details five directional divine mantras revealing that they contain special sound syllables like “Om” along with meaningful characters representing unique Chinese characteristics found within these mantras.
Regarding nine-character mantra “All those who engage in battle shall array before” found within Ge Hong’s “Baopuzi” after being transmitted into Japan developed into Eastern esotericism’s famous “Nine Assembly Mandala” unique function development method further proving similarities between Daoist & esoteric mantras exist indeed!
Chanting methods for these mantras must be approached specifically: some can be heard by others when spoken aloud; some can be heard by oneself when spoken aloud; some involve tongue movements while others rely solely upon mental recitation closely related back towards each practitioner’s own technique employed throughout training sessions.
Mantra recitation varies greatly: some sound clear & harmonious rich rhythmically ; others moderate volume ensuring clarity word-for-word ; some gentle flowing continuously ; others sharp decisive akin cutting materials ; even some resonate fiercely resembling roars exuding authority & vigor!
As for deeper mysteries behind these mantras—they evoke boundless meanings! It’s well-known renowned singer Caruso could shatter glass cups using only his voice whilst sonic waves traveling at supersonic speeds possess strengths now understood today! </ p >
Just like how one can trigger avalanches using sound alone—practitioners engaging in esotericism or taoistic arts emit specific sounds resonating harmoniously alongside nature/universe creating ‘field resonance’ thus amplifying inner fields significantly leading ultimately towards extraordinary capabilities emerging from such training experiences!
3. Mind
Mind secret constitutes crucial component amongst three secrets termed ‘visualization’. ‘Esoteric visualization abilities correlate closely alongside karmic obstacles severity’ ‘The more one comprehends emptiness—the clearer visualizations become~ A person overly attached/immersed worldly affairs naturally bears heavier karmic burdens hence unlikely contemplate matters regarding cultivation/advanced thoughts surrounding it.’
Great Perfection teachings emphasize non-visualizing deities nor holding onto mantras akin Zen directly entering Buddha-nature yet lacking foundational groundwork makes attaining direct realization exceedingly challenging! Thus criticizing visualization within esotericism as mere attachment seems somewhat biased—it reflects differences rooted deeply between innate capacities & levels attained throughout respective paths rather than generalizing solely based upon select methodologies observed therein!
Within taoistic qigong visualization referred instead ‘preserving thought techniques’ encompassing diverse approaches: heart fasting , sitting forgetting , guarding spirit , nurturing spirit , maintaining singularity , inner observation , preserving thought , guarding apertures etc . Essence Qi Spirit represent essential elements underlying internal alchemy involving foundational work such as building foundation gathering herbs cauldron timing etc.; Building foundations signifies initial efforts undertaken during taoistic cultivation just like constructing houses requires solid groundwork laid before completing structure hence termed ‘foundation building’.
Solidly built foundations enable houses remain stable towering high metaphorically speaking signifies alchemical pursuits necessitating strengthening physical forms enriching primordial essence before advancing deeper levels ensuring adequate safeguards established beforehand! Therefore foundation-building methodologies serve key roles impacting future attainment levels significantly regarded paramount often referred colloquially ‘hundred days foundation building’ ‘hundred days efficacy’.
Meaning it takes approximately hundred days complete foundational work under typical circumstances however varies according individual physical attributes comprehension abilities environmental factors affecting learning processes thus engaging this step may consider hundred-day benchmark generally achieving anticipated results depends largely upon practitioner’s perseverance determination! </ p >
Alchemical path entails active engagement rather than passively ignoring worldly matters since genuine alchemical practice requires tranquility internally fostering emergence Yang energies thereafter nurturing them further yielding wisdom ultimately requiring refinement attain harmony therein .
Furthermore dual cultivation involving life essence emphasizes attention towards mindfulness throughout entire process adhering strictly regarding priorities importance assigned accordingly . </ p >
Overall examining both esotericism & taoistic methodologies reveals substantial similarities commonalities shared amongst two traditions’ approaches towards cultivating higher states consciousness respectively! </ P >
Through practicing body speech mind triad various cultivations lead entering samadhi states ultimately gaining insights pertaining one’s own ‘heart’/’spirit’ realizing true Buddha-nature whereas taoists emphasize systematic layered refinement focusing upon essence vital energy spirit treasures—building foundations forming sacred womb nurturing original essence culminating eventually outwardly manifesting divine spirits transcending beyond physicality reaching realms devoid form embodying ultimate reality!
Both schools shine brilliantly illuminating contemporary landscape qigong realm serving traditional culture inheritors bear responsibility propagate enhance its legacy forward!
External calmness unsettled heart difficulty finding peace
Inner tranquility amidst outer clamor seeking stillness amidst chaos.
“The Classic of Purity” stands among four great scriptures Quanzhen Dao reflecting encompassing fundamental doctrines diverse training techniques associated therein mentioning: “Purity serves source turbidity movement rests foundation stillness if humans maintain constant purity then heaven earth shall return unto them.” Humans inherently favor purity yet hearts disturbed desires pull them away from tranquility hence if able dispel desires hearts naturally find peace clarifying minds leads spirits becoming pure.”
Naturally six desires cease arising three poisons extinguished therefore inability arises due unclarified heart unfulfilled desires.” Classic mentions reasons preventing individuals attaining true path stemmed from deluded minds greed contention consequently afflictions proliferate leading loss genuine way! If someone constantly allows external distractions control mind rendering it restless even seated quietly unable attain steadiness!”
Path toward truth requires balancing inner work outer actions neither can be neglected.
Internal cultivation nurtures life external accumulation virtuous deeds maintaining pure heart few desires!
Purity embodies virtue law embodies truth harmonizing energies aligning principles alchemical methods invoking intentions,
Refining Qi cultivating elixirs fearless non-action sincere utmost effort nurturing internally,
Cultivating virtue centered midst refining one’s nature attaining utmost virtue utmost truth harmoniously integrating virtues seamlessly.”
by – Phoenix Mountain Cihuang Palace