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Taoist sexual practices

Improving in the Art of Tao is an indirect indication away from the Great Path, but when actually acquiring the fullness of life properties, this is guessed. Afterwards, it is quite possible to find your own path to True Accomplishment. We are not able to take even a step in spiritual development. What we call spiritual development is, in fact, only further entanglement in the snares of the discriminating mind. Essentially, if we truly have a desire to develop spiritually, we first need to understand the tricks of mechanical thinking. By opposing him, we only contribute to the improvement of his tricks and lose our last chance, falling into daydreaming or, even worse, into laziness and drowsiness. Therefore, when starting to practice, it is best to avoid fighting it altogether.

By focusing on practice, it will be more effective to pay attention to simple and accessible details, such as breathing or body position, completely forgetting about fighting or philosophizing on Taoist topics. When improving in such simple things, one should pay attention to physical culture, avoiding societies where idle ranting occurs. In the process of practice, no small detail should be neglected - this is to allow the body to be purified and prepared for further advancement.

However, practice physical exercise beneficial only for the physical body, but not for the mind. Therefore, it is necessary to follow a method that takes care of both the body and the mind at the same time, and in this regard, nothing can surpass the technique known as “Small Heavenly Circle” (xiao zhou tian). Very often this method is confused with the actual acquisition of the Great Path, but this is not so. The actual acquisition lies much further than one can imagine, and the “Little Heavenly Path” has a faint hint towards this. And yet, many Taoists practice free circulation of the Life Principle in the main vessels of the body and really grasp the essence, or find themselves very close to it. The “Small Heavenly Circle” method is very ancient and includes the energization of the Life Principle, which has hitherto been dormant, in order to put it into the bodily current circuits - to harmonize the body with the mind and unite them with each other. After some time of practice, one can form Inner Cinnabar, which has all the properties for further ascent and distillation.

We offer below a short text about the “Small Heavenly Circle” technique, taken from “Yi Fang Ji Jie,” which contains many Taoist terms that require, for their understanding, some practice experience and deep theoretical understanding.

Microcosmic Orbit Technique.

First, stop the thought process. Adjust your mind and sit facing east with your legs crossed. Set your inhalations and exhalations and place your brush right hand to the left, pulling them close to the stomach below the navel. Click your bottom teeth against your top teeth 36 times to stabilize your body and spirit. Let the "Red Dragon stir the sea" 36 times to make saliva flow profusely, directing your eyes inward to follow the Dragon ("Red Dragon" is the tongue). Saliva will reduce the drying effect of heat when qi rises.

More quick way, salivation is as follows: roll your tongue back as far as possible, touch the roof of your mouth with it. Calm your mind and count your breaths 360 times. When your mouth is full of Divine Water, repeat this several times. Perform 4 steps to ensure free passage of the Life Origin into the Ren-mo channel through the tailbone into the Middle Gate in the middle of the lower back, and then along the spine, where the Life Origin moves faster. (4th actions: pressing, touching, closing and inhaling. Pressing the anus to ensure the free passage of qi through the tailbone; touching the palate with the tongue - to form a bridge connecting the psychic centers in the head with the centers in the neck and chest; closing the eyes - to control mind and pushing qi; inhale without exhaling - to avoid dissipation of Vital Energy).

Then close your eyes, turn them upward, inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath until the “Jade Pillar” (i.e., the back of the head) is drilled. And then the Life Origin will be, as it were, forcibly pushed by the power of vision, will rise along the Central Channel, surround the “Kunlun Peak” (crown) and descend to the “Magpie Place” (tongue). Now swallow a third of the saliva, which should follow the Life Origin down to the “Brilliant Palace” (heart), before returning to the “Ocean of Chi Breath” (lower abdomen). Wait a moment and repeat this exercise 2nd and 3rd time to create a total of 3 current paths. This is called "Reverse Flow of Heavenly Stream."

Rest a little and rub your lower abdomen with your hands 180 times. When you remove your hands, place a warm blanket on your navel and lower abdomen so as not to expose them to cold air. The ancients said: “The secret of Immortality is to preserve heat in the “Elixir Field” (lower abdomen).” Then rub the back sides thumbs each other until they become hot, and rub your eyes with them 14 times. to extinguish the “fire” in the heart; Rub your nose 36 times to refresh your lungs, your ears 14 times to strengthen your spleen. Cover your ears with your palms and listen to the “Heavenly Drum”.

Then raise your hands above your head, bringing your palms together (combining the flow of chi in both hands and forming another circuit of current around the body), as if you were welcoming Heaven. Do this 3 times and slowly exhale the unclean air, then inhale clean air. 4 or 5 times. Finally, grab your shoulders with crossed arms, shaking them several times to strengthen your nerves and bones. Finish by rubbing the “Jade Pillow” (back of the head) 24 times, the lower back and middle of the soles 180 times. Since the above was incomprehensible without further commentary and explanation, this excellent Taoist Technique was forgotten in China, where people were not inclined to follow it. In my youth, I also did not want to read Taoist Books, which, like the Chan texts, seemed strange and incomprehensible.

Self-medication.

I was never in good health before meditation and received only temporary relief from doctors and herbalists. My heart and stomach were weak and I often fainted and suffered from rheumatism several times a year. When I was young, I suffered an abject failure in the practice of Tian Tai meditation, but I continued to focus on the lower abdomen even while walking on the streets, and this probably allowed me to accumulate qi. I then practiced a Hindu set of breathing exercises to accumulate the Life Principle in the solar plexus. Practicing Hua Tuo made me forget about my illnesses. I sat for a long time desk, translating Chinese texts, and sometimes felt tired, almost exhausted. Five minutes of yoga exercises restored my strength, and I could continue working again. It cured my rheumatism and gave immediate relief not only after waking from sleep, but also from the terrible Asian flu many years ago.

When the qi began to operate in my body, I felt it penetrate into every organ, bone, nerve and muscle; hence the 8 physical sensations described above. One day, my very weak heart was pierced from all sides by needles, and its weakness disappeared like a dream. My appetite exceeded all norms, and every day, in addition to my usual 3 meals a day, I needed three more to cope with the involuntary movements that cause profuse sweat during meditation.

Substitutes for daily walks.

Since I lived more or less in seclusion to control my mind, and did not go out more than twice a month to cut my hair, the lack of exercise became a serious problem. I solved it with the following Taoist exercise. Two or three times a day, standing on parallel feet about 8 inches apart, I turned my stomach and buttocks to the left and right, a hundred times in each direction. This is a simple exercise, equivalent to a short walk along the street, for it activates the lower limbs, and was a necessary addition to my involuntary movements.

Ancient medical science.

