Monday 28th – Friday 1st August 2025
Monday 4th August to Friday 8th August 2025
Monday 11th to Friday 15th August 2025
Everyone who is prepared to practise hard and diligently, and who has the mind to aim for the highest level, needs a helping hand and a few guidelines to help him along the way. The stresses and strains of work and home life, bringing up families, and the burdens that we all carry each day slowly sap our energy, and cause the body to run down, so that we do not always feel that we have the energy to carry on. Anger, jealousy, depression, worry and other emotions may put the mind under constant stress, making it very difficult to concentrate and think clearly.
To avoid this, the emotions must be brought under control, so that your response to events and to others remains on a constant level. This is hard to achieve, but once you have the strength of mind to get yourself under control every minute of every day, you will find life takes on a new dimension and a completely different aspect. There will be such peace, harmony and happiness within you that you may think a miracle has happened. But miracles don’t happen, for it is the natural flow of nature and should be an every day occurrence, and we should learn to accept it as such, for this is the Tao.
No one should ever sleep too much, because this can make the body become earthbound, and feel very heavy and sluggish. Anyone who is really healthy, especially someone who for at least three years has cultivated Ch’ang Ming eating and drinking habits, needs only five to six hours sleep every night, irrespective of the type of work he does.
Make sure that you always sleep with the window open, so that there is always fresh air available in your bedroom. To avoid draughts, have only one window open at a time, and keep the door closed.
Do not have a bed too soft. A firm bed is much better for comfort and will help you to sleep more relaxed. If the bed sags, your body can be caused unnecessary strain, even though you are trying to relax. There is an old saying that “One hour’s sleep before midnight is worth two hours’ afterwards”, and this is absolutely true. This is because after midnight the heart, small intestine, bladder, and kidneys are at their lowest ebb, the body temperature drops, breathing slows, and these organs work more slowly, so that they too can rest. As you can see from the following diagram which depicts the Yin and Yang aspects of a normal day, the early hours of the morning is also a Yin period:
If you dream or have nightmares, or if you awaken during the night, then it is very likely that you will find that it is between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.; so, it is vital to get as much sleep as possible before 1 a.m. for good health and complete relaxation and thereby ensuring that your body gets the maximum benefit from the rest.
In China it has been known for thousands of years that the
organs, blood, mind, spirit, body, our psychic spheres, and our energies, indeed, all living things in the universe move through regular cycles of minimum and maximum activity. The annual cycle is as follows:
So everyone is at their lowest ebb in December, and at maximum vitality in June, but individuals vary slightly depending on when they were born, but such variation will not exceed three weeks. There are also monthly and daily vitality cycles.
The following diagram shows the times of the day at which the principal organs of the body are at their peak condition. These times are calculated with reference to the “lines of meridian” of the human body, and which are used in most Chinese healing
arts such as the Eight Strands of the Brocade, which includes spot pressing, vibration healing, Ch’i healing, Li healing, push and pull massage, sound healing, as well as being used extensively in acupuncture.
So if you have heart trouble get to bed before 11 p.m., and if you have lung trouble don’t do anything really active between 3 and 5 p.m.
If you live the Ch’ang Ming way you will not feel tired or fatigued, and thus will be unlikely to fall ill, for tiredness is one of the basic causes of illness. However, if you feel at all tense at anytime, sit quietly, with your back upright (do not slump down in an armchair!), and relax your mind and your whole body. Close your eyes if this helps, and try to erase the sounds that come into your ears and mind. Try a few deep breathing exercises, such as the ‘Tin breath”, described in Chapter 5. This will help you to relax and at the same time will increase the oxygen in your bloodstream.
Tensions can also be reduced by taking a shower or bath before practising K’ai Men, and you will benefit too by taking one afterwards. If your eyes are heavy or you have a slight headache, lie on the floor, with your tongue in the roof of the mouth, and breathe deeply through the lower abdomen (Tan T’ien). At the same time place your right hand on your eyes between your two eyebrows, making sure that the palm of your hand is in complete contact with your skin and eyelids, and with your left hand gently press on the floor with your fingertips, in a rhythm very similar to your own pulse. Do this for about one minute and you will be surprised how wonderful you feel afterwards.
The advantages of eating the Ch’ang Ming way have already been emphasized (see Chapter 4). Try it for six months, and you will be surprised how fit and alive you feel, how well you look, and in what good condition your skin is.
However, it is advisable never to eat just before practice, and after a very heavy meal you must allow at least three to four hours to go by before you attempt the exercises of K’ai Men. When you do eat, always chew each mouthful fifty to a hundred times, so that it turns to water before swallowing. This will ensure that you do not overload the stomach and that you never suffer from indigestion and ulcers.
You can practise anywhere at any time of the day, but the ideal times are one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. Because of work commitments, however, you may find it best to practise in the evenings; but do try to practise at a regular time. K’ai Men exercises are such that you can do just a few at a time, so a practice session need last no longer than fifteen to twenty minutes.
Whenever you practise, make sure that the room in which you do so is clean and airy, without any draughts, and that the atmosphere is not cold or damp. You can even practise on bare floorboards, providing that the floor is even, so that when you lie on your back your spinal column is not rubbing against a knot in the woodwork. The ideal place to practise is on a carpet in a room with one window open.
This should be loose, so that you can bend and turn your body without the slightest restriction. The best clothing to wear for K’ai Men practice was developed in China over 5,000 years ago, and is ideal for all callisthenics, no matter how strenuous the movements may be.
This has already been covered in detail in Chapter 5. Suffice it to say here that deep breathing is essential.
In addition, learn to savour the golden nectar of your own body by keeping your tongue in the roof of your mouth all the time. As your mouth fills up with saliva, gently lift the chin, and swallow smoothly at one go. Get in the habit of doing this and you will be surprised at how beneficial it is.
In everything that you try to do, concentrate fully at all times and learn to feel everything that goes on inside your own body. Learn also to concentrate on things and people around you.
Through concentration, and attention to even the smallest thing that happens, you will eventually learn to see the Tao all around you constantly, and you will begin to see and appreciate the path of your life.
This concentration will not only help you to strengthen your mind, and improve your memory, but also give you a very peaceful and tranquil outlook, because concentration will stop you worrying unnecessarily about incidentals.
The mental processes affect the emotions, and thus conscious control of the mind and its thoughts will induce a feeling of calmness, to the benefit of your mental and physical health and even of your subconscious mind, which will thereby become more relaxed. This in turn will see that you dream less and sleep more deeply. Concentration of your mental faculties will not only give you added inner power, but also give you an inner peace, which you may find remarkable.
In addition to all this, you will find your memory will get better and better, which it should do, for memory is based on experience in time, and as you get older your experience is greater, and therefore your memory should increase with your years.
Ensure that you empty the bowels and the bladder before you start your K’ai Men practice, because inner cleanliness is absolutely vital to your good health, and if you retain such waste matter within your system you may find that when you practise some of the exercises you feel restricted, which in turn could create a certain amount of tension. In addition, the effect of having waste matter in the body for long periods will be to reduce the purity of the blood, causing headaches and sluggishness.
Make sure that you go to the toilet regularly and try to cultivate a habit of going first thing each morning. This will clear the toxic matters that have accumulated in the body during the period you have been asleep.
During menstruation it is best not to practise exercises in which the legs have to be in the air, or in which the body is bent
forwards. Exercises in which the body is kept upright are best at such times.
For most women the menopause is a difficult time, marked by nervousness and periods of depression. Ch’ang Ming and dedicated practice of K’ai Men are the best answers, since they keep the body healthy and the mind calm and relaxed, so that the change is scarcely apparent and is easily accepted.
K’ai Men can be practised by anyone who will take the very little trouble required to do so. We suggest that, if you are a beginner and have never done physical exercises before, for the first month of practice you should keep to just the sequences of each exercise, practising regularly every day. The body will then become soft and relaxed, and you will be able to progress to the extensions of the exercises.
The man of the Tao is free from anger, hate, fear, and worry at all times, and if you live the Ch’ang Ming way as well then illness and suffering will not exist for you. You will be happy and pleasant all the time, and your appearance, your behaviour and your manners will radiate this happiness, pleasure, and relaxed air that you will have about you all the time. It will catch on, and others may ask you for the secret. When you tell them that it is no secret, but the natural way of life, and that you now recognize your predestined path, they will either want to join you in this knowledge, or secretly laugh behind your back. If they want to laugh, let them, for they are the ones losing out, not you, for you have attained an understanding of life and of nature, and of the universe that will be the envy of everyone. Do, however, try to pass on your understanding to others, so that all may benefit by the wonderful work of the Supreme Spirit.
We exist in this world with many, so let us try to help many on the way.
Master Chee Soo’s books serve as indispensable training guides for anyone dedicated to Lee style Tai Chi, Feng Shou Kung Fu, Anmo, Chinese Medicine, and Taoism. These works are a must-read for your students, as they offer foundational knowledge directly from Chee Soo, saving you countless hours of explanation. They also add credibility to your teaching, allowing students to recognize their place within a Taoist tradition that stretches back to ancient times.
Chee Soo’s books offer direct access to the Lee family Taoist Arts, providing deep insights into Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Qigong, and Taoist philosophy. Studying these texts connects you with centuries of wisdom, offering more than just physical techniques—his teachings explore context, balance, energy, and spiritual principles.
Chee Soo had a unique ability to break down complex ideas into easy-to-understand steps. His writing is straightforward and accessible, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced practitioners who want to refine their understanding of the Taoist Arts.
These books are designed for hands-on practice, offering step-by-step guidance on Tai Chi forms, Kung Fu techniques, and Qigong exercises. Whether you’re practising alone or supplementing lessons, his instructions help refine your technique and deepen your knowledge.
Each book has been meticulously reproduced from the original text, ensuring authenticity. They are securely bound, not merely glued, and printed on high-quality, bright white, acid-free paper. The laminated covers are designed for durability, making these books ideal for daily use as long-lasting training manuals.
Chee Soo’s focus on qi, the mind-body connection, and the integration of martial arts with health practices anticipated modern wellness trends. His books blend martial training with holistic principles, making them highly relevant today.
As you progress, Chee Soo’s books continue to offer new insights. They grow with you, revealing deeper meaning as your skills evolve, serving as an enduring companion on your Taoist journey.
When I first started on the Chang Ming diet, one principle I tried early on was chewing every mouthful of food 50-100 times. This principle is sometimes called “drink your food and eat your drinks” because every mouthful turns to water if you chew it enough. This also stimulates the production of saliva, which is the first stage in the digestion process, and also stimulates the digestive process further down the line by preparing the stomach and intestines for what is to come. Another surprise was using chopsticks, and I noticed early on that I was often the last one to finish; chopsticks make eating more difficult but also slow the process down and involve more focus on the actual act of eating. Chee Soo pointed out that there are no teeth in your stomach, and since I have learned much more about the principles of Taoist Chinese medicine, I have come to understand how important it is to take time to eat. This means taking time to prepare a meal properly, which not only means cooking according to Chang Ming’s principle to preserve the nutritional content of the food but also making sure it is presented properly to stimulate the taste buds and aid digestion. I learned this in my student days working in a restaurant kitchen to supplement my income between term times. Fast food may be more convenient in the short term, but we have to consider the trade-off is loss of quality and how the result is obesity or, conversely, malnutrition. We do not consider an obese person as being undernourished, but what we are seeing is an overemphasis on certain types of food, which tends to lead to a lack of essential minerals and vitamins, fibre, and other holistic aspects in our diet. Consequently, the body must suffer.
