Description
Book SynopsisBuild a strong foundation for health, longevity, and spiritual enlightenment with the ancient art of Qìgōng Embryonic Breathing (Internal Elixir).
Chinese Qìgōng can be categorized into External Elixir (Wai Dan) and Internal Elixir (Nei Dan). To reach the goals of longevity and spiritual enlightenment, the practitioner must learn Internal Elixir Qìgōng.
The first step, and the focus of this book, is to understand the theory and the method of Embryonic Breathing. Practicing this breathing technique will help you
- Optimize your central energy system
- Conserve your energy
- Store this energy at abundant levels
Using ancient Buddhist and Daoist documents, Dr. Yáng analyzes and discusses meditation theory and training methods in a modern and scientific manner. This double-edged approach will enable you to quickly achieve a high level of understanding.
It is well acknowledged that without a proper foundation, the root of spiritual enlightenment will not be established and the meditative practice of Qìgōng for spiritual enlightenment, may be in vain.
Qìgōng Embryonic Breathing is organized into three parts
- Foundations: General Qìgōng concepts and meditation theory
- Translations and commentary of ancient documents related to Embryonic Breathing
- The practice of Embryonic Breathing meditation
The necessary second and third steps are to practice Qìgōng Small Circulation and Qìgōng Grand Circulation.
This second edition includes pinyin tonal marks for pronunciation, modern Chinese fonts, and illustration enhancements.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Dedication
About the Author
Foreword
Preface
PART I FOUNDATIONS
Chapter 1 General Concepts
1.1 Introduction
1.2 General Qigong Concepts
1.3 The Network of Qi Vessels and Channels
1.4 Buddhist and Daoist Qigong Concepts
1.5 Four Refinements
1.6 Five Regulatings
1.7 Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Qigong
1.8 Small Circulation, Grand Circulation, and Enlightenment Meditation
1.9 Definition of Embryonic Breathing
1.10 Embryonic Breathing and Cultivation of the Dao
1.11 About This Book
Chapter 2 Theoretical Foundation of Embryonic Breathing
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Human Qigong Science
2.3 Theoretical Foundations of Embryonic Breathing
2.4 Meanings and Purposes of Meditation
PART II TRANSLATIONS AND COMMENTARIES OF ANCIENT DOCUMENTS RELATED TO EMBRYONIC BREATHING
Chapter 3 Translations and Commentaries of Ancient Documents
3.1 Introduction
3.2 General Concepts
3.3 About the Dan Tian
3.4 Regulating the Breathing
3.5 Regulating the Mind
3.6 Regulating the Spirit
3.7 Methods of Embryonic Breathing
3.8 Other Related Documents
Chapter 4 Summaries from Ancient Documents
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Summaries of Important Points
PART III PRACTICE OF EMBRYONIC BREATHING
Chapter 5 Practice of Embryonic Breathing
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Preparation for Embryonic Breathing
5.3 Practice of Embryonic Breathing
5.4 Recovery from the Meditative State
Chapter 6 Conclusion
Appendix A: Translation and Glossary of Chinese Terms
Index
