Thrice Daily

What would be an example of a specific process for you? What would be an example of a universal process?

Now I'm intrigued. Are you 100% certain imagination never gets involved. Sometimes the horse runs away with the cart no? I'm intrigued, i'd like to hear about your mental processes in practice with Dan Tien? It would be interesting to read , perhaps too subjective to gather from, perhaps not though. Generally speaking there is always something to learn. Do you do much rooting grounding practices to keep yourself stable in these experiences? I ask this as for me it's not always clear cut with sensation of energy inside the body. Quite often there is more to contend with. Teachers help to stabilise experiences for sure, it is not always clear cut though. I've been lucky to have been practicing a lot of daily qigong when I was in the presence of my martial arts teachers so was receptive. Their Chi was strong and I could feel a sense of the nature of it. I have had a great respect for my teachers in the past just as I have today. Do you have specific Neidan teacher? I do not. It's on point your comment about teachers , that I should write about it today. Yesterday I had some experiences relating to lineage connections, the quality of which took me by suprise. There is much power in respect for your teacher. And standing up for them when the time is right.

Alchemy is not fictional, is it? Following instructions of sorts without contention can be way hard. And harder still not to interupt when you witness qualities or processes of Dan tien in any given moment. You look with suprise, shock or awe and it's probably changed the sight of the Dan tien.. maybe the experience vanished in the next moment, maybe not. But how hard is it to completely step out of the way of ego?, for any period of time. So hard not to grasp at experiences, and truly go with The flow (if that is even really happening?) The Dan Tien to me is like powerful horses and carraige, with rider companions, bodyguards. And a whole collection of secret contents inside the carraige, like special guests I welcome them. The Dan Tiens are all these things and more.

I'm surprised to read that from ChiDragon. Are you allowing an element of doubt to remain to possibly account for the power of imagination in your practices?

Nice one Lukks. It's a pretty good video. He made some excellent points for beginners and die hard purists. I've been in that place of relying on internal arts only getting stronger at first and then weaker. Looking at resistance work as inferior and not complimentary. It's a dangerous attitude ing term for strength and overall health. It is for my type anyway. What I really interested in is people's experiences and routines in compliment to other internal training. Or even external martial arts and weight training as adjunct. Hope other people answer. I think because I posted on in the health section less people see it Maybe I'll ask again in general duscussion. Thanks though Lukks, I like this chap in the video. He seems like a well grounded chap.

Interesting, and makes a great deal of sense thankyou.

I’d love to know more about the dental situation. I had two back teeth taken out on the top by a lazy dentist some 10 years ago. She was more interested in the holiday the next day than my teeth. My teeth look ok at the front. I’ve had a few out at sides and back though so my smile tends to be wry I enjoyed the tail end of the race scene in the 90’s and early 2000’s but my teeth did not. Anyway getting off topic. Do you know anything specific about missing back teeth at the top and this interfering with neck? If you know more I’d love to know.Thankyou

Yes when you feel the time is right you will know, and booking into vippasana will be an unforgettable experience. I still remember the huge pot in the cold wintery morning there, filling it with jugs of boiling water then pouring the oats in as the hot water swirled round and round. Stirring pouring stirring pouring. And adding the other ingredients to the porridge very precisely . Never cooked such a big pot of oats. 100 or so people !!!! The cooking is so precise there, the measuring of rice and the spices for the dishes, it really is unforgettable sitting and serving there...

