The practice of Taoist meditation is a time-honored tradition that has been passed down for centuries.
Its primary goal is to achieve a state of perfect equilibrium and awareness, in which the mind is still, and the body is at peace.
But how does it work? And how do you put it into practice?
In this post, we’ll explore the fundamental techniques of Taoist meditation and how they can be used to achieve inner peace and enlightenment.
So, let’s begin!
What Is Taoist Meditation?
Taoist meditation is an ancient form of meditation that originated from the Chinese philosopher “Lao Tzu” circa 500 BCE and is used to promote health, well-being, and spiritual development.
The word “Tao” means “the way” or “the path” and refers to the universal principle of harmony and balance.
Tao meditation is based on the belief that we all have an innate connection to the Tao and that by meditating, we can tap into this connection and achieve a state of inner peace and harmony.
Many different techniques can be used in Taoist meditation, but the core principle is always the same: to still the mind and connect with the Tao. In doing so, one can attain a higher level of consciousness and understanding of the universe.
What Are The Main Types Of Taoist Meditation Techniques?
There are four main types of Taoist meditation techniques: breathing exercises, emptiness meditation, internal awareness meditation, and Taoist visualization meditation.
Breathing Meditation (Zhuanqi)
Breathing exercises are often used in Taoist meditation to help control the breath and calm the mind.
One of the most popular and accessible Taoist meditations for beginners is a breathing exercise known as “Zhuanqi,” which involves deep and slow breathing while focusing on the abdomen.
To properly control your breath, it is important to focus on the lower abdomen and breathe from the diaphragm. This type of breathing will help to calm the mind and relax the body.
Tips On How To Get Started
- Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down.
- Place one hand on your stomach, just below the navel, and the other on your chest.
- Breathe in through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand as you do so.
- As you exhale, contract your stomach muscles and push all the air out through your mouth. Pay close attention to how your stomach and chest move against your hands with each breath.
- Repeat this process for 10-15 minutes.
Emptiness Meditation (Zuowang)
The second type of Taoist meditation, known as “Zuowang,” involves emptying the mind of all thoughts and focusing on the present moment.
This type of meditation can be done by focusing on Taoist meditation mantras, the breath, or an object.
Remember to always maintain a state of non-judgment and acceptance during emptiness meditation to achieve the best results.
Tips On How To Get Started
- Find a comfortable place to meditate in.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- Start focusing solely on your breath and allow all other thoughts to fade away.
- Begin scanning every part of your body and start relaxing each area where you feel discomfort or tension.
- Then, bring your awareness to the “emptiness” of your mind. If you find it difficult to empty your mind, try mentally visualizing emptiness in the form of complete darkness.
- If you find that your mind starts to wander (which it probably will), simply bring your focus back to your breath and try to empty your mind of all unnecessary thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
- Continue for 10-15 minutes or longer if desired.
- By the end of the session, you should be feeling a powerful sense of emptiness (samadhi) or inner peace.
Internal Awareness Meditation (Neiguan)
Internal awareness meditation, also known as “Neiguan,” involves focusing on the internal organs and energy channels or “Qi” movements of the body to promote healing and balance.
This type of Taoist meditation is said to be especially helpful for those suffering from anxiety, stress, or insomnia.
However, because it requires meditators to join both the breath and body together, it isn’t easy to master, especially for beginners.
Tips On How To Get Started
- Find a comfortable position to meditate in.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- Slowly relax your body and allow it to settle.
- Focus your attention on your internal organs, movements of your life force (Qi), and energy channels.
- Visualize each organ and channel in a state of perfect health and balance.
- Continue “feeling” the insides of your body and organs till the session ends.
Taoist Visualization Meditation (Cunxiang)
The final type of Taoist meditation is known as “Cunxiang,” which involves visualization and focus on specific images or scenes.
In Taoism, it is believed that the mind can create its own reality. As such, visualization can be used as a tool to manifest desired outcomes in one’s life.
This means that this type of meditation can be used to visualize anything from healing energy flowing through the body to success in business or relationships to help the physical body tackle stress and improve relaxation.
Tips On How To Get Started
- Find a comfortable place and position to meditate in.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax, unwind, and clear your mind.
- Visualize and think of anything that makes you feel relaxed, happy, or positive. This can be anything like a relaxing place or a desired scenario/outcome in life.
- Experience the emotions you would feel if you had already achieved your goal and release positivity and love into the world with each exhale.
- Continue till the end of the session.
What Are The Benefits Of Taoist Meditation?
Here are 5 of the most important and notable Taoist meditation benefits:
Reduces Stress Levels
In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to relax and de-stress is more important than ever. And research has shown that Taoist meditation can be a great way to do just that.
By focusing on your breath and clearing your mind of all thoughts, you can quickly achieve a greater state of relaxation and calm.
Improves Sleep Quality
Another common benefit of Taoist meditation is improved sleep quality, especially for people struggling with insomnia.
The act of clearing/emptying your mind and focusing on your breath can help train your body to relax and let go of all the tension and stress that might keep you awake at night.
Increases Energy Levels
Taoist meditation can also help to increase your energy levels. This is because, when done correctly, it helps to unblock all areas of stagnant energy in your body.
And by balancing/increasing the flow of energy throughout your body, you’ll feel more energized and alert throughout your day.
Promotes Emotional Balance
If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, Taoist meditation can be of great help in promoting emotional balance.
By clearing your mind and focusing on the present moment, you can let go of all the negative thoughts and emotions that are weighing you down. This can lead to a more positive outlook on life and improved mental well-being.
Boosts The Immune System
Last but not least, Taoist meditation can also help to boost your immune system. This is because it helps to reduce psychological stress levels, which is one of the leading causes of decreased immunity and illness. By keeping your stress levels in check, you’ll be less likely to get sick.
The Takeaway: The Fundamental Techniques of Taoist Meditation
As you can see, the four fundamental techniques of Taoist meditation are breathing exercises, emptiness meditation, internal observation, and visualization meditation.
By practicing these techniques regularly, you should be able to improve your mental clarity, focus, and relaxation significantly.
But remember, there is no one “right” way to meditate, so experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. And most importantly, be patient and keep practicing!
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