Daoist Han Ox Self-Cultivation and its Mysterious Origin
Original Chinese Language Article By: Qianfeng Daoist Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺)
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
Philosophical Daoism developed steadily over thousands of years, and was the product of ancestors carefully studying the inner and outer functioning of the mind and body, and how energy flowed through both. Although scientific in essence, Daoism is also highly mysterious in the sense that much of its revealed findings are difficult to understand from the perspective of an ordinary person. This is because Daoism has developed a distinctive knowledge and wisdom base, the premise of which must be thoroughly studied and understood by anyone seeking to advance. Just as the ancestors made extraordinary discoveries in the past, modern Daoist practitioners must ‘rediscover’ these realities as if for the first time. This is how the almost ‘magic-like’ qualities of energy centre self-cultivation (内丹 – Nei Dan) are achieved after diligent study. As a means of preserving and continuing authentic Daoist technique in China (and the world), I am going to introduce (in this article), a mysterious form of Daoist self-cultivation entitled ‘Han Ox Self-Cultivation’ (汉牛功 – Han Niu Gong). This is an important technique passed-on within the inherited lineage of the Qianfeng Earlier Divine-Sky School – which was founded by the Patriarch Zhao Bichen (赵避尘).
At the beginning of self-cultivation, Daoist practitioners face the problem of a lack of knowledge due to not receiving adequate instruction in the subject of building and strengthening the foundational ‘nature of life’ (性命 – Xing Ming). Such people literally do not know how to proceed, and for many, their training falters at the first step. This is why we should discuss the correct techniques involved in building the nature of life, and strengthening the mind and body to achieve longevity (性命双修 – Xing Ming Shuang Xiu). Some people think they can achieve Daoist Immortality in a year or two, but never actually put their endless words into action. In such cases, their understanding is flawed and good practice simply cannot be established. In the past, I sincerely discussed the difficulty of disciplined Daoist self-cultivation with a practitioner from Taiwan. He had been training for over a decade, disciplining his mind and body in an attempt to gain a true realisation and transformation of ‘empty spirit’ (神 – Shen) into ‘original’ (元 – Yuan) and all-embracing empty spirit. This type of body and mind self-cultivation is very difficult to achieve, and how many practitioners have attained it? The reality is that some people can gain physical fitness through Daoist practice, and improve their longevity through a commitment to a correct but otherwise limited technique, but if true Immortality is to be achieved, then the Daoist practitioner requires direct access to an authentic Daoist lineage (passed from one generation to the next). This is because philosophical Daoism is a complete system for cultivating all aspects of ‘life’ (ming), which progresses (logically) step by step. If one step is missing, or performed out of place, then obviously the entire system fails to function properly. Efficient Daoist training must unfold in the prescribed manner, and the practitioner must not let their mind deviate from the serious task at hand, and make progress through self-development. Each step is like a link in a chain – for a chain to function properly, each link must be in its proper place and performing its allotted task – each distinct aspect of Daoist training is exactly like this. Otherwise delusion can set-in, whereby a false ‘nei dan’ is established with imaginary achievements. This is like mistaking the reflection of the moon (or of flowers) on the ‘still’ surface of water, as being ‘real’ objects. Having now made all this clear, how is ‘original yang’ (一阳 – Yi Yang) generated and strengthened through the foundational one hundred days of Daoist training? How is ‘essential nature’ (精 – Jing) gathered (and not wasted), and qi (气) energy refined? The Daoist practitioner must