The Slow Food movement, born in Italy in the late 20th century, and the Ch’ang Ming diet, rooted in ancient Taoist principles, both champion the return to a diet that emphasizes natural, locally sourced foods. While Slow Food emerged as a response to the fast food culture, advocating for good, clean, and fair food, Ch’ang Ming draws from the Taoist diet practised for centuries in China. Chang Ming focuses on natural foods long before the advent of fast food and chemical additives and is deeply intertwined with ancient Taoist Chinese medicine principles. When Chan Lee came to London from China in the 1930s, he used his knowledge of herbalism to adapt the Chang Ming diet to the local diet in Britain. This is an important principle to understand correctly: The diet varies depending on the locality, so it does not necessarily mean eating or avoiding certain foods. What is appropriate to a tropical country may not be so good for a cold northern European climate; the same goes for eating food in or out of season. If we are not aware of the origins of our food we risk tricking our body into thinking it is summer when it is winter or vice versa, the consequence of this can lead to illness when our body fails to respond properly to the environment. This is a basic principle in Chinese Medicine.
Ch’ang Ming is not an elitist or culinary-based diet but is grounded in the wholesome foods of common people, reflecting the Taoist belief in living harmoniously with nature. Both movements are committed to sustainability, health, and preserving culinary traditions. They encourage a thoughtful approach to eating, emphasizing the importance of consuming foods that are beneficial to personal health but also to the health of the planet. By advocating for organic, pesticide-free produce and ethically sourced meats, these movements align with the Taoist philosophy of balance and harmony, fostering a deep connection between individuals and their food sources.
The Slow Food movement and the Ch’ang Ming diet share a transformative power, extending their influence far beyond their origins to inspire a global community. Both advocate for practices that nourish the body and fortify the bond between people and the planet. This synergy between ancient wisdom and modern advocacy has heralded a resurgence in the appreciation for traditional foodways, underscored by a commitment to environmental stewardship and health.
Health benefits are central to both philosophies, advocating diets rich in organic, unprocessed foods. This approach supports physical well-being, with reduced risks of chronic diseases and mental health, promoting a balanced lifestyle in tune with natural rhythms. The emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods, minimally processed and free from artificial additives, aligns with contemporary nutritional science and ancient Taoist insights, offering a path to longevity and vitality.
As these movements gain traction, they underscore a critical re-evaluation of global food systems, championing sustainable agriculture and ethical food production. The ripple effect is evident in the growing demand for local, sustainably produced food, encouraging a shift towards practices that reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity.
This global narrative interweaves the personal and communal, highlighting how individual choices can collectively foster a healthier, more sustainable world. Through education and advocacy, Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming illuminate the path towards a future where food is a source of sustenance and a catalyst for healing and connection.
Integrating Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming principles into our daily lives presents a multifaceted approach to food that transcends mere consumption. Economically, these movements champion the cause of small-scale producers, injecting vitality into local economies and encouraging consumers to invest in their communities. This ethos nurtures a market for foods that are both good in quality and ethically produced, supporting fair trade and equitable compensation for farmers and artisans.
Socially, Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming act as catalysts for community engagement, bringing people together through shared meals and food-related events. These gatherings become a celebration of cultural heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect among diverse groups. The communal aspect of food preparation and consumption, deeply rooted in Taoist principles, encourages a mindful appreciation of the sources of our sustenance and the labour that brings it to our tables.
Environmentally, the emphasis on sustainable, organic farming practices and local sourcing reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transport and production. By advocating for biodiversity and preserving heirloom varieties of plants and animals, these movements contribute to the health of our planet. The principles of Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming thus reflect a deep ecological consciousness, recognising the interdependence of human and environmental health.
This holistic approach embodies a profound respect for the natural world, aligning with Taoist teachings of living in harmony with nature. It offers a blueprint for a sustainable future, where food is a bridge between cultures, generations, and ecosystems, healing both the earth and its inhabitants.
Addressing the challenges and criticisms faced by both Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming, affordability and accessibility are significant concerns. Despite these hurdles, both movements offer actionable advice for individuals looking to incorporate their principles into daily life.
