The Relationship Between the Restoration of the Material Body and Mental Intention

To sink the qi into the dantian, one simply needs to take deep breaths, allowing the qi to descend all the way to the dantian. Combined with visualization—visualizing the qi reaching the dantian—one can guide the qi to the dantian. Focusing the mind (yi) on the dantian can also guide the qi there, as qi follows the mind (yi); wherever the mind (yi) goes, the qi and blood will follow. Is this intention (yi) referring to the yi of the manas (mind root) or the yi of the conscious mind (manovijñāna)?

The functional roles of the physical body involve both the independent functions of the Tathagatagarbha and the combined functions of the manas and the Tathagatagarbha working together. Put simply, most functional roles in the physical body involve the volitional component of the manas. Without the intention (yi) of the manas, many things cannot be accomplished. Although the conscious mind may intend to focus on or guard the dantian, it will not yield any real effect. When the conscious mind "guards" the dantian, it is a false concentration; the qi will not follow, as the conscious mind cannot guide qi or blood—it can only influence the manas. This is the most significant and useful capability of the conscious mind.

The repair and regulation of the tissues and cells in the physical body also partially involve the participation of the manas. If the manas cooperates actively, maintaining an optimistic attitude without haste or agitation, the body's positive energy will increase, accelerating physical repair. The difference in physical repair is substantial when the manas participates versus when it does not. For example, during acupuncture, if one directs their intention into the needle tip, the effect becomes very pronounced and rapid, and the physical body can change immediately. If someone has cultivated genuine qi and combines it with acupuncture, the effect is even more remarkable, sufficient to alter the body's four great elements (earth, water, fire, wind), leading to exceptionally swift physical recovery—potentially instantaneous. If genuine qi circulates within the body, channeling it into another person's back with the palm, the stronger the intention, the more qi enters the body, and the faster it circulates, resulting in immediate physical improvement. When qi and blood fill the body, health is maintained.

Wherever the mind (yi) goes, the qi follows. Therefore, when the manas actively participates in the repair of the physical body, recovery is remarkably fast. Where the mind (yi) does not reach, circulation becomes obstructed or ceases altogether. For instance, if attention is scattered during eating, digestion suffers. If one concentrates intensely on pondering problems right after a meal, the stomach’s qi and blood become insufficient, also impairing digestion; prolonged neglect leads to stomach ailments. Similarly, if attention is distracted during urination or defecation, the flow becomes obstructed and irregular. Thus, the force of intention is immensely powerful. How is this force of intention generated? It arises when meditative concentration (samādhi) strengthens, thereby enhancing mental power (citta-bala). Mental power is the power of intention.