In ancient times, one who practiced medicine was tested in the art of self-medication before he could treat others. The art consisted of transferring the psychic power of the doctor to his patients to energize their inner qi and remove all obstacles in their bodies, thereby restoring health. Even today this method is still practiced, but experienced Taoists are extremely rare and hard to come by, for they do not seek fame or fortune and shun skeptics and blasphemers.

Acupuncture and moxibustion.

For the above reason, ancient thinkers developed a medical science based on Nei Jin, oldest book on the art of healing, which was compiled by Qi Bei, a minister and famous doctor, by order of Emperor Huang Di, also experienced in this science. This method of treatment is carried out by acupuncture and moxibustion, which removes obstacles in the organic and psychic centers.

We already know that the heat of chi causes vibrations that open the psychic channels and remove all obstructive impurities in the psychic centers. Since the patients were inexperienced and unable to accumulate the Vital Origin to produce the required heat, they invented special means for these purposes; a silver needle was used to pierce the skin over a blocked psychic center, thereby restoring its vitality and removing blockages - the cause of the disease. If the injection was accurate, the disease immediately disappeared.

According to the ancients, silver softens, and cotton wool is antiseptic for cauterizing the skin. However, the doctor had to know very well the art of diagnosing diseases, the exact location of psychic centers and the channels connecting them. There are books on acupuncture and moxibustion, bronze statues depicting the psychic body with marks on it of psychic centers and channels.

Techniques for natural exchange of qi according to the Taoist Encyclopedia “Ling Bao Tong”.

These techniques belong to auxiliary practices according to the tradition of Taoist Teaching. They are also called “Natural Qi Inhalation Techniques.” They received this name because the use of these techniques is not limited by either place or time. However, Taoists recommend that for practicing “Natural Qi Inhalation Techniques” you choose those places where there are a lot of flowers and herbs, trees, and maybe there is a lake or river where fresh air and the birds sing. The essence of the techniques is to combine natural walking with breathing and imagination. For example, you take one breath and walk three steps, exhale - three more steps. When such walking and such breathing become more or less natural, the load increases: for one inhalation - six steps, for one exhalation - six more. And so, gradually, the number of steps increases to twelve or twenty-four for each inhalation and exhalation, while inhalation and gait remain as light and natural, there is no tension or feeling of discomfort.

When you master this technique, you begin to master another, more complex one: inhale for three steps. then hold your breath for three steps, exhale for three steps and hold again for three steps. In this case, the person breathes according to the “inhale - hold - exhale - hold” pattern, while walking is uniform and natural. And this is repeated over and over again with a constant increase in the load: inhale—six steps, hold your breath—six steps, exhale—six steps, hold your breath—six steps, etc. up to 12 or even 24 steps.

This combination of qi movement and walking must be accompanied by appropriate visualizations. When inhaling, one must imagine that the Life Origin is absorbed from all sides by the surface of the skin, and when exhaling, that the Life Origin is emitted by the skin of the entire body through the pores in all directions. When you hold your breath after inhaling, you need to imagine that your whole body forms one whole, and when you hold your breath after exhaling, you need to imagine that you are flying in the clouds.

Spirit over matter.

The ancients called for the improvement of the Spirit and the mastery of matter. The Great Spirit comes from the Life Principle if it is able to flow freely through its psychic channels. Whoever can make qi circulate like this is free from disease. The best voices come from the singer's belly, because his belly is full of the Life Principle. In boxing, physical strength cannot compare with the hidden power of qi, which makes it possible little man defeat the big one. In ancient times, Enlightened Masters lived without fear in the mountains where there were wild animals, because the mighty psychic waves from their strong minds overcame all hostility. When Xing Chang came with a sword to kill Hui Neng, the Patriarch stretched out his neck to receive the fatal blow; the killer struck three times with his sword, but failed to cause any harm and, struck, fell to the ground.

The late Master Chan Xu Yun was returning to China from Burma with the Jade Buddha. The porters believed that the statue contained gems and, passing through a populated area, they placed the burden on the ground and refused to carry it further unless the Teacher gave them a significant reward. Seeing a large boulder next to the road. The teacher pointed to him and asked if he was lighter than the statue? Then he moved the boulder with his hands, and the porters were so afraid that they meekly carried the Buddha to the place. There was nothing miraculous in this, since Xu Yun only used the power of the Life Origin. In her book “The Mystics and Magicians of Tibet,” Mrs. Alexandra David Neel talks about an ascetic who was dissatisfied with the disrespectful behavior of her interpreter and, without getting up, used her psychic power, “pushing” the interpreter hard, so that he staggered and fell on the wall; she did not see the hermit do anything, but the interpreter felt that he had received a terrible blow.

A friend of mine who began his Taoist meditation as a child could kick a 135-pound bag of rice several feet. Several years ago, a young Taoist healed his father by transferring his psychic power to him.

Rejuvenation and immortality.

Rejuvenation is the first goal of Taoist training, Immortality is its ultimate goal. Taoist practice requires a healthy mind in a healthy body, as the student must be in excellent health to undergo difficult training. Such health comes from the perfect harmony of the Life Principle, that is, the harmony of the elements of fire and water and the human body. When fire is in excess compared to water, there will be tears, dry throat, thirst, difficulty breathing and dizziness. For this reason, Chan practitioners drink more tea than most people and sometimes drink soothing herbal drinks to reduce the effects of the fire element. Taoist disciples move their tongues inside the mouth to produce copious amounts of saliva, which is swallowed to reduce the withering heat of the qi. Only then can rejuvenation and good health when the elements of fire and water in the body are in balance and harmony.

If rejuvenation is achieved, life expectancy easily exceeds the normal 70-year limit. Experienced Taoists know in advance the time of their death and can leave this world whenever they please. When they meet, they easily recognize each other by the red glow on their faces, indicating their spiritual and physical achievements. However, Immortality, which all Taoists seek, also has, according to the Teachings of the Buddha, its limit, for immortality and mortality are the two extremes of duality, which has no place in the Absolute State. The Shurangama Sutra contains 9 classes of Immortals, who, although they live for thousands and tens of thousands of years, are not yet free from the illusion of space and time, and therefore are not able to escape the Wheel of Birth and Death. They usually leave their physical bodies in caves high in the mountains, and their consciousnesses wander in the Great Void, enjoying the freedom and happiness that implies the existence of an object and a subject.

Introduction to Taoist "Bed Secrets"

Unlike the Indian Kama Sutra and all Western books on sex, which have become extremely popular and deal exclusively with sexual intercourse, traditional Taoist “Bed Books” were created with the purpose of studying sexual health and longevity. They discuss how to structure a sexual relationship in such a way that:

They contributed to the health and longevity of the body and spirit of men and women;

The love game was attractive and brought pleasure to both partners.