Remember reading somewhere that the mingmen is perfect point to focus on when moving. Like walking... It is better to focus on mingmen that LDT when moving. I think I also remember seeing that it can act as a collection point for all energies and is safe to receive then easily recycle if seemingly unhelpful etc.. I'm not sure where I read this , still I did it for years when our walking. I typically always chose to focus on this area, and it did feel like a collection point. Almost like a catcher sometimes. And always felt safe whatever was going on. I've always felt more grounded doing this... I'm certainly interested to try opening this area, does anyone have any more tips beside this 11 minute meditation (and taping coins to it to increase sensation sensitivity )

Very interesting. Here is some more food for thought. I remember once being told. We are setup in our visual system to focus on the horizon as level. Therefore if there are inconsistencies left or right anywhere from neck that tilts the head down on one side, The body will auto correct so we are still viewing the horizon as level. I'm otherwords, problems in the neck will have a knock on effect through the rest of the chain too. I know most people will know that, still I just wanted to share the reason behind it. As I was told... I love turtle and crane neck plus good spinal breathing . I must start doing again actually. I will do in tomorrow's practice time... Thanks Guys.

He had a long and illustrious life. I love his teachings, especially the stories in Dhammapada and also the lamrim for quick practical reference. He was fortunate to have such a long time to teach and with a Secretary no less. The only thing I'm caught up on about him is how he jumped out of the window instead of taking responsibility as a father,(must have been a bitter pull to swallow) so I heard. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

Amen to that. I had a similar experience growing up. Almost put me off for life. However there is much to gain from not throwing the baby out with the bath water. The sacraments I've not partaken in , however my partner went back to the Church and she got me to use the rosary sacrament. I've done a fair bit of qigong and meditation over the years, when I did rosary though something very very different started up. I've analysed it a little and it didn't take me much thinking to realise what a massive social qigong it is. Especially living somewhere like I do in Poland. Many many people stop of certain times of day. 3pm 9pm and pray specific rosary at precisely the same time. When you think about it just in itself that concentration and awareness of presence has a certain allure. It does for me anyway. Call it what you want, I'm not sure what to call it. I suppose many call it the holy spirit. Anyway something comes over you and it's unlike qigong or meditation awareness I've felt. I've done no Taoist ancestor worship, but I expect it may be similar. I don't know. In terms of the parables I get what you're saying. They are pretty good. And if you're pushed for time as a teacher and being hunted down in your 30s to be killed its a pretty good effort (imho possibly even the best effort) And you can't really refute the fact the message has stood the test of time. I think there is a supreme power in that. I don't think debating whether he is or isn't God or immaculately conceived is all that helpful. I cringe at how that is pushed to the forefront by the powers that be to be honest. The message is legit as far as a safe society to live is concerned, and if I was the creator of the universe and had to choose one message to really make an impact,,, it wouldn't be a bad idea. Also I think if i'd want to pick a message that comes from the source I think I'd pick that one. I dig the story of his early mates/apostles hiding and writing words down by candle light facing death if caught and the amount of people literally turned into candles because they were into the message lighting up the evening sidewalks for the Romans. That's radical that level of acceptance and I've gotta say I love it. When you really picture the activities of the times and how the values subsequently suffused into what we now regard as the West. My biggest epiphany moment though was when I realised the life of Jesus (or the end) in just so bang on with 100% pacifism like Buddhism professes in the face of such harshness. I had always kept the Buddha on the 🌙 seat of my heart, in that moment of recognition it's like it had a real face on the Buddha and gave him an identity, not only in life but in death as well.. Anyway I could go on about it all for ages, I've had a few baffling experiences (still healthily sceptical about them though) and more importantly logical thoughts about the soundness of the message and how it echoed through times hearts and minds... well one more thing before I go. The info on the Tourin shroud is very interesting. The photograph like image burnt on it. No way to create that as an artist for a hoax. There's some interesting new research that gets into the nitty gritty of it and the age of the threads it seems is consistent with that time period 30 off years AD. Whether he died and come back I don't know, or think that's important either. He made his point when he was here. Literally. Pick up the rosary and start saying our father's and hail Mary's with your eyes closed, "I double dare you". come back and tell me what you think. I was sceptical too...

