The Secret of the Golden Flower is a Taoist text that has been studied for centuries in China, and which outlines a method of meditation for reaching enlightenment. A number of members of our Joe Dispenza Meditation Group In Singapore have talked about this text.
This method is based on the circulation and refinement of Qi, or life force energy, within the body, which leads to the opening of the "small heavenly circulation" and the activation of the "golden flower" or spiritual center within the brain. In this essay, I will provide an in-depth exploration of this method, outlining its key principles and practices, and considering its significance for spiritual seekers today.
The first step in the method outlined in The Secret of the Golden Flower is to sit in a comfortable and relaxed position, with the spine straight and the body loose and open. The practitioner then begins to focus on the breath, allowing it to become slow and deep, and using it as an anchor for the mind.
Once the breath is established, the practitioner begins to visualize the circulation of Qi along specific pathways in the body. In the Taoist tradition, there are two main pathways for Qi circulation: the Du channel, which runs along the spine and connects the perineum to the crown of the head, and the Ren channel, which runs along the front of the body and connects the perineum to the tongue. The practice of Qi circulation involves visualizing the movement of energy along these pathways, using the breath to guide and direct it.
The next stage of the practice is to cultivate a state of inner stillness and emptiness. This is achieved by gradually quieting the mind, allowing it to settle and become empty. The goal is to cultivate a state of pure awareness, in which there is no grasping or clinging to thoughts, emotions, or sensations. This state is sometimes referred to as "no-mind" or "wu-nien" in the Taoist tradition.
As the practitioner cultivates this state of inner stillness, the spiritual center, or "golden flower," is said to awaken. This center is located in the brain, at the point between the eyebrows, and is associated with the pineal gland. It is described as a tiny point of light, which gradually expands and illuminates the entire body and mind.
The process of awakening the golden flower is a gradual one, and requires consistent practice over a long period of time. The practitioner must learn to cultivate a deep level of concentration, and to sustain it over extended periods of time. They must also develop a deep understanding of the principles of Qi circulation and the movement of energy within the body.
One of the key principles of the method outlined in The Secret of the Golden Flower is the idea of "returning to the root." This means returning to a state of simplicity and naturalness, and letting go of all the artificial and unnecessary elements of life. It involves cultivating a deep connection to nature and the natural world, and learning to live in harmony with the Tao, or the natural order of things.
Another important principle is the idea of non-duality. In the Taoist tradition, the world is seen as a unity, with no separation between the self and the world, or between different aspects of the self. This means that the practitioner must learn to let go of all dualistic thinking, and to cultivate a deep sense of oneness with all things.
The method outlined in The Secret of the Golden Flower is deeply rooted in the Taoist tradition, but it has also been influenced by other spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and Hinduism. It is a holistic and integrative approach to spiritual development, which emphasizes the cultivation of the body, mind, and spirit in equal measure.
The practice of the method outlined in The Secret of the Golden Flower can have a profound impact on the practitioner, leading to a direct experience of the unity and interconnectedness of all things, and ultimately,