develop a serious and attentive attitude when attempting to proceed step by step, but even if this is achieved, there are still many dangers that require skilful navigation. This is achieved through developing a very calm and strong state of innate ‘awareness’ that intuitively ‘knows’ what is right or wrong in any given situation, and which is deployed to successfully interpret and apply the right Daoist technique at the right time. When all this is in place, then the many techniques that comprise the Daoist path come into play. As I mentioned previously, this is where ‘Han Ox Self-Cultivation’ (汉牛功 – Han Niu Gong) is very helpful. Today, very few people know this (ancient) method. This is the teaching of transforming essential nature (jing) and refining qi energy by opening the governing vessel and the conception vessel. This method assists all-round Daoist development and involves ‘unblocking’ the governing and conception vessels so that the jing and qi energy flows freely. When this is achieved, the health of the body (and mind) is increased. When essential nature (jing) is retained (and not wasted), it can be strengthened so that qi energy can be transformed (into original qi). When essential nature (jing) and qi energy are strengthened, integrated and transformed, then essential nature (jing) can be used to transform ‘spirit’ ( 神 – Shen) into an all-encompassing ‘empty’ spirit (or expanded sense of consciousness). This process is particularly good for strengthening the kidney area. A few years ago an American friend travelled thousands of miles to China, to come and visit me at the Qianfeng Hermitage in Beijing, as a means to seek instruction and clarification in this matter. He explained that he was over 40 years old, and had to rely upon the regular use of ‘Viagra’ (炜哥 – Wei Ge) to participate in sexual intercourse. Without the regular use of Viagra, there was no sexual function whatsoever. In fact, he did not believe in the Daoist techniques, but was curious as to what Daoist practice involved, and whether these techniques could help him in any way. I would say that he retained an attitude of healthy skepticism, but was open-minded enough to attempt an enquiry. I told him to reduce his intake of water over a week and just to drink saliva, whilst reducing and eliminating all contact with food (i.e. ‘rice’). Instead, I taught him to develop the appropriate ‘awareness’ to locate and identify all the qi energy channels (经络 – Jing Luo), and to open, strengthen and regulate the intrinsic energy flow throughout the system. This is how I taught him the ‘Han Ox Self-Cultivation’ (汉牛功 – Han Niu Gong) method. On the fourth day, this person dropped to his knees in front of the Zhao family ancestral shrine, paying his respect to the Founder of the Qianfeng School, and expressed his gratitude (in basic Chinese), for the effectiveness of the Chinese Daoist methods. Over a decade, and by following the correct procedures in the right order, there will be many realisations as essential nature (jing), qi energy, and ‘empty’ spirit (shen) are developed (and ‘integrated’) and merged into ‘light’ (轻 – Qing). The point is that ordinary people can practice Daoism, that is true, but quite often their zeal is not matched by their access to genuine Daoist knowledge. They may or may not access the Daoist books, but even if they do, can they understand the content? What is needed is direct contact with a genuine Daoist master who understands ‘exactly’ what each individual practitioner needs to unblock the qi energy channels, and which technique they should follow (and how it should be practised). Without this direct instruction, errors can be made and the true attainment of Daoist self-cultivation remains a thousand miles away. Without a genuine ‘master’ (师父 – Shi Fu) to offer precise and timely instruction, it is very easy to fall into the ‘negative spirit’ (阴神 – Yin Shen) state.
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2017.
Original Chinese Language Source Text: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_64e533c90102wrht.html
来自道家神秘汉牛功
道家有着几千年神秘道家功夫发展,经过先辈不断努力研究人体能量,并挖掘出许多神奇内丹功夫。在华夏大地传承延续着,在此我们介绍一部道家神秘功夫《汉牛功》此功为道家千峰先天派,千峰老人赵避尘始祖传承。
