The podcast: The structure of the lower Dantian

comparing Neidan and Qigong

Hi friends,

in this episode we look at the structure of the lower Dantian from the Neidan and Qigong perspective in order to try to understand its utility. I handicap myself by not having a historical discussion to fall back on, but I think this episode should be informative to anyone trying to understand what the lower Dantian is and its significance in both Qigong and Neidan.

Here is an excerpt from the Qigong project facebook page:

“The lower Dantian is not just one point at the base of the abdomen, it describes a general area where essential Qi collects in the body.

Different schools understand this area according to their specific principles of practice, for instance:

- many internal alchemy schools view the area four fingers width under the navel as the lower Dantian, while some view the area behind the umbilicus and in front of the kidneys as the correct location,

- Zhineng Gong takes the umbilical region as the lower field, while Guo Lin Qigong calls the umbilical area the middle Dantian in some old documents,

- Esoteric Buddhism of course understands this area to be occupied by wheels and this concept has entered into Daoist schools such as the Wu Liu style.

In my opinion, the lower Dantian describes different kinds of Qi activity which occur beneath the navel up to the level of the perineneum.

The main activities are:

- as a center to calm the mind,

- a place to generate Qi from essence,

- a storage location for Qi after it has circulated in the body,

- a point to anchor the breath so it becomes deeper.

The internal alchemy master Zhang Boduan said that the space under the umbilicus and the umbilicus itself are like a perch and nest. The bird (or Qi) begins to rise from the lower part, then returns to nest in the umbilical area after circulating in the whole body.

This describes alchemy, but Qigong may also have special considerations.”

Here is the episode (sorry for talking so fast, very excited about the subject, plus espresso):

Behind the paywall today is a long article by Nan Huaiqin (a famous modern Buddhist figure) about the Sea Floor Wheel/Root Chakra and its relationship to Daoist and Buddhist practice. It is a great read and is 15 pages, 18 point, single spaced. If you are interested in comparative energetic cultivation and spirituality, this may be a good reason to subscribe if you haven’t already!

南 怀瑾：讲 “海底轮 ” 人 体三角地 带 的 秘 密

Nan Huaiqin discusses the “Sea Floor Wheel,” and the secret which is contained in the triangle of the human body: