Qigong, Neigong and the Progressive Path of Inner Cultivation

Some classical principles may help us understand Qigong theory and practice in a broader psycho-spiritual context. In some respects, this is an exercise similar to highlighting the richly textured context of Taoist spirituality and healing which lies behind the widespread system of contemporary Traditional Chinese Medicine.

It is generally agreed that the multitudinous systems and forms of Qigong are historically closely associated with the healing arts of Taoism, although it is also acknowledged by some excellent teachers that there are a number of important practices that derive from the Buddhist tradition as well.2 The most common definitions of Qigong include techniques for conserving, storing, circulating refining and transmitting Jing (pure essence) and Qi (pure energy) for restoring and maintaining health and increasing strength and stamina. Based on the classical Taoist emphasis on a sound energetic and physical foundation for health and longevity, a dedicated practitioner will, through consistent effort, progressively realize the health benefits of Qigong on energetic, physical and even psychological levels.

In terms of spiritual cultivation, one of the distinguishing characteristics of Taoist spiritual practice is the importance of the body as the laboratory in which Jing, Qi and Shen (individual consciousness) are progressively refined and transmuted into increasingly finer levels of energy culminating in the "Golden Elixir" or "Elixir of Immortality." In fact, this emphasis is a uniquely distinguishing feature of Taoist spirituality. In the Taoist tradition, a healthy body and longevity - the goal of most Qigong and Taoist healings arts - is regarded as the foundation for spiritual realization. The message is a simple one: the longer one lives in health and well-being, the greater the potential for realization. There is no obvious parallel in the Buddhist or Hindu traditions, which, with a few exceptions, view the body as an impediment to spiritual realization.

There are also Taoist teachings, sometimes described as Neigong, (inner or hidden cultivation) that take this progression even further in the direction of spiritual attainment. Neigong practices generally emphasize inner cultivation through a greater focus of attention on the Upper Dantian and the heart/mind. What are sought in these practices is a transformation of Qi into Shen, as well as the further refinement of Shen itself into higher levels of soul and spirit. In some teachings, notably some popularized forms of Taoist Inner Alchemy, this process has become elaborated into a series of complex ³formulas² that hold the promise of leading progressively to the highest levels of spiritual attainment. These formulas seek to blend the progressively refined internal energies of Jing, Qi and Shen with ³external² energies of a variety of solar, lunar and cosmic forces to arrive at their stated goal of Taoist immortality. Essentially, this is a path that interprets spiritual development as a process of systematically refining the post-birth material energies at different levels of density so that they return to their original nature - the non-material realm of pre-birth spirit. The intent of the practitioner is to return to the void, the Wu Chi, through an intentional, accelerated mental and energetic focus on refinement and transformation of energy.

Risks of the Progressive Approach to Inner Cultivation

On the path of progressive cultivation, the seeker strives for higher and higher levels of realization according to a road map often derived from interpretations of ancient Taoist alchemical texts such as the as "The Secret of the Golden Flower."3 And "Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality."

From my perspective, there is a great deal of confusion and misunderstanding attendant to this process. Although there are numerous classical techniques, as well as contemporary interpretations of these methods, designed to control and manipulate the energies of Jing, Qi and Shen, I consider most of them to be artificial and misleading. Following this path, the seeker is endlessly in a process of becoming or progressing through effort towards an imagined goal. This easily becomes a desired delicacy for the ego and has the real potential to fixate the mind on the mental form of a spiritual goal, thereby subtly creating just another dualistic illusion.