Search for the Dao - Gain Knowledge of the Dao - Practice the Dao
Original Chinese Language Article By: Qianfeng Daoist Master Zhao Ming Wang (赵明旺)
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
Daoism (道) is an ancient Chinese science that was developed and perfected over thousands of years by the ancestors and sages of the past. It is not a subject that was hastily constructed, or haphazardly pulled-together, and is the product of the careful observation of the human mind and body, and the natural environment within which it exists. This process of refinement clearly identified the ‘inner’ (内 – Nei) and the ‘outer’ (外 – Wai) aspects of existence, and codified this understanding into a logical body of expert knowledge. This involved a complete model of cosmological insight that defined the divine-sky and the broad earth (天地 – Tian Di), as well as mapping the multitudinous changes (变 – Bian) that exists throughout existence, through the agency of the ‘five phases’ (五行 – Wu Xing) of qi (氣) energy transformation, that is infinite in its endless manifestation.
The ‘Three Treasures’ (三寶 – San Bao) of ‘essential nature’ (精 – Jing), qi (氣) energy, and (empty) spirit (神), are ‘refined’ during Daoist self-cultivation, and require a specific and detailed unfolding of authentic practice (directed by a qualified teacher). Jing is strengthened by its retainment and non-wasting, whilst ordinary ‘qi’ (氣) energy is transformed into ‘vital force’ (氣 – Qi). These are combined to nourish and transform one another, and evolve ordinary consciousness (shen) into an all embracing and ‘empty’ mind that includes all things. This results in the accumulation and attainment of infinite and endless profound wisdom (智慧 – Zhi Hui). All these distinct aspects serve as the foundation to the tradition of ‘Philosophical Daoism’ (道家 – Dao Jia). This combined teaching is referred to as ‘internal energy centre’ (内丹 – Nei Dan) self-cultivation, and is referred to as the Daoist ‘law’ (法 – Fa) that took thousands of years to develop in China. The ancestors sought-out this knowledge, practised what they had learned, and gained longevity and robust health. A more precise name for this Daoist developmental technique is ‘essence of life, body and mind’ (性命双修 – Xing Ming Shuang Xiu) transformation. This is the Chinese cultural treasure of Daoist teaching, that has been passed down from one generation to the next, into the present time.
Today, in the modern world, the materialist model of existence is emphasised. This means that ordinary people are motivated by acquiring wealth, belongings and property as a means to ensure the security of themselves and their families. The problem with this model lies in the fact that it is too one-sided, and when modern people are so involved in it to the exclusion of everything else, they tend to neglect the health of their own mind and body. Whilst pursuing fame and fortune, they lose sight of the true essence of existence. If the mind is not concentrated and correctly turned within, the obscure and opaque mysteries of Daoism cannot be penetrated and fathomed (as if made out of hard rock). Daoist practice is very popular today, focusing not so much on complete immortality (仙 – Xian), but rather focuses upon gaining physical fitness, and extend life expectancy.
The reality is, however, that there are many different factions of Daoist self-cultivation, which are passed on down specific lineages, but not all lineages follow the correct Daoist methods. Daoist paths that appear easy (and therefore attract those without the required will power and virtue), teach an incomplete or even false path that either leads nowhere, or which can be damaging to the practitioner. These paths are deficient because they lack a unifying logic and reason (理 – Li) as their foundation. When correct logic and reason is present, then there is a systematic path of ever more refined levels of rarefied attainment. Every legitimate Daoist path starts in exactly the same manner, which involves finding a qualified master, who can personally assess the psychological and physical state of health and development of the disciple, and actively work to ‘unblock’ all qi energy congealment throughout the body (and mind). This requires the Daoist master to have deep and profound understanding of the qi energy flow throughout the body (and mind), so that the practitioner can effectively focus and discipline the body (and mind) for further training, and the development of an expansive conscious awareness. This process is found in all genuine Daoist lineages as the vital ‘first step’, how can anyone begin their training in any other way? This is important because as training progresses, the disciple experiences difficulties and problems related to progressing in the right direction, which a qualified master intuitively understands, and is able to provide the appropriate diagnosis and technique to remove and/or transcend the problem. This constant process of refinement will lead to the attainment of enlightenment, which is a subject that must never be taken lightly. Many speak of this rarefied state, but have no idea of what such a state is, or how it is to be achieved. This is useless speculation that gets the practitioner nowhere. Enlightenment (i.e. ‘Immortality’), is the end-product of the correctly followed and stratified path of Daoist self-cultivation, and the practitioner’s mind should not be taken with creating all kinds of false notions about it at the beginning of training. Correct practice is the key to effective daily Daoist training, and not useless imaginings. This is how the ‘true origination’ (元 – Yuan) is rediscovered, and the ‘spirit’ (shen) becomes expansive and all-encompassing. How can this be achieved without understanding the method of the ‘four breaths’? How can this be achieved without circulating the jing and qi energy throughout the inner and outer orbiting channels? To gain Daoist enlightenment, there are many techniques that need to be correctly learned and effectively practised. None of this is possible without practising the method of the ‘sweating ox’ (汗牛 – Han Niu). However, ‘sweating ox’ can not be practised until the ‘governing vessel’ is fully opened, as this allows for the circulation and refinement of ‘essential nature’ (jing), and qi energy. Only then can the circulation effectively pass through the bridge of the mouth and top of the tongue (when the latter touches the former). In fact, this is how the path of philosophical Daoism begins, is the essence of ‘nei dan’, and the foundation of the ‘essence of life, body and mind’ (Xing Ming Shuang Xiu) transformation. Of course, none of this can happen unless a qualified master meets the disciple face to face, and works to unblock all qi energy issues from the body (and mind). Without this direct connection with a Daoist master, even the very beginning of the Daoist path cannot be accomplished.
