Meditation – Daoist Meditation

Daoist Meditation

From the small celestial cycle to cleansing the organs.

Theory and practice of ancient Chinese energy healing and rejuvenation practices.

Daoist (Taoist) meditation is an integral part of Daoism, focusing on harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit with the Dao (Tao), the fundamental principle underlying the universe.

Daoist meditation practices are diverse, but they generally aim at cultivating inner peace, health, longevity, and spiritual awakening. Here are some common Daoist meditation techniques:

Zuòwàng (Sitting and Forgetting)

Zuòwàng is a form of meditation that emphasizes letting go of all thoughts, desires, and emotions to achieve a state of profound stillness and unity with the Dao. Practitioners sit quietly and focus on forgetting everything, including their own identity, to experience pure being.

Qìgōng (Energy Cultivation)

Qìgōng involves a series of movements, breathing exercises, and meditative practices designed to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy, or qi. This practice enhances physical health, calms the mind, and opens the pathways for spiritual growth.

Neidan (Internal Alchemy)

Neidan is a complex system of meditation aimed at transforming the practitioner’s internal energies into spiritual energy. It involves visualizations, breath control, and energy manipulation techniques to refine the body’s qi, jing (essence), and shen (spirit) for spiritual immortality.

Tài Jí Quán (Tai Chi Chuan)

Tài Jí Quán is a form of moving meditation that involves slow, graceful movements coordinated with deep breathing and mental focus. It promotes physical health, relaxation, and mental clarity, and it can serve as a form of meditative practice.

Microcosmic Orbit Meditation (small celestial cycle)

This technique focuses on circulating qi through two major energy channels in the body: the Governor Vessel (along the spine) and the Conception Vessel (along the front of the body). Practitioners visualize and guide the flow of energy through these channels to balance and strengthen their qi.

Visualization (Cunsi)

Visualization practices in Daoist meditation involve mentally picturing specific images, symbols, or deities. These visualizations help focus the mind, direct energy, and connect with spiritual forces. Common visualizations include imagining light or energy moving through the body.

Mindfulness of the Body

This practice involves focusing on different parts of the body to develop awareness and sensitivity to physical sensations and energy flow. It helps cultivate a deep connection between mind and body, promoting relaxation and self-healing.

Yin-Yang Balance Meditation

This technique involves meditating on the balance of yin (passive, receptive energy) and yang (active, dynamic energy) within oneself. Practitioners focus on harmonizing these opposing forces to achieve internal equilibrium and overall well-being.

Daoist meditation techniques can be practiced individually or in combination, depending on the practitioner’s goals and level of experience. They are designed to promote physical health, emotional balance, mental clarity, and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to harmony with the Dao.

We are focussing here on the Microcosmic Orbit Meditation, Visualization (Cunsi), Mindfulness of the Body and Yin-Yang Balance Meditation.