Dear reader
My meditation practice for the past 42 years was taught to me in large part by Master Mantak Chia. There are many ways to be mindful and meditate. Please enjoy what Han, a fellow student of Master Chia has to say about the differences between the meditation practices he has experienced. You can follow up to learn more at https://www.mantakchia.com/ or you can contact me for a local reference.
“In my journey, I gained strength through Taiji and Yoga and found clarity in Buddhist meditations, but in the Tao, I discovered that there is no need to seek anything because everything flows to where it belongs”
Taiji, Yoga, monastic meditations, and Taoist meditations—each with its own method, focus, and goal. Meditation is like water; it takes many forms depending on where it flows.
Taiji and Yoga taught me discipline, balance, and the union of mind, body, and spirit. Through them, I found strength and learned to master the flow of energy. Yet, my focus was on self-mastery through effort and will.
Monastic meditation forms are those practiced in the monasteries of the quite strict Theravada branch of Buddhism. They guided me to sit in silence, with my back straight as a stick, seeking to empty my mind of all thoughts. These forms taught me to see the world as it truly is, find peace in the midst of chaos, and clear my mind to achieve a higher state. My focus here was on transcending the mind through detachment and clarity.
Taoist meditations stand apart with their unique approach. There is no need to control your breath or try to empty your mind. Instead, one becomes one with the breath of the earth, flowing with the cycles of nature. Taoist meditations taught me to align with the Tao—which we may call the way of the universe—and find harmony through surrender rather than effort. Taoist meditations are about surrendering to the natural flow of life, becoming one with the ups and downs of the universe. It is not about changing the self but about returning to a state of natural harmony, where you and the world are not two but one.
In my journey, I gained strength through Taiji and Yoga and found clarity in Buddhist meditations, but in the Tao, I discovered that there is no need to seek anything because everything flows to where it belongs. While each path has its merits, Taoist meditations are unique. It is less about effort and more about aligning, less about achieving and more about flowing, less about concentrating on the breath, and more about moving energy in the body.
Taoist meditations are not so much about control or effort. Instead, it’s like you’re blending into the natural flow of life. Imagine sitting by a river, just watching the water flow. You’re not trying to change anything or reach a specific state—you’re just being. Taoist meditations teach you to go with the flow and to harmonize with the rhythms of the universe.
Taiji, Yoga, and Buddhist meditations often focus on mastery of the body, the breath, or the mind. They teach alignment through effort, discipline, and focus. On the contrary, doing Taoist meditations is like going for a walk in the breathtakingly beautiful forests, observing the majestic and mighty mountains, being in touch with all the serene waters and oceans of our planet, and being one with the Earth, the radiant Sun, the glowing Moon and the faraway Stars. It’s more about enjoying the journey with nature and the universe.
The primary goal of Taoist meditations is to cultivate longevity, health, and emotional balance by harmonizing the body's energy (Qi) and connecting with the natural flow of life. Techniques often involve visualizations, such as the Six Healing Sounds meditation; energy circulation practices, such as the Inner Smile and the Microcosmic Orbit meditation, where practitioners guide their Qi through a specific route in the body, or breathwork for energy cultivation.
Before I begin my daily routine, I perform foundational breathwork and work on my spine. Crane and turtle neck exercises, along with spinal cord breathing, help open the spinal cord channels, relax the spine, activate the sacral and cranial pumps and adrenal and thymus glands, and clear any daily blockages. This is my daily routine, regardless of what sort of meditation I do afterward.
Following this basic warm-up, I continue either with The Six Healing Sound Meditation or The Inner Smile Meditation and finish by spinning my energy pearl on The Microcosmic Orbit.
After practicing Taoist meditations, the rest of the day is filled with a sense of calm and relaxation, increased energy, improved mental clarity, and, more importantly, emotional balance. The combination of these effects often leads to a general sense of well-being and harmony, which allows my time to go with ease.”
Here's to your best health!
Dr. Linda
FUN FACT
Tibetan Monks meditate for 16 hours but that's not realistic for most of us. Did you know that just meditation for 1 minute has enormous benefits. Platforms like YouTube have great guided meditations.
Dr. Linda Berry Healing Arts Chiropractic Nutrition Trauma Healing
Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice before you begin taking new supplements. You are responsible for all of the health choices you make.
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