Sweating Ox Self-Cultivation Poem
Forwarded by Qianfeng Disciple Tian Yanzi (天彦子)
(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)
Qianfeng disciple Tian Yanzi advises that for the best results, sweating ox self-cultivation should be practised with a pure body (and mind) by an adherent who is not swayed by money or deluded by profit. Indeed, Master Zhao Ming Wang of Beijing has medically tested a number of his disciple both before starting and after starting sweating ox practice – with Tian Yanzi being one such disciple – and has scientifically recorded that sweating ox self-cultivation appears to increase the levels of the testosterone hormone in the blood.
Sweating Ox Self-Cultivation
The sweating ox cultivates the land with discipline and seeks the ‘true’ qi energy – which is drawn upward (through the feet) and flows through the three self-cultivation energy centres (dan tian).
Like the trigram Xun (☴) the sweating ox penetrates the ground with a gentle strength that allows the lifeforce (li) to ascend into the waist and flows up (the back) through the governing vessel (du Mai) – with the three energy centres (and three substances) all focusing (and passing through) the centre of the top of the head (ni wan).
This qi energy then descends through the conception vessel (ren mai) down the front of the body in a steady and relaxed manner, often ‘vibrating’ as a sign of vigour and strength – the downward energy is free-flowing and unhindered, with a corresponding attitude of happiness and contentment in the mind.
With enhanced lifeforce entering the self-cultivation energy centres (dan tian), spirit (shen) is cultivated – and the issue of life and death is settled through true qi energy entering the ancestral cavity (zu qiao).
Leading qi energy with intention, the essential nature (jing) is strengthened (and circulated); this is the only way through the ‘gate’ of true training – if these foundational steps are not mastered, then the ‘gate’ cannot even be entered.
The movements of the sweating ox self-cultivation techniques are unusual and strange – and genuine teachers can only point the way.
Even if you possess an excellent intelligence, the hundred (accumulating) methods and the thousand interpretative manifestations are difficult to comprehend!
The sweating ox cultivates the land with discipline and seeks the ‘true’ qi energy – which is drawn upward (through the feet) and flows through the three self-cultivation energy centres (dan tian).
Like the trigram Xun (☴) the sweating ox penetrates the ground with a gentle strength that allows the lifeforce (li) to ascend into the waist and flows up (the back) through the governing vessel (du Mai) – with the three energy centres (and three substances) all focusing (and passing through) the centre of the top of the head (ni wan).
This qi energy then descends through the conception vessel (ren mai) down the front of the body in a steady and relaxed manner, often ‘vibrating’ as a sign of vigour and strength – the downward energy is free-flowing and unhindered, with a corresponding attitude of happiness and contentment in the mind.
With enhanced lifeforce entering the self-cultivation energy centres (dan tian), spirit (shen) is cultivated – and the issue of life and death is settled through true qi energy entering the ancestral cavity (zu qiao).
Leading qi energy with intention, the essential nature (jing) is strengthened (and circulated); this is the only way through the ‘gate’ of true training – if these foundational steps are not mastered, then the ‘gate’ cannot even be entered.
The movements of the sweating ox self-cultivation techniques are unusual and strange – and genuine teachers can only point the way.
Even if you possess an excellent intelligence, the hundred (accumulating) methods and the thousand interpretative manifestations are difficult to comprehend!
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2018.
Original Chinese Language Article: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_14a3247fd0102zmv3.html
汗牛功
汗牛耕地要真气,三入丹田足下行。
用巽督脉腰用力,三上三牵到泥丸。
下行任脉振慢行,松散逍遥在其中。
充丹田意领神冲,生死窍内提真气。
领气精通关住门,下手之前不能离。
汗牛功动作怪异,无真师指点妙处。
任凭你聪慧过人,百炼千回难领会。
Original Chinese Language Article: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_14a3247fd0102zmv3.html
汗牛功
汗牛耕地要真气,三入丹田足下行。
用巽督脉腰用力,三上三牵到泥丸。
下行任脉振慢行,松散逍遥在其中。
充丹田意领神冲,生死窍内提真气。
领气精通关住门,下手之前不能离。
汗牛功动作怪异,无真师指点妙处。
任凭你聪慧过人,百炼千回难领会。