Prioritising seasonal and locally available produce can reduce costs and support local economies. Engaging in community-supported agriculture (CSA) schemes or frequenting farmers’ markets are practical ways to access fresh, ethically produced food. Reducing meat consumption and focusing on plant-based meals can also align with health and environmental goals.
Furthermore, cooking from scratch, while time-consuming, fosters a deeper connection with food and can be more economical and healthier than relying on processed alternatives. Planning meals and reducing food waste are additional steps that resonate with the ethos of both movements, emphasising respect for the resources we consume.
These strategies demystify adopting a more sustainable and health-conscious approach to eating, showcasing that meaningful change can start with simple, everyday choices.
Looking ahead, the convergence of Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming with the broader sustainability and health movements indicates a promising direction for the future of food culture. The increasing public interest in where and how food is produced suggests a shift towards more conscious consumption patterns that could profoundly impact global food systems.
Technological advancements and innovative farming techniques offer new opportunities for making sustainable and healthful food more accessible to a wider audience. Urban farming and vertical and community gardens are examples of how cities can embrace biodiversity and local production principles, even in densely populated areas.
Educational initiatives and digital platforms play crucial roles in spreading the message of Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming, empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed food choices. As these movements evolve, their integration into policy and public discourse could pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable food landscape.
The journey towards a holistic approach to eating, grounded in the wisdom of the past and the present innovations, invites a reimagining of our relationship with food. It’s a path that promises enhanced personal and planetary health and a deeper sense of community and connectedness at the global table.
In crafting this exploration of Slow Food and Ch’ang Ming, we’ve woven a narrative highlighting the importance of sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious food choices and inviting readers to consider their relationship with food holistically. This journey into the heart of two movements that span cultures and centuries reminds us of the power of collective action and individual choice in shaping a future where respect for the earth and each other is paramount. As we look forward, let’s embrace the wisdom of the past and the innovation of the present to nourish our bodies, our communities, and the planet we call home.
Read more…
https://www.slowfood.com/about-us/
Chang Ming Taoist Diet
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Hello there, potential Tai Chi enthusiast!
Are you ready to embark on a journey that will not only boost your physical flexibility and stamina but also enhance your mental prowess and uplift your overall mood and sense of purpose in life? Picture yourself waking up each day with a vibrant new hue, a sense of clarity, and a warm, invigorating energy flowing through every fiber of your being. This is the magic that awaits you when you join our daily training YouTube Playlists!
Don’t miss out on our latest uploads – make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for notifications!
Just like the Lotus flower opens with the rising of the sun, your energy can awaken daily through our program of Qigong and Tai Chi exercises. We believe that Qi flows best when the body is relaxed, so we start by helping you loosen up and then guide you through a deep breathing exercise to activate your Dantian, your primary energy center located in your lower abdomen.
Next, we’ll introduce you to Kai Men, the “opening of the door” stage, which activates your meridians, allowing energy to flow freely. Following this, you’ll experience the beauty of the Tai Chi dance, a flowing movement form. Finally, we’ll take you on a meditative journey with the Tai Chi form.
As our session nears its end, we’ll bring your energy back to the center with another deep breathing exercise, the Five Lotus Blossoms, ensuring it’s stored and ready for whenever you need it.
Are you ready to unlock the hidden potential within you? Discover the transformative power of Tai Chi and Qigong exercises and watch your life take on a vibrant new hue. Experience a journey of growth, both physical and mental, and cultivate an enduring wellspring of energy that will brighten every day.
The essence of Taoist energy training methods is now within your reach. Don’t wait any longer – start your transformation today and take it to the next level. Join our online Tai Chi lessons and make each day a celebration of vitality, balance, and inner harmony!
Subscribe now, and let’s embark on this incredible journey together! 🌞🌿💫
Chris learned Tai Chi with Chee Soo in Leamington and Coventry and had a class at Warwick University.
James took up Tai Chi after a serious road accident and now has his own class in his home town of St Agnes in Cornwall.