In addition, the Taoist “Bed Books” contain information:

About special sexual massage, methods of penile insertion and control of ejaculation;

About exercises to keep the sexual organs in order to increase sexual potency and stamina, as well as to strengthen the nervous system and lymphatic system;

About how to turn sexual energy and orgasm and return them to the brain.

This rich experience in the art of using sexual energy to promote health and prolong life is the most unique and valuable contribution of Taoist culture to the understanding of sexual balance between men and women for the benefit of all mankind.

When Western civilization discovered China some 800 years ago, their ignorance, puritanism and prejudice unfortunately prevented serious study of the “traditional Taoist bed secrets.” Otherwise, they would now be as popular throughout the world as Chinese medicine or cuisine. In traditional Taoist dwellings, in each bedroom there were several copies of erotic “Bed Books”, in which one could find useful advice before or during sexual intercourse. These books were called “bed books” because they were usually placed on a pillow near the bed so that they were always at hand if necessary.

The role of “Bed Books” in ancient sexual life Chinese culture can be illustrated by the following passage from a poem by Zeng Hu (78–139 BC):

“I cleaned the pillow and mattress and filled the lamp with precious incense. Let us now lock the double doors with the golden bolt and light the lamp so that it fills the room with its radiance. I took off my clothes, washed the paint and powder off my face, and hung the scroll with the picture on one side of the pillow. I will take the Light Girl as my mentor, and together we will try all the different poses, those that an ordinary husband rarely sees, those that Tian-Lao (“Light Girl”) teaches to the Yellow Emperor.”

This poem is replete with information about sex life in ancient China.

The first line refers to the importance of hygiene, and the second suggests that the Tao had a tradition of creating a special atmosphere of love, when the room and bed linen were fumigated with precious incense.

In addition, the poem hints at the need for privacy when partners make love under the light of a lamp.

All these items were not the exclusive prerogative of Tao adherents. They were practiced by the entire Chinese population - even the most conservative representatives of the Confucian bureaucracy! Unfortunately, these techniques are no longer available to the people of modern China, since there are only a few Taoist masters left who pass on the knowledge of sexual balance to their students.

Poetry and aesthetics of terminology denoting sexual organs

The most imaginative and aesthetically pleasing aspects of Taoist bed secrets are the poetic terms used to describe the sexual organs and various sexual acts. In contrast to the Western tradition, where it is customary to use purely medical or vulgar terms for the same purposes, the poetic informal expressions of Tao evoke associations with romantic feelings and innocence. This picturesque language has an extremely positive effect on the atmosphere in which the love game takes place. Moreover, this special informal language allows Chinese poets and prose writers to describe sexual scenes in detail without hurting the ears of sensitive readers, without contradicting religious rules or violating literary conventions. As an example, listed below are various phrases associated with the expression "clouds and rain", which in Chinese is a paraphrase of the act of love.

“Clouds” symbolize the gathering storm of the feminine essence.

Rain" represents the ejaculation of male seed.

The “clouds” gathered, but the “rain” did not come.

After the “rain” fell, the “clouds” cleared.

Light “rain”, “heavy downpour”, etc.

People who gravitate towards figurative language and the aesthetic expression of sexuality, Taoist formulations can be of assistance when they want to talk to their partner about this “taboo topic” and enjoy the sexual act. To awaken erotic desire, it is very useful to use positively colored and tender expressions when applied to the genitals. Accordingly, lovers all over the world give each other's sexual organs gentle, sometimes diminutive and pet names. If a couple invents individual pet names for their genitals, this helps increase intimacy love relationship and helps to better understand each other’s erogenous zones. In the Taoist tradition, the male sexual organ, the penis, is called the “jade stem” or “yang sequence,” which is the personification of the cosmic creative force that commands respect. Since the male sexual organ protrudes and changes appearance depending on its condition, it can be thought of as having a character of its own. The female reproductive organ, the vagina, is called the “jade gate” or “yin sequence.” This is the entrance to nature's "sacred palace of life", the personification of conception. A couple in love can bring creativity and harmony into the “palace of joy and life” and inside it they can worship God, the creator of all things.

Adherents of Tao almost never give their real age, because they believe that it does not matter. Instead of counting birthdays, Taoists measure their lives in breaths, heartbeats and, for men, the number of ejaculations. They believe that earthly life a person comes to an end when the number of breaths and heartbeats allotted to him is exhausted. Therefore, they try to slow down the pace of life in order to extend their earthly life. People who rush around trying to accomplish as much as possible in every moment of life will not even be able to reach the expected human limit of a hundred years.

One of the most striking examples of longevity is the Chinese herbalist and adherent of Taoism Li Ching-yuen, who throughout his long and active life did not lose youthful strength, sexual potency and excellent health. Master Li Ching-yuen died in 1933, shortly after taking his twenty-fourth wife into the house!

In China it is considered historical fact that he was born in 1677. If this is true, it turns out that he was 256 years old at the time of his death. Until his death he had his own teeth and hair. People who knew him claimed that even at 200 years old he looked no older than fifty.

Master Li Ching-yuen left advice for those who wish to follow his example. In his life he was guided by three basic rules:

1. Never rush in life

Do everything measuredly. Don't be nervous, take everything calmly and use the time as you need it. He instructed his students: one should always be sure that the heart beats calmly; sit still like a turtle; move as quickly as a bird; sleep lightly, like a dog.

2. Avoid excessive emotions

Strong emotional outbursts should be avoided, especially as you age. Nothing deprives the body of its energy so quickly and nothing disrupts the functional harmony of the internal organs more quickly than violent emotional outbursts. As a result, stagnation forms in the three main detoxification “stations” - the kidneys, liver and lungs.

3. Do qigong exercises every day

Do qigong exercises regularly. The duration and intensity of such therapeutic programs are less important than their regularity, while the qigong master selects the appropriate exercises for you. He considered the “Deer”, “Crane” and “Turtle” exercises to be the most outstanding qigong exercises.

In addition, Li Ching-yuen gives three more tips regarding nutrition:

Avoid eating too much on hot summer evenings as this causes your blood and energy to stagnate.

Eat large portions of nutritious foods on cold winter days as this will provide the body with the essence and energy it needs to stay warm in cold weather.

Eat mostly vegetables and also take herbs that increase your lifespan.

The herbs recommended by Li Ching-yuan are almost exclusively ginseng, the root of longevity, and a rather obscure plant with botanical name Hydrocoryle Aratica minor, a modest member of the swamp cytofolia family that grows in the tropical swamps (marshes) of Asia. This plant contains a strong alkaloid that has an intense life-giving effect on the nervous system, brain cells and the endocrine system.

