The Fundamentals of Returning to the Source: Embryonic Breathing

Post Date:December 10, 2009

Embryonic Breathing is an ancient Taoist meditation technique of generating Chi (Qi, energy of the body) and melding it with Shen (the spirit, mind) for health and spiritual cultivation.  The benefits include minimizing stress through deep diaphragmatic breathing, bolstering the immune system, and cultivating Samadhi (Prajna, sustained mindfulness).  This technique requires consistent practice in order to maximize all of the benefits.  The following materials comprise a thumbnail sketch of how to practice this meditation technique.  As Ancestor Lu writes, “It is necessary, however, to seek elevated Real People to indicate to you the hidden subtleties in order that the proper results be attained.”  This sketch of the fundamentals is meant to be used only in concert with instruction from an Internal Arts expert.

Textual References

“If you want to understand the hammer and tongs of transcendence, you need the forge and bellows of an adept.”  Forty-Third Case, Blue Cliff Records

“Returning to the root is called stillness
Stillness is called return to Life,
Return to Life is called the constant;
Knowing the constant is called enlightenment.”
    --Tao-te Ching

“The energy of heaven is the higher soul, the energy of earth is the lower soul.  Return them to their mystic chamber, so each is in its place.  Keep watch over them and do not lose them; you will be connected to absolute unity above, and the vitality of absolute unity is connected to heaven.”  Huai-nan-tzu



The Physical Fundamentals

•    Meditative Posture
•    Breathing:  Taoist/Buddhist
•    Breathing:  Guardian Chi/Storing Chi
•    Appropriate Seasons and Times of Day:  Nourish/Release Chi

The Fundamental Techniques

1.    Calm Xin with Buddhist Breathing
2.    Locate Upper and Lower Dantians (yin/yang)
3.    Condense the Spirit with Taoist Breathing
4.    Lead Shen/Chi to Real Dantian
5.    Unite Shen and Chi at the Real Dantian
6.    Massage: straight right to left, circular, firm shake

Comments