初修内丹者一入手就有两大难题展现面前《性命》修性炼命,性者思维之心也,不知有多少人止步于此,我们大谈内丹性命双修功夫时,总是强调进入什么步骤了。有其者一两年就以达到马阴藏像等等信口开河满口跑火车。有一位台湾修者和我交流时真心谈到修性之难,他用十年左右的时间才真正体悟到识神与元神的转换,试想修真之难的境界,历来修者有多少有成者?大部分都已强身健体为主已经很不错了,这里还要强调有真法传承者才可。
命功是道家内丹一种完整修炼体系,来不得半点遐思逐步前进才可修有所成,不然只修幻丹一粒最终是水中月镜中花而以。从百日筑基一阳来复如何收?下手精化气如何化?以及逐步攀登步步有困难与风险,真修实练者自有感悟,命功修炼有着很多辅助功夫来帮助功法,前者提到的汉牛功就是一部很有效的功夫。如今以很少人知晓此法了。他是在下手炼精化气打开任督之法,有效帮助二候到下手秘法, 此法神奇之处在于得到他可以改善人体任脉和督脉的开通,精气通达精神焕发,尤其对肾脏的增补起到很好效果。前几年一位美国朋友了解此功后不远万里来到北京千峰草堂,讲明来意才知道四十多岁就靠炜哥来进行房事,没有伟哥的帮助则完全失去功能。其实他从心里不太相信这种功夫的,用一种怀疑和了解的心态来学习的。我告诉他在一周内不用喝我一口水,不用和我吃一口饭完全杜绝饮食接触,开始帮他调理经络,传授汉牛功在第四天早上来到草堂跪在祖师像前激动的用不太流利汉语言道,感谢,感谢中国道家功夫太神奇了。
近十几年来凡得到此法者都有不同程度的感受,身体强壮精气神轻。在此和爱好者交流一下道家功夫是很严谨的,不要看了几本丹经道书就忙修瞎练,道言差之毫厘远之千里,没有师父敲打很容易步入阴神。
千峰草堂 ;赵明旺
At the beginning of self-cultivation, Daoist practitioners face the problem of a lack of knowledge due to not receiving adequate instruction in the subject of building and strengthening the foundational ‘nature of life’ (性命 – Xing Ming). Such people literally do not know how to proceed, and for many, their training falters at the first step. This is why we should discuss the correct techniques involved in building the nature of life, and strengthening the mind and body to achieve longevity (性命双修 – Xing Ming Shuang Xiu). Some people think they can achieve Daoist Immortality in a year or two, but never actually put their endless words into action. In such cases, their understanding is flawed and good practice simply cannot be established. In the past, I sincerely discussed the difficulty of disciplined Daoist self-cultivation with a practitioner from Taiwan. He had been training for over a decade, disciplining his mind and body in an attempt to gain a true realisation and transformation of ‘empty spirit’ (神 – Shen) into ‘original’ (元 – Yuan) and all-embracing empty spirit. This type of body and mind self-cultivation is very difficult to achieve, and how many practitioners have attained it? The reality is that some people can gain physical fitness through Daoist practice, and improve their longevity through a commitment to a correct but otherwise limited technique, but if true Immortality is to be achieved, then the Daoist practitioner requires direct access to an authentic Daoist lineage (passed from one generation to the next). This is because philosophical Daoism is a complete system for cultivating all aspects of ‘life’ (ming), which progresses (logically) step by step. If one step is missing, or performed out of place, then obviously the entire system fails to function properly. Efficient Daoist training must unfold in the prescribed manner, and the practitioner must not let their mind deviate from the serious task at hand, and make progress through self-development. Each step is like a link in a chain – for a chain to function properly, each link must be in its proper place and performing its allotted task – each distinct aspect of Daoist training is exactly like this. Otherwise delusion can set-in, whereby a false ‘nei dan’ is established with imaginary achievements. This is like mistaking the reflection of the moon (or of flowers) on the ‘still’ surface of water, as being ‘real’ objects. Having now made all this clear, how is ‘original yang’ (一阳 – Yi Yang) generated and strengthened through the foundational one hundred days of Daoist training? How is ‘essential nature’ (精 – Jing) gathered (and not wasted), and qi (气) energy refined? The Daoist practitioner must develop a serious and attentive attitude when attempting to proceed step by step, but even if this is achieved, there are still many dangers that require skilful navigation. This is achieved through developing a very calm and strong state of innate ‘awareness’ that intuitively ‘knows’ what is right or wrong in any given situation, and which is deployed to successfully interpret and apply the right Daoist technique at the right time. When all this is in place, then the many techniques that comprise the Daoist path come into play. As I mentioned previously, this is where ‘Han Ox Self-Cultivation’ (汉牛功 – Han Niu Gong) is very helpful. Today, very few people know this (ancient) method. This is the teaching of transforming essential