The theory of the “four seasons” can help us adapt our diet to the rhythms of spring, summer, autumn and winter:

In spring, energy moves in an upward direction(tree, wind, moderate, mild): peaches, pears, almonds, spring onions, chives, leeks, garden parsley, bananas, plums, apples, carrots, apricots, gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc. d.

In summer, energy moves outward(fire, heat, cool): melon, peppermint, ginger, basil, zucchini, eggplant, coriander, lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, garlic, grapefruit, bok choy, spinach, asparagus (until June 21), coconuts.

In autumn, energy moves in a downward direction(metal, dryness, moisture): oranges, beans (beans), crystalline sugar, potatoes, onions, lemons, grapes, beets, rice, peas.

In winter, energy moves inward(water, cold, hot): chestnuts, peanuts, pepperoni, chili, pepper, sesame oil, plantain, honey.

Chapter 1. Taoist practice

Many thousands of years ago, Taoist sages chose three animals that were famous for their longevity. One of these animals was the deer, which had extraordinary sexual and reproductive powers. The Tao masters carefully observed the habits of the deer and noticed how he, constantly wagging his tail, “trained” and strengthened his anus. This principle provides increased sexual stimulation, and the Taoists applied it to humans. This is how the so-called “deer” exercise came about, which can be of immeasurable value for the health of people of both sexes. An indication of our age is the number of years we have lived until now. However, a person's true age is biological age. It does not depend on the number of years lived, since it reflects the state of health of the human body, as well as possible morphological changes in the skeleton and bone structure. One of the most important indicators of biological age is the condition of the anus, which refers to the elasticity of the muscle that compresses the anus. This muscle, also called the pubococcygeus muscle - the muscle of rejuvenation or love, belongs to the same energy system as the gonads. If the gonads are strong, the pubococcygeus muscle will also be strong; conversely, an untrained anal constrictor muscle will weaken the gonads. To a small child it is difficult to insert anything into the anus, even if it is a narrow thermometer. The baby's anus remains tightly compressed until the need to empty the hollow organs arises. In other cases, it remains closed, which is a sign of stable health. On the other hand, the constrictor muscle of the anus in an adult is somewhat weakened, since the anus and perineum gradually lose their former elasticity. As a result, the pubococcygeus muscle is also weakened. The anus can become so flaccid and weakened that some people find it difficult to stop themselves from spontaneously releasing urine and feces in cases of flatulence or severe coughing or sneezing. Further problems associated with this are significant problems related to sexual stimulation, or long-term impotence in men and frigidity in women. The higher the biological age of a person, the weaker his anal muscle, ability to move and concentration. This is why the ancient Taoist sages created the deer exercise to give people the chance to significantly reduce their biological age. We can rejuvenate ourselves by starting to exercise the pubococcygeus muscle regularly again.

The effect of the “deer” exercise on the body

The “deer” exercise develops the tissue of the genital organs, removes harmful gases from the body and helps avoid constipation. In addition, it trains the urogenital diaphragm and massages the prostate gland in men. The development of hemorrhoids is prevented because this exercise drains spent blood from the anal sphincter and the muscles connected to it, dissipating stagnant energy and blood in these important areas. Moreover, the deer exercise helps men gain control over their genitourinary canal, which can be very helpful in controlling ejaculation. It also helps women develop conscious control over the “love muscle” of the jade gate. In addition, this exercise helps prevent prolapse of the anus and uterine prolapse (hysteroptosis). For pregnant women, this exercise is a good opportunity to prepare their muscles and ligaments for future childbirth. Another result of doing the deer exercise is that life energy moves through six of the seven glands up into the pineal gland. Since it is a hormonal pathway leading from the prostate gland through the kidneys to the other glands, it also intensifies spirituality. At the same time, blood circulation in the gastric region increases. In turn, the sudden congestion of the blood moves the nutrients and energy of the semen to the rest of the body. When energy is brought into the pineal gland through the stag exercise, we feel a slight shiver or tickle. This sensation spreads upward from the sacrum along the spinal column and reaches the head. The feeling is somewhat reminiscent of an orgasm. The more you practice, the higher your sensitivity will become. The deer exercise can significantly change your emotional/mental attitude towards your own body.

The next benefit of doing the deer exercise is related to the endocrine system, which independently releases blocked areas. So if one of the seven glands is not functioning properly, the energy flow stops in that gland. This indicates a weakness in the circulation of energy in the endocrine system, which rises from below from the gonads to the adrenal glands, pancreas, thymus, thyroid glands, pituitary gland and pineal gland. The flow of energy will only be able to reach the blocked gland and will then begin to stagnate at that point until the blocked gland begins to function properly again. Such “blockages” can be relieved with the help of the “deer” exercise, which will help restore the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the previously blocked gland. As a result, the normal functioning of all seven glands will be restored. Everyone is able to feel a new surge of energy within themselves. Perhaps the most significant and effective type of stimulation that the deer exercise can provide a man is the development of a man's sexual potency and the ability to prolong sexual intercourse at will, postponing the moment of orgasm as long as possible. During normal sexual intercourse, which can be compared to a kettle hanging directly over a fire, the water in which begins to boil, the prostate gland swells to maximum size until the very moment of ejaculation. During ejaculation, the prostate gland releases its contents through several contractions, producing an action somewhat reminiscent of an explosion.

With this, the sexual act ends, since there is nothing left to empty, nothing can cause contraction and prolong the erection. The man feels empty and cannot continue sexual intercourse. We can say that the man experienced a “little death.” Metaphorically speaking, the act of ejaculation usually plunges a man into an abyss of exhaustion, emptiness, depression, guilt, anger or hunger. He becomes nervous and weak, losing some of his youthful strength. This is also the reason why women live on average 10 years longer than men.

However, if a man performs the “deer” exercise and learns to release the contents of the prostate gland in small portions, but in the opposite direction - that is, inward and upward, towards other glands and blood vessels - he can prolong not only sexual intercourse, but also a specific biological age. Without performing the “deer” exercise, it is dangerous to interrupt a male orgasm or try to delay its moment using conventional Western methods. Such methods allow the prostate gland to remain stretched for too long until the semen is carried away by the blood. This occurs because ejaculation of semen and emptying of the prostate gland does not occur. In a sense, the prostate gland can be compared to a rubber hose (sleeve). It needs to return to its original flexibility, otherwise it will stretch greatly and lose its elasticity. An overstretched, inflexible prostate gland will not be able to function properly. She won't be able to clench and relax anymore. In the end it will become weak and unable to function; the ability to have an erection will be lost and the man will become impotent. Regularly performing the “deer” exercise not only allows you to prolong orgasm and sexual intercourse, but also protects the prostate gland, strengthens its muscular strength so that it is able to regenerate, and a man restores his sexual potency even in case of illness. Squeezing the anal muscle puts slight pressure—like a gentle massage—on the prostate gland, as the anus acts as a small motor that drives the prostate gland. With such stimulation, the prostate gland begins to secrete hormones, endorphins and other stimulants that increase the emotional level. When the prostate gland begins to shrink sharply, the man even feels a slight orgasm. Alternate tension and relaxation of the anal and pelvic muscles during the “deer” exercise leads to increased physical strength and endurance, and without any doping! Using this natural method, elite athletes can achieve much higher and longer-lasting results without harming the body and maintaining the balance of the nervous system.