reading this made me feel a bit sad. I reminded me of some time in my 20's. I came to a point where I only worked with natural breath. It helped somewhat. When I eventually gave myself the gift of vippasana this helped massively. It really gave me so much time and space to practice the art of letting go. Meditation became a more normal part of the day rather than something I was specifically doung. It became kind of mundane and that was helpful. Also practicing Anapana (simply focusing on nostrils) when stressed was really all I needed to balance back out. Did you always sit alone or have you been on group retreats with many other meditators? This is the UK centre I meditated at, they are all over the world though... uk.dhamma.org I highly recommend checking out Vippasana should you feel inclined... You don't get masses of guidance but it is a safe space to meditate in for a good period of time... May help you resolve some stuff, especially if you serve there for a course after, they like it if you can volunteer too for a course...

Lol, been there and done that. Our flight got grounded because of a Typhoon and we got stuck in Hong Kong. I think the locals found it very funny to see a westerner there in airport and outside hotel doing moving qigong (probably quite badly) I tell you though it's one thing I miss about the parks over that way. I lived in Taiwan and in Taichung parks where I lived, it was totally normal for adults to be exercising , in many ways. Walking swinging arms even when they the stop at traffic lights to cross, they have a few movements for the body instead of standing still. I miss that, and the Tai Chi in the mornings, sometimes fully robed monks would just step into the group formation in the park and show them how it's done. So graceful and powerful, such strong Chi. Or seeing the monk chanting and meditating outside of the restaurant door. Very special. no if you feel like doing a set in the park just find a quiet spot and do it... You will inspire people with your bravery I think. Be authentic, but definitely wear shades on the bus!!!

See if you can go and sit for 10 days at a Vippasana centre. Then give back by volunteering for the next 10 days. When you sit you have so much time for Metta, although that's not the main focus, you will certainly be able to generate it very well. When you work, you will have access to many books there, mostly written by Monks from the Burmese lineage (Dhamma Dipa in the UK have a great little library, hopefully all centres do) When you work you will also have many many hours opportunity to generate Metta while being in service to the others sitting. You will still get to meditate for a few hours per day too, in silence and stillness formally with the rest of the group. I highly reccomend... They have centres all over the world, here is the UK portal... uk.dhamma.org Be happy, be peaceful, be liberated...

Fair points, first 5 minutes was quite familiar. He hammers some great points home after that doesn't he. I'm of a similar mindset, just concentrate on self to the most part and certainly stick to manual treatments with no energy if not tiptop. I don't treat people hands on anymore, but I have been doing distance work and feeling a little tireder after first couple of treatments. Might be time to lay off and exclusively build up again. Thanks for sharing most helpful...

The sexual practices I find are not so problematic if I do iron shirt and six sounds afterwards. it tends to smooth things out naturally and I don't get energy stuck in head of heart. it feels important to move the body and go for a walk outside at least. The glute exercises and pc muscle exercises are very beneficial to me also, as well as breathing in earth energy and connecting more with legs than top half. (I did the opposite in my 20s to my detriment) I like to keep the energy work as secondary these days and much more stay with body physically in practice instead of drifting into other states and neglecting physical strength. Much better I find. thanks for writing back to me always interested to read other points.

I'd like to agree, many Reiki teachers are in it for the money and these quick weekends courses could be seen as a bit of a joke... That said though, level 2 in the Usui system will give some great basic understanding and practice that can develop very well. I'd say it depends how much the individual respects what he or she is doing there. I remember doing my course, I prepared by being veggie, meditated daily, cut out coffee and sugar and when I got to the weekend others were eating sugar smoking and basically taking regular chit chat. I feel they even viewed the meditations as a distraction to social time to be honest, some likely there just for something to do. It was totally different for me and I had profoundly deep experiences in that weekend that still stay with me today and guide me through my practice when and if required . So much is respect and understanding what you are doing isn't it, even if it is largely none action. And just dropping ego and being there sincerly. When I received the transmission from the teacher I realised while waiting that this is what Dr Usui had done originally and now I had this coming through hands that had similarly been prepared in this fashion , the feeling was strong . For others on the weekend not so much. I would recommend Reiki from good teacher with proven lineage just do reading yourself on history, but and this is a big but... don't start reading and practicing with symbols from level 2 3 etc without doing the training, level 1 level 2 etc and do the prep work that is laid out for you. Some people say it doesn't matter. This I disagree with. Respect the system with humbleness and prepare well for your initiation, you may be surprised what you see in your visions in the guided meditations there. Even if it is just a weekend course with coffee and cake...

