The Practice of True Qi… Part Two
In meditation, we not only need to “seek stillness,” but more importantly, we must “seek forgetfulness.” Many sages and enlightened beings in Daoism achieve unity with the entire natural universe in a state of forgetting both self and the external world, thereby comprehending the great principles of the universe and the true essence of life.
The purpose of meditation is to cultivate innate qi. In cultivating embryonic breathing, we aim to return to our roots as stated in “Returning to the Source,” finding back our original breathing method… practicing abdominal breathing, where the abdomen expands during inhalation. After filling up with air, hold your breath for a moment; after counting silently for about 2 seconds, slowly exhale while compressing your abdomen inward.
The exhalation should be slow and prolonged. By practicing this repeatedly, one can naturally develop a sense of qi in the cultivation of “True Qi.” When inhaling, the abdomen expands to increase abdominal pressure, facilitating venous blood return to the heart.
After inhaling fully and holding your breath for a few seconds, this increases the time for oxygen exchange in lung cells and also raises blood oxygen levels, which further activates cellular tissues within the body!
For practitioners on their spiritual path, benefiting from their energy body… The energy body of “Primordial Unity Qi” becomes a primary factor for elevation. At this time, practitioners will feel a gentle energy field that is light and brings both mental and physical ease (a state of blissful clarity).
What our body’s five organs need is “True Qi.” Through seated meditation practice… inhaling postnatal oxygen while guiding qi with intention can transform oxygen into “True Qi.” This aspect is rarely noticed by practitioners. Moreover, health cultivation and qi refinement cannot avoid gradually transitioning from active practices into realms of non-action.
As Laozi said: “Empty your heart; fill your abdomen” … The method to fill your abdomen refers to abdominal breathing techniques. The cultivation of prenatal essence means that when essence is solidified without loss, then qi becomes abundant; when qi is abundant, spirit thrives. This is also a fundamental practice in Daoism… refining essence into qi.
The “Lüzu Hundred Verses” states:
“Only when there are no thoughts can one be still; within stillness, qi naturally calms. When qi calms down it settles; when breath settles it returns to its root. Returning to one’s root reveals one’s true nature; seeing one’s nature begins true realization.”
The enlightened being Lü Dongbin saw through his meditative state of emptiness that life returns to its starting point. He believed that only by returning to nothingness within stillness could one connect with the cosmic fundamental Dao; only through resonance with celestial bodies could one nurture life longevity and develop wisdom and potential.
The Dantian is where essence is stored; it is also where essence transforms into qi. When True Qi fills and condenses in the Dantian into elixir form, it can solidify foundations and cultivate origins while storing energy. Additionally, Dantian serves as both the starting point and endpoint for Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), Du Mai (Governing Vessel), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) energy circulation…
It is also where blood energy converges and True Qi rises or falls—making Dantian a source of life force and vitality as well as a meeting point for yin and yang. Thus throughout history renowned health cultivators have emphasized training at lower Dantian.
“The Dao Pivot” states:
“To sit in forgetfulness is foundational for longevity; thus summon truth to refine form—when form clears it aligns with qi; aligning with Dao fire refines qi—when qi clears it aligns with spirit. Body merges with Dao—this signifies one who has attained Dao.”
In Volume Three of “The Dao Pivot,” it further states:
“Learning Dao centers on purity and tranquility; inner observation forms its foundation—thus deeply rooting oneself allows pure qi to steadfastly remain while spirit does not wander externally until communication between Kan (the Water Trigram) and Li (the Fire Trigram) occurs leading towards great medicine.”
In practical cultivation methods during actual practice are limited by each individual’s innate foundation and acquired qualities; most people may take far longer than nine years just to open up their microcosmic orbit (Xiao Zhou Tian). Of course those with good wisdom roots or high comprehension may shorten their practice time.
The essence of cultivation lies in continuously awakening one’s innate nature—the speed at which power grows depends on how much one understands their nature; only through layers of understanding will power rise quickly allowing pathways to open step by step. The quality of methods practiced along with foundational strength, moral cultivation, perseverance… all greatly influence understanding one’s nature.
If one’s nature remains unawakened… then power will stagnate at some stage. Cultivating innate qi requires many years of diligent effort—only through persistent practice can realization be achieved. For those few dedicated practitioners seeking enlightenment must naturally continue awakening deeper insights gradually or suddenly realize truths over time. Naturally this requires practitioners’ verification through genuine practice.
Words from Miao De:
Worldly disturbances arise solely from the mind’s creation,
And disturbances come solely from heart entanglements.
Nature leads desires,
Spirit binds heart,
Purity brings virtue.
Greediness leads confusion,
Delusion turns upside down,
Release desires from your heart.
Transform confusion stubbornly,
Mind methods are essential,
Keep spirit always tranquil.
Throughout day or night,
Examine carefully,
Let spirit emerge cautiously.
Arise from within,
Move subtly,
Observe thoughts closely.
Hold onto this path;
Desire has no existence;
Always remain clear;
Always remain tranquil.
True constancy responds appropriately;
Desires do not disturb mind;
Objects do not disturb spirit.
Refine mind till clear;
Refine spirit till pure;
Refine qi till divine.
Mind truly tranquil;
Spirit purely unified;
Innate qi preserved.
by – Phoenix Mountain Compassion Palace