The Stag Exercise and Premature Ejaculation

Western orthodox medicine is based on the assumption that premature ejaculation and nocturnal ejaculation have psychological reasons. Therefore, doctors consider nighttime ejaculation during sleep to be completely normal. However, many large-scale scientific research in the East and West confirm the Taoist view that premature ejaculation or nocturnal ejaculation indicates prostate weakness. A healthy prostate gland can easily withstand tension that lasts for 20–30 minutes during sexual intercourse. But if the prostate gland is weakened, it is not able to “cope” with this underlying pressure. It weakens and pushes out its contents without warning, that is, without the erection of the jade stem. The “deer” exercise provides effective therapy for general potency disorders, especially nighttime ejaculation. Young, inexperienced men, as well as those who exercise extremely intensely, undergo heavy military training or are overloaded with mental work, are most susceptible to premature ejaculations. Men with a weak nervous system or rapid swelling of the prostate gland are also at risk of premature ejaculations. One of the factors common to all the situations described is the heightened sensitivity of the nervous system and the prostate gland, so that even mild stimulation causes swelling and contraction of the prostate gland. The deer exercise reduces the sensitivity of the prostate gland, strengthening it and making it more resilient. This ensures the duration of the erection and the duration of sexual desire. This exercise prevents all diseases of the prostate gland, since every tension in the muscles of the anus and pelvis massages the prostate gland. In addition, the “deer” exercise can be considered the most economical healing remedy in the world: it costs a person nothing and only requires regular practice. During exercise, the endocrine system is rejuvenated, the immune system is strengthened, the lymphatic gland system is cleansed and the nervous system is calmed. In both men and women, compression of the pubococcygeus muscle and pelvis activates the “eight wonderful meridians” responsible for health and longevity.

In this article I want to look at the types of Taoist practices and their features. The fact is that we know Qigong most of all, but not many people know that this is an artificial name invented for the West in the 60s of the 20th century during the active promotion of ancient Taoist healing methods to the masses. Moreover, under the name Qigong, not only Taoist cultivation methods are often presented, but also Buddhist, Indian, or some other methods.

In addition to Qigong, there are also other methods of self-development, which often few people know about. The difficulty of classifying all Taoist methods is that the Taoists themselves did not bother much about classification and they have many practices for all occasions without established names. But in this article I will still try to outline groups of practices that I know about myself, so that you can gain a general idea of ​​the possibilities that a person begins to study Taoist methods have.

We will start with Taoist methods, which are combined general term"Qigong."

Qigong

The term Qigong consists of two words: Qi (life force) - energy and information and Gong - work and improvement. That is, Qigong is a practice of working with ordinary Qi for the purpose of improving a person’s health. In ancient times, all these methods were called “Methods of cultivating life.” Such a name is difficult to promote, so they came up with a shorter one, just as they used the word “Kung Fu” to promote martial arts.

There are a lot of Qigong exercises and they are very different! It is useless to try to learn all the Qigong exercises; it is better to take some that resonate with you and practice them, improving your skill and sensitivity.

There are varieties of Qigong on the Internet, about which it is worth saying a few words:

• Soft Qigong is actually ordinary Qigong :) It is called soft, as opposed to Hard Qigong, and because usually the movements in Qigong exercises are smooth and leisurely. It is worth understanding that ordinary Qigong exercises are aimed primarily at preventing diseases and promoting health, and not at treatment. Although, of course, prevention is best option treatment 🙂
• Hard Qigong is an exercise used in martial arts primarily to strengthen the body so that it does not feel pain and is less likely to be injured when it is hit. Often this type of Qigong is served as a healing one. In my opinion, this is complete nonsense! For example, one of the Hard Qigong complexes - I Jin Jing - is designed to train and strengthen ligaments and tendons, so that in battle you can use not only muscle strength, but also tendon strength. At the same time, with the help of a special breathing technique, the human muscular frame is saturated with Qi, which provides the body with special resistance to damage. But such a clever trick is harmful to health! Keeping Qi in a condensed state in the muscles and tendons is harmful - it interferes with the healthy circulation of Qi. That’s why they do this kind of thing before competitions, and then restore the normal state of the energy system. Hard Qigong, of course, teaches a person to control his Qi, but in fact, it does not improve him spiritually and is not directly related to health.
• Medical Qigong - contains all kinds of exercises to cure diseases and improve the health of specific internal human organs or individual parts of the body. It also includes methods for treating other people, including methods for diagnosing with the palms, removing harmful Qi, and emitting Qi to fill the body of another person. These methods are intended to improve a person’s health when the disease has already manifested itself. And this area organically connects with alternative Chinese medicine (in China, this medicine is, on the contrary, traditional), so it is simply endless.
• Tai Chi Qigong - These exercises are part of the training methods of Tai Chi Chuan. Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art and is not actually a Taoist practice. But for the sake of fairness, it is worth saying that many Taoist masters practiced martial arts, including Tai Chi Chuan. Therefore, in this form of Wushu there are methods for working with internal Qi. For example, there are exercises by performing which a person learns to direct Qi into the palm or fist during a strike. In combat use, this allows you to harm the enemy not only on the physical level, but also on the energy level. Also, such training improves the circulation of Qi in the body and allows you to get to know yourself better. I myself began my acquaintance with the world of Taoist practices with Tai Chi Chuan, and I can say that for the first time I felt my Qi precisely during these trainings.
• Spontaneous Qigong is a method of working with Qi that does not have predetermined exercises. You simply tune in and listen to yourself and your Qi, allowing it to guide you. The first time I felt a similar phenomenon was while doing the Pillar exercise. I had been standing for over an hour and my Qi was activated. At some point, I felt that there was pressure in my hand, which forced me to move my hand. I began to slowly release control and my hand began to move on its own until it took a completely different position than the one that is supposed to be held in this exercise. After this movement, I felt that Qi began to actively move in my hand, that is, this spontaneous movement removed the clamp that was preventing Qi from restoring the health of my body. Qi is actually alive and, to some extent, has its own awareness. Spontaneous Qigong uses this to improve Qi circulation and allow the body to repair itself. But this type Qigong is not recommended for beginners! It's easy to start fooling yourself into thinking you're feeling something, and you'll end up just flailing your legs and arms :)

Tao Yin

Tao Yin is a set of exercises that is aimed at improving three layers of human reality at once: body, Qi (life force) and spirit (heart nature). Tao Yin is translated from Chinese as “lead-guide and pull-stretch.” The peculiarity of Tao Yin is that thanks to stretching movements you not only knead the body, but also squeeze and pull out the cloudy disease-causing Qi from your energy system. Also, while performing Tao Yin exercises, the practitioner performs certain internal work to improve his heart nature.