Taoist yoga has long been known as the “Open Door” (Kāimén 开门), although at various times in its long history it has also been referred to as Hébìng 合并 (“Unity”) and Héxié 和谐 (“Harmony”). Kai Men is the most appropriate name, however, as it expresses the idea that Taoist yoga is the doorway to all the channels of the mind, the spirit and the body. All these, while retaining their separate identity, are as one, so reflecting the balance of Yin and Yang and the Dual Monism of all in the universe.
As outlined in the previous chapter, the foundations of Taoism, and, thus, of Kai Men itself, were laid down in the Primitive Period of Chinese history. During that period, the first golden rules for all Taoists to follow were laid down, and one of the most fundamental of these was “Never harass, never hinder, never harm and never hurt anyone, either by thought or by deed. ” Living and thinking this is hard, but the good sense and morality of it are undeniable.
Do fish in the water complain that it is cold or dirty? Of course not. Do they complain because the sea becomes rough, or envy or try to exploit each other? No. They live in harmony constantly, never envying or hating anything. Life for them is simply living. There are no comparisons in nature, and even love is meaningless outside the world of mankind.
It is living now that matters. The way to the spirit is through constant good thoughts and good deeds, now and every minute of each day, and through this way of life everything becomes an “open door” and the Tao becomes apparent to you in everything you do, and in every thought that passes through your head.
As the very first step towards attaining full control of yourself and deepening your consciousness and awareness, your must purify the internal and physical side of your life by sensible eating and drinking habits. Eating the Chang Ming way will purify your internal organs, bring you good health, and so make you feel fitter and more relaxed than you have ever been before. In following this course, it matters not what your religion might be, for Taoism is not a religion — not even a belief or a trend of thought — for it is the pathway, the road, the track, of your own way of life, which was laid down for you long before you were ever born. Have the good sense to follow it, have the initiative to learn, have the understanding to exercise control, and be aware not only of what is going on around you, but also, and most important, of what is going on inside yourself.
Having got on to the path of sensible eating and drinking, so learning to behave as a part of nature and become closer to it, the next step for you to take is to aid the energies of your own body to realize their true potential. These energies fall into four very simple categories.
The physical energy of your body is utilized through the muscles and tissues of your anatomy, so that, when, for instance, you lift something, these automatically come into effect. In K’ai Men we call these “muscle changes” and it is through muscle changes within the body that the exercises of K’ai Men are most effective. Through the muscles of the body we begin to open up the channels that are necessary steps towards opening every door within us. Good eating and drinking habits help towards this by making the tissue of the body more flexible, and, whilst you slowly grow older in years, they still remain young in their texture. Revitalizing the body comes not only through our daily eating habits but also by specialized and constant deep breathing exercises, which not only help the normal channels to attain added vigour, but also assist the psychic channels of the body to be opened and strengthened.
In addition to the muscular system, we also have within us an intricate system of blood vessels, which takes the goodness to every part of the body. It is aided by a complex nervous system. Whilst being separate in their specialized fields they all operate as one within the human frame. In addition to sensible eating and drinking habits, to make the body even healthier, to gain vitality, and to assist in the cleansing of the whole system, it is essential to have an adequate supply of oxygen. So deep breathing constantly is also a must for the purification and energizing of the body.
To enable the mind to be the constant link with the spirit, passing messages back and forwards, to have it in constant control of every thought, every emotion, every sense, and every action of the body and limbs, no matter how minute that movement might be, you will readily understand that it requires enormous energy. It is when the mind becomes depleted of vitality and energy that you begin to feel listless and tired. Concentration itself burns up terrific amounts of energy, so, if you seriously want to meditate, ensure that your body has the energy and vitalities within it to be able to feed the mind in accordance with all its needs and requirements. Good and proper eating and drinking habits, coupled with constant and regular deep breathing every minute of your life, are therefore a must.