nature (jing) and refining qi energy by opening the governing vessel and the conception vessel. This method assists all-round Daoist development and involves ‘unblocking’ the governing and conception vessels so that the jing and qi energy flows freely. When this is achieved, the health of the body (and mind) is increased. When essential nature (jing) is retained (and not wasted), it can be strengthened so that qi energy can be transformed (into original qi). When essential nature (jing) and qi energy are strengthened, integrated and transformed, then essential nature (jing) can be used to transform ‘spirit’ ( 神 – Shen) into an all-encompassing ‘empty’ spirit (or expanded sense of consciousness). This process is particularly good for strengthening the kidney area. A few years ago an American friend travelled thousands of miles to China, to come and visit me at the Qianfeng Hermitage in Beijing, as a means to seek instruction and clarification in this matter. He explained that he was over 40 years old, and had to rely upon the regular use of ‘Viagra’ (炜哥 – Wei Ge) to participate in sexual intercourse. Without the regular use of Viagra, there was no sexual function whatsoever. In fact, he did not believe in the Daoist techniques, but was curious as to what Daoist practice involved, and whether these techniques could help him in any way. I would say that he retained an attitude of healthy skepticism, but was open-minded enough to attempt an enquiry. I told him to reduce his intake of water over a week and just to drink saliva, whilst reducing and eliminating all contact with food (i.e. ‘rice’). Instead, I taught him to develop the appropriate ‘awareness’ to locate and identify all the qi energy channels (经络 – Jing Luo), and to open, strengthen and regulate the intrinsic energy flow throughout the system. This is how I taught him the ‘Han Ox Self-Cultivation’ (汉牛功 – Han Niu Gong) method. On the fourth day, this person dropped to his knees in front of the Zhao family ancestral shrine, paying his respect to the Founder of the Qianfeng School, and expressed his gratitude (in basic Chinese), for the effectiveness of the Chinese Daoist methods. Over a decade, and by following the correct procedures in the right order, there will be many realisations as essential nature (jing), qi energy, and ‘empty’ spirit (shen) are developed (and ‘integrated’) and merged into ‘light’ (轻 – Qing). The point is that ordinary people can practice Daoism, that is true, but quite often their zeal is not matched by their access to genuine Daoist knowledge. They may or may not access the Daoist books, but even if they do, can they understand the content? What is needed is direct contact with a genuine Daoist master who understands ‘exactly’ what each individual practitioner needs to unblock the qi energy channels, and which technique they should follow (and how it should be practised). Without this direct instruction, errors can be made and the true attainment of Daoist self-cultivation remains a thousand miles away. Without a genuine ‘master’ (师父 – Shi Fu) to offer precise and timely instruction, it is very easy to fall into the ‘negative spirit’ (阴神 – Yin Shen) state.
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2017.
Original Chinese Language Source Text: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_64e533c90102wrht.html
来自道家神秘汉牛功
道家有着几千年神秘道家功夫发展,经过先辈不断努力研究人体能量,并挖掘出许多神奇内丹功夫。在华夏大地传承延续着,在此我们介绍一部道家神秘功夫《汉牛功》此功为道家千峰先天派,千峰老人赵避尘始祖传承。
初修内丹者一入手就有两大难题展现面前《性命》修性炼命,性者思维之心也,不知有多少人止步于此,我们大谈内丹性命双修功夫时,总是强调进入什么步骤了。有其者一两年就以达到马阴藏像等等信口开河满口跑火车。有一位台湾修者和我交流时真心谈到修性之难,他用十年左右的时间才真正体悟到识神与元神的转换,试想修真之难的境界,历来修者有多少有成者?大部分都已强身健体为主已经很不错了,这里还要强调有真法传承者才可。
命功是道家内丹一种完整修炼体系,来不得半点遐思逐步前进才可修有所成,不然只修幻丹一粒最终是水中月镜中花而以。从百日筑基一阳来复如何收?下手精化气如何化?以及逐步攀登步步有困难与风险,真修实练者自有感悟,命功修炼有着很多辅助功夫来帮助功法,前者提到的汉牛功就是一部很有效的功夫。如今以很少人知晓此法了。他是在下手炼精化气打开任督之法,有效帮助二候到下手秘法, 此法神奇之处在于得到他可以改善人体任脉和督脉的开通,精气通达精神焕发,尤其对肾脏的增补起到很好效果。前几年一位美国朋友了解此功后不远万里来到北京千峰草堂,讲明来意才知道四十多岁就靠炜哥来进行房事,没有伟哥的帮助则完全失去功能。其实他从心里不太相信这种功夫的,用一种怀疑和了解的心态来学习的。我告诉他在一周内不用喝我一口水,不用和我吃一口饭完全杜绝饮食接触,开始帮他调理经络,传授汉牛功在第四天早上来到草堂跪在祖师像前激动的用不太流利汉语言道,感谢,感谢中国道家功夫太神奇了。
近十几年来凡得到此法者都有不同程度的感受,身体强壮精气神轻。在此和爱好者交流一下道家功夫是很严谨的,不要看了几本丹经道书就忙修瞎练,道言差之毫厘远之千里,没有师父敲打很容易步入阴神。
千峰草堂 ;赵明旺