Coventry Tai Chi

Lee style Tai Chi from the students of Chee Soo

Tai Chi and Taoist Alchemy

“Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn and cauldron bubble,”

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

The quote from Macbeth, may seem like an unlikely place to start when discussing Tai Chi and Taoist alchemy. However, as we dive deeper into the ancient Chinese practice, we can begin to see the connections between the elements of fire and water, balance and harmony, and the pursuit of physical and spiritual health.

Tai Chi is a form of martial art that has its roots in Taoism, a Chinese philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with nature and the flow of the universe. Taoist alchemy, on the other hand, is a set of practices that seeks to cultivate and refine the internal energy, or qi, within the body in order to achieve greater spiritual awareness and harmony with the universe.

Balancing Yin and Yang

One of the key principles of Tai Chi is the concept of yin and yang, which represents the balance between opposing forces in the universe. Yin represents the feminine, passive, and receptive energy, while yang represents the masculine, active, and expansive energy. In Tai Chi, practitioners seek to achieve a balance between these two opposing forces by performing a moving meditation that promotes relaxation, awareness, and inner focus.

Cultivating and refining Qi

Taoist alchemy takes this concept even further by emphasizing the cultivation and refinement of internal energy, or qi, through a variety of practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and physical movements. The goal of these practices is to achieve a state of inner harmony and balance, which can lead to greater physical and spiritual health.

So how does Tai Chi relate to Taoist alchemy? Both practices emphasize the cultivation of internal energy and the pursuit of balance and harmony within the body and mind. Tai Chi movements are designed to promote the flow of qi throughout the body, while Taoist alchemy seeks to refine and cultivate this energy for spiritual purposes.

Transformation

In order to understand the connection between Tai Chi and Taoist alchemy, it’s important to first understand the principles of alchemy itself. Alchemy is the ancient practice of transforming base metals into gold, but it also has a more esoteric meaning in that it refers to the transformation of the self from an unenlightened state to a state of spiritual awareness and enlightenment.

Taoist alchemy takes this concept of self-transformation and applies it to the cultivation and refinement of internal energy. By practicing meditation, breathing exercises, and physical movements such as Tai Chi, practitioners can refine their internal energy and achieve a state of inner harmony and balance.

The goal of Tai Chi is not only to promote physical health but also to cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm. By performing slow, deliberate movements, practitioners can achieve a state of increased awareness and inner focus that promotes relaxation and stress reduction. This in turn can lead to greater physical health by reducing the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

In Taoist alchemy, the cultivation of internal energy is seen as a means to achieve greater spiritual awareness and harmony with the universe. By refining the internal energy, practitioners can achieve a state of balance and harmony that allows them to connect with the universal flow of energy and achieve a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Tai Chi and Taoist alchemy are both practices that emphasize the pursuit of balance and harmony within the body and mind. While Tai Chi focuses on the physical aspects of this balance, Taoist alchemy seeks to refine and cultivate the internal energy that promotes this balance.

One of the key elements of Taoist alchemy is the concept of the Three Treasures: jing, qi, and shen. Jing refers to the physical essence of the body, qi refers to the internal energy, and shen refers to the spiritual essence. By cultivating and refining these three treasures, practitioners can achieve a state of inner harmony.

Alchemical metaphors

Just like Ancient Chinese Medicine which was developed over many thousands of years and had different schools in different regions of China, Taoist alchemy also draws on different traditions. Just as in the West, Taoist alchemy has used different metaphors to explain the alchemical process depending on the different schools we might look at. While this might seem confusing at first, it is still useful to look at these images and we can glean an overview of the process. Remember alchemical metaphors are not meant to be taken literally and were often used to draw a veil over the actual methods to obfuscate the process to the uninitiated. Think of Yin and Yang and how they may seem contradictory forces if seen from a purely logical perspective, but in actual fact, they are complimentary opposites that work together to form different perspectives into a unified whole. Remember Laozi’s warning:

The Tao that can be spoken is not the true Tao.

Laozi – Daodejing

This can be seen as a paradox but is in fact a self-referential statement. In the first edition of the Tao Teh Ching we have access to, dated to 300 BC, and found in a tomb at Guodian near Jingmen, this admonition did not appear which suggests it might have been added by later commentators as a kind of precursor or editor’s note.

The Water Wheel

The first stage of Taoist alchemy is sometimes called the “Water Wheel” stage or “precelestial” stage. It is so named because it involves the cultivation and transformation of qi within the body’s Yin or water-based systems.

During this stage, practitioners focus on refining and purifying their physical and energetic bodies through various practices such as meditation, breathwork, and physical exercises like Tai Chi. The goal is to create a strong foundation for the later stages of alchemical practice by building a healthy, balanced body and mind.