Apart from the physical and mental energies of the body, we have what is commonly known as “internal energy” ( Nèi zhōng qì 内中气) or, more technically, as “intrinsic energy” (Tiānrán nénglì 天然能力), but most people who practise the Chinese arts call it the “vitality power” (Shēngqì 生气). One of the objectives of all those who practice the Chinese arts is to arouse, cultivate, develop and control its dynamic force. There is nothing mysterious about it, for it is the natural energy of the body, and everyone is born with it. You see this power come into action when, for instance, a little baby grips your finger. It has not had time to develop any muscles, yet it will grip your finger so tightly that you may wonder how it could do so. Unfortunately, when you reach five or six years of age you begin using your physical strength so much that your internal energy or vitality power becomes almost dormant, and you use very little of it as you grow older.
This natural power of your body enables you to do your everyday work without the use of physical strength, and without running yourself down and becoming tired and listless. Have you noticed how weary and run down you seem to get round about October and November of each year? This is because you have just entered a Yin period of the year, which always affects the muscles, tissues and bones of the body. If you rely too much on the physical side of your body to do your daily work, you will certainly feel the strain.
Internal energy helps to revitalize the various functional, control and psychic centres within the body so that they not only become more supple and flexible, but also become more receptive. In addition to this, it enables you to meditate much more strongly, because the mind has an unlimited source of energy that it can call upon at any time, whenever it requires it. This energy is built up through many various breathing exercises. All of these have specific jobs to do, but their main task is to heat up the Lower Stove or Cauldron (Xià lú 下炉) or Golden Stove (Jīn lú 金炉), as it is referred to in Taoism, which lies in a position about thirty-four millimetres below the navel. The heat so generated creates and activates the vitality force.
The benefit that the body derives from this power is beyond normal appreciation and comprehension, but in its own way it fights bacteria within the body and your body health improves enormously, so that colds and influenza, along with other complaints, become things of the past. Most Westerners, however, if confronted by a demonstration of the dynamic power of internal energy, would rather explain it away as hypnotism, or whatever, than believe the evidence of their eyes.
This vitality power is so powerful that with the use of it almost everything is possible: a woman might withstand forty or fifty men pushing against one of her hands. Besides improving the health of the human body, and one’s physical powers, this vitality power helps the lift-off of your spirit when you die, and, if you desire to meditate whether internally (mentally) or externally (spiritually), this internal power will enable you to transmit or transport to the furthermost paths of the spiritual world. Without this energy, meditation will be a failure. Many people have traveled the whole world trying to seriously meditate, yet so many come back to the point from where they started disillusioned and disappointed — only to find that what they were looking for was within themselves all the time, and that they need not have taken a single step outside their door to find it.
The other source of energy that is vital to our own personal lives is “macro-cosmic energy” (Jīng shēng lì 精生力), which was a part of your life before you left your mother’s womb. This energy comes down from the heavens, passes through all Yang things, with a centripetal circular motion, and enters the earth, where it gathers further vitality. It then returns to heaven, passing through all Yin things, with a centrifugal circular action. The general movement of the energy is thus as follows:
In passing through Yang things on its way to earth, it passes through man — down his spine and out from his abdomen. Conversely, in passing through Yin things on its way back to heaven, it passes through woman — up her spine, round the head and out through the mouth. The two directions may be represented as follows:
If you put the two together, the result is the famous Yin and Yang symbol of China, representing the unity and duality, the Dual Monism, of all things.
Our bodies, the persons that we are, the food that we eat, the water that we drink, and even the illnesses that we suffer all depend on the balance or unbalance of Yin and Yang. Mentally, physically and spiritually everything is governed by these two simple elements, and nothing is totally one or the other, though some things are predominately Yin or Yang.
Macro-cosmic energy is everywhere, and it passes through you constantly. If you learn to store it, harness it, control it and learn to mix it with your vitality power you can reach the realms of immortality. This source of energy enabled many of the sages and philosophers of ancient China to live to 150 to 200 years of age, and Laozi is said by some to have lived for over 300 years here on earth. But you too can join us in the knowledge that age is only the number of earth years, and at sixty you can still have the skin, the mind and the energy and vitality that you had when you were twenty. Time is nothing; it is how you use it, live it and utilize it that really matters, and your present life and your spiritual growth depend on it. Don’t let precious days slip by wasted; learn to live properly, and attain some physical, mental and spiritual satisfaction in your life, and seriously take up the study of Kai Men, so as to learn what makes you tick, and how all the energies of the body can be utilized and strengthened. There is an open door, just walk in, and start learning a little bit more about yourself.
