Internal Alchemy in Daoism

In this video, we continue our explorations of Daoism by studying its later developments into organized movements and the fascinating practice of Neidan, or "Internal Alchemy".

Sources/Suggested Reading:
Graham, A.C. (1999). "Disputers of the Tao: Philosophical Argument in Ancient China". Open Court.

Kohn, Livia (1991). "Early Chinese Mysticism: Philosophy and Soteriology in the Taoist Tradition". Princeton University Press.

Kohn, Livia (1993). "The Taoist Experience: An Anthology". State University of New York Press.

Komjathy, Louis (2013). "The Daoist Tradition: An Introduction". Bloombury academic.

Komjathy, Louis (2016). "Comtemplative Literature: A Comparative Sourcebook on Meditation and Contemplative Prayer". State University of New York Press.

Ziporyn, Brook (Translated by) (2020). Zhuangzi: The Complete Writings". Hackett Publishing Company.

#Daoism #China #Alchemy

[LiShuBen]

As a practitioner of internal alchemy I would like to provide some insight to the poem at 18:00. To those also behind the door, please forgive my candor but I believe these things should be put bluntly.

This poem is basically a teaching of a basic mental/breath technique to develop focus and vitality. While doing the meditation the student holds their body in certain postures to activate different parts of the fascia so you can be working your whole body and mind while seemingly sitting still.

As far as the poem itself is concerned I'll just summarize the main take aways from each paragraph:


1. Harmonizing mercury and lead essentially refers to developing a healthy mind and body. The body practices are a kind of yoga that works and strengthens the fascia, giving one a gentle strength that to the untrained eye can appear as magic or superhuman skill. The mind practices are meditations and focusing exercises to awaken the awareness that there is a space between thoughts and emotions the one experiencing the thoughts and emotions.

2. In the beginning of training do not rush to become a monk or an extreme training program. Consistency is key so just have a small practice and just make sure to do it everyday.

3. If you stop practicing just start up again. Do not try to add to the practice with additional elements to "spice " it up. Do it as it was taught and struggle through the process of maintaining the habit.

4.When you have developed your mind and body (represented by the tiger and dragon) you will create the proper environment in yourself for inner peace/harmony. This is seen as the true base nature of all humans and everything you do in life should come from this space.

5 &6. This is an esoteric explanation for the exercise called the microcosmic orbit. Where you focus the mind on the breath and feel it flow from your tailbone up your back to your brain and down the front of your body This is a fundamental practice almost all daoist schools teach in some form. While not the exact same, it operates in a similar fashion to Kundalini yoga/meditation.

The "fetus" referred to is the awareness of yourself as a non physical being. It's first manifests as attention or Yi but through practice it develops into a full awareness that extends outside of your body. This is not theoretical, you can and will experience this if you stick to your practice. This is why I like daoism, they dint ask you to believe in anything, just do the practices and you'll see for yourself.

[peterkhew]

As a Chinese, I think the separation between Taoist philosophy and religion has more to do with the fact that Chinese people are mostly agnostic. The philosophical part will appeal to people from a Confucian education; while the religious aspect is more for common folks that practice rituals and customs that reflect Taoist concepts.

Also, even though Taoism originated from China, it was based on the observation of nature and the I-Ching; which makes it universally applicable anywhere else. The closest Western parallel would be Stoicism.

[matthewmagda]

I love your pronunciation. Thank you so much for making the effort for correctness. Even most comparative religion enthusiasts butcher this.

[MultiverseACT]

This has got to be one of the most informative videos I have ever watched. You have united what my internal thoughts are regarding Buddhist influence and religious practice in my life. Another stepping stone to the death which awaits us all. I have much knowledge within my tiny cranium. It will never be satiated. Thank You for all you do to present the human belief system in such an objective manner. May all the gods bless you and your journey.

[sanjaymourya]

Master mantak chia is good read to understand step by step process of internal alchemy and other aspects of Chinese traditional medicine. He is also on YouTube but books are much more subtle than videos.

