Develop a strong viable vessel, and the spirit will reside within.
This traditional Taoist teaching refers to the development of internal
emptiness, which creates an attractive abode for the spirit. Releasing
stress and strengthening the bones conforms the body into a durable
"empty" vessel. The more we meditate, the more emptiness we
create in our vessel. The more emptiness we create, the more we fill
with vital life energy or Qi. High quality Qi churning within attracts
the spirit much like rich flower nectar attracts the bees.
Once spirit takes up residence in the body, it
greatly enhances the body's Qi quality. In these high-level Qi states,
we are able to give freely to others without affecting the energy
necessary for our own good health and longevity. It's like spending
the interest from an endowment while the principal continues to grow.
This process begins by developing a
quality-breathing pattern to generate and build Qi. From Traditional
Taoist teachings, the Qi rides on the breath and the spirit rides on
the Qi. Once the spirit moves inward, the body/mind is infused with an
extraordinary power of generosity. This spirit-based giving is fueled
by pure heaven Qi and is not swayed by emotional desires for
reciprocation. So "giving to receive" is not part of the
process.
While some may think monetary wealth creates
stinginess and greed, the Taoist sees an abundance of money as a way
to move slow and steady through life. Stinginess and greed are
associated with deficient Qi and a weak connection to the spirit. The
stronger the Qi-spirit connection, the more "compassionate
giving" becomes a natural course of action. Whether one is
attached to wealth or neediness, both are considered deficient Qi
states. As a means of survival, individuals suffering from Qi
deficiency unknowingly draw on energy generated from earthly
activities. Since this energy is burned more rapidly than pure Heaven
Qi, it is difficult to sustain.
So being wealthy is not about having money;
it's about having abundant Qi. And being stingy or greedy is not about
being insensitive; it's about being low on Qi. When Qi is abundant, we
act in a compassionate manner. When Qi is deficient, our connection to
spirit is weak. Such weakness clouds the mind and allows the body to
seize whatever is close. Thus, clinging to money, drugs, illness, or
even people, is indicative of a weak connection to spirit.
High quality Qi, cultivated through meditation,
is rich in vital life nutrients. Tien Qi (Heaven Qi) rides on the
breath and Di Qi (Earth Qi) rises up through the feet. From the Taoist
Trinity we have Heaven above, Earth below, and Man in the middle. Our
connection to Earth is through the body and keeps us grounded, while
our connection to Heaven is drawn into the body through the breath.
Once you become adept at pulling Tien Qi into the body, any appetite
for inferior Qi quickly subsides. Establishing a solid diet of Tien Qi
generates notable shifts in creativity, productivity and honesty.
Taoist practices may not appear compassionate
at first blush. That's because the spirit is not persuaded by the push
and pull of the human psyche. In the process of changing a student's
energetic diet, the Taoist master makes a point not to feed neediness
or dependence. It's similar to teaching a man to fish, rather than
just giving him a fish. For the Taoist, being compassionate may mean
withholding that which is desired or rattling one's belief system.
These are traditional ways to help students attain higher levels of
understanding.
Cultivating a quiet mind through meditation
builds high-quality internal Qi, which provides a comfortable space
for the spirit. When the spirit resides within, it keeps the mind
clear so it can pierce through personal doubts and fears, resist Qi
thieves, and focus on companionate giving.
Shima Susan Elkins is a
dedicated practitioner of the Taoist way. She teaches weekly classes
in Qigong Meditation and Tai Chi, and offers free weekend classes. You
can contact her through www.jadelady.com.