When you have built up the internal and external energies of your body, you can then begin to develop your spiritual control, consciousness and understanding. To have this control of oneself, you must start with your way of living, always thinking good, doing good, and never harassing, hindering, harming or hurting anyone, by word, by thought or by deed, and learning to serve others here on earth, and the Supreme Spirit (God).
First of all try and understand yourself every minute of every day, and try not to make any comparisons at any time. Remember that there is nothing good, and nothing bad, for it is only humans who always try and set standards by making one thing a bit better than another, or make it worse by comparing it with something else. There are no comparisons in nature. All things are equal, and we are all exactly the same, and no one or no thing is any better or worse than something else, no matter how or what or why we live from day to day.
The material things of life, the Rolls Royces, the big diamonds, the beautiful clothes, are nothing, but nothing will stop you buying them if your concern is to show others how well off you are, or that you are better than they. But remember seriously that you were born with nothing and will die with nothing, and so learn to live with nothing. In so doing you will find that all things will be found for you, and you will never have to make a decision; never have to worry about this or that; and never even give a second thought to how you are going to survive. This is the Tao, a way of life that, once you have learned to accept it, will show you how wonderful life is and how beautiful is nature, of which we all are an integral part. So try to understand the Tao, try to be a part of it constantly, and in so doing try very hard to understand and appreciate all of it within yourself.
If you scratch your hand, or stub your toe, or if you drop something, then immediately stop to think back within the last thirty seconds or one minute, and try and collect your thoughts and remember if you had a bad thought during this time, because this could possibly be what we know in Taoism as the Law of Repercussion (Yīnguǒ 因果). If you do something more serious — that is, harass or harm somebody — then you can guarantee that someone will be doing the same to you, if not quite in the same way, within a very short space of time. So learn to try and understand it, endeavour to see it and in so doing learn to appreciate it. Then your eyes will be opened and you will begin to see the Tao. This understanding takes time, but, if you get into the habit of turning your thoughts inwards, you will start to understand the outward sphere of things that happen in your life every day.
The violence in this world is only what we make it ourselves; these are the repercussions of our own deeds. There is no danger for those who truly live the way of the Tao, because if you think no evil, and do no evil, then evil will not exist.
When we no longer think of good deeds and good thoughts, then even goodness disappears. When we no longer see bad thoughts and bad deeds, then badness itself will disappear. When we no longer compare one with another then all disappear, and we understand the Tao.
Say your prayers regularly, whatever your religion; say them morning, noon and night. You are a part of the spiritual world, it is a part of you, we are one and, although we seem separate in our physical, earthly bodies, this is nonetheless true. To realize this and think along these lines is the beginning of spiritual growth, spiritual maturity, spiritual advancement within yourself, and this is the true understanding of the spiritual world, of which we are an integral part.
This is the object of the “Open Door” (Kai Men) through the physical exercises, which will enable the whole of the body to be opened and therefore become more receptive; through the specialized breathing exercises, which will help to strengthen and revitalize the various channels and centres within our human body, which will establish the links with the mind; and through our thoughts and our deeds, which will open the way to our spiritual growth, our advancement, and our spiritual maturity. This is the true path of the Open Door, which never closes, yet many never try to open it at all.
When you have done all these things and lived the way of the Tao and have tried to understand it, become conscious of it, aware of it to the point of becoming enlightened, then, having made this circuit, you will come back to the beginning. You will have made the complete circle of the Yin and Yang of the physical, the mental and the spiritual, and will come back to the very commencement of all things — namely, yourself.
From
The Taoist Art of Kai Men
by Chee Soo