Dao Yin differs from Qigong primarily in that its exercises are more active and provide a certain load on the physical body. In addition, we can say that Qigong prepares a person’s energy structure for deeper Taoist practices, and Tao Yin prepares, first of all, the body - it allows the ligaments and tendons to be stretched so that the body is able to remain motionless for a long time during meditation.

There is very little information about Tao Yin on the Internet. You can often find completely incorrect information about this art. Thus, one may come across the opinion that there is Tao Yin and Tao Yang, which is a complete misconception! Since in the name Tao Yin the word Yin does not mean Yin energy at all and therefore there cannot be any Tao Yang.

Often, as Tao Yin exercises, certain exercises are shown that are performed sitting and lying down. I admit the possibility that there are adaptations of exercises for bedridden patients. But I certainly recommend doing full-fledged exercises with internal work.

People who have previously practiced yoga often reduce the effectiveness of Tao Yin by ignoring the internal work, turning the exercises into simple exercises. This, of course, still brings benefits, but they still do it in vain :)

Xingun

Laying the foundation for profound transformation of a person's body, Qi and spirit consists of three arts: Tao Yin, Qigong and Xing Gong. Xingun is a method of improving the heart nature of a person. Shingun is the basis of spiritual development. Without Xingun, you will not achieve great results in energy practices!

To change the tone of your whole day and even your whole life, you should smile immediately after waking up and find a reason to be happy. This will allow you to learn to see the good in the bad, to be grateful for what we have and, in the end, will help restore Harmony in the heart and mind.

The whole point is that if you simply heal the body and accumulate Qi by doing Qigong exercises, then you will hit the ceiling of your development because of the ego. As a result of practicing Tao Yin and Qigong, you will have more energy, it will be more powerful and will begin to actively nourish both your virtuous qualities and your negative selfish qualities. This practice will lead to sudden changes in mood, all sorts of distortions in the psycho-emotional sphere and, ultimately, will ruin both your life and your health!

Singun methods are primarily about self-improvement in everyday life, but there are also a number of exercises for more active work with the heart nature. For example, the basis for purifying the heart nature is abdominal breathing, since calm, slow and deep breathing allows you to control emotions. There are also a number of methods for working with the middle dantian, which is responsible for the heart nature of a person. And of course, there are methods for working with consciousness, primarily of a meditative nature.

Very often in ancient China, a student was given only Xing Gong methods for the first few years. And when the student’s heart and consciousness were sufficiently purified, only then did the teacher begin to give Taoist practices for the accumulation of Qi and internal transformation.

Nei Dan or Inner Alchemy

If Tao Yin, Qigong and Xingong are the foundation that lays the foundation for future development (prepares the body, energy system and calms the heart-consciousness), then Nei Dan or Internal Alchemy is the heart of the Taoist Tradition, without which great results and cardinal internal transformation are simply impossible. It is Nei Dan that makes it possible to fully realize your spiritual potential!

All the miracles that are written and spoken about when Taoist masters are mentioned are possible precisely thanks to Neidan. Practice Qigong and Tao Yin for even a thousand years, you will not be able to heal other people, make your body light, gain the experience of the soul leaving the body, begin to replenish your Original Qi to significantly prolong your life, and ultimately know your Original nature. But don't commit common mistake, which I also did at one time, ignoring the significance of the process of laying the foundation!

Many people, having become acquainted with the first level of Nei Dan, give up their studies of Qigong, Tao Yin, and even more so Xing Gong, and are strenuously trying to fuse the energy pill in the lower Dan Tian in order to quickly begin to work miracles and gain unusual experiences that go beyond everyday reality. Without laying the foundation, you will simply waste time! I do not deny that there are talented people who are probably past life have already advanced in their spiritual development, and the initial Nei Dan practices are easy for them. But such people may face more serious obstacles if their heart nature is not ready for the level of Qi and the opportunities that the implementation of the first levels of Nei Dan provides.

To be honest, Tao Yin, Qigong and Xing Gong give little results compared to Nei Dan. And if you also naturally have good health, an open and kind heart, and are also very sensitive to Qi, then your achievements in basic Taoist practices may be almost invisible to outsiders and even to yourself. But don't be fooled by this!

Maintaining your health without allowing it to deteriorate is already a good result! Learning to replenish your ordinary (not the Original) Qi and feel your connection with the external forces of Heaven and Earth is already an excellent result! Not allowing your heart to be darkened and remaining compassionate and humane despite the chaos that sometimes reigns around you is already a magnificent result! And even if you never start practicing Nei Dan or for some reason do not succeed in it, then by living a righteous life, you will remain true to your virtuous nature and your time will not be wasted!

The Principle of Non-Doing teaches that one should NOT strive for gain, but should try to avoid harm!

Only at the very end can you truly appreciate the beginning. Only when you approach death can you truly appreciate your life! Therefore, value not what will amuse and delight you now, but what will not darken your heart later...

Sleep Mastery

Many are ready to prove with foam at the mouth that there is no mastery of sleep in the Taoist tradition and never has been :) I won’t argue, but in our Zhen Dao school it exists. This section includes two types of practices:

1. Techniques for improving yourself during lucid dreaming. First of all, this can help us realize the illusory nature of our reality, and therefore help us advance in improving our heart nature.
2. Meditation practices that are performed while lying down. These practices play a supporting role, but can be very useful when your body is tired and can no longer sit still for a long time.

At one time there was a craze on the Internet for lucid dreaming. It should be understood that as one moves along the Path of spiritual development, a person becomes more and more conscious and he actually has less and less less dreams. A person becomes more and more empty and his heart and consciousness are purified and no longer need any illusions.

Therefore, I personally consider methods of improvement during lucid dreaming to be the initial stage.

But the methods of meditation while lying down can be very useful until the very end.

The Taoists were very practical people and came up with hundreds of practices for all occasions! There are methods for cultivation while walking, while sleeping, while eating, during sex, when you are standing, lying down, when there is wind or when you are near water, etc. But it should also be understood that these are auxiliary methods that cannot replace the basis: Tao Yin, Qigong, Xingong and Nei Dan.