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2017.
Original Chinese Language Source Text: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_64e533c90102wuur.html
寻道,求道,炼道
道,为华夏千古传承,几千年来经历仙祖探索研究修炼体悟,从《道》中领悟天地人以及宇宙变化。五行相生相克变化无穷,从道中领悟到无穷无尽智慧,为我华夏大地历代王朝之根基。
而道家根基以领悟为主,道家内丹功法已在华夏大地传承数千年,其内在文化源远流长,历代先祖在研究体悟内丹功法性命双修中总结出很多修炼瑰宝。在历史长河中代代相传。
而今社会物欲横流,追求名利者居多,而忘却人生真正道法。道家功夫其玄妙是一层神秘面纱,说其厚度可如磐石难以探究,而有缘者如薄纱一点而明,这就是道。如今追求道家功夫者众多,按期心里如炼不到仙家地步也可强身健体延长寿命。
而不知者如今传道者鱼龙混杂,大谈道家鼎炉之法龙虎之气,可不知道家功夫的谨慎与法门。几十年来求道者多如牛毛而自问你修有成否?在西方国家中有不少爱好中华内丹功夫者怀抱真诚而来但是失望而归。不能不说如今传承在华夏大地真正功法出现了问题。
其实真道值简至意只是真传而已,前者我们说过不管内丹各门各派有其真法都可有修道阶梯,其法不一其道一理,但是易
想求道者必须先由师父决破周身关巧,以由师父为弟子打开周身关巧方可潜心真修,这是历代道家真传基本步骤,试问你得到否?而其后逐步修炼遇到难处由师父指点调理方可进步,如今有大谈马阴藏相者众多,炼制元神者众多,大家可以问其四个呼吸之法过否?入水一小时可否?此法以是马阴藏相之前之法。
下手者可得汗牛之法?下手之前不得汗牛者怎能任督开,下手炼精化气阴桥开?其实这都是道家内丹性命双修入门基本入手之法,凡真师者都会为入门弟子开关展巧,打开凡体之脉逐步修炼玄妙内丹之法。
千峰草堂 ;赵明旺
The ‘Three Treasures’ (三寶 – San Bao) of ‘essential nature’ (精 – Jing), qi (氣) energy, and (empty) spirit (神), are ‘refined’ during Daoist self-cultivation, and require a specific and detailed unfolding of authentic practice (directed by a qualified teacher). Jing is strengthened by its retainment and non-wasting, whilst ordinary ‘qi’ (氣) energy is transformed into ‘vital force’ (氣 – Qi). These are combined to nourish and transform one another, and evolve ordinary consciousness (shen) into an all embracing and ‘empty’ mind that includes all things. This results in the accumulation and attainment of infinite and endless profound wisdom (智慧 – Zhi Hui). All these distinct aspects serve as the foundation to the tradition of ‘Philosophical Daoism’ (道家 – Dao Jia). This combined teaching is referred to as ‘internal energy centre’ (内丹 – Nei Dan) self-cultivation, and is referred to as the Daoist ‘law’ (法 – Fa) that took thousands of years to develop in China. The ancestors sought-out this knowledge, practised what they had learned, and gained longevity and robust health. A more precise name for this Daoist developmental technique is ‘essence of life, body and mind’ (性命双修 – Xing Ming Shuang Xiu) transformation. This is the Chinese cultural treasure of Daoist teaching, that has been passed down from one generation to the next, into the present time.
Today, in the modern world, the materialist model of existence is emphasised. This means that ordinary people are motivated by acquiring wealth, belongings and property as a means to ensure the security of themselves and their families. The problem with this model lies in the fact that it is too one-sided, and when modern people are so involved in it to the exclusion of everything else, they tend to neglect the health of their own mind and body. Whilst pursuing fame and fortune, they lose sight of the true essence of existence. If the mind is not concentrated and correctly turned within, the obscure and opaque mysteries of Daoism cannot be penetrated and fathomed (as if made out of hard rock). Daoist practice is very popular today, focusing not so much on complete immortality (仙 – Xian), but rather focuses upon gaining physical fitness, and extend life expectancy.
