Qigong Meditation: Embryonic Breathing

by Jwing-Ming Yang Ph.D.

Overview

The Root of Spiritual Enlightenment

Chinese Qigong can be generally categorized into External Elixir (Wai Dan) and Internal Elixir (Nei Dan) Qigong. The first step of practicing Internal Elixir Qigong has been known as Small Cyclic Heaven (Small Circulation or Microcosmic Meditation). After completing Small Cyclic Heaven, a practitioner will learn Grand Cyclic Heaven (Grand Circulation or Macrocosmic Meditation). The purpose of Grand Cyclic Heaven is to re-open the Heaven Eye (Third Eye) to unite the natural spirit and human spirit. This is the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment in both Daoism (Taoism) and Buddhism. Although these kinds of meditations are popular, very few scientific books or documents are available to the public.

The Foundation of Internal Elixir Cultivation

In order to reach the goal of longevity and spiritual enlightenment, the Qigong practitioner must learn Internal Elixir Qigong. The first step to learning is to understand the theory and the method of Embryonic Breathing. Practicing this breathing technique will help you to establish your central energy system, conserve your energy, and store this energy to abundant levels. Once you have established this foundation, you will be able to practice Small Cyclic Heaven (Small Circulation or Microcosmic Orbit) and Grand Cyclic Heaven (Grand Circulation of Macrocosmic Orbit) effectively. It is understood that without this foundation, the root of spiritual enlightenment will not be established and the study and the practice of spiritual enlightenment, through meditation, will be in vain.

• Embryonic Breathing theory and techniques were kept secret in Buddhist and Daoist (Taoist) monasteries.
• Dr. Yang discusses most of the available documents, translates and comments upon them.
• Scientific analysis and summary of the practice methods.
• A comprehensive, straightforward way to understand and practice Embryonic Breathing.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781594391477
Publisher:	YMAA Publication Center
Publication date:	05/01/2009
Series:	Qigong Foundation , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	414
File size:	37 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming started his Gongfu training at the age of 15 under the Shaolin White Crane Master Cheng, Gin Gsao. Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts. With the same master he also studied Qin Na, Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment.

At the age of 16, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan under Master Kao, Tao. Dr. Yang's tai chi can be traced back to the Yang family through Master Kao's teacher Yue, Huanzhi, an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu.

After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong.

Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane, Shaolin Long Fist, and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience.

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	vii
	Romanization of Chinese Terms	viii
	Dedication	ix
	About the Author	xi
	Foreword	xvii
	Preface	xix
Part I	Foundations
Chapter 1	General Concepts
1.1	Introduction	3
1.2	General Qigong Concepts	6
1.3	The Network of Qi Vessels and Channels	31
1.4	Buddhist and Daoist Qigong Concepts	38
1.5	Four Refinements	43
1.6	Five Regulatings	63
1.7	Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Qigong	85
1.8	Small Circulation, Grand Circulation, and Enlightenment Meditation	88
1.9	Definition of Embryonic Breathing	94
1.10	Embryonic Breathing and Cultivation of the Dao	97
1.11	About This Book	102
Chapter 2	Theoretical Foundation of Embryonic Breathing
2.1	Introduction	107
2.2	Human Qigong Science	113
2.3	Theoretical Foundations of Embryonic Breathing	134
2.4	Meanings and Purposes of Meditation	144
Part II	Translations and Commentaries of Ancient Documents Related to Embryonic Breathing
Chapter 3	Translations and Commentaries of Ancient Documents
3.1	Introduction	155
3.2	General Concepts	157
3.3	About the Dan Tian	220
3.4	Regulating the Breathing	229
3.5	Regulating the Mind	241
3.6	Regulating the Spirit	267
3.7	Methods of Embryonic Breathing	287
3.8	Other Related Documents	306
Chapter 4	Summaries from Ancient Documents
4.1	Introduction	313
4.2	Summaries of Important Points	314
Part III	Practice of Embryonic Breathing
Chapter 5	Practice of Embryonic Breathing
5.1	Introduction	323
5.2	Preparation for Embryonic Breathing	324
5.3	Practice of Embryonic Breathing	329
5.4	Recovery from the Meditative State	343
Chapter 6	Conclusion	347
Appendix A	Translation and Glossary of Chinese Terms	349
	Index	385

Editorial Reviews

"During my many years as a natural health writer, I've read hundreds and hundreds of books on Qigong and meditation, but during those ten years I've never encountered a book as thoroughly researched and documented as Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming's massive translation and commentary on the available materials related to Embryonic Breathing theory and techniques. Those of us in the West owe Dr. Yang a sincere bow of gratitude for this fascinating resource."

Chet Day