Types of Taoist practices without established names

As I already wrote, the Taoists did not bother much with the categorization of practices. And therefore, many practices do not have established short names. In the Taoist Tradition, in addition to the basics, there are also the following types of Taoist practices:

• practices for working with trees, which allow you to gain experience communicating with another form of life and use the power of trees for your own improvement;
• practices for working with wind Qi, natural Qi or water wave Qi;
• practice while walking;
• women's Taoist practices - exercises that are designed to improve the health of the mammary glands and female genital organs;
• breathing practices for faster collection of Qi, which can then be used for treatment, improvement or demonstration of miracles;
• practices during sex that enable both partners to improve their energy structure and enrich their internal Qi thanks to the partner’s Qi;
• practices for preserving the Original Qi - for women this is the practice of stopping menstruation, for men - the practice of preventing ejaculation and directing sexual energy to nourish the spirit;
• practice to help you give up food in order to be able to for a long time live in the mountains and practice without distractions;
• practices for protection from the cold, again primarily for long-term living in nature;
• practice of proper death, which helps to ensure the maximum possible favorable conditions for self-improvement in the next life (although it is still more likely to be part of Nei Dan and I added it here because it is more of a reserve parachute than a cultivation method in case you fail to achieve full spiritual self-realization in this life).

I'm sure there's a lot more that I don't know about. I’m not very keen on collecting practices, as it’s better to focus on the basics. I think that at a higher level of development, additional practices can come in a dream or spontaneously emerge in consciousness if the practitioner needs them.

Five principles of Taoism and mistakes in practice

In conclusion, I want to consider how the basic five principles of practical Taoism are implemented in practices and what mistakes practitioners sometimes make in this regard. Let me remind you that, unlike religious Taoism, in practical Taoism there are no religious rituals, but only practical methods of improvement.

So, the first principle is Unity. When doing the exercises, it is often necessary to open up to the external Qi in order to allow the internal and external Qi to interchange. This is how we gradually realize the principle of Unity, first in practice, and then high levels a Taoist master is constantly open to the outside and becomes a magnet that constantly accumulates Qi without putting any conscious effort into it.

It would be a mistake to ignore this part of the inner workings. For example, when standing in a column or doing breathing exercises, it is easy to get distracted by extraneous thoughts or perform the exercise mechanically, staying more in the physical layer of reality, where the physical body exists. Therefore, from the very beginning, even when performing the simplest exercise of cleansing the channels of the arms and legs, it is worth paying great attention to subtle sensations at the Qi level.

But the most difficult thing is to combine Qi and heart-consciousness, to throw a bridge of awareness and sensations from the energy level of reality to the spiritual. For example, in the practice of Tao Yin it is very difficult to remember the third aspect of inner work, which is associated with the heart nature. The brain simply melts from trying to be aware of not only the movements of the physical body, but also the circulation of Qi and the connection with the Higher Primordial. But this is a very useful workout!

In Tao Yin, working with the heart nature seems insignificant, since such practice is unnoticeable. After stretching, the body hurts and we feel a certain result. After active work with Qi, we can also feel a fairly bright result - we feel warm, light, and feel puffed up, as if we were shriveled balloon, and after class, our body seems to be bursting with internal Qi. But it is most difficult to feel changes at the level of the heart and consciousness. Therefore, perfecting the heart nature takes a very long time.

But it is the connection of the body and Qi with the spirit that lays the foundation for subsequent active spiritual development! Therefore, do not neglect the aspects of cultivating the heart nature even in the most simple exercises entry level!

We practice unity as the unity of internal and external, as well as the unity of our body, Qi and heart nature. Both aspects of training are important! And in my opinion, it is much easier to feel the unity of the internal and external than the unity within oneself 🙂 How often do our thoughts, feelings and actions are completely different and tear us apart? If your practice is successful, then this chaos will dissolve and your life will become happier.

The second principle of Taoist thinking is Non-Action. It manifests itself in all Taoist practices primarily in the fact that in the beginning you launch the practice and guide it, and then your task is to let go of control and allow the practice to guide you. For example, doing simple cumulative breathing, when you inhale Qi and direct it to the lower dantian, as your consciousness calms down, your breathing becomes slow and barely noticeable, everything happens on its own. At a certain stage, it begins to seem that it is not you who are breathing, but Qi itself entering you, inflating your lungs and filling your energy structure.

To achieve this effect, you need to learn to empty your mind and heart. Don’t try to control the process, but don’t lose awareness either! Just follow. In those exercises where there is body movement, as you master the exercise, you will feel that the body begins to move on its own and, moreover, sometimes you may feel that Qi is forcing you to make movements that were not originally included in the exercise. It is important here not to fall into self-deception. Try to follow this spontaneous movement and watch what happens. If after such a movement you feel somewhere a flow of Qi that has suddenly turned on or some changes in consciousness occur, then most likely you did the right thing, following your inner impulse. But to be more sure, of course you should consult your teacher.

To embody Non-Doing at the level of the heart nature, you will have to get rid of pride and dissolve your ego. This will take many years, but this does not make the implementation of non-action in everyday life any less significant.

I think one of the main mistakes of practitioners, in which they contradict the principle of Non-Doing, is setting goals and creating plans in their practice. Of course, you need to have a general direction. But setting a goal like I will practice every day for a month for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening is stupid! Even if you have the willpower and energy reserves to do this, you can go too far and exhaust yourself so much that you will then recover for a long period of time without practicing.

It is better to practice for 30 minutes every day than for a month for 2 hours and then not practice for a month. Many processes that are launched by Taoist practices require a large amount of time. When you stop your practice, you put out the stove and you will have to start cooking the soup again when you resume your practice!

So I recommend cultivating modesty in yourself and not chasing results. Listen to yourself and respond to the current situation. For example, yesterday I didn’t sleep until 3 o’clock in the morning. Then I went to bed and I couldn’t sleep. At this time it started snowing and I literally physically felt the silence and fabulousness of what was happening on the street. I wanted internal renewal and I stood up. With great pleasure and without any strain, I stood in the post for about an hour, without even noting the time, and when it began to get light outside I went to bed.

Learn to feel yourself, synchronize yourself with yourself and with what is happening in the outside world. Even if you think that you have weak intuition, that you are not a sensitive person, listen anyway! Awareness and sensitivity develop and you will succeed!

The third principle of Taoist thinking is Harmony. Heaven takes away where there is much and gives where there is little. You should do the same as Heaven in everything!

When performing energy practices, we constantly use this principle when we remove cloudy Qi and create an emptiness that is independently filled with external Qi. Harmony should be restored in the body by balancing movement and rest, food and hunger, heat and cold, rest and work.

And at the level of the heart and consciousness, one should dissolve one’s obscurations and delusions, cultivate detachment and modesty, and also cultivate virtuous qualities.

