Qigong Meditation: Embryonic Breathing

by Yang Jwing-Ming, Jwing-Ming Yang

Overview

Finalist - 2006 Book of the Year Award by ForeWord MagazineThe 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:	9781886969735
Publisher:	Ymaa Publication Center
Publication date:	11/15/2003
Edition description:	Bilingual
Pages:	414
Sales rank:	271,287
Product dimensions:	7.39(w) x 9.49(h) x 1.01(d)

About the Author

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is a renowned author and teacher of Chinese martial arts and Qigong. Born in Taiwan, he has trained and taught
Taijiquan, Qigong and Chinese martial arts for over forty-five years. He is the author of over thirty books, and was elected by Inside Kung Fu magazine as one of the 10 people who has "made the greatest impact on martial arts in the past 100 years." Dr. Yang lives in Northern
California.

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