Thanks Chi Dragon. I'm interested if people have problems with Reiki,is there much on this forum about it. I should have a look. This is such a great forum still by the way. It's excellent to see many members are still going strong from years back. Trunk, Joe Blast, yourself, More power to you

Are you sure Lingqi is Reiki. Also what sort of problems are certain with Reiki? If I can ask you.

I don't know , I think it's a pity you didn't try. It's like having a relationship develop with the emotional life and the organs Of course you should practice inner smile between every exhalation with sound, it's important to rest and smile down after each sound The practice can be physically demanding too if you breathe in, lower middle upper, then breathe out upper middle lower, the lower part you breathe out all and even flatten the belly to the spine, then contract and much more air, sound is released. It is very energizing I think and remember much of the practice physically is working with stretches that exercise the muscle tendons to the fingers and toes that feed the fascia around the organs. For me I find much deeper practice if I really say "thank you" to the organs specifically for how hard they work, it is a two way street , it takes time to build up sensitivity and trust to release anything other that superficial level , typically. in other cases if I have a serious real life issue that has caused extreme upset I will turn to sounds straight away, this is very useful to avoid boiling inside. Particularly I found with Anger and even potential rage, instead of turning it outward into people I sit and transform. Even extremely tough life circumstances can be quickly resolved, at least emotionally , with this practice... I don't think telling yourself to do every sound every day 6 or more times is that helpful, sometimes it gets tiring or you can be pushed for time. I try to do three sounds each at least for lungs and liver and always finish off with triple heater. A little every day is worth much more to me than a lot every once in a while. You will get stronger not only emotionally but also in your muscles and tendons, you will see if you practice every day. I highly recommend . Mantak Chia book Six Healing Sounds used to come with a cd. I think so anyway, I remember the voice, breath in lower middle upper, breathe out upper middle lower. It was very powerfully portrayed on the cd and without it I probably would have done it half as strongly and probably got way less out of it. the visualization on the cd was helpful to learn too. After you learned though no need. It will only serve to distract you. hope you try, all the best.

A thought just occurred that it might be an interesting thread to see what kind of ways you Daobums fit different practices into your day? What kind of none negotiables do you have and how do you fit your Taoist practices with regular life. One example I have is if I have a movie on , I'll only sit for around ten minutes then I have to get up and does some martial arts drills while watching the film. I'll usually pick up the sticks and do some sinwali heaven's six. What kind of sequences do you have in your day to make sure you have continuity of practices?

I've got to chip in. I've meditated years, been into plenty of deep states of bliss and tranquility. My partner turned back to Catholic faith and I went along for the ride, started praying a little. Just my experience but something else switches on in prayer, worship is very distinctive to the Taoist and Buddhist meditations I've done. I've come to accept that Catholicism has a deeply mystical component that is very easy to tap into. Not for the faint hearted though. Although trails and tribulations didn't turn me on to the idea of a God. The experience of prayer though I've found undeniably powerful. It seems to help my Qigong as well , for now though I keep them largely separate and only pray in the darkness of the night. Side note, I still think it's good to be grounded though and do an earthing practice before prayer. Think it's safer for heart energy, akin to distance Reiki type concentration. Better to be deeply grounded before even thinking about it... Imho

Totally agree, gets tough in the 20s especially being highly attuned/analytical . Hit the gym build a strong body. Hard training first. Shelf the sexual practices, if you can...