[AcudocFritz]

Thank you for your presentations on Daoism. As a 30+ year practitioner of neidan I have explored the various aspects of Daoism. My own views and practices have evolved from a purely mystical apophatic practice to one heavily influenced by my medical practice to one which might be almost anti theistic with a rejection of divinity as being nothing more than metaphor. Having said that I had an experience early on that has been a driving force in that journey to seek understanding and in part a return to that state of wonder derived from seeing the infinite. That infinite was beyond my understanding and can only be explained in the terms that I had at that time, my Protestant Christian upbringing and philosophical expirations in Daoism. More reading in Daoism, Buddism, Confucianism, Sufism, Christian Mystism, and Hinduism, the continued practice of the neidan, and medicine has lead me to focus on Dao as a state of universal being somewhat separate from our selves but approachable, a concept that is hard to grasp but can still give meaning. The religious traditions of middle and later Daoism almost seem to mask and make lite of the profundity of that first experience I had. My personal journey could have lead me to being a hermit, but the needs of friends and family has kept me tied to community. It is with in this realm that I find value in the religious practices. Though again I find that for me it masks the deeper truths of and in the Dao.

[-LTUIiiin]

daoism is so fascinating... cant wait for more on this topic

[d]

家 (Jia) is the word we use to call the schools of thought in Chinese Axial Age, when philosophy was most diverse and unrestricted. We group all of them as 諸子百家 (Hundread of Schools of thought and their masters). They include but are not limited to Confucianism(儒家), Legalism(法家), Daoism(道家), School of Yin-yang(陰陽家), Mohism(墨家), School of Names(名家), School of Physician(醫家), and School of Medicine/Alchemy(方技家), just to copy from the wikipedia's list. Each schools had their own important historical figures too with their separate lineage. The writers in ancient times wrote this list because they find their thoughts distinctive. The names are quite straight forward and we can already see the later Daoism is influenced by schools of Yin-yang and Medicine. I don't know why the two terms Dao Jiao and Dao Jia is contested but just know this is why we think there's a difference. However the later Daoists would think they are the same of course.

[potoole]

So pleased and grateful for your work. Can't praise you enough.

[Cerberus]

This is an amazing video. Your explanation of these very intricate topics is informative and clear. Looking forward to more!

[TheHartsook]

Yes I'm really enjoyed your series on Taoism I hope there are some more thank you very much

[pedrojorge]

Ótimo programa. Obrigado pelo esclarecimento e a oportunidade de aprender.

[TheForeignersNetwork]

That passage from Zhang Buodan is very similar to the language used in tantra to describe the male and female essence drops coming together (which is usually represented by a couple in sexual union). In tantra, we use colors and deity imagery, but it looks like in Daoism, it's a combination of colors and animals. The "tiger's roar" is a reference to the sound of your consciousness, which is a subtle sound that can be heard with practice and purification.

The physical practices are also really similar to kundalini yoga and Tibetan Tummo, in which you force your prana into the central channel to go up the spine and out of the crown of your head. I can see why a lot of Daoists have no problem accepting Buddhism and vice versa--The physical practices are nearly identical; they just use different language to describe the techniques.

[rhubarbpie]

Excited for more content on this topic!

[JustSayin]

Wonderful to have you discuss this part of Daoism. Always good to hear from you.

[PeaceChanel]

Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth....
Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste
🙏🏻 😊 ✌ ☮ ❤

[MrDanamiel]

Finally an english video that is correctly explain about this.

[bcharris]

This is great! You should do one on neo-Confucianism as well to round out the presentation of Chinese traditions.

[liamfraser]

Looking forward to this. Thank you for all that you do, Filip. Your videos are incredibly insightful

[angel]

Neidan sounds similar / parallel to like kriya yoga and meditation. Spiritual, internal practices carried out while maintaining certain dietary, social and lifestyle disciplines. Aimed at eventually moving towards dissolution.