The reality is, however, that there are many different factions of Daoist self-cultivation, which are passed on down specific lineages, but not all lineages follow the correct Daoist methods. Daoist paths that appear easy (and therefore attract those without the required will power and virtue), teach an incomplete or even false path that either leads nowhere, or which can be damaging to the practitioner. These paths are deficient because they lack a unifying logic and reason (理 – Li) as their foundation. When correct logic and reason is present, then there is a systematic path of ever more refined levels of rarefied attainment. Every legitimate Daoist path starts in exactly the same manner, which involves finding a qualified master, who can personally assess the psychological and physical state of health and development of the disciple, and actively work to ‘unblock’ all qi energy congealment throughout the body (and mind). This requires the Daoist master to have deep and profound understanding of the qi energy flow throughout the body (and mind), so that the practitioner can effectively focus and discipline the body (and mind) for further training, and the development of an expansive conscious awareness. This process is found in all genuine Daoist lineages as the vital ‘first step’, how can anyone begin their training in any other way? This is important because as training progresses, the disciple experiences difficulties and problems related to progressing in the right direction, which a qualified master intuitively understands, and is able to provide the appropriate diagnosis and technique to remove and/or transcend the problem. This constant process of refinement will lead to the attainment of enlightenment, which is a subject that must never be taken lightly. Many speak of this rarefied state, but have no idea of what such a state is, or how it is to be achieved. This is useless speculation that gets the practitioner nowhere. Enlightenment (i.e. ‘Immortality’), is the end-product of the correctly followed and stratified path of Daoist self-cultivation, and the practitioner’s mind should not be taken with creating all kinds of false notions about it at the beginning of training. Correct practice is the key to effective daily Daoist training, and not useless imaginings. This is how the ‘true origination’ (元 – Yuan) is rediscovered, and the ‘spirit’ (shen) becomes expansive and all-encompassing. How can this be achieved without understanding the method of the ‘four breaths’? How can this be achieved without circulating the jing and qi energy throughout the inner and outer orbiting channels? To gain Daoist enlightenment, there are many techniques that need to be correctly learned and effectively practised. None of this is possible without practising the method of the ‘sweating ox’ (汗牛 – Han Niu). However, ‘sweating ox’ can not be practised until the ‘governing vessel’ is fully opened, as this allows for the circulation and refinement of ‘essential nature’ (jing), and qi energy. Only then can the circulation effectively pass through the bridge of the mouth and top of the tongue (when the latter touches the former). In fact, this is how the path of philosophical Daoism begins, is the essence of ‘nei dan’, and the foundation of the ‘essence of life, body and mind’ (Xing Ming Shuang Xiu) transformation. Of course, none of this can happen unless a qualified master meets the disciple face to face, and works to unblock all qi energy issues from the body (and mind). Without this direct connection with a Daoist master, even the very beginning of the Daoist path cannot be accomplished.
Qianfeng Hermitage: Zhao Ming Wang
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2017.
Original Chinese Language Source Text: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_64e533c90102wuur.html
寻道,求道,炼道
道,为华夏千古传承,几千年来经历仙祖探索研究修炼体悟,从《道》中领悟天地人以及宇宙变化。五行相生相克变化无穷,从道中领悟到无穷无尽智慧,为我华夏大地历代王朝之根基。
而道家根基以领悟为主,道家内丹功法已在华夏大地传承数千年,其内在文化源远流长,历代先祖在研究体悟内丹功法性命双修中总结出很多修炼瑰宝。在历史长河中代代相传。
而今社会物欲横流,追求名利者居多,而忘却人生真正道法。道家功夫其玄妙是一层神秘面纱,说其厚度可如磐石难以探究,而有缘者如薄纱一点而明,这就是道。如今追求道家功夫者众多,按期心里如炼不到仙家地步也可强身健体延长寿命。
而不知者如今传道者鱼龙混杂,大谈道家鼎炉之法龙虎之气,可不知道家功夫的谨慎与法门。几十年来求道者多如牛毛而自问你修有成否?在西方国家中有不少爱好中华内丹功夫者怀抱真诚而来但是失望而归。不能不说如今传承在华夏大地真正功法出现了问题。
其实真道值简至意只是真传而已,前者我们说过不管内丹各门各派有其真法都可有修道阶梯,其法不一其道一理,但是易
想求道者必须先由师父决破周身关巧,以由师父为弟子打开周身关巧方可潜心真修,这是历代道家真传基本步骤,试问你得到否?而其后逐步修炼遇到难处由师父指点调理方可进步,如今有大谈马阴藏相者众多,炼制元神者众多,大家可以问其四个呼吸之法过否?入水一小时可否?此法以是马阴藏相之前之法。
下手者可得汗牛之法?下手之前不得汗牛者怎能任督开,下手炼精化气阴桥开?其实这都是道家内丹性命双修入门基本入手之法,凡真师者都会为入门弟子开关展巧,打开凡体之脉逐步修炼玄妙内丹之法。
千峰草堂 ;赵明旺