What is advanced Neidan practice?
What is advanced Neidan practice?
Following up on the last article, let's have a short, but hopefully illuminating subject on advanced Neidan practice.
Q: What defines it?
A: The Golden Elixir is already complete in the body.
Following from this, we should understand that the golden elixir forms from the union of Jing, Qi and Shen in the lower Dantian which in turn forms the medicinal product (True Yang Qi). This medicinal product travels in the body and opens the meridian pathways so that it can return to the center of the body (behind the umbilicus in this instance). After collecting for long enough in this medicinal substance congeals and builds the middle Dantian which at this stage of practice is located in the upper abdomen (it can also be in the chest depending on stage of practice, also different schools have different ideas).
Eventually after congealing enough it can be said to be golden elixir.
Over months and years the golden elixir becomes strong and connects the middle and lower dantians so the entire abdomen is the home of the elixir. After that time it is called the Sage Fetus or heavenly fetus.
This allows us to simultaneously build the central channel of the body so the energy can reach the inner garden (upper Dantian/brain center/baihui), stimulate the transformation of Qi to Shen (a phenomenon which occurs in the middle and upper Dantians), and help us pass through the mystery gate many times to we gradually realize our true nature.
Once all of this is mature, the elixir should be allowed to rest and as the spirit develops and grows it will gradually attain the energy of the golden elixir to give rise to its movement.
This movement opens the Xin Men (sky gate suture) and allows us to begin transforming the spirit to void, allowing us to sample enlightenment on a deeper level and for longer.
Advanced Neidan practice occurs when the elixir is complete and can give Yang energy to the spirit so it can effortless travel to and beyond the Baihui, allowing us to attain genuine emptiness.
This is why we do not talk about Qi movement in the body in advanced practice, even though the Qi will continue to move frequently. It isn't that it doesn't happen, it is just less important than the spirit transforming to emptiness and becoming liberated from the corporeal form of the body, post heaven Qi, and post heaven mind.
Behind the paywall today is the last chapter of the Heavenly Immortal Verification Discussion, a key text of the Wu Liu Neidan tradition. It explains the process of going from Embryonic Breathing to the advanced stage of practice and enlightenment. If you liked the above article, the translation I have provided is a clear and detailed explanation of how inner alchemy practitioners understand the ascent to Buddhahood and Immortality according to the principles I detailed above, I think you are going to love it!!
(originally 12 pages single space at 18 point font)