In Taoist alchemy, the body is viewed as a microcosm of the universe, and the first stage involves connecting with the primordial energy that exists within us and in the natural world. Through various practices, practitioners seek to cultivate and refine this energy, known as qi, so that it can be used for healing and spiritual development.

Some of the specific practices used in the Water Wheel stage include:

  • Breathwork: Controlled breathing is a fundamental practice in Taoist alchemy, as it helps to regulate the flow of qi in the body. Techniques such as “reverse abdominal breathing” are used to draw energy up from the lower dantian (an energy center located in the lower abdomen) and circulate it throughout the body.
  • Meditation: Tai Chi is a type of Taoist moving meditation that involves quieting the mind and focusing the attention to cultivate awareness of one’s internal energy. It includes practices such as “the microcosmic orbit” which are used to circulate energy through the meridian channels in the body, creating a sense of deep relaxation and peace.
  • Physical exercises: In Tai Chi, physical practices are used to help move and balance the body’s energy, improve circulation, and promote overall health and vitality.

Overall, the Water Wheel stage of Taoist alchemy is about laying a strong foundation for the later stages of practice by cultivating and refining the body’s energy systems. By doing so, practitioners can open the door to deeper levels of spiritual awareness and transformation.

Washing the Marrow

The second stage of the Taoist alchemical process is called “Washing the Marrow,” which involves refining the essence of one’s being. This stage is all about cultivating the vital energy known as qi (pronounced “chee”) and transforming it into shen, or spiritual energy.

The term “marrow” here refers to the essence or vital energy (jing) that is stored in the bones and is considered an important component of the body’s energy system. During the “washing the marrow” stage, the practitioner focuses on refining and purifying the jing energy in the bones. This process is said to have a profound effect on one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health, helping to increase energy levels, improve mental clarity, and promote a sense of inner peace and balance.

In Tai Chi, this process is achieved through the practice of movements that are designed to stimulate the flow of qi throughout the body, as well as through breathing exercises and meditation. By combining these practices with a focus on awareness and intention, practitioners are able to tap into the deeper levels of their being and access the transformative power of Taoist alchemy.

The Source

The final stage of the Taoist alchemical process is known as “Returning to the Source.” This stage involves merging with the Tao and becoming one with the universe. This is the ultimate goal of the Taoist alchemist, and it is said to bring about a state of enlightenment and spiritual liberation.

While this may seem like a lofty goal, it is important to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Through the practice of Tai Chi and Taoist alchemy, we can cultivate a greater sense of awareness and connection with the world around us, and we can learn to live in harmony with the natural rhythms of life.

In conclusion, Tai Chi and Taoist alchemy are two practices that are deeply interconnected, each informing and enriching the other. By practicing Tai Chi with an awareness of Taoist alchemical principles, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, and we can tap into the transformative power of the Tao. Whether you are new to Tai Chi or a seasoned practitioner, I encourage you to explore the rich history and philosophy behind this ancient art form, and to discover for yourself the many benefits of this powerful practice.

Neidan

Neidan is a form of Taoist inner alchemy that involves a series of alchemical stages, each of which represents a step toward greater spiritual transformation.

The first stage is known as the “water and fire” stage, where the practitioner seeks to balance and harmonize opposing energies within the body and mind.

In some lineages, the “blackening” stage is seen as a precursor to the “water and fire” stage, in which the practitioner works to dissolve and release negative or impure energies within the body and mind. This stage may involve practices such as fasting, purification, or meditation on the impermanence of all things.

In other lineages, the blackening stage is seen as a stage of the “white” stage, where the practitioner focuses on refining and purifying their internal energies. This stage may involve practices such as deep meditation or visualization of the color black.

The second stage is the “white” stage, where the practitioner seeks to refine and purify their internal energies through practices such as meditation and visualization.

The third stage is the “yellowing” stage, where the practitioner focuses on cultivating and maturing their essence (jing) and refining their qi.

The final stage is the “golden elixir” stage, where the practitioner achieves a state of spiritual enlightenment and immortality through the integration of their qi, essence, and spirit.

Overall, neidan is a complex and multifaceted practice that involves physical, mental, and spiritual cultivation. Through dedicated practice and cultivation, practitioners aim to achieve a state of inner purity and transcendence, leading to greater spiritual insight and realization.

1. Fire and Water

The first stage of Taoist alchemy is sometimes referred to as “the purifying of the mind” or the “water and fire” stage. This stage is focused on refining and purifying the practitioner’s mind and emotions, which are seen as the foundation for inner alchemy.

In this stage, the practitioner works to cultivate a state of mental and emotional stability through practices such as meditation, visualization, and breathwork. By calming and centering the mind, the practitioner is able to develop greater awareness and control over their thoughts and emotions, which are seen as the building blocks for the subsequent stages of inner alchemy.

The “water and fire” aspect of this stage refers to the process of balancing and harmonizing opposing energies within the body and mind. Water represents the feminine, receptive, and yin energy, while fire represents the masculine, active, and yang energy. Through practices such as visualization and breathwork, the practitioner works to balance these opposing energies, allowing them to flow smoothly and harmoniously.

Overall, the first stage of Taoist alchemy is focused on cultivating a strong foundation of mental and emotional stability, which is essential for the subsequent stages of inner alchemy. By purifying the mind and harmonizing opposing energies, the practitioner is able to develop greater awareness and control over their inner world, leading to spiritual growth and transformation.

The Blackening

The blackening stage can be seen as a transitional stage in the process of Taoist alchemy, in which the practitioner works to release and transform negative energies in preparation for the subsequent stages of inner cultivation and transformation. However, its specific placement and significance may vary depending on the particular lineage or tradition of Taoist alchemy being practiced.

In many ways, the blackening stage is reminiscent of the “dark night of the soul” that is often described in literature and mythology. It is a time of great turmoil and chaos, as the alchemist begins to see the parts of themselves that they have long suppressed or ignored.

This stage is often characterized by intense emotions and experiences, such as fear, anxiety, and depression. It can be a painful process, but it is necessary for the alchemist to confront and overcome their own darkness in order to progress to the later stages of the alchemical process.

In the hero’s journey, the blackening stage is often represented by the “belly of the whale” or “the abyss.” This is the point in the journey where the hero is brought to their lowest point, facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and challenges.

For example, in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the blackening stage is represented by Macbeth’s descent into madness and paranoia after he murders King Duncan. He is tormented by guilt and haunted by the ghosts of his victims, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Similarly, in Star Wars, Luke Skywalker faces his own blackening stage when he confronts Darth Vader and learns that he is his father. This revelation sends Luke into a state of turmoil and doubt, as he struggles to come to terms with the truth about his own identity.

Despite the pain and turmoil of the blackening stage, it is ultimately a necessary step in the journey toward enlightenment and transformation. By facing their inner demons and confronting their own darkness, the alchemist and the hero are able to emerge stronger and more enlightened than before.

In Taoist alchemy, the blackening stage is also seen as a time of transformation, as the alchemist begins to transmute their own darkness into light. This is represented by the third stage of the alchemical process, known as “the whitening,”

2. The Whitening

The next stage in Taoist alchemy is called “whitening,” which is also known as the stage of purification. In this stage, the focus is on refining and purifying the body, mind, and spirit, preparing them for the next stage of transformation.

During this stage, the practitioner continues to refine their breathing, movement, and meditation practices, while also incorporating more advanced techniques. These techniques may include more complex breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and various forms of internal alchemy.

One of the primary goals of the whitening stage is to refine the practitioner’s energy or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be a vital life force that flows through the body. This energy is often compared to electricity and can be harnessed and directed to achieve various physical, mental, and spiritual states.

As the practitioner progresses through this stage, they may experience a sense of calmness, inner peace, and heightened awareness. They may also begin to develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and the role that they play in the greater universe.

Overall, the whitening stage is a period of intense inner purification and transformation, in which the practitioner works to purify their mind, body, and spirit, and to cultivate a greater sense of awareness and understanding of the world around them. Through this process, they begin to develop the foundation for the next stage of alchemical transformation, known as the “yellowing” stage.

3. The Yellowing

The yellowing stage is the third stage in the neidan process, following the “water and fire” stage and the “white” stage. During the yellowing stage, the practitioner focuses on refining their qi and cultivating their essence, or jing. This stage is associated with the earth element and the color yellow, which is said to symbolize the maturation and ripening of the practitioner’s inner energies.

According to Taoist alchemical theory, the yellowing stage is a crucial stage in the process of spiritual transformation. It is believed that during this stage, the practitioner’s qi becomes more refined and their awareness becomes clearer, leading to greater insight and wisdom. The ultimate goal of neidan is to reach the “golden elixir” stage, in which the practitioner achieves a state of spiritual purity and immortality.

4. The Golden Elixir

The “golden elixir” stage is the final stage in the process of inner alchemy in Taoist alchemy. It is considered to be the culmination of the alchemical process, in which the practitioner achieves a state of spiritual enlightenment and immortality.

During the golden elixir stage, the practitioner’s qi, essence (jing), and spirit (shen) become fully integrated, leading to the attainment of the “immortal body” or “diamond body.” The practitioner is said to have achieved a state of complete spiritual purity and liberation, and to have transcended the cycle of birth and death.

In order to reach the golden elixir stage, the practitioner must have gone through a series of alchemical stages, which include the “water and fire” stage, the “white” stage, and the “yellowing” stage. Each of these stages involves specific practices and techniques aimed at refining and purifying the practitioner’s inner energies.

It is important to note that the golden elixir stage is a metaphorical concept that is not meant to be taken literally. Rather, it represents a state of spiritual realization and transcendence that can be attained through dedicated practice and cultivation of the inner self.

References

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