The principle of Harmony is violated by everyone 🙁 Under the influence of selfish desires, we constantly create problems for ourselves by continuing to accumulate Yin and waste Yang. Therefore, to implement the principle of Harmony, it is worth actively using two other principles - Cultivating Yang and Depleting Yin.

I would also like to add that despite the types of Taoist practices that you practice, pay attention to the following:

• When you engage in Taoist practices for the sake of magic, to learn how to perform any miracles, heal people, gain experience of the soul leaving the body, walking on water, flying, etc. , instead of cultivating Yang, you accumulate Yin. And this leads to a violation of the principle of Harmony, which means you create difficulties for yourself, which sooner or later will become an obstacle for you on the Path.
• If you are attached to results and are engaged only for the sake of them, then you are attached to gains and losses. This means you accumulate Yin and violate Harmony. What else can you do for? At the initial stage, it is quite normal to use your desires for motivation in classes, but it is worth gradually dissolving them and improving for the sake of curiosity and the process itself, to realize that this is our Original nature.
• If you tend to visualize and control your practice, then you are violating the principle of Non-Doing. And an attempt to control is nothing more than a rejection of reality and passion for one’s selfish desires (which also violates Harmony).
• If you like to compare your experience of practice with other people, like to learn new practices, chase after teachings and novelty, then you are at the mercy of the mechanical mind. This is the same when people travel to many countries, go to many restaurants, buy a bunch of new clothes, etc. All this superficial craving for consumerism takes you away from the real and deep, and it is in simplicity. More attention should be paid to Yin Devastation.
• If you often mix practices different systems self-development, love experiments, love logic and the rational mind, on the one hand it seems like there’s nothing wrong with it :) Children are also curious and also constantly experiment and explore outside world and yourself. But to be carried away by the external means not to improve in the internal. Simplicity and purification of the mind from defilements can help you advance on the Path.
• If you think that practice, work, life must be hard, it is because you are afraid to live in your own way, according to your nature. When you live “your life,” there is nothing difficult about it. But you need to decide on this, find the courage to let go of rational rules and control and begin to follow circumstances and your own nature, and not your ego, your fears, patterns and obscurations.

Many, seduced by will, fall into the trap of fear of giving it up, letting go of control, and stopping managing the world around them. Manipulation is mastered by the manipulator himself - having learned to trick the world, in the end, a person falls into self-deception because he does not see himself. His focus is outward, and he loses vision of himself and his contact with others. It becomes almost impossible for him to allow himself to become vulnerable, to succumb to the influence of the surrounding world in order to connect with it and engage in cooperation, gradually returning to Oneness.

As Einstein said, most problems are unsolvable at the level of thinking at which they were created. If the tree dries out, you need to water the root, not wipe the leaves! That is, it is necessary to move towards the Source. The solution to all problems should be sought at a more subtle, stronger, abstract and fundamental level, which is simpler and more unified - then the solution will be faster, easier, safer and more elegant.

The world is co-existent (coexistence leads to the fact that everything that happens is connected with each other, since the world is one) and in order to correspond to things, you must not make the world the object of your thoughts, but open your heart, sympathizing with all the changes from the middle . The sage does not control external events and does not passively go with the flow, but follows the beginnings of change, what has not yet manifested itself! Creativity is manifested in the process of manifesting what has not yet been manifested, but it does not contradict the natural course of things, but only gives them form.

To follow things, it is necessary to abandon the division of the world into object and subject. It is worth starting from the unity of all Being; in addition, it is absolutely necessary to influence the unmanifested (that which forms future form), anticipating events (returning to the Source) and emptying oneself so as not to become dependent on subsequent born things and events.

The path is the road back to the unity of things, between which there are no boundaries, which are like a web of connections and correspondences. Any event on the Path is a co-existence (the joint existence of things), which ultimately embraces all that exists. The path is the spearhead of change between Being and Non-Being (the highest middle ground), it is not a person’s choice, but his acceptance and unconditional adherence to internal changes, which are reflected with a delay in the outside world.

And finally, a good quote about the principle of Unity:

Wenzi asked: Why are humanity, justice and courtesy considered less significant than the virtues of Tao?

Lao Tzu replied: Those who intentionally practice humanity always view it in terms of sorrow and happiness, and those who intentionally practice justice always perceive it in terms of loss and gain. Someone's sadness or someone's happiness cannot extend to everyone living within the four seas; material wealth and money in depleted treasuries are not enough to provide for all people.

Therefore, we know that it is better to practice the Tao and put its virtues into action. Based on the true nature of heaven and earth, all living beings correct themselves and the world achieves perfection. Humanity and justice are dependent and secondary. Therefore, great people live by what is deep and not by what is superficial.

Treatise of Wen Tzu, passage 155

To realize Unity in your life, look not for a compromise, but for a comprehensive idea that will unite opposites! Follow the unity of things and you will be happy. After all, any event means that you co-exist, live together with the whole world. And by trying to fight events, you thereby separate yourself from them, depriving yourself of Unity. Don't fight, change what hasn't shown itself yet.

Recently I was thinking about the idea of ​​​​how to lose weight the Taoist way :) According to the principle of Non-Action, one should strive not for benefit, but to avoid harm. Thus, you do not fight with what already exists, but change what does not yet exist. That is, you should not try to lose weight, but try not to gain even more weight. It is much easier to get rid of the weight that you have not yet gained than the weight that you have already gained (manifested). This means that you should perform those actions that will prevent weight gain, and the principle of Harmony will do the rest. I will experiment with this and when the result appears, I will definitely write an article about it :)

Awakening the energy of life. Freeing Trapped Qi Francis Bruce

Taoist sexual practices

Taoist sexual practices

When people make love, the qi in their bodies is strengthened and itself increases sufficiently. As chi becomes more abundant and strong, we feel more alive, creative, and vibrant with life. Our blood and other fluids flow faster, causing us to tremble and flush our faces. For many, the release that follows orgasm is often the time when we feel most relaxed and when the chatter of the mind and negative emotions seems to fade away. We feel fully present to what we are experiencing.

Now the Taoists are not worried a large number cultural, moral and religious baggage with which sex can be associated in the West. They are more interested in exploring energetic motives, and Taoist practices as such were developed by studying heterosexual adults who use contraception and do not use violence. With all this in mind, they approached the exploration of the possibilities of stimulating the free-flowing qi within people with a sexually disinterested and pragmatic approach. Taoist sexual practices fall into two categories:

Sexual Qigong – techniques that increase sensitivity and awareness to the chi flowing within you and your partner, including techniques that help you achieve the healing benefits of any chi practice.

Sexual meditation – methods that lead to profound religious experiences, often called divine awareness, enlightenment, emptiness, or universal love.