Taoist Communities

[TricksterTao]

I am here to seek advice on the physical cleansing process of this body, a means to tune the body like an instrument so I may learn to play is beautifully and properly and share songs (life experiences) with others. Can any folks here refer advice on a beginners cleansing process and the concepts of Bi-gu and water fasting. Also I am looking to live with a taoist community(eastern north america), are there any places in states folks can cheaply become apart of? Thank you all look forward to participating in a spectrum of dicussions with Ya'll

 

[thelerner]

Welcome to the bums. I've done some fasting via Daniel Reid's book The Tao of Health, Sex and Longevity. His method has you taking in some psyllium seed, volcanic ash, lemon juice and a bit of maple syrup, so its way easier then water fasting. Maybe even more cleansing. Bigu is pretty extreme and imo for very advanced practitioners. Some people fool themselves and the practice makes them progressively weaker and unhealthier.

 

In an interview with Lily Soiu (Diary of the Way), an advanced teacher who thought it was best to fall into it naturally, ie she'd go a few days without eating, because she was busy. She didn't consciously practice Bigu, she'd just follow her body's signals.

[thelerner]

This site has a fascinating article on Bigu.

 

http://longmenpai.eu/2012/12/taoist-retreat-bi-gu/

from article:

There are 3 essential types of Bi Gu.

1. Bi Shen Gu (辟神谷): If one fasts and is sustained with Qi but is not successful in retrieving one’s Shen, then it is not considered a proper retreat. Thus the key objective of this type of retreat is to cause the Shen to return to one’s body at will (收神, 神归己). One of the most accomplished practitioners of this type of retreat is Master Zhang San Feng (张三丰). The Shen is divided into Shi Shen (识神) which is loosely translated as post natal Shen, and Yuan Shen (元神) which refers to pre-natal Shen. More precisely, we want to still or seal off the Shi Shen so that the Yuan Shen is brought out. This is referenced in the Dao De Jing (道德经) as sealing the Gu Shen (谷神), the Gu Shen that “does not die” (谷神不死) . When one speaks of the coming out of the Yang Shen (阳神出壳), it implies that the Shi Shen is completely sealed off and the practitioner is able to inter-change and transform the 3 different energies at will. This is the highest level of attainment in Bi Gu.
2. Qi Gu (辟气谷): If one fasts but is not able to be sustained by Qi, then this is not considered a proper retreat. This Qi is mentioned in the Dao De Jing (道德经) and Master Zhang Zi Yang (张紫阳) is perhaps the best in this type of Qi practice. Sealing off the external Qi means to shut off the Cosmic Energy from the body and sealing off the internal Qi is to turn the body into a receptacle for Cosmic Energy. The next stage is to become independent of the Cosmic Qi and internal Qi. At this stage, you will develop certain abilities to perform real work. In reality, the three types of Qi – the external Qi, the internal body Qi and the Qi that is projected outside from within the body – are continuously being inter-changed and transformed during one’s spiritual development. Each type of Qi is represented by a different Chinese character although they have the same Chinese pronunciation.
3. Bi Jing Gu (辟精谷): This is also referenced in the Dao De Jing (道德经). Master Lv Zhu (吕祖) said that not consuming food in itself is not considered Bi Gu. There is internal Jing and external Jing. External Jing refers to external food that is introduced into the body, e.g., grains, food. And these foods can be categorized according to the 5 elements (5 tastes) that will ultimately nourish the corresponding internal organs. From this insight, we will be able to nourish our Qi (for purposes of Jing Qi, Shen Qi or physical stamina). Internal Jing is further divided into 5 types, so the practitioner is well positioned if he is sensitive enough to know which meridian to work on, which meridian to seal off and which meridian to open up.

Actually, these 3 types of Bi Gu are inseparable. If you do not consume any food, then your Shen needs to rule and be in charge. Our Shen regulates the function of our internal organs and the movements of the meridians so that the internal organs produce more internal Qi. If we have sufficient internal Qi, then we will be able to overcome feelings of hunger and greatly reduce the possibility of any potential problem. Therefore it is important for one to be aware of these things and to consciously conserve the internal Qi the day before the Bi Gu starts. The following day, this internal Qi can be released and inter-mingled with the cosmic energy before being retrieved back into the body. In the beginning this is accomplished by the Shi Shen since the Yuan Shen is not yet at our beck and call. So we need to initiate with the Shi Shen to activate and lead the Yuan Shen.

[ChiDragon]

Don't be so complicated. Just practice Chi Kung with the UMB which will enhance all the internal functions and the physical cleansing process of the body. It is the most natural and economical way.


Note:
UMB: the Ultimate Method of Breathing.