steve

I will conclude the answer to my question is no, you have not studied neidan with a teacher. Thank you for sharing your personal conclusions on neidan, all perspectives have value to me.

Hi @ChiDragon, I have a genuine question for you. I don't mean any disrespect but your answer will help me understand your positions related to neidan. I believe you've posted here that you have studied taijiquan with a teacher at some point. My questions is, have you ever studied neidan or other forms of neigong (other than taijiquan) with a teacher? If so, can you share what system or lineage? I'm trying to understand where the "original Taoist method of Neidan" is coming from. Thank you

Temporarily

Not if you’ve mastered fetal breathing! 😉

I got cake, weed, and arrested! 🤣

This would definitely add to the quality of discussion. It may also encourage more detailed sharing. That would be fun.

I had the same experience. Our instruction in nearly all practices was to allow the breath to breath itself naturally, no modification or control involved. That said, changes in the breath do occur over time as one continues to practice.

In my experience they can be intentional, spontaneous, or a combination of both. Although my spontaneous mode of breathing is primarily abdominal. How about you?

Yes, for sure when reading this sort of information we can feel provoked or offended and react accordingly. Alternatively, we can consider it simply as entertainment rather than education and leave it be. That has become my approach, when possible. It's just not worth the effort and energy required to argue, knowing rational discussion will not change certain people's opinions. If we are coming here or use AI to learn about how to practice neidan, we have already lost, IMO. On the other hand, we can learn something about ourselves and our ideas when confronted with opposing ideas, no matter how ridiculous or far-fetched they may seem. I think there is some degree of truth and wisdom in bringing neidan and Daoist concepts down to Earth and into our own lived experience, something ChiDragon's perspective can remind us of. Is every neidan text and teaching simply asking us to sit quietly and breath intentionally? Of course not. Having had a dozen years of instruction and correction from a credible teacher, I have my own opinions and understanding, but I do think that many people tend to create mystery and distance between themselves and their views and practice, particularly in Daoist practices and in Chinese internal martial arts.

I don't think that is accurate. Breathing is a bodily functions that can occur with or without intention, attention, or engagement of any sort. Breathing occurs naturally and spontaneously, even in deep sleep or when unconscious. Intention can be used to override reflexive breathing but is not required.

Someone very close to me is a Satanist and an active member of The Satanic Temple. He is one of the more authentic and compassionate people I know. https://thesatanictemple.com/

Merry Christmas to all of my Christian friends! May the holiday spirit bring unconditional joy, good health, and peace into your lives. And may we come closer in the coming year to a life of peace and mutual understanding.

More your ideas, interpretations, and the tenor of your presentation, not you personally for the most part I think. You have your interpretation and ideas, others may hold different ones. When it comes to this type of material, some have a great deal invested. It is not surprising people get reactive when told they are completely wrong, especially when the subject matter is close to their heart, and it works in both directions. I think disagreement is healthy and can lead to deeper understanding if everyone can interact with respect.

Because they love music too! Like the Dao, music is universal.